Dillon Precision Reloading Frequently Asked Questions

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 Frequently Asked Questions (Dillon Precision & General Reloading)
Which Dillon? An in-depth comparison of Dillon Precision’s reloading presses and accessories
Dillon Nomenclature A list of terms for all Dillon’s products and reloading presses

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Dillon Precision FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
When I was a dealer for Dillon Precision’s products, as you can imagine, I got a lot of questions about their products… As initially purchased – what comes with the RL 550B or the XL 650? Does the RL 550B or the XL 650 come with Dies? Can I use my own Dies in Dillon’s RL 550B or XL 650? What machine options should I consider for the 550? Strong Mount Bullet Tray Empty Case Bin and Bracket Aluminum Roller Handle Low Powder Sensor Why isn’t the 550’s new Casefeeder recommended with the 550 initially? What machine options should I consider for the 650? Casefeeder Strong Mount Bullet Tray Aluminum Roller Handle Low Powder Sensor Powder Check System What other Dillon accessories are normally bought with a RL 550B or XL 650? What other general reloading accessories are necessary to begin reloading? How high should I build my reloading bench? What is needed for case preparation? Lube cases for CARBIDE pistol dies? Are carbide rifle dies better than steel rifle dies? Is it necessary to trim brass? What is required to Convert (change) Calibers on a 550? What is required to Convert (change) Calibers on a 650? If I don’t buy a Deluxe Quick-Change Kit – why buy a Toolhead & Powder Die instead? Which Powder Bars come with a press and Powder Measure? Do I need the Universal Mount Kit?
Which machine is right for me?
The Square Deal B or the RL 550B? The RL 550B or the XL 650? The XL 650 or the Super 1050?
Dillon Precision Videos (on youtube.com)
Note: All the links below open in a new window. Getting started reloading with the RL 550B (Check out all johniac7078’s excellent Dillon videos) RL 550B in action, loading 9mm (good to see overall operation) How to begin reloading with the RL 550B: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 RL 550B initial press setup: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (another guy’s version) RL 550B Toolhead setup, Parts 1 – 4 RL 550B, beginning to reload ammo, after initial press setup XL 650 Basic Overview XL 650 initial setup, including installing Caliber Conversion Kit XL 650 inital setup, and starting to load in 45 ACP Dillon Case Trimmer in operation on RL 550B (just operation, no set up instructions) Super Swage 600 in operation RF-100 Primer Filler in operation

F.A.Q. Answers
As initially purchased – what comes with the RL 550 B or the XL 650?
Dies DO NOT come with the 550 or the 650 press. The caliber selection for either press includes the Caliber Conversion Kit for that caliber. Both the RL 550B and the XL 650 press come with: Primer Early Warning System (Electronic) Automatic Priming System for small and large primers Toolhead Automatic Powder Measure System inc. small (pistol) and large (rifle) powder charge bars. Akro Bin (catches loaded ammo) Caliber Conversion Kit: All the caliber-specific items for the press, except Dies 1 Small and 1 Large Primer Pickup Tube Standard (not ball-end) hex key set (allen wrenches)
Does 550 or the 650 come with Dies? Can I use my own Dies?
The RL 550B and the XL 650 presses do not come with Dies. Dies are ordered separately for both the 550 and the 650. You can, however, use any manufacturer’s standard 7/8″ x 14 dies in a 550 or a 650 press. Note: Dillon Dies vs. “Other Brand”: With the RL 550B’s 4-station Toolhead, and the XL 650’s 5-station Toolhead – both machines are designed to seat the bullet and taper crimp the round in separate stations. (Which was one of Mike Dillon’s initial design criteria.) Chances are your (non-Dillon) dies seat & crimp in the same die, therefore Dillon offers individual Seating and Crimp Dies that can be purchased separately.I highly recommend Dillon’s Pistol Dies. Every aspect of each die has been redesigned to enhance the operation of a progressive machine. (The Square Deal B comes with factory adjusted Dies that only fit the Sq Deal, and the Super 1050 B includes Dillon Dies.) Note for Dillon Dies in non-Dillon Presses: Dillon’s pistol 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.) Dillon’s rifle dies will work fine in a single-stage press.
What machine options should I consider for the 550?
