If I was to load just the 223 , would a Dillon 650 work for high volume reloading? Is it a pretty good system? I've heard that the primer station has alot of problems on the Dillon650? What about resizing brass...how often does it need to be done on the 223?

I can't speak to the 650, but I have loaded quite a bit of rifle ammo on the RL550B. I prefer a progressive press, shotgun or metallic, that allows me index it manually. If you get any kind of problem it is much easier to correct on a manual indexing press and you have complete control over what is going on. I don't have problems with the priming system on the 550's, and didn't on the two Square Deals that I used to have, so I don't see where they would be putting a troublesome system on the higher end press.

You will still need to lube and resize your casings. When loading .223 for use in the AR-15 I typically resize in the Dillon case trimmer and perform the rest of the loading operations on the progressive press using a decapping/neck expander die in place of the FL sizing die. You don't need to trim the casings every time but it just keeps things simple when loading for a rifle that needs a bit of sizing for reliable operation..like a semi auto. You can also just use a spray on type of case lube and load as normal on the progressive, but I wouldn't want to run lubed cases through the automatic case feeder of the 650, but that's just me. You will be best served by using ball or short stick-type powders when loading on a progressive of any type with the rifle rounds.

Just my opinion, but for rifle stuff I'd go with a 550B over a 650. If you lube your cases in a large batch, such as on a couple cookie baking sheets, and have a few extra priming tubes...you shouldn't have any type of problem getting 300 rounds an hour ouf of a 550 with ease.

I don't have first hand experience with them, but if you're interested primarily in volume, I'd look at auto-indexing presses with automatic case feeders. That list would include the Hornady LNL AP, and the Dillon 650 or 1050.

The AP and 1050 have linear primer transfer mechanisms with lots of distance between the primer being inserted (or possibly crushed/detonate), and the remaining primers in the tube. The 650's circular primer shuttle holds several primers, at fairly close spacing, between the cartridge and the magazine tube, thus the 650 is more likely to cause the entire tube to detonate rather than just the one being inserted. I've heard of tube detonations on 650's but not on the others.

Andy

I load thousands of .223s on a XL650 no problems.

Gary

I also load thousands of rounds each year, mostly because I shoot IDPA matches and also spend my Fridays at the indoor range. I bought a Dillion 550B several years ago and it has worked very well for me. You can't beat Dillion's guaranty. However, when I bought mine I was on a limited budget (wife's opinion) so I chose it over the XL650 because of the price. A friend of mine loads on a XL650 and has had very good luck with his also, and it is a bit faster than my 550B. He loads tons of .223 ammo. If I had it to do over, I might just pick the 650.

Primer slide sticking is a problem on the square deal, the 550b and 650 press's.
Quess not every one has the problem , but a few of us can not seem to over come it . Refer to Marlin Owners Forum reloading section.)

A few of the Dillion reloaders that I have got to know , advised me to decap and prime on a single stag press , clean and prime the brass by hand.
I have the depriming stem out of the press when I reload.
It appears dirt gets into the system as you decap and causes all kinds of grief then at the priming station that you will ever correct otherwise.
Now the green people or Hornady may or may not have the same problem . For one the green press ( RCBS)that use's primmer strip's might just flush out the dirt left by decaping before you prime operation

I have been on the phone with dilloin over this for some time . They were good wanting to help all the time and would always be willing to replace a part .
"BUT " How much tinklering do you do ?
So I do not prime on the machine any more .I know I felt every primer going into the case and when I take the primmed brass over to the 550 I can load as as as I am able . Every round perfect.

Now this hand priming got me out of "The Lions Den"

I decap on the 550B with the primer slide removed (usually 1000 per sesion to make it worth while), the brass then goes into the tumbler. I then replace the primer slide and load as usual. I'm never in a big hurry so this is usually a two day operation for me. I had problems before I started reloading using this method. I also rub a small amount of powdered graphite on the primer slide. Works like a charm!

You do have to keep these reloaders clean, just like any other machine, in order to function properly. The primer slide would be the most critical area because of the primer residue that gets knocked out with the spent primer. It's my guess that most of the problems that people have are related to not cleaning this area. It doesn't take too much to keep it clean, I typically take a can of air and give the press a quick cleaning every 500 rounds.

