Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

[Mag 300]

I have 2 dillon 550's and am thinking of selling one of the 550's for a 650?
I am starting to load a lot of pistol .45 and have heard that the 650 is a better machine for this purpose.
Dont get me wrong I love the 550's as i have 2 but are the 650's better for pistol?
Bill

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

I load my pistol (40 and 10mm) and 223 on a 650. The 650 sizes/deprimes on the first station, and primes/charges case on second station. From there, they are the same. There are 5 stations instead of the 4 on the 550. You can add more components to the 650, like a powder check sensor, trimmer, and a few others I can't remember. I went with the 650 so I could have the extra station, and I honestly don't use it. So, I think a 550 would work well for loading any handgun caliber. If you sell it, let me know! I'd like another progressive so I don't have to change out.

 

[shoepop]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

Best feature on the 650 is you don't have to manualy index like you do on the 550 that feature alone makes it worth the upgrade. Every double charge I have seen loaded on a Dillon has been loaded on a 550. Granted if you keep your head straight zero problem but I know a lot of folks who reload with their head up their ass.

 

[QRE23]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

Unless you are dead set on a Dillon and if you are I understand, they're a good piece no doubt about it but I wouldn't overlook the Hornady progressive. I have a 550 my dad has the Hornady so i've used both. They're both good machines. The Hornady is like the 650 but at a 550 price. I personally like the mounting system of the Dillon better. You can bolt the Dillon to pretty much any type of table and it feels nice and secure. The Hornady in my opinion needs a very stout table/bench to mount to too have the same sold feel. If you have ever been around both you'll know what I mean. The Powder measure setup on the Hornady is deffinately better right out of the box. You can polish the Dillon and it helps some but it still isn't as good as the Hornady.

If you prefer Dillon and don't mind spending the extra money you'll never go wrong with their products that's for sure but if you want to save yourself some money the Hornady will do pretty much everything the 650 will do but for much less.

Just some food for thought.

 

[Mag 300]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

Thanks as stated they are both a great machine?
a

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

I use my 650 to load 45 acp and 223. The one I have has all the bells, whistles and buzzers. Automatic case feeder and everything. I love it. I've had it 8 or 10 years now. Get duplicate powder measures and tool heads for seperate calibers. I can change mine from one caliber to another in 30 to 45 minutes or so.

Good luck with your choice. Everything Mike Dillon puts his name on is good to go.

 

[USMCj]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

The 650 is a great press, match it up with some carbide dies so you dont have to lube, and you will be cranking out a crap load of ammo in a short time.

 

[Ramius]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

I use both (550 & 650) but predominately the 650.

I can load 800 rounds of 45ACP/hour without breaking a sweat. If I push it I can do 1100 rounds/hour.

I bought the 550 a couple years back because the 650 could not load 338LM (case too long & stroke is too short).

In general the 650 costs more, when you price in the accessories you will pay a premium over the 550. Have you considered adding the case feeder for the 550?

I use my 650 far more than the 550 and don't think you can go wrong with the switch but I've got buddies that load 600 rounds of 45ACP/hour on the 550, that's not too bad unless you are dumping 2000 rounds/week.

I guess my question to you is how many rounds do you need to produce?

 

[Larry Burchfield]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

I think that if I had it to do all over again I would just order a case feeder for the 550B. Don't get me wrong the 650 is a great press. I just think I could load as many rounds with the 550B.
And it may be that I started with a 550 to 2-550's to a 1050 and back to a 650 over the last 25 years.
larryj

 

[Mag 300]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

Larry Excellent points I will look into the case feeder for pone of the 550's a lot cheaper way to go overall.
Thanks
Bill

 

[RH4540]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

I've had the 550 for years, and my friends all have 650s. I've always preferred the manualy indexing, because, if you have any issues, you can back it up, ect.

I don't load as fast as most. I LOOK in each case before it leaves the charging station at the powder level, and before I put on the automatic case feeder, put out about 400 rounds of handgun ammo an hour. Now that I have the automatic case feeder, I STILL put out about 400 an hour. The time saved by not having to put the brass in by hand is made up when the case won't align properly with the sizing die, or primer and you have to screw with it.

After talking to somebody at Dillon last week, it seems I have to pull all the shit for the casefeeder off to load rifle.

