I am no longer a dealer for Dillon Precision. But, below are my reviews, comparisons, and detailed info for Dillon Precision’s Square Deal B, RL 550B, XL 650, and the Super 1050 B, from when I was a Dillon dealer.

If you call Dillon to place your order – if my info was helpful, please mention that to your Dillon sales rep.

  • Dillon FAQs  General Reloading & Dillon, Frequently Asked Questions
  • Which Dillon?  An in-depth review of all Dillon Precision reloading products
  • Dillon Nomenclature  A list of terms for all Dillon’s products and reloading presses

Topics covered below:

  • Which Dillon Precision reloading press is for me?
  • What comes with each press initially, and what options are available and recommended?
  • What other accessories are required to begin reloading?
  • What is required to change calibers?

NOTE: The prices on this page are approximate, and will not reflect price changes after 2015.

Which Dillon?
Square Deal B
RL 550 B
XL 650
Super 1050
Machine Summary
Machine Options
Caliber Conv.
Reloading Access.

Now would be a good time to make a cup of coffee…

Which Dillon?
Dillon Precision is the only choice for all your reloading needs. If you’ve done the research, you know where I’m coming from. Consider the quality and innovation behind each product, the lifetime “No BS” warranty, and the unparalleled reputation for post-sale service, and there simply isn’t any other option. Your only decision is which machine to buy.

When I was a Dillon dealer for 15 years, I received approximately 1,234,567 phone calls and emails about which press to buy, and what options to buy along with it. The rest of this page is the result of that…

Whether you’re just getting started, or have been reloading forever – Dillon offers a machine for every budget or reloading need. From the “pistol only” Square Deal, the “workhorse” RL 550B, the fully progressive XL 650, to the commercial grade Super 1050. They even offer a progressive shotshell loader that blows away everything on the market.

Your first question should be – exactly what are my short and long term goals for this machine? Your final decision will depend on how many rounds and how many calibers you will shoot (monthly), and money spent vs. time spent reloading. If you shoot up to 2000 rounds/month in one or two pistol calibers, then the Square Deal or the RL 550B will be perfect. If, on the other hand, you plan to dethrone Rob Leatham (The Great One) at the next IPSC World Championship, well, you’d better get the Super 1050, which is capable of cranking out serious quantities of match-grade ammo. (More below…)

For each machine, I’ll exaplain:

  • What it does, what it won’t do, cost, hidden costs, what it comes with, what it doesn’t come with, machine options, speed, what is required to change calibers, and cost to change calibers.
  • Summarize and compare the machines.
  • Various reloading accessories, such as: scales, calipers, case cleaners, etc.
Dillon F.A.Q.

Which Dillon?
Square Deal B
RL 550 B
XL 650
Super 1050
Machine Summary
Machine Options
Caliber Conv.
Reloading Access.

Square Deal B Dillon F.A.Q.

Which Dillon?
Square Deal B
RL 550 B
XL 650
Super 1050
Machine Summary
Machine Options
Caliber Conv.
Reloading Access.

Dillon’s lowest priced – Pistol calibers only – progressive reloading press is the Square Deal B.

Square Deal B Press

It comes with:

  • Dies (which only fit the Square Deal)
  • Toolhead
  • One Caliber Conversion
  • Automatic Powder Measure System and Powder Die
  • Automatic Priming System for Large and Small Primers
  • Low Primer Warning System (sounds audible alarm)
  • One Large and one Small Primer Pickup Tube
  • Loaded Ammo (Akro) Bin (no Bullet Tray)
  • Loaded Cartridge, Auto-eject System

Note: Pic includes optional accessories: Strong Mount, Bullet Tray, and Low Powder Sensor.

Its features include:

  • Available in 14 Handgun calibers (Cannot load rifle!)
  • Loading Rate: 400-500 Rounds per Hour
  • Automatic Indexing
  • Comes Complete With Carbide Loading Dies
  • Factory Adjusted, ready to load

The Square Deal provides an economical means of loading medium volumes of pistol ammo. If you only plan to load pistol ammo, don’t have much cash to spend, and don’t need to crank out huge volumes in the shortest time possible, the Square Deal may be for you.

Drawbacks:

  1. The factory included dies only fit the SqDeal: you cannot use them in any other machine, nor can you use any other manufacturer’s dies in the Square Deal.
  2. The machine’s physical size is a tad on the small side. For some, its compact size makes it more difficult to operate and maintain than Dillon’s other machines.
  3. Auto-indexing complicates the machine without offering any speed increase. (For more details see the 550 below.)
  4. It loads pistol cartridges only. It cannot load any rifle cartridges!

The only time I ever recommend a SqDeal (over the 550) is if you have loaded on a friend’s SqDeal and liked it.

RFP: (Recommended First Purchase)
$379.95 – Base price
$64.95 – Strong Mount
$41.95 – Bullet Tray
$486.85 – RFP Total

Additional options:
$41.95 – Low Powder Sensor

NCC: (Nice Caliber Conversion)
 $98.95 – Square Deal Quick-Change Kit (Comes with Toolhead, Powder Measure, and Powder Die, so you don’t have to re-adjust the Powder Measure every time you switch calibers.)
 $84.95 – Caliber Conversion Kit (includes Dies)
$183.90 – Total for NC

 $31.95 – Toolhead Only (inc. Powder Die but not Powder Measure)

Approximate time to change calibers: 10 to 15 minutes.

 Download the Square Deal B Manual  (PDF, Latest Version)

RL 550B Reloading Press Dillon F.A.Q.

Which Dillon?
Square Deal B
RL 550 B
XL 650
Super 1050
Machine Summary
Machine Options
Caliber Conv.
Reloading Access.

