Dillon XL650 for beginners

[@LuvBorderCollies]

Thanks for the tips. I've been looking at the 650 lately. Been running a 550 for many years. Once did an experiment to see how many 9mm I could load in 1 hour on the 550. I had everything ready to go and laid out to move as fast as possible. Made 500 in one hour but you don't want to do that all day, every day!!

[@1993whitenoise]

I believe when you use non brand dies in a Dillon you can also put the lock nut on the bottom the the die rather than on top. So you can get mor adjustment. I haven’t tried it. But in theory it should work.

[@bigal7561]

That was a great demonstration. Hope you have some more. I just got my 650 with lots of add on's but I've been in and out of hospital since January with I had a lunge ripped out....ha. I've been desperate to put mine together and get going with it. I have a Forster Co-Axe I've been doing a bunch of load development until I had to go back to the ICU.

[@skip9766]

Good vid. Started out with a turret press and upgraded to a hornady progressive,had nothing but problems. Turns out it was defective from the factory. Hornady was more than accommodating in trying to resolve the problem.. Went back to my turret press. Have been thinking about one of these Dillion's though.

[@FirearmTutorials]

You can't go wrong with this press. I'm going to re-shoot this video soon.

[@allanrobichaud6872]

Dillon dies rock! They have features which make maintenance cleaning a breeze, in addition to their outstanding performance! Many fabricators can make a strong mount which will override the cost of a more solid work bench top. Or you could make a mount with scrap metal, vise, hammer, grinder and a drill. It's that larger footprint which stabilizes your 650. I see your publishing date is in 2013. You've probably acquired some Dillon dies and a working mounting setup by now.

[@FirearmTutorials]

Yes sir. Eventually went with the strong mount. Much better. I'm building out my new workshop now. More vids to come.

[@rdsii64]

Just found your video. Great explanations. I have had my 650 for a while now. As long as I keep it lubed greased, it sings like a sowing machine. I have enough .223 now to take over a third world country.

[@FirearmTutorials]

NICE! These machines works great when you get the tuned up right. Thanks for watching.

[@rayc.8555]

After 15 years of singe stage reloading I bought an XL650 with all the extras and I love this machine. Reloading is far more fun and a lot less work. If you are considering a progressive go with a XL650.

[@FirearmTutorials]

Well said. The 650 rocks.

[@G56AG]

I've been loading on a 550 for over 30 years, I can load up to 400 rounds per hour on the 550, that's cranking along with a good rhythm, 300 to 350 is easily obtainable on the 550. On the 650 if you have the case feeder option I think 600 or more wouldn't be a problem. Of course that requires preparation, plenty of supplies close at hand, plenty of cases, bullets, loaded primer tubes and more powder ready to go.

[@FirearmTutorials]

G56AG I did 100 in under 6 minutes here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn3Yq2mqgK5mjc0 If I had all the supplies ready I'm thinking I could hit 900 an hour. I seem to be the fastest with 9mm.

[@vpierce3815]

Just an FYI, but if your dies are too shallow for the plate, you can thread the locknuts on the bottom of the dies underneath the plate. That's what the Dillon website recommends for non-Dillon dies.

[@rdsii64]

I just had my second press delivered yesterday. I now have have a 650 for large primer rounds and a 650 for small primer rounds. Caliber changes aren't really that difficult, I just used it as an excuse to buy a second press.

[@joeashbubemma]

Great vid, very informative. Definitely a good idea to change that table top. Double stack 3/4" veneer ply on 2x4 rim structure and 4x4 legs. Way to much flex for that press.

[@FirearmTutorials]

I ended up building a bench very similar to what you described and used the Dillon strong mount. Thanks for watching.

[@ryanporter2492]

Have been looking at these to buy for a while now and liked your video. The fact that lee dies don't really have the adjustment was a good point ( dillion rep didn't expain that one!) Also the bench talk was good cause I'm in the same boat. Not to say I won't buy one but i'm a little more informed now. Cheers from down under AUSTRALIA!!!

[@FirearmTutorials]

Thanks. I'm going to make another video that covers all the little adjustments that can be made on this press. I recommend using a strong mount. Especially when reloading rifle rounds. Thanks for watching.

[@edstimator1]

What's "Down under Austrailia' ? The Antartic???

[@leatherman651]

Great video, thank you. How do you set the die as there is no shell holder or do you set them from that round plate? How difficult is it to empty the powder jar when your done or when changing to a different powder? Thanks again for the video.

[@FirearmTutorials]

+Leather Man Empty the powder jar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnqnhoehfrmamJo Die adjustment is done from the toolhead: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3fKhKCPhqeHgqM

[@leatherman651]

+FirearmTutorials .com Thank you. I appreciate the links and the fact that you would do this for one of your subscribers. Enjoying many of your videos now.

