Thinking of picking up a Dillon 650

[osteodoc08]

Long story short, I've had it with my Hornady LnL. I'm sick of the small part failures. I've had to tinker with the primer slides and have had numerous new ones mailed to me. I've had sizer die problems. I've had auto eject issues. I've had issues with timing.

To top it all off, I had a friend of mine trade me 2500 .452 230gr LRN boolits. I had loaded up varying powder loads with BE-86 and landed on 6.0gr. Ran well. Made sure everything was tight and started to go to town. First the powder drop came loose and the die bushing did not stay locked down. Took my channel locks and tightened it down again after replacing the o ring. Verified charge and kept going. Now every cartridge kept hanging up on the autoject portion. Smoothed it up and oiled/lubed it. Now the bushing to the powder drop comes loose again and the whole contraption, bushing and all, is forced up by the case. I tighten it down again but snugged it down with a piece of cardboard wedged under a corner to keep it from moving. Made sure everything was tight and kept going. About 1:3 would hang up on the auto eject. I'm about done with #500 when I noticed the thumb screw with the knurled edge on it that locks down the powder drop arm has come loose, causing the powder drop to not go all the way up and not delivering a full charge. Very aggravating. I grab a handful of loaded ammo and break them
down. Of the dozen I checked, one had a partial charge.......ugh!

Dad told me to buy a 650. I should have listened to him. Since he's passed, my mentor told me to buy a Dillon. I should have listened to both of them. I've had so much aggravation with this press. I've never had these many issues with dads old 550 (still in his gun room) or my SDB in 45 colt.

A few valuable lessons here though:

Reload in batches and verify every 50-100. I typically do this but everything was verified several times and locked down, right?........ Don't just dump them in the bulk ammo can with the other loaded ammo, leave them in the akro bin, re verify the loading and of good, dump in the bulk ammo container.

Use a powder cop or powder lock out die.

So so I think this press may be up for sale soon here. Just tired of fussing with it.

[sghart3578]

Sounds eerily similar to my experiences with a Lee Loadmaster. I am a Lee fan and I love my Classic Turret. The Loadmaster, not so much.

I was at the same point as you and I was ready to buy a 550. But I found a good deal on a used RCBS Turret Press and it does just about everything that I want.

Sorry to hear about your troubles, it's frustrating I'm sure.


Steve in N CA

[pistolshooter]

Sounds like the experiences I had with the LnL. I bought one, figuring I would sell the 450 I had used for a lot of years. Like you, I got tired of fiddling with the thing. Seemed like it was always something, broken part, inconsistent powder throws, something out of adjustment, etc. I sold it and got a 650 with a case feeder (kept the 450 for loading 45ACP only) and never looked back. I am not knocking the Hornady product. Many have them and like them. Good for them. I just like the Dillon products much better. Ford vs. Chevy kind of thing in my opinion.

[Plate plinker]

Why not go all the way to the 1050? Swage pockets and a powder check die. The down side is that the tool heads are so darn expensive now.

[stranded1980]

I had the exact same issues with the Hornady LNL Progressive: The dog-gone pawls would get out of adjustment, or the primer slide wouldn't pick up a new primer, or sometimes the primer slide would get stuck, or it just felt like the primers weren't seated deep enough in the cartridge. I must have a collective of 20 hours of watching different youtube videos on all the different adjustments you can make to get to run better. I got sick of fiddling with the thing; I wanted to make ammo, not tinker. While I appreciated the 500 free bullets, I still lost money on the press when I sold it 1 1/2 years later.

Whenever I read reviews or personal stories of individuals that have a Hornady LNL Progressive that run fantastic, I wonder if I just got a lemon. Then I see posts like yours and I know I'm not alone.

I know own both a Dillon 550 and Dillon 650, both bought used. I disassembled and cleaned them when I got them; they've ran smooth as silk ever since.

[jeff423]

I had the same problems as above. After two weeks I returned it and bought a 650 with bullet feeder. Best reloading decision I've ever made.

Jeff

[clum553946]

Had a Lee Pro 1000 as my first progressive. Looking back all those years ago, what a pile of junk it was! I've had my Dillon 650 for 20 years now! Customer service is second to none & it still cranks out the rounds. Just pay attention to it, lube it regularly & change the springs from time to time!They sell a spare parts kit which is worth having plus it has a lifetime warranty which seems forever! My buddy bought an older 550 used a few years back & had trouble with it. He contacted Dillon & they said to send it back & they would fix it! They fixed it alright, sent him a new 550, no questions asked! You don't get that kind of service from any other reloading company! So I guess what i'm trying to say is: go for it! You won't be disappointed!