Now let’s checkout the real workhorse of the Dillon family – The RL 550B.

RL 550B PressIt comes with:

  • Toolhead
  • One Caliber Conversion (Shellplate, Locator Buttons, and Powder Funnel)
  • Automatic Powder Measure System and Powder Die
  • Automatic Priming System for Large and Small Primers
  • Low Primer Warning System (sounds audible alarm)
  • One Large and one Small Primer Pickup Tube
  • Loaded Ammo (Akro) Bin (no Bullet Tray)
  • Loaded Cartridge, Auto-eject System
  • Standard (not ball-end) hex key set (“allen wrenches”)

The RL 550B does not come with Dies.

Note: Pic includes optional accessories: Strong Mount, Bullet Tray, Aluminum Roller Handle, and Low Powder Sensor.

Its features include:

  • Accommodates Over 120 Pistol and Rifle Calibers!
  • Interchangeable Toolhead Assembly
  • Uses Standard 7/8″ x 14 Dies
  • Loading Rate: 400-600 Rounds/Hour

Dillon’s RL 550B has all the simplicity and reliability of a single-stage reloading press, but it loads a complete round with every pull of the handle. And it’s as easy to learn to reload on as a single stage!

If you plan to load multiple pistol and rifle calibers and can only justify owning one press, this is the only machine to consider. It’s a rugged, durable machine that will virtually produce ammo forever.

A common misconception: Manually indexing the shellplate slows down the machine. The truth is: Without a Casefeeder, auto-indexing only unnecessarily complicates the machine, without offering any increase in speed. Because, while your right hand cycles the handle, your left hand grabs a bullet, then waits for the shellplate to return. After seating the primer, while your right hand is reaching for a new piece of brass, your left hand indexes the shellplate and sets the bullet on the case (which is charged with powder) before your right hand can insert a new case in the Shellplate.

If you plan to load multiple calibers on one machine, would like to switch calibers quickly, easily, and inexpensively, this is the machine for you.

Recommended for loading up to 2500 rounds/month in a single caliber, or almost anytime you plan to switch calibers more than a couple times a month. I almost always recommend the 550 for your first progressive reloading machine.

RL 550B Casefeeder
The long-awaited 550 Casefeeder began shipping January, 2006.

  • Works with pistol calibers only (no rifle calibers, including 30 carbine)
  • Will increase production rate by 25% or more
  • Requires a Casefeed Caliber Conversion Kit for each caliber

$254.95 – Price (w/o Caliber Conversion)
 $23.95 – Casefeed Caliber Conversion (required for each caliber)

550 Height Dimensions (w/Casefeeder)
With Casefeeder (and no Strong Mount): 38″

With Casefeeder and 550 Strong Mount: 46″
(550/650 Strong Mount raises machine: 8.5″)

Should I buy the Casefeeder if I buy a 550?
If you already own a 550 and only load pistol ammo, the Casefeeder will be a nice improvement to your machine – if your goal is to increase production. If you are thinking of buying a 550 with the Casefeeder – especially just to load one caliber – buy the 650 instead. (The auto-indexing of the 650 makes it a truly progressive machine.) More details on this in the Dillon FAQs.

If the 550 feels like the right machine for you, but think you’d really like to get the 650 – especially if your buddies are pressuring you to get a 650: Check this Topic in my Forum.

Drawbacks:

  • It doesn’t have any. (Other than it’s slightly slower speed compared to the 650 or the 1050.) Overall, it is my favorite machine due to it’s simplicity, versatility, and overall dependability.

RFP: (Recommended First Purchase)
$439.95 – Base Price
$63.95 – Dies – (Ordered separately)
$44.95 – Roller Handle, Aluminum
$48.95 – Strong Mount (fits 550 and 650)
$41.95 – Bullet Tray
$24.95 – Empty Case Bin and Bracket
$664.70 – RFP Total

Additional options available:
 $40.95 – Roller Handle, Plastic
$41.95 – Low Powder Sensor

NCC: (Nice Caliber Conversion)
 $45.95 – Caliber Conversion Kit
$63.95 – Dies
$103.95 – Deluxe Quick Change Kit (Includes Toolhead, Powder Measure, Powder Die, and Toolhead Stand.)
$213.85 – NCC Total

Approximate time to change calibers: 10 – 15 minutes at the outside, and down to about 60 seconds if both calibers involved in the conversion use the same Shellplate (as with a .45 ACP and .308 Win) and you bought a Deluxe Quick-Change Kit.

RL 550B Caliber Conversion Cross Reference Chart
Used to determine if two or more Caliber Conversions use the same Shellplate. Often, instead of a Caliber Conversion, you may only need to buy a Powder Funnel if both Caliber Conversions use the same Shellplate and Locator Buttons. For example: 45 ACP and .308/30.06 both use a #1 Shellplate and #1 Locator Buttons. And 9mm and 40 S&W both use the same Shellplate. (More details in the caliber conversion discussion below.)

 Download the RL 550B Manual  (PDF, Latest Version)

XL 650 Reloading Press Dillon F.A.Q.

Which Dillon?
Square Deal B
RL 550 B
XL 650
Super 1050
Machine Summary
Machine Options
Caliber Conv.
Reloading Access.

The fully progressive XL 650, with optional case feeder, is the competitive shooter’s dream come true.

XL 650 PressIt comes with:

  • Toolhead
  • One Caliber Conversion (Shellplate, Locator Buttons, and Powder Funnel)
  • Automatic Powder Measure System and Powder Die
  • Automatic Priming System for Large and Small Primers
  • Low Primer Warning System (sounds audible alarm)
  • One Large and one Small Primer Pickup Tube
  • Loaded Ammo (Akro) Bin
  • Loaded Cartridge, Auto-eject System
  • Standard (not ball-end) hex key set (“allen wrenches”)

The XL 650 does not come with Dies.