 

[Downzero]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

I'll 2nd the Hornady comment (which is right on the money).

I'll further add that if you're already loading on a dillon and just want to load pistol ammo, the square deal is probably your best bet.

 

[USMCj]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

I think its too easy to get distracted and double charge on a 550 when loading pistol cartridges, not really a concern with the 650 though. IMHO a single double charge in a lifetime is 1 too many. 650 provides greater safety over the 550.

just my .02c

 

[padronanniversary]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

How do you think its easy double charging on the 550 ? Just curious, as it seems like you have to load another case before dropping the handle.

What makes the 650 different ?

 

[C.K]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RH4540</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've had the 550 for years, and my friends all have 650s. I've always preferred the manualy indexing, because, if you have any issues, you can back it up, ect.

</div></div>

If something goes wrong with a step on a 1050 you can just grab the shell plate an move it back a station.

 

[EddieNFL]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

Handloading is not for those with ADD. An idiot on a 550 is an idiot on a 650.

I have first hand knowledge of two overcharges...one was loaded on a 650. The loader still doesn't know what he did wrong.

 

[USMCj]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PadronAniversary</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How do you think its easy double charging on the 550 ? Just curious, as it seems like you have to load another case before dropping the handle.

What makes the 650 different ? </div></div>

Auto index, and powder check die make the 650 safer.

 

[USMCj]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EddieNFL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Handloading is not for those with ADD. <span style="font-weight: bold">An idiot on a 550 is an idiot on a 650</span>.

I have first hand knowledge of two overcharges...one was loaded on a 650. The loader still doesn't know what he did wrong. </div></div>

Oh I agree, but you cant argue that the auto index of the 650 will not reduce the chance of a double charge, plus the powder check die........

 

[C.K]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

If you short stroke a progressive on the up stroke your going to be in trouble if the shell plate doesn't advance and you dont see it but you would have to almost be sleeping at the reloader. The powder check die is more for prevention squib loads on Dillon 650 and 1050, if you double charge(double stroke it) your going to know it because your round will be sitting there with a bullet in it.

 

[padronanniversary]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

That is what I was wondering, if I double charge it, I'd have powder flowing out of my case (i.e. 9mm with win wsf), now I can see rifle round or other higher capacity case, but I figured most people would notice powder overflowing out of the case.

Never knew about the powder check on the 650, thanks for the enlightenment. hmm..another excuse to upgrade to the 650 lol

 

[USMCj]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: C.K</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you short stroke a progressive on the up stroke your going to be in trouble if the shell plate doesn't advance and you dont see it but you would have to almost be sleeping at the reloader. The powder check die is more for prevention squib loads on Dillon 650 and 1050, if you double charge(double stroke it) your going to know it because your round will be sitting there with a bullet in it. </div></div>

You are wrong on the powder check die, it detects squbs and double charged cases. With any type of reloading press, if you do not pay attention, you will be in big trouble. The 650 has 2 more safety features the 550 lacks and can never have. Those of you defending your purchase (of the 550) be my guest. That doesnt change the fact that the 650 is a safer press.

 

[EddieNFL]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

Neither the 550 or the 650, or any other model, is a "safe" press. Safety lies with the guy pulling the handle. I agree, the 650 has features that make it more forgiving, however, such devices can breed complacency.

It's been some time since I read the instruction portion of a load manual, but in the past, loaders were cautioned to check each case before seating the bullet. If we follow that simple rule there will never be an overcharged or squib load. We don't ignore stop signs just because our vehicles have airbags.


In addition to the visual rule above, three simple rules apply to a 550:

1) If you must stop before finished loading, stop with the ram at the top. That leaves no questions about when you were.

2) If you forget rule one, pull all the cases and start fresh.

3) If you ignore all of the above, sell your press and buy factory ammo.

If anyone ever loads an overcharged round, check the bathroom mirror to see who is at fault.

I have no argument against the 650; I wouldn't part with mine, but the 550 has it's place, just as single stages do.

 

[USMCj]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

Eddie, I agree with you for the most part. But I did not say the 650 is a safe press, you are right, there is no such thing, safety is in the hands of the nut pulling the handle. But when compared to the 550, the 650 is a safER press IMHO.