[@jensbonielsen6660]

Hi Nice video. Are it possible you could inform the distance W*L between for the fastning holes in the press for the bolts holding the press through the bench.

[@IamLefty1976]

You don't have your powder measure set up correctly. Your safety/reset rod is on the wrong side. And yes,this makes a huge difference in your drop load consistency.

[@eggmynog]

good eye! here's a video on it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rajUkq2Ppsera68 and thank you for posting, FirearmTutorials

[@Try_n_2Tri]

I am considering moving from the Lee Turret to the 650... one major savings would be to keep using my Lee dies. I like them, they work... so now after 3 years and hindsight, would you recommend using the Lee dies still? Even in the interim..? Anything you have learned about adjusting them? I have seen another user who suggested screwing the lock nut from the BOTTOM of the toolhead rather than the top (as is common). Another suggested using the Hornady lock nut as they are not as thick as Lee. Just curious on your experience after 3 years now.

[@FirearmTutorials]

your lee dies should work fine. putting the lock ring on the bottom is fine. I'm still using lee dies for .45ACP on my 650. I have multiple dies for the same caliber because I have multiple presses. unless you need ultimate precision in which case you would want something like Redding or Forrester dies because of the micrometer adjustment. Good luck! you'll love the 650.

[@jkelley2091]

Your bar to the powder feeder is backwards

[@gt9146]

God video. What are the distance L*'W for the fastning bolt holes in the press.

[@Corteese1980]

Your powder rod is backwards.

[@gpruitt54]

Can you talk a lot more about using the Lee dies on the 650? Some say that you can install the lock nuts on the bottom of the dies, on the underside of the toolhead. Have you tried that? I am considering buying a 650, and I want to use my Lee dies.

[@FirearmTutorials]

Yes you can put them on the bottom. technically the lee dies are long enough to go through the tool head, it's close. I'm still using some Lee dies on my 650.

[@gregadams8354]

Hey Eric I'm just getting started and was wondering if it's possible to get a bullet feeder and still have the powder safety check ?

[@FirearmTutorials]

Not sure. The only ones I have seen drop the bullet on top of the case in the powder check station. Although, I haven't used my powder check station since first getting the press and setting it up. Some like it, some hate it. Thanks for watching.

[@Dubbin1]

Yes it is possible if you use a bullet seating die that also crimps.

[@flamesna4938]

Is it worth getting into reloading When do you get your money worth back?

[@FirearmTutorials]

Depends how much you shoot and what caliber. If you're shooting 1,000/year of 9mm then probably not. These progressive presses are meant for volume. I'm reloading about around 5,000/year of 9mm in addition to other calibers.

[@flamesna4938]

I would like to do 45 acp and 38 special and I'm thinking of buying a 9m as well what do you think ?

[@flamesna4938]

Thank you for your reply

[@ryantran7539]

i want a Dillon 650 but i'm confused with all the options. I just want to load 223 and i like your set up. how much did you spend and could you give me the link to the case loader you found on ebay ? Thanks !

[@FirearmTutorials]

223 is a pain on the 650 since the cases need to swaged initially. I have a love hate relationship with the budget reloader case feeder. It works great with 9mm and 45. 300 blackout and 223 work but its slow and jams sometimes. Long-term, I will keep my 650 dedicated to 9mm and get a 1050 for 223.

[@ryantran7539]

***** What do you mean by swaged ?

[@FirearmTutorials]

+Kevin Levu **most** 223 brass well need the primer pocket expanded which allows you to start a new primer without smashing it. see my video on the GS custom swagger. There are some better options on the market these days but you'll get the idea.

[@MGRodriguez1]

Question - I have a workbench that is 4 ft. × 2 ft. Being a novice I have concerns as to exactly where on the workbench I should mount the XL 650? I am trying to maximize counter space. With a table that's 48x24, I thought I'd ask you reloading press veterans where you would mount it? Any suggestions would help me out

[@FirearmTutorials]

I would recommended using the strong mount if you have the ability. It sets the press back on the bench and makes it a lot more stable. You can see it in my other video about my gunsmith/reloading area. The table in this video just wasn't stable enough to reload rifle cases the needed more force reload. In either case, I always mounted mine on the end of the table as it put most of the weight closer to the legs and it gives you more usable space for other things. Hope that helps, thanks for watching.

[@Xtinnoker]

With that type of press you might want a very study bench.

[@fightingbear8537]

Do you change out the primer assembly from small to large?

[@BSDCLUB]

Any chance you could tell me the dimensions of the footprint of the full set up? I'm trying to figure out where I want to put mine, but am having a hard time finding a good spot for it. I'm going to be working in a confined space, so I am asking around for anyone that is willing to help out and measure theirs. Thank you in advance if you answer!

