New Dillon XL 650 & Upgrades

[UNC151]

I picked up a Dillon XL 650 after the holidays (have not decided if I am going to sell my RL550B and buy another 650 or just keep it), but after I received it, I found there were a few upgrades (which really should have been factory designed) which make the operation so much smoother. To some degree, all Dillon presses have an annoying habit of the shell plate "snapping" into place which can result in short cases or nearly full cases spilling some of the powder charges. The upgrades I added make this a non-issue as the turntable is super smooth with no snapping. I also added a camera and LCD screen to be able to see the case feeder. I will likely add another camera to watch the powder charges as the cases rotate around.


Case Feed Roller, New Detent Ball & Spring, and New Bronze Bearing:

New Turntable Advnace Roller Bearing (not on my press):

Case Feed Camera and LCD (my press):

 

[Balrog006]

While I'm not new to Reloading either I also just upgraded to a 650, from a Lee Classic cast Turret. I did try a Lee Loadmaster in between but could not get it to function reliably or consistently.

I've done similar upgrades to your shell plate bearing one, but stopped short of the lower bearing and the shell feeder post upgrade. Instead I went to the amazing Inline Fabrication and got an Ergo roller handle and their dual light strip/overhead kit, I separately sourced a round counter, crud catcher and a set of set screws for the frequent fasteners instead of having to Allen wrench them every time...

With the way I load and the light I can easily see the powder in the cases and thru some use and practice I've been able to by sound tell when the case feeder needs a fill.

I'm still using (successfully) my lee dies and Pro auto disk powder measures, though eventually I'll use the Dillon measure for something I load.

What other things are on your list? Any other observations or problems?

 

[CT8]

I have a Dillon 550B since 1991 and a couple years ago sent it back for a rebuild . It came back better than New with the upgreded parte etc and I love it. That 650 is a space ship!

 

[spk2000]

How much does it cost to rebuild the 550B. Mine is from around 1991 as well and has been through a few moves and might need a little TLC to bring it back to the awesome it once was.

 

[nwjones18]

That is one impressive outfit you have there. I have a Lee progressive 1000 and that thing is a pain in the butt to use IMO.

 

[CT8]

Originally Posted By: spk2000
How much does it cost to rebuild the 550B. Mine is from around 1991 as well and has been through a few moves and might need a little TLC to bring it back to the awesome it once was.
It cost the freight to ship it to Dillon and the No B.S. warranty took care of the rest and the return shipping. Dillon is a great company and product. Give them a call.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: Balrog006
While I'm not new to Reloading either I also just upgraded to a 650, from a Lee Classic cast Turret. I did try a Lee Loadmaster in between but could not get it to function reliably or consistently. I've done similar upgrades to your shell plate bearing one, but stopped short of the lower bearing and the shell feeder post upgrade. Instead I went to the amazing Inline Fabrication and got an Ergo roller handle and their dual light strip/overhead kit, I separately sourced a round counter, crud catcher and a set of set screws for the frequent fasteners instead of having to Allen wrench them every time. With the way I load and the light I can easily see the powder in the cases and thru some use and practice I've been able to by sound tell when the case feeder needs a fill. I'm still using (successfully) my lee dies and Pro auto disk powder measures, though eventually I'll use the Dillon measure for something I load.

What other things are on your list? Any other observations or problems?
After all of the upgrades, I am pretty happy with it. It took a while to stop reaching for a case (550B habits). The only other thing that is only slightly irritating is the 550B would not advance a primer if one was not needed, but the 650 will. It just took a little while until I understood not to load primers into the system until I have everything else set up. I would highly recommend the lower bearing and the shell feeder post upgrade for yours--you cannot imagine how much smoother it runs. I will probably add the crud catchers on the case feeder and I have a bullet tray ordered, but other than a few more tool heads and conversion kits, I am all set (until I decide if I want to replace the 550 with another 650).

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: nwjones18
That is one impressive outfit you have there. I have a Lee progressive 1000 and that thing is a pain in the butt to use IMO.
Many thanks! I went from an RCBS Rock Chucker (started reloading in 1990), to the original Hornady Projector, to the Dillon 550B and now added the 650. If I had to do it all over again, I would have skipped the Hornady and went straight to Dillon. Overkill is making good use of my old Rock Chucker these days. You cannot wear them out!

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: CT8
Originally Posted By: spk2000
How much does it cost to rebuild the 550B. Mine is from around 1991 as well and has been through a few moves and might need a little TLC to bring it back to the awesome it once was.
It cost the freight to ship it to Dillon and the No B.S. warranty took care of the rest and the return shipping. Dillon is a great company and product. Give them a call.
I think they changed it to $75 to rebuild it recently. Still a decent deal because they will install all of the upgrades (such as adding grease zerks to lube the press).

 

[CT8]

I taught a couple on new reloaders with the 550 Dillon and they went and bought 550s and are doing well with the press.

 

[CT8]

Originally Posted By: 2015_PSD
Originally Posted By: CT8
Originally Posted By: spk2000
How much does it cost to rebuild the 550B. Mine is from around 1991 as well and has been through a few moves and might need a little TLC to bring it back to the awesome it once was.
It cost the freight to ship it to Dillon and the No B.S. warranty took care of the rest and the return shipping. Dillon is a great company and product. Give them a call.
I think they changed it to $75 to rebuild it recently. Still a decent deal because they will install all of the upgrades (such as adding grease zerks to lube the press).
Mine was free.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: CT8
Originally Posted By: 2015_PSD
I think they changed it to $75 to rebuild it recently. Still a decent deal because they will install all of the upgrades (such as adding grease zerks to lube the press).
Mine was free.
How long ago was that? One of the guys on a forum I am in sent his a few weeks ago and it was $75. Would be nice if it is still free, now that I have a 650, I will probably send the 550 in for a refresh.