Note: Pic includes optional accessories: Strong Mount, Bullet Tray, Aluminum Roller Handle, Casefeeder, and Low Powder Sensor.

Its features include:

  • Automatic Indexing
  • Five-Station Interchangeable Toolhead
  • Uses Standard 7/8″ x 14 Dies
  • Loading Rate: 800-1000 Rounds per Hour
  • Optional Casefeeder Assembly

The 650 was designed with the serious competition shooter in mind – it’s reasonably priced, and it can crank out a boatload of ammo. (Allowing you to spend more of your hard-earned cash on reloading components, which you’ll need to feed your 650.)

Recommended for loading 2000-3500 rounds/month in a single caliber, but seldom as your first progressive machine. And I never recommend it for your first reloading machine, unless you have a buddy with one.

I have two minor complaints. First, it is a little more difficult to clear a stoppage than it is on the 1050. (The 8-station shell plate on the 1050 leaves you plenty of room to work; opposed to the 5-station, 650.) Second, you seat the primer manually, by feel, at the end of the upstroke, like most every other press in the world. Conversely, the 1050 seats the primer, based on a mechanical adjustment, on the downstroke. (More below…)

Although not technically a “drawback,” the case feeder for the 650 is optional, meaning add another 180 bucks to the base price of the machine. (Don’t even think of buying a 650 without the casefeeder.)

650 Height Dimensions (w/Casefeeder):
With Casefeeder (and no Strong Mount): 38.5″
With Casefeeder and 650 Only Strong Mount: 45″
(650 Only Strong Mount raises machine 6.5″)

Note: See the 1050 section below for the question: Should I buy a 650 or a 1050?

RFP: (Recommended First Purchase)
$566.95 – Base Price
$63.95 – Dies (sold separately)
$218.95 – Casefeeder
$42.95 – Roller Handle, Aluminum
$44.95 – Strong Mount, (650 only)
$40.95 – Bullet Tray
$978.70 – RFP Total

Additional options available:
$68.95 – Powder Check System
$41.95 – Low Powder Sensor (redundant with Powder Check System)

NCC: (Nice Caliber Conversion)
 $77.95 – Caliber Conversion Kit
$63.95 – Dies
$107.95 – Deluxe Quick-Change Kit (Includes Toolhead, Powder Measure, Powder Die, and Toolhead Stand.)
$249.85 – NCC Total

Approximate time to change calibers: 20 minutes.

If you are leaning toward the 650 over the 550 because the Powder Check System is not available for the 550 – Check this thread in my Forum.

If this will be my first press, is the 650 too complicated? (Answer opens new window in my forum.)

650 Priming Quick-Change assembly:
The priming quick-change allows you to change the entire priming mechanism with two bolts, instead of disassembling and reassembling the entire priming mechanism. If you plan to change primer size often, it’s pretty handy. ($80.95 )

 Download the XL 650 Manual: Part 1, Part 2  (PDF, Latest Version)

SUPER 1050 B Dillon F.A.Q.

Which Dillon?
Square Deal B
RL 550 B
XL 650
Super 1050
Machine Summary
Machine Options
Caliber Conv.
Reloading Access.

At last, we come to the unexcelled king of the Dillon line, or any other manufacturer’s line for that matter — The Super 1050 B.

Super 1050B Press

Its features include and it comes with:

  • Automatic Casefeeder
  • Automatic Indexing
  • Eight-Station Interchangeable Toolhead
  • Primer Pocket Swaging Station
  • Automatic Powder Measure System
  • Automatic Priming System
  • Low Primer Warning System (sounds audible alarm)
  • Loaded Cartridge, Auto-eject System
  • Plastic Bullet Tray (mounts to press)
  • Standard (not ball-end) hex key set (“allen wrenches”)
  • Uses Standard 7/8″ x 14 Dies (included)
  • Loading Rate: 1000+ Rounds per Hour

The Super 1050B’s lengthened frame and new crank assembly have been improved to provide greater strength and smoother operation, especially when advancing the shellplate. In addition, the increased stroke now accommodates rifle calibers while the handle stroke is kept to a minimum, meaning less work for the operator.

It comes complete with a Casefeeder, Roller Handle, and Dies. In fact, the only options to consider are the Powder Check system and the Bullet Tray; the latter replacing the plastic bullet tray standard with the machine. You’ll find the primer pocket swager invaluable, even if only a single piece of military brass sneaks through your machine. In fact, the priming swaging station, in addition to seating the primer on the downstroke, are the two main advantages of the machine over the XL 650.

Assisted only by the Dillon’s RF 100 Automatic Primer filler, I once loaded 1000 rounds on a 1050 in 33 minutes. And I wasn’t even cranking the handle like a madman – it was just a smooth, consistent run. Of course, I’ve loaded a few bazillion rounds over the years, so that helps. If you want/need to load a garage full of ammo and would rather spend more time on the range than pulling the handle, the 1050 is the machine for you.

Not recommended until you are shooting 4000+ rounds/month in a single caliber, and never as your first progressive machine.

$1739.95 – Base Price and RFP (in pistol calibers)

Additional options:
 $68.95 – Powder Check System
$41.95 – Bullet Tray

Caliber Conversion Requirements:
$117.95 – Caliber conversion kit
$269.95 – Quick-Change Toolhead (Includes Powder Measure)
$63.95 – Dies (Pistol)
$451.85 – NCC Price

Changing calibers is about a 15 to 30 minute operation, depending on your familiarity with the machine and the specifics of the change.

