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Posted: 11/26/2014 9:47:23 AM EDT
| I'm gonna buy a Dillon but I'm not sure what unit would be right for me . I mainly reload 308, 223, 300 blk and 40sw I was thinking 650b Thanks |
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Big question is what type of reloading experience do you have and what type of volume are you looking for? User learning curve is easier on the 550, but 650 has higher volume and will cost more! and...budget? The SDB is pistol only, the 550 is 4 stations, manual indexing, and no rifle case feeder possible. The 650 allows for either rifle or pistol case feeding, with the Hornady LnL AP a bit less expensive overall. Both of these are 5 station, auto-indexing presses that can product quality ammo. The 1050, at added cost over any of the preceding), is able to swage primer pockets on-press to remove the military crimp from mil/NATO brass - pretty nice if using a lot of once fired LC, for example, but caliber conversions are even more $$ than the 650, and take longer to change over - not ideal for swapping calibers often. |
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I'm gonna buy a Dillon but I'm not sure what unit would be right for me . I mainly reload 308, 223, 300 blk and 40sw I was thinking 650b Thanks To me, the only reason to choose a 550 over a 650 is cost. If you can afford the difference, my advice would be to get the 650. |
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Quoted: and...budget? The SDB is pistol only, the 550 is 4 stations, manual indexing, and no rifle case feeder possible. The 650 allows for either rifle or pistol case feeding, with the Hornady LnL AP a bit less expensive overall. Both of these are 5 station, auto-indexing presses that can product quality ammo. The 1050, at added cost over any of the preceding), is able to swage primer pockets on-press to remove the military crimp from mil/NATO brass - pretty nice if using a lot of once fired LC, for example, but caliber conversions are even more $$ than the 650, and take longer to change over - not ideal for swapping calibers often. Quoted: Quoted: Big question is what type of reloading experience do you have and what type of volume are you looking for? User learning curve is easier on the 550, but 650 has higher volume and will cost more! and...budget? The SDB is pistol only, the 550 is 4 stations, manual indexing, and no rifle case feeder possible. The 650 allows for either rifle or pistol case feeding, with the Hornady LnL AP a bit less expensive overall. Both of these are 5 station, auto-indexing presses that can product quality ammo. The 1050, at added cost over any of the preceding), is able to swage primer pockets on-press to remove the military crimp from mil/NATO brass - pretty nice if using a lot of once fired LC, for example, but caliber conversions are even more $$ than the 650, and take longer to change over - not ideal for swapping calibers often. Quoted: Quoted: I'm gonna buy a Dillon but I'm not sure what unit would be right for me . I mainly reload 308, 223, 300 blk and 40sw I was thinking 650b Thanks To me, the only reason to choose a 550 over a 650 is cost. If you can afford the difference, my advice would be to get the 650. This gets my vote. |
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The OP's post implies that he currently reloads so I'll assume that he does. Assuming his press takes standard 7/8" dies, all his sets should work on either press he chooses. I faced the same question when I started reloading. As I handn't done any reloading before nor knew anyone who did, I decided to learn on the 550B after reading the pros and cons on line. I found the 550B an easy press to learn on and was soon happily cranking out quality ammo. However, after 4+ years, I grew tired of hand inserting a case each time I cycled the press, especially as I was by then reloading .223/5.56 and having to cycle it once for case prep and then again to reload it. After selling my 550B and unique items I couldn't use on a XL650 on the web (it took me 2 minutes to sell it at 80% of the then current retail price), I got an XL650 with casefeeder from 'Santa' and my only regret was that I waited so long to make the switch. So, if the OP is comfortable with the XL650 and can afford to set up a system based on it, I think that is the better choice over the 550B. |
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I am a Hornady user and "liker" (not lover so I won't turn thread into that mess). I will say 650 is a nice press and worth extra cost based on speed. If u hot the time and not enough money, get 550..
If you got too much money and not enough sense, do what I just did and order a 1050. In my defense, Shooters pro shop is having 15% off sale and there was a 1050 in stock. flat rate shipping sold me. Cant wait to crank on that... but totally unnecessary for my or most people's needs. |
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I am a Hornady user and "liker" (not lover so I won't turn thread into that mess). I will say 650 is a nice press and worth extra cost based on speed. If u hot the time and not enough money, get 550.. If you got too much money and not enough sense, do what I just did and order a 1050. In my defense, Shooters pro shop is having 15% off sale and there was a 1050 in stock. flat rate shipping sold me. Cant wait to crank on that... but totally unnecessary for my or most people's needs. You're not really apologizing for buying a 1050, are you?  