Dillons also may not feed if the lips on the primer tubes are worn out. Had that happen with a 450 that I bought used.

Of all the progressive presses I have used, none have been 100% reliable in feeding primers. After a while, you just check that each time you cycle the handle.

Dillons also may not feed if the lips on the primer tubes are worn out. Had that happen with a 450 that I bought used.

Of all the progressive presses I have used, none have been 100% reliable in feeding primers. After a while, you just check that each time you cycle the handle.

MikeG has hit on another area that requires some maintenance on these machines. Fortunatley Dillon includes extras with the press so if one wears out you are still in business...and have another 15-20K rounds to go before you need another.

I don't feel the need the watch the primer feed on the 550 and it was a very hard habit to break after cutting my teeth on a Pro-Jector which had the worst primer system in modern era....at least since they stopped making reloaders out of stone :)

I have the 1050 and a 550B. I prime on both. The 650 is a great machine. Probably my next choice when money allows.
I would like to look at the Dillon shotgun loader too.

Primer slide sticking is a problem on the square deal, the 550b and 650 press's.

A few of the Dillion reloaders that I have got to know , advised me to decap and prime on a single stag press , clean and prime the brass by hand.

It appears dirt gets into the system as you decap and causes all kinds of grief then at the priming station that you will ever correct otherwise.I want to say up front that I do NOT have a Dillon but for what it's worth: The dirt in your primer system may be due to primer residue buildup. I reload on a progressive press too but I make it a habit to decap on my single stage press and clean primer pockets prior to running the brass into the progressive. I haven't had any priming problems using my method. Maybe this will work for you and others who experience the same problem. :p

I use a Dillon 550. I had a 650 and sold it and kept the 550. Seemed to fit my style better. I also had a little trouble with the primer feeder. Seemed to stick more than I liked. I took it apart and gave all the sliding surfaces a light coat of NAPA's DFG (dry film graphite). End of problem, just blow it out occasionaly.
I've wondered about coating it with teflon...

Dogman - don't know if you're still contemplating the 650 but I've had mine about a month now. My only complaint is that I didn't get the automatic case feeder also.

I've loaded over 3,000 rounds of ,45ACP on it with zero problems. Over the years I tried a Lee Progressive which inverted the primers. I gave it away and went for the Hornady Projector. Only problem with it was the priming system. No matter what it would not fully seat the primers.

In frustration I gave up on re-loading for 10 years. Tried it again recently with the Hornady, still no luck priming so I went for the Dillon. No problems, none!

Get a Dillon, you'll be 100% satisfied. They really are a superior piece of engineering. Let us know what you decide and how things work out.

John T.

I've got a 550B, the only problem I've had with the primer feed is when I take out the "follower rod" when the buzzer goes off, and don't put it back in the feed tube, it has failed to feed a primer, but if it's in the tube it always feed fine, the slide has never offered to stick, and I size/decap and reprime 44special/44magnum, and 40s&w at the same time, the only time I've messed with the primer slide is when I change over from the large slide to the small one.
It takes longer to set up the press than it does to load several hundred rounds, I love this press!

I've got a 550B, the only problem I've had with the primer feed is when I take out the "follower rod" when the buzzer goes off, and don't put it back in the feed tube, it has failed to feed a primer, but if it's in the tube it always feed fine, the slide has never offered to stick, and I size/decap and reprime 44special/44magnum, and 40s&w at the same time, the only time I've messed with the primer slide is when I change over from the large slide to the small one.
It takes longer to set up the press than it does to load several hundred rounds, I love this press!


I noticed the same thing with the primer follower, it must be in the feed tube for correct functioning of the primer feed mechanism. And yes, setup time is greater that reload time. Sure wish I'd gotten the Dillon from the get-go :D

when I got home tonight, the mail box contained the january issue of Dillon's "Blue Press" on the in side of the front cover is their NEW automatic case feeder for th RL550B!
They are taking orders now and will start shiping them in the middle of January, the price is $229.95 for the feeder, $19.95 for the "caliber change over kit" (it's required) and Shipping.

For those of you who might be interested.