XL650 & RCBS Dies
Quote from Reloader on January 18, 2016, 10:40 pmSo how much trouble can I expect to have if I purchase an XL650 and use my RCBS dies on it? Is it a big deal or not? Do I really need to replace all my dies with Dillon dies? If so I think I would rather buy a RCBS progressive machine.
So how much trouble can I expect to have if I purchase an XL650 and use my RCBS dies on it? Is it a big deal or not? Do I really need to replace all my dies with Dillon dies? If so I think I would rather buy a RCBS progressive machine.
Quote from Reloader on January 19, 2016, 4:43 amThe RCBS dies will work, but...
I ended up switching to Dillon. With the RCBS dies, you may need to use the smaller lock rings, (Dillon) to get more of a purchase on the threads above the tool head. It seems that the RCBS need to be a quarter inch longer. They (RCBS) also do bullet seating and crimping in one step, something I prefer to do separately. If you do too, you'll need to pick up a separate crimp die. I decided if I was going to buy an additional die for each caliber, and switch the lock rings, I may as well sell them on eBay and buy Dillon. It may have cost more in the long run, but the no BS warranty is legit and makes for peace of mind. Finally, I really like the way you can take apart the Dillon dies for cleaning and simple adjusting, or changing the bullet type. I still have my RCBS press, but now it mostly just does bullet removal and a pass thru with a Redding die for the Glock bulge on 40 S&W. If you have many calibers, try one set of Dillon dies and you may come to the same conclusion as I did. I love the dies as well as the 650.
The RCBS dies will work, but...
I ended up switching to Dillon. With the RCBS dies, you may need to use the smaller lock rings, (Dillon) to get more of a purchase on the threads above the tool head. It seems that the RCBS need to be a quarter inch longer. They (RCBS) also do bullet seating and crimping in one step, something I prefer to do separately. If you do too, you'll need to pick up a separate crimp die. I decided if I was going to buy an additional die for each caliber, and switch the lock rings, I may as well sell them on eBay and buy Dillon. It may have cost more in the long run, but the no BS warranty is legit and makes for peace of mind. Finally, I really like the way you can take apart the Dillon dies for cleaning and simple adjusting, or changing the bullet type. I still have my RCBS press, but now it mostly just does bullet removal and a pass thru with a Redding die for the Glock bulge on 40 S&W. If you have many calibers, try one set of Dillon dies and you may come to the same conclusion as I did. I love the dies as well as the 650.
Quote from Reloader on January 19, 2016, 11:10 amThank you divejj I appreciate the reply. I was afraid I would get an answer like yours. This will be a tough decision for me. I believe I would really like to have a Dillon press but I am just not into the idea of replacing all my dies. I am currently loading 8 different calibers. That is a lot of extra money just to do what I can already do or do with another brand of press. I am sure the Dillon "no BS" warranty is great but I am also sure the quality of other manufacturers presses is very close so t will be a tough decision, thanks again for the reply!
Thank you divejj I appreciate the reply. I was afraid I would get an answer like yours. This will be a tough decision for me. I believe I would really like to have a Dillon press but I am just not into the idea of replacing all my dies. I am currently loading 8 different calibers. That is a lot of extra money just to do what I can already do or do with another brand of press. I am sure the Dillon "no BS" warranty is great but I am also sure the quality of other manufacturers presses is very close so t will be a tough decision, thanks again for the reply!
Quote from Reloader on May 10, 2016, 6:02 pmI use Lee and Lyman dies, in addition to Dillon on my XL650. All my lock rings are the newer Dillon 1" rings, which simplifies matters greatly. If threads are a problem (as they are with my Lee Size dies), I just thread the lock ring on the bottom of the tool head, works great.
I use Lee and Lyman dies, in addition to Dillon on my XL650. All my lock rings are the newer Dillon 1" rings, which simplifies matters greatly. If threads are a problem (as they are with my Lee Size dies), I just thread the lock ring on the bottom of the tool head, works great.
Quote from Reloader on March 11, 2017, 4:33 pmI e found that the RCBS SB sizing/decapping die is too long- If you screw it all the way in until it touches the shell plate, you aren't setting the shoulder. REALLY evident of converting .223 to 300 Blk.
As for the length of the dies and the ability of the lock ring to grab enough thread, try getting the die set at the height that you want, then screwing the lock ring up from the bottom. That worked perfectly for my RCBS .223 SB sizing/decapping die.
I e found that the RCBS SB sizing/decapping die is too long- If you screw it all the way in until it touches the shell plate, you aren't setting the shoulder. REALLY evident of converting .223 to 300 Blk.
As for the length of the dies and the ability of the lock ring to grab enough thread, try getting the die set at the height that you want, then screwing the lock ring up from the bottom. That worked perfectly for my RCBS .223 SB sizing/decapping die.
Quote from Reloader on March 25, 2017, 1:11 amhere is what you need to do with the rcbs dies or lee dies just put the lock rings under the tool head. that's what I have been doing for years. it wont cause any issues
here is what you need to do with the rcbs dies or lee dies just put the lock rings under the tool head. that's what I have been doing for years. it wont cause any issues
Quote from Reloader on March 26, 2017, 2:17 pmWith a few exceptions, I switched to the Dillon dies. The ability to drop them out and clean them without changing settings is useful. Lubed lead bullets can build up sometimes. I think they may be shaped a little better for progressive loading when a case enters them. But that is just my opinion and may not be factual. I do use an RCBS Lockout die, and a crimp die for 44 Russian because the Dillon die won't go down far enough.
With a few exceptions, I switched to the Dillon dies. The ability to drop them out and clean them without changing settings is useful. Lubed lead bullets can build up sometimes. I think they may be shaped a little better for progressive loading when a case enters them. But that is just my opinion and may not be factual. I do use an RCBS Lockout die, and a crimp die for 44 Russian because the Dillon die won't go down far enough.