It's the only press I'd 'move up' from my LnL AP for...the problem is next, you'll wind up with one for each caliber to 'save time'
Enjoy it! |
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The only negative of a 1050 is the one year warranty. With that being said................this one still works. <a href="http://s113.photobucket.com/user/DVCER/media/DILLON1000004.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n237/DVCER/DILLON1000004.jpg</a> Serial # 001 <a href="http://s113.photobucket.com/user/DVCER/media/DILLON1000001.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n237/DVCER/DILLON1000001.jpg</a> I was worried about 1 yr warranty too. I called Dillon today to ask about conversion kits... I also brought up the warranty. This answer is useful for OP too so hopefully not wasting anyones time typing this: Me, "did I just waste a ton of money that could turn into a paperweight in a year? Are you going to nickle and dime me to death over small parts that break over the next couple years?" Dillon rep, "Mr Dillon spends a huge amount of time ensuring we have the best customer service.. We only have a one year warranty on that item because some people misuse it by turning it into something it was not designed for... ammo plant with the auto drive system. If someone calls me once every month or so asking for the same part over and over, we know that is how they are using it but if someone calls after 15 months saying a part failed, we just send it out." not exact quotes but pretty close. Basically, they will stand brhind their stuff and if you make a stink, they will probably bend over backwards. |
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Quoted:
You're not really apologizing for buying a 1050, are you?
It's the only press I'd 'move up' from my LnL AP for...the problem is next, you'll wind up with one for each caliber to 'save time'
Enjoy it! Quoted:
Quoted:
I am a Hornady user and "liker" (not lover so I won't turn thread into that mess). I will say 650 is a nice press and worth extra cost based on speed. If u hot the time and not enough money, get 550.. If you got too much money and not enough sense, do what I just did and order a 1050. In my defense, Shooters pro shop is having 15% off sale and there was a 1050 in stock. flat rate shipping sold me. Cant wait to crank on that... but totally unnecessary for my or most people's needs. You're not really apologizing for buying a 1050, are you?
It's the only press I'd 'move up' from my LnL AP for...the problem is next, you'll wind up with one for each caliber to 'save time'
Enjoy it! Yes, I am practicing the apology on you all so I know what to say when the wife sees CC bill next month. 
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Quoted:
The only negative of a 1050 is the one year warranty. With that being said................this one still works. yep never needed to hit Dillon for a part for the 1050, they're kind like the Star, when I asked what Bill C. what parts I should keep on hand he said none that when I hit 2 million rounds the we would see about giving the machine a once over OP as long as you don't use someones 1050 you'll enjoy the 650 
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Quoted: The OP's post implies that he currently reloads so I'll assume that he does. Assuming his press takes standard 7/8" dies, all his sets should work on either press he chooses. I faced the same question when I started reloading. As I handn't done any reloading before nor knew anyone who did, I decided to learn on the 550B after reading the pros and cons on line. I found the 550B an easy press to learn on and was soon happily cranking out quality ammo. However, after 4+ years, I grew tired of hand inserting a case each time I cycled the press, especially as I was by then reloading .223/5.56 and having to cycle it once for case prep and then again to reload it. After selling my 550B and unique items I couldn't use on a XL650 on the web (it took me 2 minutes to sell it at 80% of the then current retail price), I got an XL650 with casefeeder from 'Santa' and my only regret was that I waited so long to make the switch. So, if the OP is comfortable with the XL650 and can afford to set up a system based on it, I think that is the better choice over the 550B. +1 for COsteve But it took me longer than 4 years (actually 10yrs) B4 I switched to a 650. But the 550 provides a really fast machine. There are fewer options for making it faster, but the deal is, If you buy a 550 @ Dillon list price, you should be able to sell it @ the same price + at least 50% of the current price some time in the future. However you can always do this, I gave my old 550 to my son. Dillon fixed it and he enjoys it to this day. Enjoy |
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I've never even heard of a company with as good Customer service as Dillon.
