I currently run 2 Square Deal B for 40 s&w and 45 acp.
I 'm thinking of reloading 223, For Right now I’m not interested in a case feeder does anyone NOT recommend this? For 223?
A. I’m thinking station 1 deprime, resize station 2 blank, station 3 dillon trimmer, other stations blank
B. tumble to remove lube, Install new die plate run all stations as normal.
My rational is that I’m not currently worried volume output, and I’d rather spent the money on the dillon electric trimmer.
C. Does anyone NOT use the strong mount? I’m short.
The case feeder is a really nice feature, but even w/o, it will still have a drop tube that at least beats feeding one at a time. My 650 does not have one (my 1050 does); neither has a strong mount. ETA: Just be sure your mount the machine far enough forward that the operating handle makes full downward travel (no biggie here). I sit on a stool while reloading.
You will miss the case feeder however, and I suggest you get it up front if you possibly can. If not, I think you can add it later - something to discuss when you talk to the Dillon rep. It’s always best to call them first, even if you are buying from a dealer.
A scale and a set of calipers are a must, as well as a case gauge.
I agree with this and often wish I had a 550 instead of the problematic (for me) 650. Less bells and whistles is often the better choice. And two loaders are three times better than one, so consider the overall cost.
What sort of issues are you having? Maybe I could help…
My XL650 runs flawlessly with .223… I use a RT1200B on one toolhead and load on another. I take my time with .223 and load about 100 rounds every 10-12 minutes, 9mm average 7 minutes a 100.
Thanks, but I was not looking for help on the 650 - it’s been there done that type of situation.
There are no “serious” issues with the 650 so long as I load .45 ACP or fatter brass. The push- feed from the drop tube onto the shell plate was always less than perfect - especially for the smaller cases like 9mm and .223. All of these parts have been changed out (some more than once) - and all under warranty, btw. Proper parts for caliber change-overs, pistol to bottle neck, etc., is not the issue either.
This is a 20+ year old machine - your (asumed) newer loader may not have the same issues. But I don’t think the 650 is a good fit for a neubie. If I had it to do over I would have a 550 and a 1050.
I no longer load (or shoot) 9mm and load my .223 on the 1050, so it’s mostly moot. I also did a lot of .40 S&W on the 1050 back in the 90s and still have that toolhead set up - it’s a great machine. The 650 gets large primer sized stuff like .45/308 and a multitude of lower volume oddball rifle calibers. So my setup is 1050 for large volume / small primer and the 650 for large primer & lower volume loads.
The Redding turret press on my bench is a very valuable asset as well.
I haven’t started reloading yet and am facing the same situation you are. I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a 650 w/out the casefeeder to start becasue I would rather go ahead and get the trimmer now for 5.56/.223 and add the Casefeeder later. As a newbie I figure that its better to go slow and learn the 650 as if its a 550 and a casefeeder will come in due time, plus I’m not sure a Dillon casefeeder is the one I want. There doesn’t seem to be a huge difference between it and most of the others that are out there and some are half the price. Since Dillon only warrants the casefeeder for 12 months that also is playing into my decision process. So for me, I’m going to start off without the casefeeder and once I get to the point where I’m really impacted and slowed down without it, then I’ll get one.
Just my $0.02 and with inflation, taxes, mean green recycle bag fee ($0.05) its probably around $2.55
It’s interesting you mention the “problem” feeding cases in your dillon 650. I’ve developed the same problem with mine, which is about the same age as yours (20 years give or take.).
I’ve shimmed the “case insert slide cam” and it helped. But after looking long and hard at the issue, I’ve taken the “case feed arm” and added length to it with JB weld. Then shaped it with a dremel tool to ease the contact with the actuator block. Now it feeds 100%, even with 9mm and .223.
To the OP: I agree that a case feeder on your machine makes a world of difference. If you’re going progessive, go with a case feeder!!
I have not checked my 650 with .223 since before I did a complete rebuild on the cam and related feed parts (under warranty) about 2 years ago. It’s running fine with .45 ACP. And last year they sent me me a completely new primer assembly. After many years of use they do wear out - that’s the great part about the lifetime no B/S warranty. I’m sure I have well over a 100k of cycles through the 650 - maybe twice that.
And don’t assume they won’t fix an electric part that’s not covered by the no B/S warranty. They repaired my electric case trimmer - another oldie - free of charge, incl the return shipping. It just needed a new cord/switch assembly, btw - the motor is still going strong.
As the OP for me it’s more a financial thing. Plus I’m thinking the whole rifle cartridge reloading thing is pointless if I don’t have a Quality Electric Trimmer, I really don’t want so spend money on a stop gap trimmer just to toss it later.
Thanks everyone for input,
