I found this vid on YouTube about the 550. I am VERY new so this really helped explain a lot to me...
Dillion 550 Reloading
Dillion 550 Reloading
I just priced them out, and for the full deal on a 650, the cost for a full switch is over $200 without an additional powder check. (not sure how they are used) Almost $300 with it.
Total $297.00
Conversion Kit $74.00
Carbide 3-Die Set $61.00
Quick Change $96.00
Powder Measure Toolhead and Powder Die
Powdercheck System $66.00
For the 550, just less than $200.
$195.00
Conversion Kit $42.00
Carbide 3-Die Set $61.00
Deluxe Quick Change $92.00
(toolhead, powder die, powder measure)
I know I wouldn't need the whole new powder measure, but at least for the most common calibers (for me, 9mm and .38 target loads) it would be nice to keep the dies and powder settings without having to adjust them.
Total $297.00
Conversion Kit $74.00
Carbide 3-Die Set $61.00
Quick Change $96.00
Powder Measure Toolhead and Powder Die
Powdercheck System $66.00
For the 550, just less than $200.
$195.00
Conversion Kit $42.00
Carbide 3-Die Set $61.00
Deluxe Quick Change $92.00
(toolhead, powder die, powder measure)
I know I wouldn't need the whole new powder measure, but at least for the most common calibers (for me, 9mm and .38 target loads) it would be nice to keep the dies and powder settings without having to adjust them.
I opted not to get the powder check system for my 650. Station 3 is open without it there and I can visually inspect the powder in the case as it is brought up to the Toolhead.
You forgot to add the cost of a case feeder shell plate if one is needed in a caliber conversion cost
True, that's another $15 cheaper for the 550. I could see doing a 650 someday, but anytime soon I can't see justifying the cost.
According to phone conversations I have had with Dillon, they recommend the 550 over the 650 if you are going to be loading multiple calibers because it is a lot easier on the 550 & takes less time. The biggest difference between the two is the 550 in a progressive manual indexing press while the 650 is an auto indexing press.
I have a 1050 set up in 223 w/carbide dies and I am fixing to get a 650 in the very near future. From the people that I have consulted (mainly olyeller), they have all said that they love their 650s and it is not that bad to swap calibers out. Mike noted that he loads thousands of rounds at a time and then switches calibers and loads thousands more.
Regardless of the 550 or the 650, I feel that no matter which machine you use, you need to pony up and buy the case feeder that goes along with it!
Just my $0.02
I have a 1050 set up in 223 w/carbide dies and I am fixing to get a 650 in the very near future. From the people that I have consulted (mainly olyeller), they have all said that they love their 650s and it is not that bad to swap calibers out. Mike noted that he loads thousands of rounds at a time and then switches calibers and loads thousands more.
Regardless of the 550 or the 650, I feel that no matter which machine you use, you need to pony up and buy the case feeder that goes along with it!
Just my $0.02
Why? The 650 is designed to use a case feeder, but the 550 really isn't.
If you add a case feeder to a 550, the caliber conversion costs and complexity become almost the same as a 650. If one is going to buy a case feeder, they would be silly to not get the 650.
The 550 advantage is its' simplicity, lower costs, and ease of caliber changes.
I think the casefeeder for the 550 will only do pistol calibers. So if you want to use it on 223 you would be SOL unless you had the 650
A new 650 sure does pretty up a dirty garage!
There is now a casefeeder available for 550b
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