Their profit margin on each machine can't be much. ETA: I've owned a 550b for about 5 years. No complaints. I would like to try a 650, but I read that the change over takes more time and I load 8 different calibers. |
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Quoted:
I was worried about 1 yr warranty too. I called Dillon today to ask about conversion kits... I also brought up the warranty. This answer is useful for OP too so hopefully not wasting anyones time typing this: Me, "did I just waste a ton of money that could turn into a paperweight in a year? Are you going to nickle and dime me to death over small parts that break over the next couple years?" Dillon rep, "Mr Dillon spends a huge amount of time ensuring we have the best customer service.. We only have a one year warranty on that item because some people misuse it by turning it into something it was not designed for... ammo plant with the auto drive system. If someone calls me once every month or so asking for the same part over and over, we know that is how they are using it but if someone calls after 15 months saying a part failed, we just send it out." not exact quotes but pretty close. Basically, they will stand brhind their stuff and if you make a stink, they will probably bend over backwards. Quoted:
Quoted:
The only negative of a 1050 is the one year warranty. With that being said................this one still works. <a href="http://s113.photobucket.com/user/DVCER/media/DILLON1000004.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n237/DVCER/DILLON1000004.jpg</a> Serial # 001 <a href="http://s113.photobucket.com/user/DVCER/media/DILLON1000001.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n237/DVCER/DILLON1000001.jpg</a> I was worried about 1 yr warranty too. I called Dillon today to ask about conversion kits... I also brought up the warranty. This answer is useful for OP too so hopefully not wasting anyones time typing this: Me, "did I just waste a ton of money that could turn into a paperweight in a year? Are you going to nickle and dime me to death over small parts that break over the next couple years?" Dillon rep, "Mr Dillon spends a huge amount of time ensuring we have the best customer service.. We only have a one year warranty on that item because some people misuse it by turning it into something it was not designed for... ammo plant with the auto drive system. If someone calls me once every month or so asking for the same part over and over, we know that is how they are using it but if someone calls after 15 months saying a part failed, we just send it out." not exact quotes but pretty close. Basically, they will stand brhind their stuff and if you make a stink, they will probably bend over backwards. This is what most guys running 1050s say, more or less - under commercial, heavy (usually automated), use non-stop, it's going to break some parts occasionally, but for us 'normal' folks cranking out rounds here and there, even large quantities, you're unlikely to break it, or if you do, it's really minor parts $ - if Dillon doesn't outright just send you parts on 'warrantee'/for free, anyway. |
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As I've turned out over 170,000rds total on both my machines (550B and XL650 + casefeeder), I have at times considered the Super 1050. However, it isn't cost effective to me to get a single 1050 when I reload 16 different calibers (7 pistol and 9 rifle) because of three basic points. First, the Super 1050 isn't designed so that the toolhead is quickly removable, i.e. it isn't designed to be used with different calibers but rather to be set up as a single caliber in a production capacity and produce that product. While conversions exist for it, it isn't a simple nor quick conversion from one caliber to the next. Yes, you can just swap out the dies but that defeats the 'Quick Change' philosophy I use with my XL650 as I could save money on mine and do the same. Second, because of the above, the Super 1050 isn't anywhere near as easy to convert for necked rifle calibers from a case prep cycle (resizing/decapping die and possible trim die only) to a reloading cycle as the XL650 and significantly more expensive as Super 1050 toolheads are 7+ times as expensive and stands are twice the price of XL650's. Third, the caliber conversions for the Super 1050 are significantly more expensive than those on the XL650; a $207 per caliber difference (XL650: $225 vs Super 1050: $432) for straight walled pistol caliber and a $556 per caliber difference (XL650: $274 vs Super 1050: $830) for a case prep and reloading toolhead setup for a necked rifle caliber. When one is talking 7 pistol calibers and 9 rifle calibers plus the initial cost difference between the two machines of $787 (Super 1050 at $1720 - XL650 at $931* = $787. * XL650 + casefeeder, aluminum roller handle, and a Super Swage 600 to make the abilities of the two machines the same.), the cost difference between the two machines is over $7,000, not a trivial amount. And for the extra money you get a much slower conversion and more fiddling to set each caliber up. However, once setup, the Super 1050 is a smooth running machine and will outperform the XL650 for long, multi-thousand round runs (something I don't do). No, if I had a boatload of money, a huge reloading space, and the desire to just set up once and then forget it, I might be interested in buying a dozen 1050s set up in my popular calibers and then caliber convert the rest. However, I don't have the $$, the space, or the desire so I'll stay with my XL650. |