Strong Mount (also fits the 650) Improves the machine’s operation through stability. It increases the “footprint” of the press by approximately 75%. (550’s footprint: Approx. 36 sq. in.; Strong Mount’s footprint: Approx. 156 sq. in.) In all cases (with or w/o Strong Mount), buy or build the sturdiest bench possible. 550/650 Strong Mount raises machine 8.5″ off bench. 650 Only Strong Mount raises machine 6.5″ off bench. Bullet Tray In my opinion it’s a must if you buy the Strong Mount. The Bullet Tray bolts to the Strong Mount, and holds 200 bullets right next to the shellplate. Empty Case Bin and Bracket Increasing speed through ergonomics (like the Bullet Tray), this handy accessory is a must-have if you buy the Strong Mount. The Bracket attaches to the Strong Mount, mounting an Empty Case Bin on the same level as the 550’s platform, thereby reducing the “reach-time” for a new case. (Includes Empty Case Bin and mounting bracket.) Aluminum Roller Handle Most everyone who’s tried it tells me they like it. I don’t personally consider it as essential as I do for the 650, because with the 550 you must let go of the handle each time you load a round (to reach for a new case). Surprisingly, however, in a 550 owners poll from my Forum, close to 90% of the 550 owner’s preferred the Aluminum Roller Handle over the standard ball handle. Low Powder Sensor Many feel it is typically unnecessary, as do I, because the clear, powder hopper is right in front of your face. Additionally, most folks loading on a 550 aren’t loading at a high enough speed to inadvertently run the Powder Measure out of powder. One last thought on the Low Powder Sensor: I know several very experienced loaders who use it. The reason: You pay for it once, and never worry about ever running the measure dry again.
Why isn’t the 550’s new Casefeeder recommended with the 550 initially?
I don’t recommend the Casefeeder for the 550 unless you already own and have some experience with a 550. And even then – because the 550’s Casefeeder works with pistol cases only – I’d might recommend it if you don’t load rifle ammo with your 550. (It’s not easy to move the 550’s Casefeeder “out of the way” in order to load rifle cartridges.) In my opinion, 550 owners, especially if they’re already set up to load several pistol calibers, have the most potential to benefit from the Casefeeder. After some experience with your 550, if you feel you really need a Casefeeder, for 250 bucks, you could upgrade your 550 without having to start all over with a 650.This is a tricky topic. If you’re considering buying your first Dillon press and you’ve narrowed it down to either a 550 or a 650 – if you think you just have to have a Casefeeder – then you should buy a 650. But – if you’re buying your first Dillon press, in 19 out of 20 cases – the the 550 is the machine for you. More on the 550’s virtues in Which Dillon… The beauty of the 550 lies in its simplicity. And although hanging a Casefeeder on it may give you 200 rounds/hour, it will substantially increase your “fiddling with it” time. Especially every time you change calibers.Will the 550’s Casefeeder increase the 550’s output? Certainly. But I still do not recommend buying it with a 550 initially.
What machine options should I consider for the 650?
Casefeeder It’s essential for top performance from this truly progressive machine. If you don’t get the Casefeeder with the 650, you will wish you had it after you have loaded on the press for about 10 minutes, because you will have to stop every 20 rounds or so and fill the Casefeed Tube (with cases) by hand.Note: The Casefeed Assembly includes the Casefeed Plate to match the caliber selected. Also, you only need to buy one Casefeed assembly, then for additional calibers, depending on the caliber, you may need to buy and additional Casefeed Plate. Special note for 40 S&W: The 40 S&W/10mm will work with either the Large or Small (Pistol) Plate. Considering that on your initial purchase may “save you a Plate,” for a future caliber addition. For example, if you order a 650 in 40 S&W, and plan to add 9mm to the press later, order the Small Casefeed Assembly initially, since the 9mm requires the Small Casefeed Plate. Strong Mount (650 only) Improves every operation of the machine through stability. (Case feeding, priming, auto-indexing, and powder dispensing.) I highly recommend it unless your reloading bench is seriously heavy-duty. (Raises machine 6.5″ off bench.) Bullet Tray – Aluminum Roller Handle As with the 550, both continue to improve performance through ergonomics. And even more so on the 650 w/Casefeeder: Because your right hand never leaves the handle, your loading rate is determined by how quickly you can set a bullet on the upcoming case. Low Powder Sensor Not a fan on the 650 for the same reasons mentioned for the 550; however, on the 650 you will be loading appreciably faster, so the chances are greater you may run the measure out of powder. But, the 650 has an extra station in the Toolhead, especially designed for the – Powder Check System The Powder Check System checks for gross powder charge errors AFTER the powder has been dispensed and BEFORE the bullet is seated. The Powder Check System will detect either a round without powder or a double charge. So if you buy the Powder Check System, the Low Powder Sensor is somewhat redundant.But please understand – the Powder Check System IS NOT a replacement for paying attention to everything that is happening every time you pull the handle on your reloading press.My thoughts on the Powder Check System: When I was sponsored by Dillon and they gave me Powder Check Systems, I never even took them out of the bag. To me they are just one more thing to fiddle with, not only every time you change calibers, but also every time you adjust the powder charge within a caliber. You have to look at the (charged) case to set the bullet on it – and a double charge or no charge (with most pistol charges) is very obvious. Also I prefer to visually confirm the powder charge, rather than rely on an electrical buzzer.And with rifle cartridges, if you were to somehow manage to get out of sequence and double charge a case, powder would be flowing out of the case’s mouth.
