Sometimes life taps you on the shoulder and reminds you it's a one way street. Jim Morris
I have the RL550B also, the lack of an "auto index" isn't a factor, I rather like the fact that the press cant get ahead of me, like's been said 400 rounds per hour is a breeze, 500 is totally doable if you ramp it up a little, even if I shot 1000 rounds per week I don't think I could justify the cost of a 650 over the 550???, and I load everything on it too!, even the belted magnums!
ASE master certified engine machinist
Brake & Alignment specialist, ricer to class 8
If your only doing pistol get the Square deal. Yes they are dillon only dies but cost is the same when you add in a conversion kit for a 550 to a set of dies. If your doing rifle also then go with the 650 if your doing quantity. Pistol only just buy the Square deal in what ever caliber you do the most and look on ebay for diferent calibers. I got both and use the 650 with case feeder for 45and 223 and the Square deal for 9,40, 44mag, 38lc, 38sc, and 357
The only part of the metric system America has embraced is the 9mm.
Remember incoming fire has the right of way
If the 650 is what you really want then I suggest saving to get it. That way you won't have any regrets and it is a solid machine.
As for caliber changes people get hung up on that. It's not like you have to run 5 miles, do crunches, and then do buddy squats for an hour to change a caliber. It is easy. So easy that I have 4 tool heads that I have used to load every caliber I own. Lockrings are your friend for swapping dies in and out of a tool head. Also get a cross reference sheet for shell plates.
Well currently I am only pistol but who knows what the future may bring. So far I have $500 saved up. So I could about order the 500 with dies . But I really like the auto index to be honest. Yea I'm lazy lol. If in the next week or so if I can get another $100 or so together I will be going for the 650
Knowledge I take to my grave is wasted.
I prefer to use cartridges born before I was.
Success doesn't make me happy, being happy is what allows me to be successful.
Ok guys thanks for all the help. I managed to get up $700, so I am going to order the XL650, going to get it in 9mm, add ons will include strong mount, 9mm 3 die carbide set, possibly roller handle, I will likely build my own bullet tray and save $45. And later when I get more funds I will order the case feeder. My buddy says I don't need a case gauge, thoughts on that?
Welp made the order today with Dillon. Of coarse the press is on back order for 2-6 weeks just my luck. But got it, strong mount, a few extra primer tubes, aluminum roller handle, and the dies. Pretty excited can't wait for it to arrive.
For me it was down to the 550 or the LNL. I looked at the owners manuals and decided the 550 would be easier to convert. The LNL bushings would've driven the price up significantly. The money savings over buying the auto-indexing presses allowed me to buy accessories for my 550. I now have the roller handle, strong-mount and bullet tray in addition to several tool heads. I am looking to purchase a case feeder eventually. I just need to work myself up to it. BruceB is correct. Pay attention and take your time as necessary. I have found this press to be a pleasure. I am not looking back.
Let us know when you get it! Enjoy!
BP | Bronze Point | IMR | Improved Military Rifle | PTD | Pointed |
BR | Bench Rest | M | Magnum | RN | Round Nose |
BT | Boat Tail | PL | Power-Lokt | SP | Soft Point |
C | Compressed Charge | PR | Primer | SPCL | Soft Point "Core-Lokt" |
HP | Hollow Point | PSPCL | Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" | C.O.L. | Cartridge Overall Length |
PSP | Pointed Soft Point | Spz | Spitzer Point | SBT | Spitzer Boat Tail |
LRN | Lead Round Nose | LWC | Lead Wad Cutter | LSWC | Lead Semi Wad Cutter |
GC | Gas Check |