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Quoted: I only have one complaint about the 550 and that is the lack of a rifle case feeder. My 2 friends with 550Bs with casefeeders aren't really happy with them for pistol calibers either because they both say that the casefeed mechanism on the machine is a bit 'tweaky' and doesn't work nearly as smoothly as it does on the XL650 and Super 1050. I'm wondering if those here that have the casefeeder on their 550Bs agree. |
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As I've turned out over 170,000rds total on both my machines (550B and XL650 + casefeeder), I have at times considered the Super 1050. However, it isn't cost effective to me to get a single 1050 when I reload 16 different calibers (7 pistol and 9 rifle) because of three basic points. I'm loading 13 calibers and minus dies I'm at $780 for those, will be adding atleast 2 more calibers soon and wont have to buy any extra parts to load them so that'll be 15 @ $780 or $52 each First, the Super 1050 isn't designed so that the toolhead is quickly removablei.e. it isn't designed to be used with different calibers but rather to be set up as a single caliber in a production capacity and produce that product. While conversions exist for it, it isn't a simple nor quick conversion from one caliber to the next. Yes, you can just swap out the dies but that defeats the 'Quick Change' philosophy I use with my XL650 as I could save money on mine and do the same. Yep that ONE bolt on the toolhead that has to be removed is a real deal breaker for most folks,, Yep it's roughly a whole 10 minutes to change one over for most folks Second, because of the above, the Super 1050 isn't anywhere near as easy to convert for necked rifle calibers from a case prep cycle (resizing/decapping die and possible trim die only) to a reloading cycle as the XL650 and significantly more expensive as Super 1050 toolheads are 7+ times as expensive and stands are twice the price of XL650's.. Yep, removing that One bolt to swap toolheads REALLY sucks, put a empty toolhead back on , screw preset dies in head and go, I'd rather do the die swap then have the extra toolheads to deal with, I've got 1 toolhead thats never been on a press Third, the caliber conversions for the Super 1050 are significantly more expensive than those on the XL650; a $207 per caliber difference (XL650: $225 vs Super 1050: $432) for straight walled pistol caliber and a $556 per caliber difference (XL650: $274 vs Super 1050: $830) for a case prep and reloading toolhead setup for a necked rifle caliber. Why spend more then is actually needed ? no need to spend the kind of $$ you keep spouting about When one is talking 7 pistol calibers and 9 rifle calibers plus the initial cost difference between the two machines of $787 (Super 1050 at $1720 - XL650 at $931* = $787. * XL650 + casefeeder, aluminum roller handle, and a Super Swage 600 to make the abilities of the two machines the same.), the cost difference between the two machines is over $7,000, not a trivial amount. And for the extra money you get a much slower conversion and more fiddling to set each caliber up. Not even sure how to respond to that,, since I'm south of 3K TOTAL , it's all in how you care to spend $$ 
However, once setup, the Super 1050 is a smooth running machine and will outperform the XL650 for long, multi-thousand round runs (something I don't do). No, if I had a boatload of money, a huge reloading space, and the desire to just set up once and then forget it, I might be interested in buying a dozen 1050s set up in my popular calibers and then caliber convert the rest. However, I don't have the $$, the space, or the desire so I'll stay with my XL650. I'm betting that you have way more $$$ tied up in your 650 and 16 calibers then I will have when I hit 15 calbers with the 1050 and are taking up way more room also ,,,, I will agree that I don't care to change over for less then 500 rounds, but that is easy enough to plan around |
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Dang. Sorry I brought up 1050. OP probably doesnt need it. I actually would have been happy buying a 650 but from my comparison reading, its not any better than Hornady (pros/cons to each) I already had. I just ordered a 1050 because it appears to be the ultimate. All about competing with the neighbors. If you do run thousands of rounds a month, it makes sense. For me, it dont cause I only shoot bench at paper or steel. I tend to shoot a few dozen 5 shot groups on Saturday morning and then rest of week, I try to understand my results and get better each week. I dont believe in wasting bullets or time. I have no problem wasting money because I cant take it with me..
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I have a 650, but I want a 1050...
