Quote from Reloader on April 16, 2016, 8:15 pm

Hi,
if you are looking on this site, you are heading in the right direction. Personally, I'd go with the XL650. It's the best bang for the buck for a great progressive press. You can change it to load just about any caliber (requires conversion kit which is a nominal fee), and of course the dies to match. You can also add accessories like the case feeder, roller handle, strong mount, bullet tray, etc. (I believe most Dillon Presses can utilize these accessories).

Also, read, read, read...anyone who uses Dillon loves them, anyone who bashes Dillon were too cheap to buy one and have buyers remorse.

Good luck.

Quote from Reloader on April 20, 2016, 12:06 am

Short version:

Square Deal:
-- pistol only,
-- fully progressive (automatic shellplate advancing ("indexing"),
great value (cost/performance),
-- 4 positions (1. resize/deprime, 2. case mouth flaring/powder dispensing, 3. bullet seating, 4. case mouth crimping),
-- Dillon-specific dies and die holder (bolted in a place, a minor pita to change calibers)

550:
-- pistol and rifle,
-- manual shellplate advance,
-- 4 positions,
-- uses standard dies (Dillon or others),
-- quick-change toolhead for caliber changes.

650:
-- pistol and rifle,
-- automatic shellplate advance,
-- 5 positions
-- uses standard dies (Dillon or others),
-- quick-change toolhead for caliber changes.

I purchased a Square Deal B 25-30 years ago, thinking I'd never reload anything but pistol (not to mention the price of a 650 was out of reach back then). Fast-forward to a few months ago, and I purchased a 650 to do rifle with pistol, gain automatic case feeding (an add-on option), add a loading position and gain the quick-change convenience. I selected the 650 over the 550 in large part due to the manual vs. automatic indexing -- too easy for me to have a "duh" moment, forget to index the 500 shellplate, and end up with a double charge (something that is made even more unlikely with a 650 with a powder level checker that can be added in the 650's 5-position toolhead).

If you think you might someday reload rifle and can make the $$$ stretch, I recommend a 650 -- cheaper in the long run. (This is not a knock on the Square Deal -- mine is still cranking out .45 nicely.)

HTH,
Mark

Quote from Reloader on April 27, 2016, 3:28 pm

The "extra" 5th position on the 650 will also allow you to upgrade the machine with a powder check for safety or a bullet feeder to increase production speed. I was between the 650 and the 1050 and decided on the 650 mostly for the warranty difference. 1050 is considered a commercial press and only carries a 1 year warranty. 650 carries a lifetime no BS warranty and is WELL known for going above and beyond in honoring that.

Quote from Reloader on July 17, 2016, 5:38 pm

I would vote for the 650, yes I know its a little more money but I for one just upgraded from the 550 to the 650 so buy it once would be smarter than me. Do onto get we wrong, the 550 is a great machine I just wanted the 5th station so I could use the powder check die. I also sprung for the case feeder for the 650, its a real pleasure no loading on the 650. My problem now is I can not shoot fast enough!