What other Dillon accessories are normally bought with a 550/650?
Primer Flip Tray Flips 100 primers at a time, “cup side up,” so they are ready to be picked up by the –Primer Pickup Tubes All Dillon machines come with one small and one large Primer Pickup Tube, so I highly recommend buying a 4-pack of extra Pickup Tubes (in the appropriate size) when buying a press. Both small and large Primer Pickup Tubes hold 100 primers. Bench Wrench It has a 1″ open-end wrench on one end, which fits the lock rings on Dillon’s Dies (only), and a 7/16″ box-end (fits the Powder Measure) on the other. It’s super handy, especially in the tight confines of a four or five-station Toolhead. The Bench Wrench is also available with a five-pack of one-inch Dillon Die Lock Rings, which allows you to use Dillon’s Bench Wrench on your “other brand” Dies. Note: You do not need the extra Lock Rings if you buy Dillon’s Dies. Toolholder w/ 1″ Bench Wrench and 5 ball-end Hex Keys The newly introduced Toolholder includes a 1″ Bench Wrench a 5 ball-end Hex Keys, and the Toolholder mounts on the back of the machine. Spare Parts Kit Will save you the “down time” waiting for Dillon to send (warranty) a broken small, spring, clip, or plastic part. You might think, “Why should I buy a Spare Parts Kit?” “Does that mean parts will start breaking right away?” Absolutely not. I think of the Spare Parts Kit like a Bullet Puller: buy it and forget about it. Then at some point if you need it down the road you’ll be real happy you have it. The Maintenance/Spare Parts Kit is the Spare Parts Kit plus lube.
What other reloading accessories are necessary to begin reloading?
Powder Scale An accurate powder scale is a necessity, which is used to adjust Dillon’s Powder Measure to dispense various powder charges. Dillon offers a standard balance-beam “Eliminator” Scale for $54.95, and their digital “D-terminator” Scale for $139.95. I still sell 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.) Calipers Calipers are used to measure and set the overall length of a loaded cartridge, and to check and adjust the taper crimp. I also still sell my Stainless Steel Digital Calipers, which have a large, easy-to-read display, are accurate to +/- .001″ (+/- .0005 resolution). They read in either inches or millimeters, and come with an extra battery, for $38.95. (I ship them USPS Priority Mail.) Reloading Manuals Either a Speer or Lyman Reloading Manual, which provide and overview of reloading in general in addition to a wide range of reloading data. If you’ve never reloaded, get the Speer Manual first; if you’re familiar with reloading in general, the Lyman Manual has a wider variety of load data.I’m often asked, “Which manual is “best”? There isn’t answer, because each manual has a completely different collection of load data. The longer you reload, the more manuals you will probably want to accumulate.
How high should I build my reloading bench?
The answer depends on several factors: Your physical size, whether you plan to stand or sit (and how high your chair is), and whether or not your machine has the Strong Mount. With the following information, however, you can figure it out. When seated (or if you load standing), the machine’s handle (at rest, in the “up position”) 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 and 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.
What is needed for case preparation? Case lube for carbide pistol dies?
