Best entry level Dillon press

[sparky45]

I started with the XL650 for a progressive after years with the Lee equipment then acquired a Square Deal; mistake, SD is a dud. Since I've aged (76) my shooting has slowed down so I off loaded all progressive's and am now set up with a couple of RCBS RC's and a Redding T-7. Mainly loading for rifle now.

[kevin c]

Even as I’m slowing down with the years I still put a couple thousand rounds a month down range, sometimes more, so a progressive makes sense.

The SDB I bought late in the last century serves, as I only load pistol rounds, and have small hands that can work in the relative tight spaces the four position shell plate lives in. The production rate suits me (retired with few demands on my time). I did buy an xl750 several weeks ago, but it’s still in pieces and I’m beginning to think it might stay that way.

[W.R.Buchanan]

I had 2 SDB's .40 S&W and .45 ACP. Both worked great and were a joy to use. I consider them to be one of the best designed machines in existence. They are also completely rebuildable for cheap, so even if you wear one out, it can be made right again for a few $

Then a friend gave me a 550B, and as soon as I got it set up for the two pistol rounds I sold the SDB's, I just didn't need them anymore as the 550 B will do anything I could ever want from a Progressive Press. I load .223/5.56, .40 S&W and .45 ACP on it. I could do .308's and .30-06's but I don't shoot enough of them to warrant setting up the 550. All my other rifle rounds are loaded in 50-100 round batches on my Hand Press at the dinner table. I have several other Single Stage Presses, my tool just works better !!! Others think so as well.

Randy

[pelikan800]

I purchased a used SDB (that I sent to Dillon to have them go over) and use it for a number of pistol calibers - 9mm, .38 Spcl, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, .44 Mag. I also load a few rifle rounds and load those on a Lee Classic Cast single stage press - .223, 6mm BR, 45-70. It's a combination that works well for me. 45-70 on a single stage goes pretty quickly as I usually don't need to trim the brass (and chamfer). Let us know what you decide!

p.s. Dillon's customer service is top notch!

[15meter]

Well currently trying to set it up. Do you guys usually use any stands or just mount it directly to the bench? Their instructions do not leave anything to be jealous of

Did you ever get it set up?

I don't use the riser stands, I have a steel plate mortised into the top of my bench, 5"x18"x1/2" with an identical steel plate on the bottom of the bench. I like a secure mounting system.

It has been drilled and tapped to mount all the presses and casting equipment that needs to be mounted securely.

5 MEC'S, three RCBS's, Lyman T-Mag, an old Pacific, Dillon 550B and SDB plus RCBS and Lyman Lubrisizers. It looks like swiss cheese but it is rock solid mounting of what ever I put up there. Only 2 presses that don't mount completely to the steel plate is a MEC 9000G in 12 gauge and a .410 Grabber. The 3 650's mount completely to the steel plate.

I usually load sitting down, I have a bar stool height chair that adjust easily for height. It swivels, has a foot rest and a backrest. I can change my seating position depending of what press I have mounted, it helps reduce the fatigue.

Hope you got your press up and running.

[CZbob9]

Did you ever get it set up?

I don't use the riser stands, I have a steel plate mortised into the top of my bench, 5"x18"x1/2" with an identical steel plate on the bottom of the bench. I like a secure mounting system.

It has been drilled and tapped to mount all the presses and casting equipment that needs to be mounted securely.

5 MEC'S, three RCBS's, Lyman T-Mag, an old Pacific, Dillon 550B and SDB plus RCBS and Lyman Lubrisizers. It looks like swiss cheese but it is rock solid mounting of what ever I put up there. Only 2 presses that don't mount completely to the steel plate is a MEC 9000G in 12 gauge and a .410 Grabber. The 3 650's mount completely to the steel plate.

I usually load sitting down, I have a bar stool height chair that adjust easily for height. It swivels, has a foot rest and a backrest. I can change my seating position depending of what press I have mounted, it helps reduce the fatigue.

Hope you got your press up and running.

I got it working good. It wasn't the easiest to setup I will say that much but I got it. I reloaded some 40s&w on it and seems to do pretty good so far. I started to prime on it but the press started sending multiple primers and I couldn't figure out what the issue was so for now I am hand priming in the recliner. I need to look into it

[super6]

Buy direct from Dillon, You will get all the manuals and a caliber head with it.+ tools,+ options ect..ect..

[David2011]

I got it working good. It wasn't the easiest to setup I will say that much but I got it. I reloaded some 40s&w on it and seems to do pretty good so far. I started to prime on it but the press started sending multiple primers and I couldn't figure out what the issue was so for now I am hand priming in the recliner. I need to look into it

Is your bench really, REALLY solid? If the press is vibrating when operated that will cause numerous problems.

[derek45]

I got it working good. It wasn't the easiest to setup I will say that much but I got it. I reloaded some 40s&w on it and seems to do pretty good so far. I started to prime on it but the press started sending multiple primers and I couldn't figure out what the issue was so for now I am hand priming in the recliner. I need to look into it

the 550 should prime reliably
I would call DILLON tech support and get it squared away.

[Tciambotti1]

Do you have pawn shops around you? If so, talk to a few guys there. I got my 650 from a pawn shop for 450 with some extras. I agree with that other guys saying buy once, cry once when it comes to reloading equipment. The 650 is pretty dope.

[Big Wes]

Try changing the tip on the primer tube that goes into the press with a new one, the old one might be worn out causing your problem with multiple primers.

[JimB..]

Try changing the tip on the primer tube that goes into the press with a new one, the old one might be worn out causing your problem with multiple primers.

This is most likely the problem. The press comes with spares. Change this before any other tinkering. BTW, I think they call them “magazine orifices.”

[15meter]

I got it working good. It wasn't the easiest to setup I will say that much but I got it. I reloaded some 40s&w on it and seems to do pretty good so far. I started to prime on it but the press started sending multiple primers and I couldn't figure out what the issue was so for now I am hand priming in the recliner. I need to look into it

My understanding this is a new press right?

If so, the first thing I would check is if you have the right primer tube in the press. It sounds like you have the large tube not the small tube. I think that will do what you are describing.

[oley55]

My understanding this is a new press right?

If so, the first thing I would check is if you have the right primer tube in the press. It sounds like you have the large tube not the small tube. I think that will do what you are describing.

^^^this is a very good likelihood. It shouldn't be that hard to use the right primer tube but on more than one occasion I have had weird primer feeding problems and sure enough I was using the large tube with small primers. I took a blue magic marker and marked the top of my small primer tubes so that they match the blue on the small primer pick-up tubes.