My conversion time is very quick going from certain calibers (10 seconds to change out from .223 to .300 Blackout, a minute to switch from .45 ACP to .308), and piecing my conversions together rather than buying a kit for everything, dedicated tool heads for each caliber (two for rifle calibers... Size and load) No matter how I sliced it, conversions for a 650 will cost me far less than for a 1050, so if you load many calibers the 650 will be cheaper to swap around. Personally, if I get a 1050, I'm keeping the 650 for a while. It will take some time to get all the equipment to make it as easy to change over as I have done for the 650. |
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I have a 650, but I want a 1050... My conversion time is very quick going from certain calibers (10 seconds to change out from .223 to .300 Blackout, a minute to switch from .45 ACP to .308), and piecing my conversions together rather than buying a kit for everything, dedicated tool heads for each caliber (two for rifle calibers... Size and load) No matter how I sliced it, conversions for a 650 will cost me far less than for a 1050, so if you load many calibers the 650 will be cheaper to swap around. Personally, if I get a 1050, I'm keeping the 650 for a while. It will take some time to get all the equipment to make it as easy to change over as I have done for the 650. I have no plan on getting rid of my Hornady when the 1050 comes. 1050 is only for higher production cals. I am not even sure I will run it for my longer range 223 or 308s. |
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I currently run a Super 1050. I had a 650 for about 14 years and it ran great. I went to the Super 1050 when I got into the 300 blk. The main advantage of the 1050 over the 650 is the ability to process brass with a crimped primer. If you don't care about this or feel you can be served well with their swager then I would go with the 650. As far as caliber change overs go the time difference is minimal.
I would not worry abou the warranty. As mentioned above their customer service with top notch and they will take care of you as long as you are doing your part to not abuse the machine. I would go to their site or Brian Enos and setup 2 different orders. Look at the price difference. Don't forget to add the case feeder to the 650 to get a closer comparison. The coversion kit and toolheads will make a difference. Next take a look at using SS media for case clean up....but that's for another topic. Good Luck, Mike |
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Quoted: I'm betting that you have way more $$$ tied up in your 650 and 16 calibers then I will have when I hit 15 calbers with the 1050 and are taking up way more room also ,,,, I will agree that I don't care to change over for less then 500 rounds, but that is easy enough to plan around Quoted: Quoted: As I've turned out over 170,000rds total on both my machines (550B and XL650 + casefeeder), I have at times considered the Super 1050. However, it isn't cost effective to me to get a single 1050 when I reload 16 different calibers (7 pistol and 9 rifle) because of three basic points. I'm loading 13 calibers and minus dies I'm at $780 for those, will be adding atleast 2 more calibers soon and wont have to buy any extra parts to load them so that'll be 15 @ $780 or $52 each First, the Super 1050 isn't designed so that the toolhead is quickly removablei.e. it isn't designed to be used with different calibers but rather to be set up as a single caliber in a production capacity and produce that product. While conversions exist for it, it isn't a simple nor quick conversion from one caliber to the next. Yes, you can just swap out the dies but that defeats the 'Quick Change' philosophy I use with my XL650 as I could save money on mine and do the same. Yep that ONE bolt on the toolhead that has to be removed is a real deal breaker for most folks,, Yep it's roughly a whole 10 minutes to change one over for most folks Second, because of the above, the Super 1050 isn't anywhere near as easy to convert for necked rifle calibers from a case prep cycle (resizing/decapping die and possible trim die only) to a reloading cycle as the XL650 and significantly more expensive as Super 1050 toolheads are 7+ times as expensive and stands are twice the price of XL650's.. Yep, removing that One bolt to swap toolheads REALLY sucks, put a empty toolhead back on , screw preset dies in head and go, I'd rather do the die swap then have the extra toolheads to deal with, I've got 1 toolhead thats never been on a press Third, the caliber conversions for the Super 1050 are significantly more expensive than those on the XL650; a $207 per caliber difference (XL650: $225 vs Super 1050: $432) for straight walled pistol caliber and a $556 per caliber difference (XL650: $274 vs Super 1050: $830) for a case prep and reloading toolhead setup for a necked rifle caliber. Why spend more then is actually needed ? no need to spend the kind of $$ you keep spouting about When one is talking 7 pistol calibers and 9 rifle calibers plus the initial cost difference between the two machines of $787 (Super 1050 at $1720 - XL650 at $931* = $787. * XL650 + casefeeder, aluminum roller handle, and a Super Swage 600 to make the abilities of the two machines the same.), the cost difference between the two machines is over $7,000, not a trivial amount. And for the extra money you get a much slower conversion and more fiddling to set each caliber up. Not even sure how to respond to that,, since I'm south of 3K TOTAL , it's all in how you care to spend $$ However, once setup, the Super 1050 is a smooth running machine and will outperform the XL650 for long, multi-thousand round runs (something I don't do). No, if I had a boatload of money, a huge reloading