[Pee Wee]

I just want to add that I have been reloading for a while now, I have had all the major equipment from most all of the manufacturers in our industry. I now have 2 Dillon 550s, RCBS scales, their furnace, 1 1500 chargemaster, 750 and 2000. 2 star Lubesizers. I have narrowed it down to these manufactures due to the warranty. the reason? there life time warranty. I have sent back one press the furnace and a scale.
All were sent back to me as new. The Charge----the freight to get them there. If the rest of the manufactures of products in the USA followed the loading industry commitment to their products, We would not be a country owing or sole to china and the rest of the world.
I will continue to be loyal to these manufactures as they have been loyal to the reloading population.

[osteodoc08]

It's not that the LnL is a bad product, I think overall, it is a good product, but not for me. Hornady has an excellent warranty and have stood behind their product; but the down time, money and time spent, have me wanting to return to Dillon. Some days I felt like a Beta Tester. I even had one female employee make a comment that I had received a lot of parts from Hornady when I called to get yet another primer slide.

So, to change gears here; who has ordered from Brian Enos? I know he has been regarded as the best place to buy Dillon presses, but I've never bought from him personally.

[bosterr]

It appears Enos' price is identical to Dillon's catalog price. Is he offering something extra? I bought my 650 direct from Dillon.

[osteodoc08]

It appears Enos' price is identical to Dillon's catalog price. Is he offering something extra? I bought my 650 direct from Dillon.

Looks like I'll be ordering factory direct then.

[Petrol & Powder]

I've used both the 550 and the 650. They are both good machines. I actually prefer the 550 for its simplicity but there's no denying the 650 can put out more rounds per hour. With several pre-loaded primer tubes on hand the 550 can crank out rounds at a decent rate but you're just trading time on the front end loading primer tubes for time on the back end producing rounds.
Dillon is a top notch company and that alone is enough to keep me in their camp.

[alleyoop]

Excellent sales pitch Osteodoc08, I was lucky enough to see the LNL set up side by side with the 650 before I made my purchase.

[DocSavage]

If you buy a 650 be aware of one "weakness",the primer cups for small and large primers are a PITA to remove and replace.
There's not enough room to get a wrench in to unbolt them,you can use a pair of pliers but you'll end up mangling the part.
I bought a second 650 to save myself aggravation and curse words I haven't used in 40 years. Talking to a Dillon tech and he agreed it was the weak point of the 650.

[VHoward]

I don't have problems with swapping out primer punches on my 650. I just tighten them finger tight and don't use a wrench. Never had one back out.

[chumly2071]

I have no experience with the LNL, but like my 650 enough that I have 2 now. Give Kimball Bowden at Bobcatsteel.com a chance to quote you a system. He doesn't list Dillon stuff on his site yet, but is a stocking dealer in Indiana. Very competitive pricing, and good service.

[osteodoc08]

Excellent sales pitch Osteodoc08, I was lucky enough to see the LNL set up side by side with the 650 before I made my purchase.


Out of curiosity. Which did you choose and why?

[alleyoop]

I walked into Graf and son with my cc in hand to purchase a LNL. I had never been in the store before and was surprised when I saw they had several presses set up, so I wondered over to that corner to check 'em out, the lnl looked like a toy next to the Dillons. I walked out with the 650, well they had to pull it from the warehouse and I picked it up on the return trip a week later.

[Alvarez Kelly]

If you buy the press through BrianEnos.com, you get free shipping. And lots of good advice if you have any questions.

[Stonecrusher]

+1 on Brian Enos. Free shipping if you buy enough and he always has the time to help you outon your decisions through email or phone. I have found him to be very down to earth the few time I have communicated to him. Only drawback is you don't get tracking numbers without calling after it dropships from Dillon.

[dverna]

I nearly bought a LnL as well. Great service from Hornady is assured but who wants the downtime?

I used to have 2 Square Deal Bs, 550, 650 and 1050. Downsized to the 550 and 1050. Every machine from Dillon worked (or is still working) well. I bought the spare parts kits and never used any of the parts - but nice to have in case needed.

Some people with LnL's are better mechanics. Some have never had another machine to compare to. For whatever reason, you rarely see a bad review on a Dillon. Simple choice really.

[jakharath]

The 650's are great presses. Sold my 650 after buying my first 1050. Now I have a 550 and a 1050 (or two).

[sparky45]

I've had a Dillon 650 for sale for about two weeks now and can't get anybody to come pick it up.