In addition, the 1050 ships from the factory with either a large or small priming system, (not both), and one Casefeed Plate: (either a) Small or Large Pistol, or a Small or Large Rifle. Additional casefeeder plates are $37.95, and the large or small Priming System is $104.95. So at the worst possible scenario, your entire (first) Caliber Conversion could run as high as $581.75.

 Download the Super 1050 B Manual  (PDF, Latest Version)

1050 Priming System: The Square Deal, 550, and 650 come with both small and large priming systems and two powder bars, which together will handle 95% of any caliber you’ll load. The 1050, however, only comes with one priming system and one powder bar, for whichever caliber you order.

Should I get the 650 or the 1050?

A common question: I could probably afford the 1050, but do I really need it?

I asked this question to three friends and long-time reloaders at Dillon Precision. Their answer: If you’ll only load one to three-thousand rounds per month, and plan to switch calibers from now and then to frequently – get the 650. If you plan to shoot 50,000 to 60,000 rounds a year (4,000+ rounds/month), especially if don’t plan to switch calibers – get the 1050. So, if caliber changes will be involved, lean toward the 650. If you don’t plan to switch calibers, and would just like to set down at the machine and crank out some serious ammo when you have a few minutes – get the 1050. One usually knows when they’re ready for the 1050. If you’re not sure, get the 650.

Some years ago, just as I was about to pay too much money for my VW Westfalia, the salesman cinched the deal, saying – “If you’re happy with the vehicle, in a month you’ll have completely forgotten how much you paid, let alone a year from now.” Well, he was right. If you can afford it and don’t plan to switch calibers, get the 1050. You’ll smile every time you sit down to load.

Warranty Note for the Super 1050:
The Super 1050 comes with a one-year factory warranty that covers anything commonly encountered with “normal wear-and-tear,” and a lifetime warranty for “factory defects, materials, and workmanship.” Since the 1050 is typically sold to commercial reloaders, it does not come with Dillon’s lifetime “no BS” warranty. Would this stop me from buying a 1050? Absolutely not. The beauty of seating the primer on the downstroke (only on the 1050) has to be experienced to be fully appreciated.

General Machine Summary
The Square Deal is ideal for the reloader on a limited budget, and only plans to load straight-walled pistol cases (and doesn’t mind the machine’s small size). The RL 550B is the workhorse of the line, capable of loading any pistol or rifle caliber quickly, accurately, and with very little maintenance. It’s slightly more expensive to change calibers on the 550 than it is on the Square Deal, but the added versatility and reliability make it my top pick, if you’re not planning to load 2000+ rounds/month in a single caliber. The XL 650 is designed for the serious “Single Caliber Volume Shooter,” who can’t afford Super 1050B. (It’s a common practice for competition shooters to buy a 650 or 1050 in the “volume caliber,” and then use a 550 to load additional calibers.) The 1050 is truly the ultimate in fully progressive machines — once you’ve loaded on one you’ll understand.

I rated the “learning curve” of each machine, which depends on your experience with reloading in general and the complexity of the individual machine. In general, the more moving parts, the longer the learning curve.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with an “old Single Stage” press being “1”):

  • The RL 550B would be a “3” (mostly due to the automatic powder measure system).
  • The Square Deal would be a “5” (it has a few additional moving parts and it’s quite a bit smaller than the 550).
  • The 650 would be a “7” (auto indexing AND casefeeder)
  • The 1050 would be an 8 (manual primer-depth-seating adjustment, and the priming swager.)

(I reserved “10” for “the other brands progressive offerings,” because most are fairly painful to keep running.)

 
Machine Options
The Strong Mount

Available for the Square Deal, RL 550B, and XL 650. If your bench is not bolted to the wall or floor, or isn’t heavily constructed, definitely order the strong mount and bullet tray when you order the press. It increases the “footprint” to over ten inches, spreading the load over the bench instead of stressing the leading edge. The Strong Mount improves every operation on every machine, especially the automatic powder dispensing and priming systems on all machines, and the Casefeeder and auto indexing operation on the 650.

Bullet Tray
Your machine must have the Strong Mount to use the Bullet Tray. (The Bullet Tray bolts to the Strong Mount.) If you buy the Strong Mount, definitely buy the Bullet Tray as well, which is not only impressively constructed in-and-of-itself, but it increases reloading speed through ergonomics – I highly recommend it. In fact I’d almost recommend buying the Strong Mount just so you could add the Bullet Tray.

Empty Case Bin and Bracket (550 only)
Ergonomically designed to cut your workload through economy of motion, the Empty Case Bin attaches to all Strong-Mount-equipped 550’s, and holds the empty cases close to the 550’s Shellplate. (Highly recommend if your 550 has a Strong Mount.)

Roller Handle
I wouldn’t order the 650 without the roller handle – you’ll hate yourself later. And many who have bought the Aluminum Roller Handle for the 550 have told me they had no idea what they were missing – they love it. (It’s not an option on the Square Deal, and the 1050 comes standard with a plastic roller handle.)

A 550 owners poll from my forum: Do you prefer the Roller Handle for your 550?

Powder Check System
The Powder Check System is available for the 650 and the 1050 only. Probably its most valuable contribution is the confidence it inspires. It mounts in the 650 or1050’s extra Toolhead station (the 550 does not have an “extra Toolhead station”) and checks for gross powder errors before seating the bullet. It eliminates the fear of a cartridge loaded without powder, or worse, the dreaded double charge. Even with the Powder Check System, however, there is no substitute for paying attention to what you are doing and what is happening while you are reloading ammunition.
Comments from a forum member on that topic.