space, and the desire to just set up once and then forget it, I might be interested in buying a dozen 1050s set up in my popular calibers and then caliber convert the rest. However, I don't have the $$, the space, or the desire so I'll stay with my XL650. I'm betting that you have way more $$$ tied up in your 650 and 16 calibers then I will have when I hit 15 calbers with the 1050 and are taking up way more room also ,,,, I will agree that I don't care to change over for less then 500 rounds, but that is easy enough to plan around Sure, I said you can do it for less, so could I on my XL650. We both could settle for 1 toolhead and just swap dies. We both could also have a single stage press that's way cheaper than either of our choices. That doesn't prove anything. I compared the actual price of a Super 1050 setup the same as my XL650 setup. You don't have to do it that way but to compare the two, you have to compare apples to apples. That's why I added a Super Swage 600 to my numbers as the Super 1050 comes with a swage built in. When you compare apples to apples, the numbers don't lie and they are what I calculated. Look them up in Dillon's December 2014 catalog just like I did. If you don't want all the toolheads and quick change kits, then my XL650 is still cheaper than your Super 1050. As to converting calibers, you can't ignore that the Super 1050 is a single caliber production machine. That is how it was designed to be run. You can trade $$ for time and convenience in caliber conversions but the Super 1050 will never be as fast to convert calibers swapping toolheads. The fact is, you can buy 2 XL650s (say one in 9mm and one in 45acp) with Casefeeders and Roller handles + a Super Swage 600 ($1,851) for the less than the price of a single Super 1050 plus a Caliber Conversion Kit, Quick Change Kit, and second Casefeed Plate ($2,152) so that you can load 9mm and 45acp without having to adjust the dies and powder measures to swap calibers. It's not an opinion, it's simple addition. With two XL650s, to switch from 9mm to 45acp you just fill up with components and go while with the Super 1050, you have to install the Caliber Conversion Kit, Swap the Toolhead, convert the priming system from small to large primers, then you're ready to fill it with components and go. The numbers tell us that there is no way a Super 1050 can compete price wise with a XL650. It is made as a commercial machine vs the XL650 as a personal machine. Yes, it has advantages over the XL650 and yes, it's smoother but no, it doesn't make better ammo and no, it doesn't cost the same set up the same way. Yes, you can take a Ferrari to the grocery store and say it will hold groceries just as well as a Toyota wagon but it wasn't designed for that, won't hold very many groceries, and most everyone would concede that the Ferrari isn't the best choice for use as a grocery getter. If you've got enough money and time, the Ferrari will get the groceries home but no one can argue it can do it as cheaply as a Toyota and no matter how fast a Ferrari will go, multiple trips will take more time. |
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I have a 550b and a 650xl.
Of the two I prefer the 550 as it's very simple to use. I use the 650 as a brass processing machine exclusively now. I have it setup with a RT1200, trim die, decapper and a GS Custom swager. I have toolheads for 223,308 and 300 BLK. I used to load 9mm on it but I've found the primer system to be too touchy. Everything is loaded on the 550, and when I find my rhythm, I can crank out 450-500 rounds an hour without breaking a sweat. I do have a RF100 primer filler to speed things up. |
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I had a square deal b, 1 550 and 3 650s. I sold them and now only have a rock chucker and a 1050. The 1050 loads better ammo and is faster.
You have to be pretty anal retentive to notice it but it is more consistent than the 650 imo. The only reason i would not buy a 1050 is if budget was a concern or you load less than 1000 at a sitting. For me my time is what im short on, and i typically load 1000 a weak so the 1050 was a nice fit. Id like to get an autodrive for it soon. Never understood the caliber changing problem people have on the 1050. If i was unable to safely and quickly setup the 1050 then i would probably not feel comfortable loading my own ammo. I learned on a 1050 but im a pretty objective person. In reality any of them will get you some ammo. Unless you load more than 30k a year it really doesnt matter. |
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I had a square deal b, 1 550 and 3 650s. I sold them and now only have a rock chucker and a 1050. The 1050 loads better ammo and is faster. You have to be pretty anal retentive to notice it but it is more consistent than the 650 imo. The only reason i would not buy a 1050 is if budget was a concern or you load less than 1000 at a sitting. since it's a simple conversion and the parts cross over to other calibers that part can be done cheaply For me my time is what im short on, and i typically load 1000 a weak so the 1050 was a nice fit. Id like to get an autodrive for it soon. Never understood the caliber changing problem people have on the 1050. If i was unable to safely and quickly setup the 1050 then i would probably not feel comfortable loading my own ammo. I learned on a 1050 but im a pretty objective person. In reality any of them will get you some ammo. Unless you load more than 30k a year it really doesnt matter. Well put ,,,, For me it wasn't so much the speed other then the on machine swaging that sells the 1050 , it's the difference in how they feel when using them,,,think site staffs Yugo verses a nice 7 Series , sure both will drive across country but which would you enjoy the trip more in ?