 

[EddieNFL]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

Again, I don't think the term safe (or safer) can be applied to a mechanical device. I could argue the 1911 is a safer design than the Glock. The Glock has one safety feature, while the 1911 has two. I don't agree with that argument because I feel the safety, or lack of, regardless of the device, is determined by the operators attitude and ability.

I have powder checks on my 650, but had I not gotten them as part of a trade, I would have never purchased them. After 35 years I still look in each case.

 

[our gang]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

Actually the 1911 has three:
exposed hammer
thumb safety
grip safety

 

[EddieNFL]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

Four, if you consider the series 80 the swartz system Kimbers.

 

[swordfish]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????




Auto index, and powder check die make the 650 safer. [/quote]

2nd that

 

[Larry Burchfield]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

I guess I feel like I have more control in the process with the 550 than with any of the others.
I said in a earlier post that I had started with a 550 but I forgot the 450 press that was all manual and then I converted it to a 550 without the toolhead insert. You actually had to operate the powder measure handle and pull out the little thing to put in the primer.
Another thing I do is stand up to reload. That way you can see if you have any powder in the case and I never use any powder that you can double charge very easy.
I have had a squibb or 2 but no double charges.
My 2 cents worth.
larryj

 

[EddieNFL]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I guess I feel like I have more control in the process with the 550 than with any of the others.</div></div>

My logic, as well. Unless you're loading reduced loads with cast bullets, it's impossible to double charge rifle cases (at least everything I've tried). I have a specific press for reduced loads and I fill the empty space with buffer, so it's still impossible for me to double charge.

 

[C.K]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USMCj</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: C.K</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you short stroke a progressive on the up stroke your going to be in trouble if the shell plate doesn't advance and you dont see it but you would have to almost be sleeping at the reloader. The powder check die is more for prevention squib loads on Dillon 650 and 1050, if you double charge(double stroke it) your going to know it because your round will be sitting there with a bullet in it. </div></div>

You are wrong on the powder check die, it detects squbs and double charged cases. With any type of reloading press, if you do not pay attention, you will be in big trouble. The 650 has 2 more safety features the 550 lacks and can never have. Those of you defending your purchase (of the 550) be my guest. That doesnt change the fact that the 650 is a safer press.</div></div>


You are correct. With the 100,000+ Ive reloaded on my 1050 the powder check has never found a double charge but it has found a few squbs. If somebody's really worried about double charges the 1050 comes with a stupid ratcheting mechanism that stops all short strokes but its so damn annoying everybody I know takes them off their press.

 

[Mag 300]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

I will try one of the 650's now the question is just go for the 1050??????????

 

[Larry Burchfield]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

I had an older one but I sold it and got a 650. The 1050 requires a really really sturdy loading bench and a concrete floor which I didn't have.
Also caliber changes can get expensive for the 1050. I also think that the 550 is the most popular and the 650 is second.
MHO
larryj

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

The 650 shines for bulk loading, the 550 works better for match loading.

 

[USMCj]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Stoffels</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will try one of the 650's now the question is just go for the 1050?????????? </div></div>

I would only get a 1050 if I was going to dedicate it to one caliber, like plinking .223's or plinking .308's. Caliber changes are expensive and very time consuming. Plus they only carry a 1 year warranty while the 650 has a lifetime. Get the 650 with a auto case feeder and you will be happy.

 

[kombayotch]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

I do precision on my 550, but have been thinking about upgrading to the 650. This dude seems to be doing alright with the 650:
http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek059.html

Has anyone actually compared runouts between the two?

 

[EddieNFL]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kombayotch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Has anyone actually compared runouts between the two? </div></div>

Yes. With the same dies, I could not measure the difference on a Sinclair with 0.001 dial indicator.

 

[Cartman]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kombayotch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do precision on my 550, but have been thinking about upgrading to the 650. This dude seems to be doing alright with the 650:
http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek059.html

Has anyone actually compared runouts between the two? </div></div>

Great link -- thanks.

 

[Mag 300]

Re: Dillon 550 vs Dillon 650????

I am using the 550 with a funnel and measuring the charges with a ACCULAB vic 123 scale
there within .01 grains and thats good enough for me
Bill