Up and running!
Quote from Reloader on November 16, 2008, 12:36 pmI have had several Square Deals for the past few years and have been extremely happy with them. Technical support is second to none. These little presses are more than enough for the average pistol shooter, IMHO.
If I hadn't gotten a rifle that consumed a bunch of ammo I wouldn't have even looked into getting a different press.
I settled on the XL650 for one reason and one reason only, Technical support. I figured the presses were all going to work as designed. I wanted to have support when they didn't. I trust Dillon's folks. Top notch.
At any rate, I got my new XL650 yesterday and had her up and running in about 45 minutes from unpacking it. This thing is kind of intimidating though I must say. There is a lot of stuff going on all at the same time.
It came in my rifle caliber and I had Lee dies. I ran into the lock ring problem and figured that was the reason for the thin lock down nuts that came with the press. I also figured out turning the Lee ones upside down. Reloading the rifle caliber I have is a pain no matter where you do it. The powder seems to be right at the neck and tends to "slosh" around a bit. I am going to look into using a different powder. One that doesn't fill the case near so full.
After about 150 rounds it was time to try a caliber change. 38spl was first. Everything went well until I tried to do several cases at once. It seemed the next case was dropping too quickly. Guess what I did then, read the instructions. I found out the cam to drop the case needed "flipping" and once that was complete, AWAY WE WENT! Got about 300 target loads out in a little less than 45 minutes. Going slow and watching. Like I said earlier, it is kind of intimidating!
After that I felt pretty secure and changed over to 45ACP. Now I only have the one tool head so set up is a bit slow right now. I will get more in the future, Christmas is coming! 😉
I got this caliber going too and had some of the same issues with my Lee dies. I've had those dies for about 20 years so they just now are getting their maximum use!
I am glad I bought the case feeder. If they ever make a bullet feeder for the XL650, I'm going to get one! There would be no way to duplicate the speed that this press could go then.
I had only one problem that I had to resolve temporarily. There was no clamp for the Powder Check Die with the unit. It got overlooked during packaging. Fortunately for me I am still a Square Deal owner. The clamps are the same for the powder measure on it!
I called Technical support and one is on the way.
Great press. Looking for many years of use out of this baby. Now all I need is the 9mm, 40S&W conversions and 5 tool heads with powder dies. Maybe a roller handle too. We'll see what appears under the Christmas tree this year!
I know this seems like a sales pitch or a humongous pat on the back for Dillon. One reason I set the tone that way. They get enough calls from folks that are less than complimentary I would guess. Also, I am in the "Technical Service" field as well. You can go from Hero to Zero in one swoop!
At any rate, thanks Dillon for such a good product and the help!
p.s. If you want to send some free stuff for such a nice report, just let me know and I will give you my address! 😉 (JK)
I have had several Square Deals for the past few years and have been extremely happy with them. Technical support is second to none. These little presses are more than enough for the average pistol shooter, IMHO.
If I hadn't gotten a rifle that consumed a bunch of ammo I wouldn't have even looked into getting a different press.
I settled on the XL650 for one reason and one reason only, Technical support. I figured the presses were all going to work as designed. I wanted to have support when they didn't. I trust Dillon's folks. Top notch.
At any rate, I got my new XL650 yesterday and had her up and running in about 45 minutes from unpacking it. This thing is kind of intimidating though I must say. There is a lot of stuff going on all at the same time.
It came in my rifle caliber and I had Lee dies. I ran into the lock ring problem and figured that was the reason for the thin lock down nuts that came with the press. I also figured out turning the Lee ones upside down. Reloading the rifle caliber I have is a pain no matter where you do it. The powder seems to be right at the neck and tends to "slosh" around a bit. I am going to look into using a different powder. One that doesn't fill the case near so full.
After about 150 rounds it was time to try a caliber change. 38spl was first. Everything went well until I tried to do several cases at once. It seemed the next case was dropping too quickly. Guess what I did then, read the instructions. I found out the cam to drop the case needed "flipping" and once that was complete, AWAY WE WENT! Got about 300 target loads out in a little less than 45 minutes. Going slow and watching. Like I said earlier, it is kind of intimidating!
After that I felt pretty secure and changed over to 45ACP. Now I only have the one tool head so set up is a bit slow right now. I will get more in the future, Christmas is coming! 😉
I got this caliber going too and had some of the same issues with my Lee dies. I've had those dies for about 20 years so they just now are getting their maximum use!
I am glad I bought the case feeder. If they ever make a bullet feeder for the XL650, I'm going to get one! There would be no way to duplicate the speed that this press could go then.
I had only one problem that I had to resolve temporarily. There was no clamp for the Powder Check Die with the unit. It got overlooked during packaging. Fortunately for me I am still a Square Deal owner. The clamps are the same for the powder measure on it!
I called Technical support and one is on the way.
Great press. Looking for many years of use out of this baby. Now all I need is the 9mm, 40S&W conversions and 5 tool heads with powder dies. Maybe a roller handle too. We'll see what appears under the Christmas tree this year!
I know this seems like a sales pitch or a humongous pat on the back for Dillon. One reason I set the tone that way. They get enough calls from folks that are less than complimentary I would guess. Also, I am in the "Technical Service" field as well. You can go from Hero to Zero in one swoop!
At any rate, thanks Dillon for such a good product and the help!
p.s. If you want to send some free stuff for such a nice report, just let me know and I will give you my address! 😉 (JK)