[@FirearmTutorials]

Contact me through firearmtutorials.com and I'll try to get you squared away

[@jeffdeal4681]

are those aluminum or steel cases you're going to reload? that's what it looks like.

[@FirearmTutorials]

Jeff Deal Brass only. Some people say you "can" reload aluminum/steel cases but I doubt it. Seems like more trouble than it's worth if you actually could do it.

[@neilberi763]

hey can you tell me in your opinion what is the best prog for 223

[@FirearmTutorials]

The Dillon 1050 if you can afford it. It has a built-in swager which makes reloading that cartridge much easier. Hornady has a similar model. Thanks for watching.

[@flamesna4938]

Right now I have 45 acp and maybe do .38 special

[@FirearmTutorials]

There is a big saving with .45 ACP. I think I'm reloading them for $.20/round. The great thing about that caliber is the brass will last almost forever. It's such low pressure people usually loss them in the grass before having the case split. I have some that I've reloaded 30+ times and the headstamp is starting to wear off. Cost to reload per round can be more or less than $.20/round depending on the bullet you use.

[@flamesna4938]

Wow I see and I'm thinking or doing 38 special and I'm thinking of getting a 9mm gun as well .what gun would you recommend for 9mm thanks got the reply and the info as well.

[@janicevantornhout7548]

You have steel cases in there to reload?

[@FirearmTutorials]

No steel cases. Supposedly you actually can reload them but I suspect they would tear up your dies so it's probably not worth trying. Thanks for watching.

[@johnb1448]

How high does it sit off your bench??

[@FirearmTutorials]

+John B In this video, not very much. I ended up building a new bench and using the Dillon strong mount with made it a lot more stable. The only downside to my new setup is that I must stand to reload but it's not too bad.

[@johnb1448]

I believe they say its 44 inches from the bench thats kinda high. I have the 550 and thinking about the 650? Do you think I will like the 650?

[@FirearmTutorials]

+John B yes. I don't use the powder check but the case feeder is a must. check out my other video where I load 100 rounds of 9mm in 6 minutes

[@silverlovesgold]

Check out medical/drafting stools on Amazon. Adjustable height with wheels like a computer chair only taller. Boss B16245-bk, should work great with the strong mt.

[@FirearmTutorials]

***** Thanks for the suggestion.

[@mencken8]

My 650 has not been modified, and it works properly. Progressive presses are not for everybody. As is stated elsewhere, the lock nut for Lee dies (which I use) may be placed UNDER the tool head, problem solved.

[@hapypapy781]

Try using 3/4 or 1" plywood and not particle plywood

[@calvin14888]

This is the problem when you want to go cheap. Go get the Dillion Carbine Dies.

[@jeffames2880]

Dude you spent all that money on a Dillon and mounted it on that POS particle board bench that would break if a fly farted on it? WTF were you thinking!!!

[@FirearmTutorials]

It was temporary. I built a different one a few months later.

[@4btsilverado]

If you put the lock nut under the head and you'll have plenty of threads on your lee dies.

[@dennygwijangge5795]

yes i like

[@tonytocci6547]

You talk for 10 minutes and you don't load 1 cartridge. I looked at your video to see how the press work. I wasted 10 minutes

[@sjeverett75]

thanks for the heads up. 4min into video and I'm out

[@silverlovesgold]

No comments for 7 months?? So have you figured out why its a good to have the ball head wrenches yet?

[@rdsii64]

I know this is an old video but the ball end wrenches allow you to use them at odd angles instead of being strait on. After having a set of my own I won't use anything else.

[@silverlovesgold]

yep, I never knew they existed till then. Always thought they were just fancy Dillon blue. Very handy tool.

[@battfieldsniper1]

i c this and c a good way to make an ammo shop. with just this press. and a good 2hp motor mimmicing the handle but no handle.

[@mikeharris9706]

um

[@zekeporter205]

Robert vogel just recommended Dillon. that is what I shall get. look him up you may agree.

[@ksmith610]

You used Lee dies on a Dillon press. And then you complain about troubles. Well? Why didn't you just use Dillon dies on a Dillon press?

[@augerprecisionfirearms3247]

Because lee dies are better. I run Lee dies on my 650 as well.

[@tracypeterson5925]

HUGE waste of 10 mins of my life. I'm contemplating buying a 650 and this vid answered NONE of my questions.

[@colinmarshall5731]

Tracy Peterson I'm looking forwards to your video when you get your press :)

[@FirearmTutorials]

Colin Marshall HA! Good one.

[@freedom-vc9wi]

Should have baught the dillon shell feeder 50 bucks more