Time for a new press

[Dave__th3__ss]

So while I like reloading on my single stage it’s time to upgrade. I have my eye on the Dillion 550c or xl750.

I currently reload for several calibers. .223, 22-250, 22cm, 6cm, 6.5cm , 6 arc, 7prc. I’d like to start cranking out 9mm cause my damn kid burns through it like he’s idpa shooter.
Typically shoot 200-300 ish rounds of each (less with a few calibers)With the exception of 223 and 9mm which is substantially more each month.

I really don’t want to out grow the press and have to get newer one in a few years.

Would You just get the xl750 and skip the 550c ?

Also might be a dumb ass question. For those not trimming on the Dillion are you sizing /deprime , prime and pulling them to trim or what’s your process?

Because in my head having the 5th station doesn’t seem logical if not trimming on the press… but I guess you could run a powder check… idk

I’ve only ever ran a single stage and have all the shit to trim (not on the press).

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Not new to reloading or prepping at all just progressive presses.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[memilanuk]

Dillon 550 only- Tips, Tricks, Process Q&A thread .

This thread is all about setting up your 550, bench for 550, or loading room for 550, and any tricks or tips you've learned along the way. I know there's a lot of 550 guys on here, and I would appreciate any info you guys can bestow upon me. So here's my first Q: How would you guys set it...

www.snipershide.com

Official - Precision Rifle Loading on a Dillon XL750

The idea of this is to be a new thread dedicated to those who want to learn more or share tips/tricks for loading precision rifle on a Dillion XL750. I have 2 XL750s along with a bunch of accessories and upgrades on the way. I will document how both machines will be setup, issues that need to...

www.snipershide.com

 

[Hoser]

I have deep pockets when it comes to my reloading room. I am very happy with my 550s and would not change over to a 650/750.

 

[RegionRat]

You sound like you could go either way, 550 or 750.

I will suggest you study both, but to add something here you haven't already heard....

I will suggest you get with a friend or instructor who could let you live demo both presses, and then decide.
The set-ups, change-overs, and runs on these two machines are very different.

If money were no object, I could see someone with your description having one 550 and one 750. But if that causes the kids to go hungry then don't listen to me..... I tend to err on the side of "more automation is better"....

If you have both and can just run the 750 for bulk runs and do the smaller runs on the 550, and lets say you decided one or the other was too much capacity for your needs, you could always let one or the other go and would have no problem selling them.
Good Luck and teach your children well.....

 

[CK1.0]

Sounds like you want an XL750…

If you want to really pump out rounds, you’re going to want to go full progressive where the shell plate rotates with each stroke and have the ability to add a bullet feeder.

For semi-auto rifle stuff like 223/556 on the 750 you’ll probably find having 2 tool heads is the way to go (1 for processing/sizing, 1 for priming, powder, and seating). You can swap the primer feeder for a Swage-It on pass #1 with tool head #1, then swap back to the primer feeder and use tool head #2 for the second pass. You can just trim in between passes using a drill mounted case trimmer like the one from Frankford Arsenal or WFT or whatever you already have.

That said, with all those different cartridges, hold onto a single-stage too, or get a 550 too, as it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have the option to use those for smaller volume stuff.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

If you plan on a bullet feeder you'll need at least 5 stations. If you genuinely need a 650/750, do yourself a favor and buy a 1100.

 

[Hoser]

Forgot to mention...

I use my 550s for precision rifle ammo and small volume pistol ammo like 41 Mag, 45 Auto Rim, etc.

I use my 1100s for large volume ammo like 9, 40, 45 and short range 223/308.

The primer crimp swage station totally makes it worth it. With a bullet feeder, cranking out 1,500-2,000 rounds an hour is easy.

 

[CK1.0]

If you plan on a bullet feeder you'll need at least 5 stations. If you genuinely need a 650/750, do yourself a favor and buy a 1100.

He's not wrong.

If you're going to be going back and forth between more than a few different cartridges, many of them rifle cartridges, the extra cost upfront isn't bad for an 1100.

IMHO a 750 is better suited to making shitloads of 9mm (or whatever pistol cartridge), an 1100 can do that too, but also opens up more options for the rifle stuff.

Remember, GBPSE.

 

[padom]

With the calibers you want to load for, one of the presses you mentioned isn't going to be ideal for pistol or vice versa.


I have multiple 1050s, a 650 and 550c.. I load all my precision rifle on my 550c.. I load all my 5.56 and 9mm on 2 dedicated automated 1050s... I use my 650 for loading things i don't need to crank out 1000s at a time like 10mm, 300blk...

I would have to run 5.56 or pistol rounds in any qty on anything less than a 650/750 and 1050 is where it's at. You'll want a case feeder and bullet feeder for this whether it's on a 650/750 or 1050/1100...

Get ready to spend some money..

If money is an issue, keep loading your precision rifle on your single stage and get a 750 setup for 9mm with bullet and case feeder for... thst will save you a lot of money vs buying everything you'd need to load all those other calibers on the 750...