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I have a 550. My grandfather has a 650. I don't have much time on the 650, but when I did use it I had to do A LOT of tweaking to it to get it all going. This could have been due to improper assembly and I did find that, but the 650 is a huge jump from a 550. Every pull of the handle, or half pull, will move a lot of stuff. When its all setup and running as it should, the 650 can flat crank out some ammo like its nobody's business. But i like my 550 because I control 100% of what it does and what it doesn't do.
Either one you pick you will be happy with. They are amazing machines and perform their job perfectly when dialed in. |
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Even mentioning the LNL AP is pointless, it will nickel and dime you to get it up to the same performance as a 650. There is no discussion here. Is it cheaper yes, does it retain value heck no.
Despite what some of have opinions on....550 is by far the best press when talking about loading a lot of different rifle cartridges. No matter what some think, an $80 conversion to load a couple hundred rounds of hunting ammo is and will always be idiotic waste of money. That could pay for a good single stage press, and or fund a 550. No one can tell me that having a casefeeder for a few hundred rounds or less is important is not thinking clearly. What some fail to consider is that you can not progressively load rifle rounds on any press unless you are liberal with your cast prep. Sorry not going to happen......and that is what a lot posters fail to mention..... I know one guy that uses his Super 1050 for 223 and 300 Black out case prep only and then takes loaded prepped brass to the 650 for loading. You twist your view points all you want, and rightfully so. But in the REAL world some of the poster fail to mention pertinent details, and thus mislead noob and novice reloaders. A reloader will always underlined multiple times....have a need for a single stage press. Much cheaper than several conversions for very low volume cartridges. Doing case sizing, load work up before large production runs the list goes one. Be real, 150K in reloads. That is nothing! Glad you can count that highi! That is sort mine is bigger than yours mentality, and some kind of omnipotent verbalization. I did that on Dillon 450 and never complained.....sheesh That was rifle and handgun rounds...then transitioned to 550B and 650. Dillon will take care of people, but there are wear items that are not free. and, there are some reloaders out there that are less than intelligent. The problem with sourcing information on the internet is so much of it WRONG! Budget is the factor to consider.. Reloading Experience is the next.. For a new reloader the 550 is the press to get. You will always be able to recoup near 80 percent of you costs if you upgrade....and no one says you need to buy every conversion when you up grade off the bat. The biggest concern is to gather quality information, and try make the best informed choice. |
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Quoted: Even mentioning the LNL AP is pointless, it will nickel and dime you to get it up to the same performance as a 650. There is no discussion here. Is it cheaper yes, does it retain value heck no. Despite what some of have opinions on....550 is by far the best press when talking about loading a lot of different rifle cartridges. No matter what some think, an $80 conversion to load a couple hundred rounds of hunting ammo is and will always be idiotic waste of money. That could pay for a good single stage press, and or fund a 550. No one can tell me that having a casefeeder for a few hundred rounds or less is important is not thinking clearly. What some fail to consider is that you can not progressively load rifle rounds on any press unless you are liberal with your cast prep. Sorry not going to happen......and that is what a lot posters fail to mention..... I know one guy that uses his Super 1050 for 223 and 300 Black out case prep only and then takes loaded prepped brass to the 650 for loading. You twist your view points all you want, and rightfully so. But in the REAL world some of the poster fail to mention pertinent details, and thus mislead noob and novice reloaders. A reloader will always underlined multiple times....have a need for a single stage press. Much cheaper than several conversions for very low volume cartridges. Doing case sizing, load work up before large production runs the list goes one. Be real, 150K in reloads. That is nothing! Glad you can count that highi! That is sort mine is bigger than yours mentality, and some kind of omnipotent verbalization. I did that on Dillon 450 and never complained.....sheesh That was rifle and handgun rounds...then transitioned to 550B and 650. Dillon will take care of people, but there are wear items that are not free. and, there are some reloaders out there that are less than intelligent. The problem with sourcing information on the internet is so much of it WRONG! Budget is the factor to consider.. Reloading Experience is the next.. For a new reloader the 550 is the press to get. You will always be able to recoup