New Press...

[awalker1829]

Finally decided that I need a second progressive press to reload my rifle cartridges. I’ll drive up to Scottsdale on Monday and pick up a new XL 650 from Dillon along with all the stuff that goes with it. Then I’ll spend the rest of my free time setting the thing up. The weekend after that, I have to go to Scottsdale again, so I’ll swing by and get the rest of the stuff I need. They’re literally just down the street from the place I’m going to anyways.

Their location is very convenient to get to-being just off the Loop 101.

[Junk Yard Dog]

I had a 450 years back, Dillon makes a fine product, look forward to the pictures

[tjtM38]

I don't have any experience with Dillon, but their progressive reloading equipment has a great reputation. I have used a RCBS Rock Chucker since 1981, and I just can't bring myself to alter that routine. I like the quality of loads it produces, both in rifle and pistol cartridges and I like being able to visualize the powder level in each case. Over the weekend, I have loaded 200 rounds of .38 Special target loads, and it just doesn't take that much time. Would I shoot more with a progressive setup? I doubt it, so I will stick with equipment that I am familiar with.

[awalker1829]

Just finished installing the machine, so no photos yet. Got it calibrated for the first rifle cartridge, 30-06. Next two will be 8x57 Mauser and 303 British. The nice thing about the set up is that changing from 30-06 to the Mauser only requires me to swap tool heads-the only difference other than the dies is the powder funnel that sits in the powder measure.

The reason that I buy Dillon equipment is that their presses are probably the best on the market. The presses are manufactured at their plant in Scottsdale, Arizona. I can get there in a couple of hours. They have real customer service at their retail shop. You can try out the floor model presses and the reps know their product.

When I picked up the press, the sales rep called back to the stock room and the press was brought out on a cart. The sales rep loaded the add ons on the cart, wheeled the cart to my truck and loaded the items for me.

Then there’s their no nonsense support policy. They will support any of their products, regardless of whether you’re the original owner or where you bought it. They don’t nickel and dime you when getting marginal cost parts to repair your machine either. Sometimes they’ll literally just give you the parts-it’s happened to me before.

[awalker1829]

Here’s a photo of the bench as it is right now-a mess. I’m just now getting the 30-06 dies set and I want to get the other calibers set before I get started with it.

The machine to the right is my Square Deal B. It is dialed in for my 9mm Luger and 45ACP loading.

[Junk Yard Dog]

[Longcolt44]

My son has a Dillon 650. He says it takes about an hour to set up for any given caliber, then stand back and watch the bullets fly.

[awalker1829]

I'm still making some adjustments on the 30-06 resizing die. Ultimately I will replace it with a neck sizing die. I won't set up my 303 British dies until I get another quick change tool head. Nice thing about 8mm Mauser is that I only have to switch the tool head-everything else is the same as the 30-06. Next addition will be the case feeder. Both presses have the spent primer tube from Dillon Upgrades and the XL 650 also has the missed live primer cup.

[Ironnewt]

I received a Dillon 550 as a Christmas present from my wife many years ago. After the kids dealt with their toys and SWMBO was happy with hers (Jewelry as I recall) I proceed into the loading room to set the thing up. As I was doing so, I launched one of the springs into the abyss. After an hour or so, I gave up after looking for it. The next day, I called Dillon and told the guy what happened and ordered a spare parts kit and a few other things. They sent the spring no charge and upgraded the shipping so I could get rolling quicker. I have since obtained a second 550 (Dirt Cheap) and I crank out ammunition that is highly accurate and loaded for the particular pistol or rifle I am using. Set one up for small primers and the other for large so that is one less thing to deal with when changing calibers. You can't go wrong with one (or two).

[awalker1829]

Dillon just released the 750XL. I think they’re introducing it as an improved 650. I looked over the details but think I’ll just stay with my current setup. If I add another press, it’s going to seriously cut into the bench space reserved for cleaning and repairing firearms.