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Posted: 1/30/2010 4:02:42 AM EDT
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When I started loading I started with RCBS Rockchuckers. I have stuck with them because I feel they are easy to use to be precise. Most of my loading has been for 308 and 338 LM precision rifles.
I am starting to load more 556 and want to do bigger volumes and am really considering a progressive with case feeder. Which has me leaning toward the Dillon 650, setup with case feeder, trimmer, etc. Have a few questions. How many of you who are loading precision ammo for LR bolt guns are doing it on the 650? After tweaking, are you finding that the Dillon powder throwers can toss consistent powder charges, +/- .1-.2 grains? Is the Dillon trimmer worth the $300? Where do the shavings go? I am afraid they will end up in the case. Can I use micrometer seating dies in the 650? Anything else to be aware of? Trying to determine if it is worth it to drop $1K plus on this deal. I can buy a lot of components to load a lot of ammo for that $$. But, I want to be able to pop out 500 plus rounds in a sitting and the "one pull, one round method is intriguing. |
Keep your Rock Chucker for various tasks, and definitely plan to be able to load just as accurately on the 650––or any other press for that matter, providing you do your part. 
The shavings from the RT1200 trimmer are sucked off via a vacuum attachment––noisy but VERY effective. I've used the Dillon trimmer for over 15 years and love it––very fast and a nice trim job. You can use any standard die in the 650. The Dillon powder measure will throw VERY accurate charges, but not always with stick powders. I try to stick with ball powders (LOVE W-748), and use one for IMR 4895, but still weigh every charge to be sure. I've never heard of anyone who bought a Dillon progressive that didn't love it. They are the only press you can use for years and then sell for more than you paid for it (annual price increases). 
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| Dillion progressives will load very accurate ammo dont hesitate customer service is the best in the industry.. They have a no bull shit warranty.. if it breaks or wears out we fix it for free. 1-800 call and the part is in the mail same day free.no shipping nothing.. I have the dillion trimmer and have trimmed thousands.. But i recently bought a girraurd trimmer that i like better the cutter will trim and chamfer inside and out in one step.. the dillion you have to do by hand for the inside and out chamfering. |
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I will definitely be keeping both my RockChuckers.
I am just trying to decide what to do. If I want a case feeder (5.56) I have to go 650. I am wondering if I am getting to "fancy". Maybe just grab a 550 and hand feed the cases. The trimmer is another issue. I sold my Giraud, because I rarely need to trim my Lapua 308 cases. But, if I really start loading a lot of 556. I am going to have to trim. |
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get the 650 and don't look back. Als, you can get a case feeder for the 550. skink But not for rifle cases, if I understand correctly. Dillon Precision. Which reloader is right for you link. |
| BeeKeeper1 is right on about the stick powder. All powder measures have more problems metering stick powder accurately and the Dillon is no exception, so ball powder is preferred. Ball powder should stay within .1 of a grain with the Dillon but as with any measure, it needs to be monitored. |
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The 650 is a good press, fast. A lot of us have started with Rock Chuckers and added a Dillon or 2 to the setup. I still use my Rock Chucker for sizing rifle brass, in fact that's the only use I get out of it any more. I trim on the side with a Giraud Trimmer. With a 650 you can have a toolhead set up for trimming with the Dillon trimmer and then another toolhead to finish the reloading |
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Well that is what I always hear about the stick powders in the progressive. The problem is I use, and am well stocked with Varget. This is what always seems to deter me. Maybe, in a couple years when I run out of Varget I will change over. It's been a while since I ran a Dillon, but I'll tell you about my experience with Varget on my Hornady AP. Ball powder meters really well and drops well, but I've noticed that it drops a few kernels each time and after a few (100 or more) rounds the small parts are getting gunked up. Varget meters prett consistantly for a stick, not to the consitstancy of the ball but as good as my old Lyman measure. The problem with the Varget is that the case activates the press and if it has to cut too many sticks the case has to push pretty hard and can actually roll the case mouth inward slightly. I don't know if this would be an issue with the Dillon, but it's not a deal-breaker by any means for me. I just use my hand to help push the charger, no big deal and takes no extra time at all. I guess I'm just saying that I wouldn't let your powder choice hold you back, you should be able to get it worked out- |
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I guess I should have said that I use a 550B. And yes, the case feeder they just came out with for the 550 is pistol only. I may get one for my 9mm, but the manual method will be just fine for the .223 rounds. I just LOVE my Dillon stuff.
A friend just bought a 650, mostly for 9mm and .223. He got the case feeder and will be putting a bullet feeder on it as well. I think it's called a "Mr. Bullet". He has over $2500 invested so far. He's USPSA, so he'll be shooting a lot of 9mm. |
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