550 Powder Check Workaround: Since you cannot use the Powder Check System on the 550, an excellent work-around is to buy a small, dental or mechanics-type mirror – which have a universal joint between the mirror and the handle – tape it to the press’s frame and adjust it so you can see into the case before you set a bullet on a charged case. Then either a case without powder or a double charge is readily apparent.

Low Powder Sensor
The Low Powder Sensor mounts on top of the Powder Measure and warns you (with a beep) when the powder in the reservoir is low. Some folks love (and really should have) this item, others could care less. I’ve never used it; nevertheless, in a moment of inattention I have let the measure run dry once or twice (while cranking away on a 1050). It’s a big loser if you run dry, especially if your loaded ammo hopper is full of ammo WITH powder.
In the Low Powder Sensor’s defense, however, a friend and experienced Dillon user related a good analogy for the Low Powder Sensor/Powder Measure: He said it’s like the windshield on your car… Although it is big and right in front of your face (the clear, Powder Measure), it will only help you if you are looking through it.

Machine Instructional DVDs (Square Deal, 550, 650, and 1050)

I only recommend the press’s instructional DVDs if you’ve never reloaded. But if you’re buying your first reloading press, after watching the DVD, you’ll be reloading with confidence in no time.

Dillon F.A.Q.

Which Dillon?
Square Deal B
RL 550 B
XL 650
Super 1050
Machine Summary
Machine Options
Caliber Conv.
Reloading Access.

Caliber Conversions
For EACH caliber, changing calibers on an RL 550B or XL 650 requires:

  • Dies (Dillon’s or any other brand)
    and a
  • Caliber Conversion Kit (inc. Shellplate, Locator buttons, Powder Funnel)

And, although not technically required but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – Either a:550 Conversion Items

  • Deluxe Quick-Change Kit (includes Powder Measure)
    or a
  • Toolhead and Powder Die (without Powder Measure)

Click the pic to see the above explained visually (opens new window) ->

The Deluxe Quick-Change Kit includes a Powder Measure, Powder Die, Toolhead, and Toolhead Stand. ($103.95 – $107.95) Since the Deluxe Quick-Change Kit includes the Powder Measure, it allows you to leave a dedicated Powder Measure on each Toolhead (along with the Dies). Which means you can change the entire Toolhead assembly in a couple seconds without having to replace, adjust, or re-calibrate anything on the Toolhead assembly.

Instead of the Deluxe Quick-Change Kit, you can save approximately $65 by buying a Toolhead and Powder Die. (Available as a “one-click-purchase” in my Dillon Store.)

Without the Deluxe Quick-Change Kit, you’ll have to move and recalibrate the Powder Measure each time you switch calibers. Although not too big of a deal, it does require quite a bit of time to re-calibrate the Powder Measure every time you change calibers. Especially if you don’t have an electronic scale.

If you plan to change from pistol to rifle or vise-versa, it is worth buying at least one Deluxe Quick-Change Kit. Then you could leave one Powder Measure set up with the Small (Pistol) charge bar and the other Powder Measure set up with the Large (Rifle) charge bar. In other words, you’d have a dedicated Powder Measure for both pistol and rifle.

What powders meter well in Dillon’s Powder Measures? (Link in my Forums, opens new window.)

RL 550B, “EZ-Buy” Caliber Conversion Packages
The 550 EZ-buy conversion “packages” will redirect to Dillon Precision’s website, at some point… 🙂

More on the Toolhead & Powder Die vs. the Deluxe Quick-Change Kit in the Dillon FAQs.

Note: When purchased in any caliber initially, both the 550 and the 650 come with a Toolhead, Powder Measure, and Powder Die. And since you will typically always leave one Toolhead Assembly in the machine, you do not need to purchase any additional Toolhead Stands. Or in other words, you only need additional Toolhead Stands (or Toolheads or Deluxe Quick-Change Kits) for each additional Caliber Conversion.

Caliber Conversion “Crossover” notes for the 550:
Say you’re loading 45 ACP on your 550, and you want to convert it to load .308 Winchester. Since the Shellplate and Locator Buttons (in the Caliber Conversion Kit) are identical for the 45 and the .308, instead of buying a complete Caliber Conversion Kit ($45.95) for .308, you will only need a .30 caliber Powder Funnel ($15.65). At that point, especially since you’ll be switching between pistol and rifle, you might consider investing the money you saved (by only buying a Powder Funnel) into a Deluxe Quick-Change kit. Then, since you won’t need to change anything on the bottom end, and, you can leave the entire Toolhead including the Powder Measure, adjusted to throw the each respective calibers powder charge, you could change calibers in about 15 seconds. Another +1 for the 550.

The 9mm and the 40 S&W are an increasingly common Conversion “Crossover,” for the 550. Even though these two calibers require different Locator Buttons, since the Caliber Conversion Kits for both calibers use the same Shellplate, you can still save approx. $26 by not buying a complete Caliber Conversion Kit:

… In other words, if you you’re loading 9mm on your 550, and want to convert to 40 S&W, all you need, Caliber Conversion Kit-wise, is a 40 caliber Powder Funnel and Qty. 3, “#2” Locator Buttons. (And note that the 38 Special/357 Magnum Caliber Conversion Kit uses “#2” Locator Buttons.)

RL 550B Caliber Conversion Cross-reference (“Crossover”) Chart

Caliber Conversion Cross-reference Chart for all Presses: Click to download Excel Spreadsheet

For different cartridges that use the same Dies and Caliber Conversion Kits, do I need Dies and a Toolhead (or Deluxe Quick-Change Kits) for each caliber?