[jmorris]

I have all the Dillon's and have owned both pre and post EZ Ject LNL's. I too prefer the 650 over the LNL and think it would be a really easy choice of one wants collated case feed.

[Joni Lynn]

If I was shopping for a progressive loader it would be a 650 or 1050. I bought a Hornady Projector back when it was the newest thing they had and it NEVER worked correctly. Right now I load on an RCBS Pro 2000 and it works okay with the exception of not being able to prime on it. It's a crumby priming system that never worked well with small primers and now doesn't work at all. I see a new press at some point in my future.

[JLarsson]

I've had a Dillon 650 for sale for about two weeks now and can't get anybody to come pick it up.

Is it listed on this site? I couldn't find the ad.

[StuBach]

+1 for Dillon

Can't go wrong with a Dillon. Had similar situation of loading with Dad's 550 for years and when I was ready to start on my own opted for the 650 for the added features and haven't looked back. Wife now has an endless supply of gift ideas. Recommend buying their quick change kits for each caliber you get into to save time.

[Outer Rondacker]

Is it listed on this site? I couldn't find the ad.
Check your local craigslist. One just sold by me for 125 with loads of extras. Sat for sale for just over a month but it did finally sell. Almost all press work well if you set them up correctly. I find more deals because the owner was a moron. Or just could not follow instructions. Like my SDB brand new in the box for $25 dollars. He said it looked like to much work.

If I had a CC and was going to order a new press it would be a Dillon 650 with all the bells on it.

[RG1911]

Have no idea how old my 650 is. It just keeps chugging along. The only time I had a problem with it was due to operator headspace error.

I load everything from .32ACP to .30-06 with it. It's particularly appreciated with .30 Carbine, since I have the M2 version, .45ACP and .223.

So far, Dillon service has been great. I've worn out a couple parts and lost at least one. Replacements were always sent free-of-charge.

Cheers,
Richard

[tim338]

I have been wanting to try a LnL let me know when your ready to sell maybe we can work something out.

[greyling22]

how much do you have to buy to get free shipping? when I put my 650 order in just now it was $17 bucks. Grafs wants $8. Dillon wanted 25.



+1 on Brian Enos. Free shipping if you buy enough and he always has the time to help you outon your decisions through email or phone. I have found him to be very down to earth the few time I have communicated to him. Only drawback is you don't get tracking numbers without calling after it dropships from Dillon.

[sparky45]

Is it listed on this site? I couldn't find the ad.
Listed over on Brian Enos.

[aquarist]

My first press was a Dillon xl650, I love this thing and have never regretted buying it, I don't think you will either. As a newbie loader I am able to crank out about 100 rounds every 10 minutes with this bad boy.


how much do you have to buy to get free shipping? when I put my 650 order in just now it was $17 bucks. Grafs wants $8. Dillon wanted 25.

I waited over a year to see if Dillon had a Christmas sale and they did not. I don't believe Dillon has any discounts of their products or shipping, and if they do they are probably sure rare or single use only. I've order from Dillon and from Brian Enos, waiting to see which is better. Brian Enos has better shipping prices, but only time will tell how long it takes to get here. I haven't heard anything about my order being shipped yet so we will see. Also keep in mind you will need caliber conversion kits if you plan to load more than one caliber.

[osteodoc08]

Definitely ordering today. I called Hornady about my issues and the guy said I use it quite a bit and these are common problems and are considered wear items, IE I have to replace the parts on my dime. I asked why have they replaced my small parts in the past free of charge and I was told normal wear items are not considered manufacture defects. Wow! While I don't disagree with the statement of there are certain wear items on a press, a major part such as a sub plate shouldn't be one. Polymer bushings and O rings I can see as a wear item. No problem. I'll replace those. But a machined piece should not be one of them.

So I got the replacement numbers and will
get them ordered so I can keep it functional until my 650 is here and all conversions for it bought.

I think im done with Hornady.

[Smk SHoe]

Have had a XL650 for about 8 years. it can put out lots of .45ACP quick. Got tired of having to change primer sizes ( kinda a pain), so I explained to Wifey how it would make sense to have one for large primers and one for small primers. Would you believe it worked. Now have one on each end of the bench.

[Outer Rondacker]

That is the biggest downfall of any press is changing primer size. The only large primer thing I reload on a progressive is 45acp. Everything else is small primer on a progressive level anyway. Good job on asking the wife first.

[StuBach]

That is the biggest downfall of any press is changing primer size. The only large primer thing I reload on a progressive is 45acp. Everything else is small primer on a progressive level anyway. Good job on asking the wife first.

Could always switch to using small primer 45 ACP brass then you'd be all on smells.