CV-750 Vibratory Case Cleaner & CV-500 Media Separator They are required to clean and polish (fired) range brass, and are always recommended for the beginning reloader. CV-750 Case Cleaner Capacity: Approx. 650, 38 Special cases. CV-2001 Vibratory Case Cleaner & CM-2000 Media Separator are huge versions of the the above items, and are typically recommended only for “serious, high-volume competitors.”CV 2001 Capacity: Approx. 1300 38 Special cases.The cheapest, most effective way to clean your range brass is to tumble it with coarse-grade corn cob media. You can find it locally at a feed and grain store, or at PetSmart, Wallmart, or anywhere pet bird supplies are sold. (It’s for lining bird cages.) Dillon’s Rapid Polish A capful added to the tumbler makes your cases come out looking like new. I recommend: Always lube rifle AND pistol cases – even with carbide dies.You will load appreciably faster, and with less strain on the machine and yourself. Dillon’s environmentally friendly pump spray works great. However, Hornady’s “One Shot” case lube is my favorite for straight-walled pistol cases. (I don’t sell it – pick it up at your local gunshop.) For rifle cases, Dillon’s lube is the best.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.Technically, case lube is not required with carbide pistol dies; however, load some rounds without lube, then spray some “One Shot” on the next batch of pistol cases, and you’ll never load without lube again. More in Which Dillon… Are carbide rifle dies better than steel rifle dies? The main advantage of a carbide, rifle re-sizing die is longevity. In a recreational reloading environment – you’ll never wear out a set of steel rifle dies.Even with a carbide re-sizing die, you still have to lube the brass to re-size rifle brass. And, because of the bottleneck case, you do not get the reduction in “handle effort” with a carbide rifle die that you do get with a carbide (straight-walled) pistol die.For those reasons, I don’t recommend carbide rifle dies for anything other than a commercial loading environment (50,000+ rounds/year).
Is it necessary to trim brass?
It’s seldom necessary to trim cases. In my opinion, for pistols, revolvers, and rifles – unless the round will not chamber in the gun because the case is too long, or you’re attempting to win your State’s Benchrest Championship – trimming brass is a waste of time. One exception to the above for .223 or .308 rifle: Say you’ve collected a lot of “range brass” (brass that was not fired in your rifle) of unknown origin, and you’re ready to start loading it for your semi-automatic rifle. Now Dillon’s RT 1500 Power Case Trimmer, installed in a separate Toolhead, would work great to “batch-prep” all the brass, before firing it the first time in your rifle. Due to the RT 1500’s 4800 rpm motor and carbide blade, the trimmed brass is absolutely burr-free. So chamfering the inside or the outside of the case neck is not necessary. Keep your cases organized by the number of times they’ve been fired. This will keep all the cases in a particular batch of brass you’re loading near the same overall length. Then you can forget about trimming. I highly recommend starting with a batch of new brass. Put it all in one box. Then as you load from it, return it to a different box when you get back from the range. When you’ve fired all your new batch of brass, tumble it all and start over. After a batch of brass has multiple (5-10) firings on it, you may notice the Seat and Crimp Dies (for handguns) could use a small “backing out” adjustment (or you may not), to compensate for the slightly longer, general overall length. It’s much easier to fine tune the Seat and Crimp Dies every now and then than it is to trim the brass.	Back to Last Page
What is required to convert (change) calibers on a 550?
For each additional caliber, adding a caliber to an RL 550B Requires: Dies (either Dillon’s or other brand) Caliber Conversion Kit (Inc.: Shellplate/Locator Buttons (Qty. 3)/Powder Funnel) AND, either a: Deluxe Quick-Change Kit (includes Powder Measure) or a: Toolhead & Powder Die (no Powder Measure) Click the pic to see the above explained visually (opens new window) -> The Deluxe Quick-Change Kit includes a Toolhead, Toolhead Stand, Powder Measure and Powder Die. Since the Deluxe Quick-Change Kit includes the Powder Measure, when changing calibers, you will be able to leave the Powder Measure on the Toolhead along with the Dies, adjusted to throw the exact charge for a specific caliber. In other words, when changing calibers, you can change the entire Toolhead assembly in a couple seconds, without having to move, adjust, or re-calibrate anything. Instead of the Deluxe Quick-Change Kit, you’ll save approximately $65 by buying a Toolhead and Powder Die. With a Toolhead & Powder Die, when changing calibers, you’ll move the Powder Measure from Toolhead to Toohead, then re-calibrate the Powder Measure to dispense the correct amount of powder for the new caliber. I also recommend getting a Case Gage for pistol (not revolver) and rifle calibers. If I don’t buy the Deluxe Quick-Change Kit, why should I buy a Toolhead with a Powder Die? Caliber Conversion Kit “Crossover” Notes for the 550: Say for example you’re loading 45 ACP on your 550 and want to convert it to load .308 Winchester. Since the Shellplate and Locator Buttons in the Caliber Conversion Kit are identical for each caliber. So, instead of buying a complete Caliber Conversion Kit for .308, you’ll only need a 30 caliber Powder Funnel. More info and notes for the increasingly common 9mm and 40 S&W Caliber Conversion “Crossover” in Which Dillon. RL 550B Caliber Conversion Cross Reference (“Crossover”) Chart (Opens a new window) 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.