Common calibers that share the same Dies and Caliber Conversion Kits:

  • 38 Special / 357 Mag
  • 40 S&W / 10mm
  • 44 Special / 44 Mag
  • 45 ACP / 45 GAP

Although the ultra-cadillac setup would be to have dedciated Toolhead assemblies for both calibers – that can get a bit pricey, especially if you buy Deluxe Quick-Change Kits in addition to the Dies, for both calibers.

Here’s how I setup a single Toolhead and set of Dies to load two calibers.

Say you are loading for 38 Special and you are ready to switch to 357 Mag. Before you readjust the Seat, Crimp, and Powder Dies to load 357, mark each Die body with a blue Sharpie marker, and also make a corresponding mark on the Toolhead. Then before you readjust the Seat, Crimp and Powder Dies to go back to 38 Special, mark the Dies/Toolhead again, but this time with a black Sharpie marker. Now with those reference marks for each caliber, you can quickly readjust the three Dies to change back and forth between the two calibers.

Changing Calibers on an XL 650 or Super 1050B requires:
In addition to the above:

  • Casefeed Plates
    You buy one Casefeed Assembly with the 650 (the Casefeeder comes with a 1050), then for additional calibers you may need to buy a Casefeed Plate, depending on the calibers involved.
  • 650 Priming Quick-Change
    Although the 650 comes with both primer sizes, if your planned caliber conversion requires changing primer sizes, I recommend the Priming Quick-Change assembly. ($80.95) This allows you to change the upper priming assembly by removing and replacing two bolts, instead of the normally cumbersome procedure requiring disassembling and reassembling the upper mechanism itself. (An array of discs, springs, tubes, and balls.)
  • Note for Priming Quick-change: The press comes with 1 Priming Quick-change, in the primer size (small or large) that corresponds to the caliber the press was ordered in. If you add a caliber to the press in the opposite size primer, and decide you also want to buy the Priming Quick-change, then only 1 Priming Quick-change is required.
    Example: You order the 650 press in 9mm (small primer), then add everything required to also load 45 ACP (large primer). And you want to be able to switch back and forth between primer sizes as quickly as possible. So you would buy the Priming Quick-change in Large Primer.
  • The Super 1050 only comes with the priming parts needed to load one primer size (for the caliber it was ordered in). So if your planned caliber conversion requires changing primer sizes, you will need to buy the opposite size priming system. ($105.95)
Dillon F.A.Q.

Which Dillon?
Square Deal B
RL 550 B
XL 650
Super 1050
Machine Summary
Machine Options
Caliber Conv.
Reloading Access.

Dillon Dies
I highly recommend Dillon’s carbide pistol dies for all Dillon’s presses. I’ve used Dillon’s .40 S&W Dies in my 1050 ever since they were specifically redesigned for progressive machines. The radiused opening on all three dies is critical for performance on a progressive machine, (especially for the sizing die), and the quick-disassembling, easily adjustable seating dies are a thing of beauty compared to the traditional offering.

Notes for non-Dillon Dies in a Dillon Press
If your dies seat the bullet and crimp with the same die – order an individual Dillon Seat or Crimp Die, so you can seat and crimp in separate stations. I recommend spending two more dollars – buy a Dillon Seat Die rather than a Taper Crimp Die. Take the seating plug out of your Seat/Crimp Die, and use the die body to just crimp.

Occasionally, for a “non-Dillon” Die to be adjusted and locked down far enough in the Toolhead, you may have to put the Die Lock Ring on the bottom of the Toolhead, as opposed to the top (like it normally would be).

How to adjust the “Taper Crimp” Die for pistol cartridges
It’s best to think of that dies as a “flare” (or “bell) removing die, as opposed to a “taper-crimp” die.

After the round comes out of the “flare-removing die,” measure the case mouth at the very end with the thin end of a pair of calipers. And roll the case around and take an average of measurements from several different positions. You want the measurement to be the bullet diameter plus two case wall thicknesses. Most all pistol cases have a wall thickness of .010″ – so add .020″ to the bullet’s diameter – and that’s your “flare-removing” setting.

Note for Dillon Dies in non-Dillon Presses
Dillon’s 3-die sets do NOT include a case mouth, Expander(Flare/Bell) Die. Because in a Dillon press, the flaring operation is done in the powder dispensing station (with Dillon’s “Powder Funnel”). So I do not recommend Dillon Dies for use in “Single Stage” presses.

For 5-station, non-Dillon presses, you could use Dillon’s 3-Die sets, but you may need to purchase an additional Expander Die. (They’re available for $10 – $15.)

Download Dillon’s Pistol and Rifle Die Manual (PDF, Latest Version)

Reloading Accessories
Safety Glasses
Never pull the handle on any reloading press without a good pair of safety glasses on your face. (Not on your bench.) Whenever I am around reloading equipment, ammo, or firearms, I always have eye protection on. Just seen to many crazy things happen over the years…


Reloading Bench Height and Construction

Depending on your physical size and whether or not you’re using the Strong Mount, “how high your bench should be” is not an easy question to answer.

With the following information, however, you can figure it out.

  • When seated (or if you load standing), the machine’s handle (at rest) should be even with your shoulder.
  • For the 550 and the 650, without the Strong Mount and with the machine “at rest” (handle up), both handles (Ball or Roller) are approximately 7.5 to 8 inches above the bench.
  • The 550/650 Strong Mount raises both machines 8.5 inches off the bench.
  • The 650 ONLY Strong Mount raises the 650 6.5 inches off the bench.

Also consider bolting your bench to the wall if possible. Anything you can do to strengthen your bench, or the connection between your bench and the machine, is a good thing, especially for the 650.

A commonly asked 650 question: How tall is the 650 with the Casefeeder and the 650 Strong Mount? Answer: 45″.

