Dillon 550B or 650 that is the question

[mtgrs737]

I am thinking about adding another progessive loading press to my Dillon 550B that I aready own and love because I don't like swapping over the primmer size system from large to small. My question is should I just get another 550B or should I have a look at the 650. I would use it to load small primer loads like the 9mm luger and 38 spl./357 magnum. I see where the 650 has a case feeder, automatic indexing, and a five station tool head over the 550B.

OK guys, what say you? Which model would you get?

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

650:

Pluses: Faster, has a small portion of the case feed that'll hold some cases (I believe about a hundred.), the items you mentioned in your post. Some items in common with the 550, but not complete commonality. Additionally, for your largest quantity runs, you can add a casefeeder and get significantly more production over adding a casefeeder to the 550, where you'll gain about 25% over a noncasefeeder 550.

Minuses: More expensive and a bit more difficult to adjust, more things going on vs. the 550. The primer system is a bit less safe, due to the primer trail from the tube to the primer insert.

550:

Pluses: 100% parts commonality and all the benefits you currently enjoy with the one you have. A press you're already familiar with.

Minuses: The same production speed you have and only a 25% increase in production when adding a case feeder.

Alternative choices:

Add a 650, sell your 550 and add a second 650, then add a casefeeder later

Add a Hornady LnL AP instead, sell your 550 and add a second Hornady LnL AP, then add casefeeders later.

If it were me, I'd look harder at the alternative options, unless money is an issue or mechanical aptitude. But it doesn't take a lot of mechanical aptitude to run a 650 or a LnL.

Regards,

Dave

[oltimer2]

I had just the dilema as you and found the 650 to be faster than snot, but the change-over a pain in the butt. That said the conv kit for a 550 is dirt cheap and everywhere. If I were to do it again I would buy another 550.
Regards, DAN

[mtgrs737]

Why did I think the 650 came with the casefeeder? I guess I should look over the Dillon catalog a little better. Thanks for your response. I am happy with my 550B, but was wondering if anyone else has made the switch to the 650 and why.

[mtgrs737]

Thanks Dan, this is the type of info I am looking for.

[10mmShooter]

650, I like mine :)

[Ken O]

If you are going to have it set up for just one pistol load I would suggest you look at the Dillon Square Deal. It comes with dies, self indexes (like the 650), and is real quick because its like a short action.

[Lloyd Smale]

the 650 is definatley faster but if i allready had a 550 id consider another. At least when something breaks you can rob parts off of the other till dillon sends them to you.

[cajun shooter]

You have more control with the 550. It's slower than the 650, parts are cheaper for 550. How much are you shooting and reloading to pay for another loader? I like my 550 because I shoot BP and can use the adapter for my BP measure (RCBS on 450 powder die). A lot of people like the 5th hole for using a powder checker and if you are loading low volume case loads it's a plus. If only loading a extra 500 rds or so why not buy the Lee Classic Turrent? It is made from RR track and will only set you back about $175 with dies. You can disable the progrossive rod and have a SS press that will load 50 cal if you desire. If I ever have a need for more that will be my next purchase. As much as I'm a Dillon fan, Lee has a winner with the Classic Turrent.

[mtgrs737]

That's an Idea Cajun, will give it some thought!

[Springfield]

I now have 2 550's, small primer and large primer. I have had 3 Square Deals now and didn't like them, just not enough room to see what is going on, IMHO, so they are all gone. And I don't see how a case feeder on a 650 will save more time than a case feeder on a 550. They both do the same thing, feed the case. Is the 650 case feeder somehow faster than the case feeder on a 550? I don't think so. The increase in speed should be the same. Personally I don't plan on adding a feeder to either of my 550's. They are plenty fast as is and I like to manually inspect my cases in any case.

[Legion489]

I have a 550B and 450, for just this reason, so if the problem is just small primer/large primer swaps, I'd "probably" go for another 550.

The 650 is only about $100 more than a 550, but the con kits are nearly twice as much.

The 650 is faster and has an extra die station that is nice for powder check, etc.

Either one will give you a life time of service!:drinks:

[mtgrs737]

Many thanks guys for your inputs! I was leaning toward another 550B as I already have the conversion kits, spare parts, etc. I think I would like the extra station for a powder inspection device but I now visually inspect powder level before I place a boolit in the casemouth anyway. I don't mind the manual indexing and consider it a plus factor.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond with your valued comments!

Rich

[Shiloh]

Love my 550B. More than meets my needs. 10 minute conversion to change calibers and primer size. The 650 is a nice unit, but the 550 is more than adequate as well as economical.

Shiloh

[Lloyd Smale]

another thought is the lock and load hornady. Ive got three now and really like them. I think there a handier press then a 650 if your not using a case feeder. Plus with the 1000 free bullets they give you there about free.

[TonyT]

I opted for two of the 550's since I prefer to examine the case before sizing, examine the powder drop and examine the finished round before boxing. In my view one has to be shooting an awful lot of pistol to warrant the use of a 650.

[moses]

I have a 650 and love it! I am a big fan of the auto case feeder and the auto index!
I have heard many good things about the Hornady L-n-L and have been thinking about getting one of them too.

[GE-Minigun]

One thing to consider is the casefeeder for the 550...only small and large pistol is available. With the 650 you can load both rifle and pistol.

[Shiloh]

I opted for two of the 550's since I prefer to examine the case before sizing, examine the powder drop and examine the finished round before boxing. In my view one has to be shooting an awful lot of pistol to warrant the use of a 650.

I like the 550 for the same reason. I like being able to inspect the process as it's happening.

The 650 is a fine unit, it is just overkill for my specific needs. THe 550 is more than adequate.

Shiloh

[dragonrider]

I have a 650 but agree with several other here in that if you already have a 550, get another one.

[Ron B.]

Okay,
My two cents worth. :)

I've been a Hornady LNL-AP fan for years; never tried Dillon. Recently, I acquired two 650s. Man, sakes alive; I love them both! Only problem I had, which was never a real problem if you load start to finish be prepared to find flipped primers! I deprime-size-prime in one stage. That's the reason no real problem, for me. Doing things in stages requires a little more adjusting;again no big deal. Both 650s have the case feeder. Absolutely love those things!

Good luck with you decision,
Ron

[hobbylink1]

I love the 550b and you can get a case feeder for it. but I have never found the need for a case feeder.