near 80 percent of you costs if you upgrade....and no one says you need to buy every conversion when you up grade off the bat. The biggest concern is to gather quality information, and try make the best informed choice. While I have some issues with some of rn22723's opinions listed above, especially his disdain for the LnL AP, I agree on one point. For a new reloader, a 550B is the ideal press to learn on and for many it's just what they need to keep forever. It can easily be used as a single stage or a progressive. I've had both a 550B (without a casefeeder) and now a XL650 with a casefeeder. Contrary, to rn22723's opinion that you need a single stage, I've never used, nor felt the need for, a single stage press. Another ignored assumption is that we forget about the need to run a case prep cycle, separate for the reloading cycle, for necked calibers. I've listed my personal reloading steps in detail in many posts (see this thread for a recent example) and I always claim that because one must cycle each piece of necked brass through the press twice, a casefeeder is that much more convenient and saves twice the hand setting of the brass. However, while a casefeeder is a luxury for those who load only a couple hundred rds a year of a given caliber, many of us load thousands of rds per caliber in a year and when you're talking necked cases that need a case prep cycle + a reloading cycle, a casefeeder becomes much more than a luxury. It's the single reason I sold my 550B and got an XL650; to get a casefeeder for both pistol and rifle calibers. That's a point that rn22723 misses in his opinions (opinions, not facts as he tries to make them sound like) that being that many of us load significant quantities of both rifle and pistol calibers to make a casefeeder very much worth the cost. Further, his opinion of what is a reasonable budget for his style isn't held by everyone; something else he ignores. Finally, my definition of what is 'worth the cost' is my choice, not someone else's to decide for me. I don't tell a reloader with 2 Super 1050s with bullet feeders that he/she has spent too much and neither should anyone else. All that said, his last line is absolutely spot on, "The biggest concern is to gather quality information, and try make the best informed choice." |
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OP....call Brian Enos and talk to him about what you need, how much you plan on reloading etc.. Brian is a retired world class steel and IPSC shooter who was sponsored by Dillon and is now a dealer. He will take the time to discuss your needs. http://www.brianenos.com/ http://www.brianenos.com/store/dillon.html  
I run a 550b and a 650 I use the 650 for bulk reloading, large amounts of .223, 40, 45ACP IPSC loads, in batches of 1000 I use the 550B for smaller batches, 38sp. 44mag, 6.8spc., and working up loads. 100-400 round stuff |
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I have a 550 and like it just fine for what I do. I reload small batches or 100-500 at a time. But rarely set and do over 200 at a time. I enjoy reloading as much as shooting and consider it another hobby or an extension of my shooting hobby. I have enough ammo now that I would never need to reload again. But I do because I like too.
The 550 seems a next step up from a single stage press like a rock chucker. Caliber changes are easy, but I've never done one in a "few" minutes. When I change calibers, I also take the time to fully clean and lube the press. But that's just me. It's like filling primer tubes. I fill up two tubes, 200 primers, when they are empty, it's time for a break. Fill two more tubes, check the powder tank, replenish the bullet tray, empty tray, and finished round tray if they need it. Get a cold drink, check what's going on at ARFCOM, etc. I'm retired, I don't hurry with anything any more. My point is, you need to decide whether you need a faster machine for saving time cranking out mass quantities of reloads or for just saying you can if you wanted too. Either reason is good enough to buy a 650 or a 1050. Not talking money, just need or want.
But if you are a small batch loader, maybe a 550 would be enough. Even with a 550 if you buy all the neat options and quick change overs for each caliber, you can still tie up a good chunk of cash. But it will be the best money you ever spent on reloading. And after you get the hang of the 550, it will produce excellent reloads and you will get fast as you get your rhythm. The best advice I've seen here, is call Brian Enos, I bought all my stuff through him. He is easy to talk to and truly likes helping people decide what they need and/or want. But make sure you are realistic in your estimate of what you want to load. |
I started with a Lee Loadmaster, had a Dillon 650 two months later., Very little learning curve, awesome machine. I got 6 tool heads for My calibers, and one for decapping, light, roller bearing, and the roller handle, works like a champ. Step up and spend the money once for what You really want, a case feeder that works for both rifle and pistol, with a powder check station, and You can add the GSI bullet feeder.
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