XL650 vs 550B
Quote from Reloader on July 22, 2014, 5:13 amI am about to get rid of my Lee Pro 1000 to switch over to a Dillion Press. I currently reload 9mm, 40S&W, and .223. I rarely have more than about 1,000 of each round on hand. However, I am stuck on which would actually fit my needs more. I do like the Case Feeder and other bells and whistles that come with the XL650, and I do plan to start shooting in some local custom matches. I have had some issues that are pretty well known with the Lee Pro 1000. Including Powder drop and Case Feeding Issues. Don't get me wrong the Lee Pro 1000 has been a decent press for the money, but you do get what you pay for, and I am ready to upgrade my equipment.
Which would you recommend?
I am about to get rid of my Lee Pro 1000 to switch over to a Dillion Press. I currently reload 9mm, 40S&W, and .223. I rarely have more than about 1,000 of each round on hand. However, I am stuck on which would actually fit my needs more. I do like the Case Feeder and other bells and whistles that come with the XL650, and I do plan to start shooting in some local custom matches. I have had some issues that are pretty well known with the Lee Pro 1000. Including Powder drop and Case Feeding Issues. Don't get me wrong the Lee Pro 1000 has been a decent press for the money, but you do get what you pay for, and I am ready to upgrade my equipment.
Which would you recommend?
Quote from Reloader on July 22, 2014, 11:47 amIf you really want the case feeder for all 3 calibers of yours. I suggest the 650. If a case feeder is not a requirement than the 550 would be my choice.
I have a 550 w/ case feeder but I only load handgun ammo on it.
If you really want the case feeder for all 3 calibers of yours. I suggest the 650. If a case feeder is not a requirement than the 550 would be my choice.
I have a 550 w/ case feeder but I only load handgun ammo on it.
Quote from Reloader on July 22, 2014, 3:34 pmI really like the auto indexing on my 650. I switched over to blue a few years ago, as my friend convinced me to move to progressive. He had the 550B. We talked and he even offered to swap machines and he would pay the difference plus so he could have the 650. That convinced me, I said no and ordered the 650 telling my friend that the 650 is MINE. I haven't looked back and am glad I did. With the extra station, you can add a bullet feeder, which is pricey, but oh so sweet...even though you have to eliminate the powder checker, something not available on the 4 station unless you seat and crimp in one operation.
Just my 2 cents, take it with a grain of salt,
jj
I really like the auto indexing on my 650. I switched over to blue a few years ago, as my friend convinced me to move to progressive. He had the 550B. We talked and he even offered to swap machines and he would pay the difference plus so he could have the 650. That convinced me, I said no and ordered the 650 telling my friend that the 650 is MINE. I haven't looked back and am glad I did. With the extra station, you can add a bullet feeder, which is pricey, but oh so sweet...even though you have to eliminate the powder checker, something not available on the 4 station unless you seat and crimp in one operation.
Just my 2 cents, take it with a grain of salt,
jj
Quote from Reloader on September 19, 2014, 1:25 pmI have found that I appreciate the manual index feature of the 550B. Sometimes, especially as I am fine-tuning a powder charge or OAL for a particular run, I have to "re-do" a particular station, which would be much more difficult if the press was auto-indexing. I would like a casefeeder, and hope to get one someday. But I prefer the manual indexing of the 550B. Frankly, I don't think an automatic bullet feeder would speed me up at all, so I don't miss that either.
$.02 from a happy 550B owner
I have found that I appreciate the manual index feature of the 550B. Sometimes, especially as I am fine-tuning a powder charge or OAL for a particular run, I have to "re-do" a particular station, which would be much more difficult if the press was auto-indexing. I would like a casefeeder, and hope to get one someday. But I prefer the manual indexing of the 550B. Frankly, I don't think an automatic bullet feeder would speed me up at all, so I don't miss that either.
$.02 from a happy 550B owner
Quote from Reloader on September 18, 2017, 7:10 pmI have a 550b with casefeed and really like it. I thought about the 650, but i'd have to take a loss on the 550 for the upgrade and can't justify it at the moment. 550 has slightly more calibers, but the casefeed can't do rifle calibers.... without modification. 650 takes longer to change calibers. If you're only kicking out 400-600 rounds at a time, then the 550 would suffice. If you're looking at the cost, the 650 isn't too much more than the 550... because they fail to mention that the casefeed adapter kit for each caliber is approximately 25$. When I calculated 5 calibers, there was only like a $100 difference between the two after casefeed and casefeed adapters. If I were doing it again, I would probably go with the 650, but the 550 was my first press. I can kick out about 500-600 pistol rounds in about an hour on the 550 when I'm working it. I'll load 500 or so per sitting. Rifle rounds are slower because I take my time and let the powder settle. I hope this helps.
I have a 550b with casefeed and really like it. I thought about the 650, but i'd have to take a loss on the 550 for the upgrade and can't justify it at the moment. 550 has slightly more calibers, but the casefeed can't do rifle calibers.... without modification. 650 takes longer to change calibers. If you're only kicking out 400-600 rounds at a time, then the 550 would suffice. If you're looking at the cost, the 650 isn't too much more than the 550... because they fail to mention that the casefeed adapter kit for each caliber is approximately 25$. When I calculated 5 calibers, there was only like a $100 difference between the two after casefeed and casefeed adapters. If I were doing it again, I would probably go with the 650, but the 550 was my first press. I can kick out about 500-600 pistol rounds in about an hour on the 550 when I'm working it. I'll load 500 or so per sitting. Rifle rounds are slower because I take my time and let the powder settle. I hope this helps.