What is required to convert (change) calibers on a 650?
For EACH Caliber Conversion, Changing Calibers on an XL 650 Requires: Dies (either Dillon’s or other brand) Caliber Conversion Kit (Shellplate/Locator Buttons (Qty. 3)/Powder Funnel/Casefeed Adapters) AND, either a: Deluxe Quick-Change Kit, (includes Powder Measure) or a: Toolhead & Powder Die (no Powder Measure) The Deluxe Quick-Change Kit includes a Toolhead, Toolhead Stand, Powder Measure and Powder Die. Since the Deluxe Quick-Change Kit includes the Powder Measure, when changing calibers, you’ll leave the Powder Measure on the Toolhead along with the Dies, adjusted to throw the exact charge for a specific caliber. In other words, when changing calibers, you can change the entire Toolhead assembly in a couple seconds, without having to move, adjust, or re-calibrate anything. Instead of the Deluxe Quick-Change Kit, you’ll save approximately $65 by buying a Toolhead and Powder Die. (Available as a “one-click-purchase” in my Dillon Store.) With a Toolhead & Powder Die, when changing calibers, you’ll move the Powder Measure from Toolhead to Toohead, then re-calibrate the Powder Measure to dispense the correct amount of powder for the new caliber. I also recommend getting a Case Gage for pistol (not revolver) and rifle calibers. *Additional Considerations for the 650:* Casefeed Plates You buy the Casefeeder Assembly with the 650, then for additional calibers you may need a Casefeed Plate, depending on the calibers involved. 650 Quick-Change Priming Assembly Although the 650 press comes with everything needed to load both sizes of primers, if frequent caliber conversions will include changing primer sizes, the Priming Quick-Change is pretty handy. More in “Which Dillon”… 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 assembly is required. Example: You order the 650 press in 9mm (small primer), then add everything required to also load 45 ACP (large primer). In addition, 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.
If I don’t buy a Deluxe Quick-Change Kit – why buy a Toolhead & Powder Die?
A summary of what’s below: A Powder Die comes with a Powder Measure; so it is included with the machine initially, or if you buy the Deluxe Quick-Change Kit when changing calibers (which includes a Powder Measure). When changing calibers, if you do not buy a Deluxe Quick-Change Kit, you should buy a Toolhead & Powder Die at the minimum (in addition to the required Caliber Conversion Kit and Dies). This will allow you to leave the Dies and the caliber-specific Powder Funnel adjustments intact in the Toolhead. The Deluxe Quick-Change Kit includes a Powder Measure and Powder Die, Toolhead and Toolhead Stand. Which allows you to leave all the caliber specific adjustments intact – the Dies and the Powder Measure – when switching calibers. If you don’t buy a Deluxe Quick-Change Kit (in addition to a Caliber Conversion Kit and Dies when converting calibers): The Powder Die threads into the Toolhead and requires caliber-specific adjustment. The Powder Funnel (included with a Caliber Conversion Kit) fits inside the Powder Die. The Powder Measure attaches to the top of the Powder Die (with two allen-head bolts). Unlike conventional reloading presses, all Dillon’s Powder Measures drop the powder through the Powder Funnel, (which is inside the Powder Die). The Powder Funnel does three things (for pistol cartridges): It has a hole through the middle (top to bottom), which allows the powder to drop from the Powder Measure through to the case below. It “neck sizes” the inside diameter of the case mouth. (pistol only) It “flares” or “bells” the case, so it is easier to seat the bullet (without “shaving lead”) in the next station. (pistol only) The Powder Funnel is caliber specific and comes with a Caliber Conversion. The Powder Die is not caliber specific and does not come with anything – except a Powder Measure. (The Deluxe Quick-Change Kit includes a Powder Measure.) The correct amount of flare or “bell’ is applied to the case by adjusting the Powder Die, which has the Powder Funnel inside it, up or down (threaded adjustment), in the Toolhead. So for caliber conversions, in addition to the required Caliber Conversion Kit and Dies, if you don’t buy a Deluxe Quick-Change Kit, buy a Toolhead & Powder Die. Powder Funnel for Rifle Calibers It’s only function is to drop the powder from the Powder Measure through to the case below. For rifle calibers, neck-sizing is accomplished in the sizing die, and instead of “flaring” the case mouth, normally a slight chamfer is applied to the case mouth with a chamfering tool. (Dillon sells the classic “Wilson Deburring Tool.”)