A Diverse Collection of various Reloading Benches and Machines (in my Forum)


RL 550B/XL 650 Toolholder & Wrench Kit (New Item)
Dillon recently introduced this handy item, for the 550 and the 650. The Toolholder mounts on the back of the machine (or you could also mount it on your reloading bench), and it has slots for the 1″ Bench Wrench, and 5 ball-end Hex Keys commonly used to adjust the machine.

  • 550 w/o Casefeeder – w/Wrenches:   $28.95
  • 550 w/o Casefeeder – w/o Wrenches: $17.95
  • 550 w/Casefeeder – w/Wrenches:   $28.95
  • 550 w/Casefeeder – w/o Wrenches: $17.95
  • 650 w/Wrenches: $29.95 (inc. 6 ball-end hex keys)
  • 650 w/o Wrenches: $18.95 (inc. 6 ball-end hex keys)

Just the ball-end Hex Keys alone are a big improvement over the standard Hex Keys that come with a 550 or 650. And I always recommend the 1″ Bench Wrench.

What if you have a 1050 and want to buy the Toolholder w/Wrenches? Get the 550 w/o Casefeeder version.


1″ Bench Wrench
Dillon’s Bench Wrench is a must-have for your Dillon’s Dies, which have one-inch lock rings instead of the 1 1/16″ or 1 1/8″ lock rings typically found on other manufacturer’s dies. The other end is a 7/16″ box-end, which fits Dillon’s Powder Measure. This handy wrench ($7.95, part #10842) fits the two commonly adjusted parts on the 550, the 650, and the 1050.

If you plan to use “non-Dillon” Dies, you might consider buying the “Bench Wrench/5 1″ Lock Rings” package deal ($9.95), so you can put Dillon’s 1″ Lock Rings on your dies. (So you can now use the 1″ Bench Wrench on your dies.)

Dillon’s now has a new style Bench Wrench for the Square Deal, which fits the Dies and the Powder Measure.

Download Dillon’s “Accessory” Manual, for Case Gages, Eliminator (beam) Scale, Media Separators, Lube and Polish, Super Swage 600, Bullet Puller.


Powder Scale
An accurate powder scale is a necessity, which is used to adjust Dillon’s Powder Measure to dispense various powder charges.

On BrianEnos.com, you can still buy my Pro-digital Scale, for $159.95, which includes a LIFETIME warranty. (I sold them when I was a dealer for Dillon Precision, and I ship them USPS Priority Mail.)

Dillon offers a standard balance-beam “Eliminator” Scale ($79.95), and their digital “D-terminator” Scale ($139.95).

Powder Scale/Powder Measure Calibration Tip
Take a minute to read this and you’ll save yourself hours of fiddling around, calibrating the Powder Measure over the course of your “reloading life.”

In a nutshell – throw four individual charges in the scale’s pan before adjusting the Powder Measure. Especially as you’re coming close to your target charge weight.

Here’s a technique that works well if the cartridge case will hold two charges of your target powder charge. Clear all the empty cases out of the Shellplate, and remove the Locator Buttons from the powder dropping station and the bullet seating stations. Put an empty, primed case in the powder dropping station. Cycle the handle so it drops one charge in the case. Remove the case, place it back in the powder dropping station and cycle the handle again. Remove the case and dump the (two charges of) powder in the scale’s pan. Repeat that procedure. Now you have four charges in the pan. Say your target powder charge is 4.0 grains; your scale should read 16.0 grains. You might make a sticky for your reloading bench that has 4x totals for your favorite charge weights. Example:
4.6 = 18.4
5.2 = 20.8

Calibrating the Powder Measure using this technique is not only considerably more accurate than the “drop-one-charge-then-adjust-the-Powder-Measure” method, it will save you quite a bit of time, in the long run, as well.

Download Lee Love’s 13 Tips for Digital Powder Scales

Download Dillon’s D-Terminator Scale Manual (PDF, Latest Version)


Case Lube
A common misconception among reloaders is: If you’re using carbide dies, you don’t have to lube your cases. Technically, this may be true, but trust me – you definitely want to lube your cases. Not only does lubing the cases make the machine cycle easier and run smoother, resulting in less wear on the machine (and your arm), but you’ll load appreciably faster. (Up to 200 rounds/hour faster on a 1050.) I use case lube for the speed, and as you probably guessed, if it didn’t help to load faster, I wouldn’t use it.

Since I’m often asked this on the phone – I highly recommend Hornady’s “One Shot” case lube – but for pistol cases only. I don’t sell it but you should be able to find it at your local gun shop. Basically, you just dust a light layer over the cleaned cases and forget about it. You don’t even need to tumble or clean it off.

Dillon sells a pump-dispensing bottle of environmentally friendly Case Lube for $8.95, which I highly specifically for rifle cases.

How many cases can you lube with a bottle of Dillon’s lube: Approximately 1,500 – 2,000 .223 cases, depending how much you apply.

Case lube: Brand and Application Methods Discussion (in my Forum)

Especially for rifle cases:
What is your favorite Case Lube and Application Method? (in my Forum)


Case Cleaners & Media Separators

If you load an appreciable amount of ammo, your next purchase will probably be a case cleaner and media separator. The CV-2000 series Case Cleaner and Media Separator are monster’s, well suited for cleaning lots of brass. If you have plenty of room and are into mass production, get the big boys. Otherwise, I always recommend the 750 Tumbler and the 500 Media Separator for your first purchase.

The current CV-750 Case Cleaner has the same motor that’s in the super heavy-duty CV-2001 Tumbler.

