Quoted:
I am looking to purchase an progressive within the next few months and I pretty set on drinking the blue kool-aid. But first I would like some of you to drop your knowledge on me, because I know there is a lot to be had on here.

The models I am looking at are the RL 550B and the XL650. I don't really know the first thing about progressives but I figure this might change the answers to my questions.

Dillon's web site has a "which press is right for me" link on their home page.  Dillon


1. Do you need special dies to use with a Dillon?  Not for the 550 and 650.

I am assuming a carbide set is preferable with a progressive but again, I know next to nothing about progressives.

Waste of money for rifle dies, you still have to lube.

With pistol dies, get the carbide.

2. How reliable is the charge throwing on these?  Ball and flake powder, GTG. Extruded not good.

3. How much set up time is involved between changing calibers? Say from .223 to .45 ACP

Depends on press, how much you want to spend on the change over kit.

Will have to change primer sizes with either press. Not hard.

4. How much initial brass prep is involved before you can start?

Pistol, clean (tumble) cases and load. Optional, debur case mouth.

Rifle, is more work. Clean, lube and size, tumble off lube.

Now time to do brass prep. Remove primer crimp if needed, trim if needed, debur neck. Optional, uniform primer pockets, debur flashole.

Cases can then be progressively loaded.


Trimming will be done but what else must be done before you start? Chamfer/Debur, for pistols-belling the casing before you start or will that be one stage of the press?

Press will bell pistol cases when powder is dropped.

5. What is the average set-up cost per caliber? Die, shell plate  and anything else that I have no clue about. See the link.

That is about all for now. if anyone can tell me about any other issues or costs that may peak my interest, by all means let me know. Thanks in advance.