Which Powder Bars come with a machine or a Powder Measure?
Dillon manufactures four sizes of Powder Bars for all machines. Extra Small – for dispensing less than 3.0 grains of powder (non-standard) Small – for dispensing 3 to 20 grains of powder (standard with all presses) Large – for dispensing 20 to approximately 50 grains of powder (standard with all presses) Magnum – for dispensing over 50 grains of powder (non-standard) The Extra Small (typically 32 Auto/S&W, or very light “Cowboy” loads in 38 Special – below 3 grains of powder) and Magnum Bar (required for 50+ grains) are non-standard and must be ordered separately. In addition, Dillon also has a Belted Magnum Powder Measure, which is required for rifle charges over approximately 85 grains.
Do I need the Universal Mount Kit?
You do not need it if you buy the Strong Mount (for any machine), because the Strong Mount includes all the hardware needed to bolt the machine to the Strong Mount, and the Strong Mount to your reloading bench. If you do not buy a Strong Mount for your press, however, the Universal Mounting Kit – an assortment of 1/4″ bolts, nuts, and washers – might save you a trip to the hardware store.
The SqDeal or the 550?
The 550 will load virtually all pistol and rifle calibers, whereas the Square Deal will only load straight-walled pistol cases. I almost always recommend the 550 for your first reloading purchase because it is a simpler, more versatile, and more reliable machine than the Square Deal. Day in day out the 550 will readily churn out ammo. And as your shooting hobby expands, your 550 will expand along with it, inexpensively able to accommodate over 160 calibers. It’s simplicity, ease of operation, and rugged dependability make it my favorite machine, and Dillon’s biggest seller by far. The only time I recommend a Square Deal is if you have loaded on a friend’s Sq Deal and liked it, cannot afford a 550, and never plan to load anything but a few pistol calibers. And did I mention that it’s kind of small? More in “Which Dillon” on The speed-illusion of auto-indexing without a Casefeeder…
The 550 or the 650?
Although one of the tougher comparative decisions, I seldom recommend the 650 over the 550 as your first progressive machine, and even less as your first reloading machine in general. The 650, w/Casefeeder and auto-indexing, is a complex machine compared to the 550. However, a few exceptions for the 650 might be: You’re shooting USPSA or IDPA pistol competition, or are planning to. You’re an experienced reloader looking to upgrade from another brand. Plan to use the machine to load one or two calibers in high volume. Are not only tired of messing with your current piece of junk, but in general, would prefer to spend more time either shooting or hanging out with your wife or kids than reloading. Price is not an object. Your’re not afraid of a complex machine. You usually know if you are ready for the 650. Almost always, the 550 is a better choice over the 650 because of the reasons mentioned in the Sq Deal vs 550 comparison above. Sill not sure: 550 vs. 650; or 650 vs. 1050 Here’s another way to help make your decision: How many rounds you will load in one caliber before switching to another caliber? (Apply this logic to ALL the calibers you will ever load on the press.) Rounds you will load before changing to another caliber: 550: 100 – 200+ rounds 650: 1000 – 2000+ rounds 1050: 5000+ rounds It’s so easy to switch calibers on the 550 – if you just load 100 or 200 rounds, you won’t mind changing to load another caliber. On the 650 however, I wouldn’t want to change calibers unless I’d loaded a minimum of 1000 – 2000 rounds. And on the 1050, that number would be 5000 or more rounds, at the absolute minimum.
The 650 or the 1050?
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 in a single caliber – 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. In the same way one knows if they’re ready for the 650 over the 550, one usually knows when they’re ready for a 1050.One last note on the 1050’s warranty: Unlike the lifetime “no BS” warranty for all other Dillon’s machines, the Super 1050 has a one year warranty. Meaning, if after a year, you break the Shellplate on your 1050 by adjusting the primer pocket swager improperly, you’ll buy a new one. But if something small or inexpensive breaks, they will probably take care of you, if you ask nice, maybe. I loaded 30,000+ rounds a year for many years on one 1050, and I can’t remember ever breaking anything. To me, the 1050’s one year warranty would not even be a consideration when choosing between a 650 and a 1050.