Case Cleaners (Tumblers)
$187.95 – CV-2001  (Capacity for 38 Special: 1300 cases)
$144.95 – CV-750   (Capacity for 38 Special: 650 cases)

Case/Media Separators
 $72.95 – CM-2000
$46.95 – CM-500

Usually, you already know if you need the larger sized Cleaner/Separators.
The 750 tumbler and 500 separator are perfect for most everyone but the “high-volume” shooter.

For cleaning brass before you run it through your press, coarse ground corn-cob media works great. (Avoid fine-ground corn cob media.) Most prefer to add Dillon’s Rapid Polish Case Cleaner to the media, especially if you like your cases to come out all nice and shiny. Personally, I’m into volume rather than beauty, so I just pour the cases in the media, fire ‘er up, and come back in 20 – 30 minutes. (The time required to clean the brass will vary in relationship to how clean the media is.)

What is your favorite Tumbling Media, corncob or walnut? (in my Forums, opens new window)


Primer Flip Tray, Primer Pickup Tubes, and RF 100 Primer Filler

Each Primer Pickup Tube holds 100 primers (both large and small) and are used to drop 100 primers, picked up from the Flip Tray by the Pickup Tubes, into the press’s primer magazine.

Pour a box of 100 primers onto the Primer Flip Tray, then gently shake the tray until all 100 primers are flipped “anvil side up.” Put on the Primer Flip Tray’s lid, flip it over, remove the “bottom” of the Flip Tray, now you have 100 primers “cup side up,” ready to be picked up by a Pickup Tube.

Each Pickup Tube has a flexible, plastic tip on the end that grips/holds a primer when the tube’s tip is pushed down over it. You simply push the tube’s tip down over each primer until all the primers are up in the Pickup Tube. With a little practice you’ll suck up a 100 primers in no time.

With Dillon’s Primer Flip Tray ($19.95) and an extra four-pack of Primer Pickup Tubes ($23.95), you can have 500 primers ready ready to feed the machine before you sit down to load. (Each press comes with 1 large and 1 small Primer Pickup Tube.) And, you’ll have a few bucks left over to take your wife or girlfriend out to dinner.

RF 100 Automatic Primer Filler – many consider it a luxury, especially the potential “wifeless diners.” If your budget allows it, however, once you watch it work, you’ll never touch a primer pickup tube again. Priced at $314.95, and $47.95 for the conversion to the opposite primer size – it’s the “volume shooter’s” dream come true.

The RF 100 Primer Filler does not require nor can it use standard Primer Pickup Tubes. It requires it’s own, specially designed, shielded tube.

Note: I do not recommend the RF 100 if you are buying your first Dillon reloading press. Get some Primer Pickup Tubes – you’ll know for sure when you’re ready for the RF 100.

RF 100 Primer Filler Tuning Tips (in my Forum)

Download Dillon’s RF 100 Primer Filler Manual (PDF, Latest Version)


Caliper: Dial and Digital
You will need an accurate caliper to set the overall length of your precisely crafted ammo. You will also use a caliper to measure the taper crimp crimp adjustment for semi-automatic pistol cartridges. Dillon sells a Stainless Steel Dial Caliper ($28.00), and I still sell (and ship, USPS Priority Mail) a Stainless Steel Digital Caliper for $24.95.

Dial Calipers don’t require a battery, which is their ONLY advantage over Digital Calipers. BrianEnos.com’s Digital Calipers have a large, easy-to-read display, which is accurate to +/- .001″  (+/- .0005 resolution), and they read in either inches or millimeters. I highly recommend digital calipers – they’re much easier to read and faster to use then dial calipers.

Adjusting a Taper Crimp Die with Calipers (in my Forum)

Case Gages
Case Gages are a “go/no-go” gage for a loaded round. A handy, inexpensive representation of the internal dimensions of your caliber’s chamber (machined to SAAMI specs), they provide a convenient way to quality control check loaded ammo.

A Case Gage will quickly locate two common errors: Not enough crimp (too much “bell” left on the case mouth), and if the case is not resized enough at the base. Either one of those errors will cause the cartridge to not chamber in your pistol. On the other hand, Calipers are for measuring overall length and double checking the crimp dimension (or more accurately – the “bell removal”).

A Case Gage will not tell you if the bullet is not seated deep enough. That’s what Calipers are for. And Calipers will not tell you if a round will not chamber in your pistol or revolver because the base of the case was not resized enough. But the Case Gage quickly will.

Technically, the best Case Gage is your gun’s chamber. But who wants to disassemble their pistol just to chamber-check ammo as it’s coming out of the press. Of course that’s not nearly as difficult with a revolver, unless it’s locked in a safe.

Pistol calibers – $15.25; Rifle calibers – $25.95 – 27.95

Download Dillon’s “Accessory” Manual, for Case Gages, Eliminator (beam) Scale, Media Separators, Lube and Polish, Super Swage 600, Bullet Puller.


Resale value:
Because of Dillon’s reputation for quality and lifetime “No BS” warranty, all Dillon’s machines hold their value extremely well. If you’ve taken good care of your machine, expect to recover at least 80-90% of its original cost, if you decide to upgrade.

Dillon’s lifetime “No BS” warranty:
Dillon products carry Dillon’s lifetime “No BS” warranty.” (Except for the Super 1050, which carries a one-year “No BS” warranty.) In truth, there’s not much support required, because a quick call to Dillon will have you sorted out or anything you need headed your way immediately. Their customer support is truly outstanding.

Note: All electrical/electronic components of all Dillon equipment are covered by a one-year warranty from date of purchase.

As my friend Rondy would often say, “There you have it.”

Dillon F.A.Q.

Which Dillon?
Square Deal B
RL 550 B
XL 650
Super 1050
Machine Summary
Machine Options
Caliber Conv.
Reloading Access.

 Download Dillon Press and Accessory Manuals (PDF, Latest Versions)