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Originally Posted by FearSheeple
So the dillon dies are a bit more difficult to adjust, but how often do you really need to adjust when reloading?
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Every time you change bullets. If you only load one bullet and that is it and never switch from say, Winchester FMJs to Remington FMJs to Magtech, back to Win, etc then you are alright. With Dillon dies, you adjust the whole die (in or out) to control the depth of the bullet seating and amount of crimp. You have to loosen the lock ring, adjust a bit, set the lock ring, try it, loosen the lock ring, adjust a bit, set the lock ring, etc. until you get it right.
With Lee, RCBS, and Redding dies, you screw the die in til it hits the shell plate. Then all addjustments from there are done with the centrally located adustment stem. Just turn the stem and leave the die where it is. Much easier and quicker.
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What makes changing calibers on the casefeeder on the 550 a PITA? How much does it really speed up production.
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The press was designed without a case feeder ever being thought of for the press. The case feeder was engineered for a press that wasn't designed for a case feeder from the get go, like the XL650 was. There are a lot more parts for the 550 case feeder to change over. The 550 can load rifle rounds, but the 550 case feeder is for PISTOL only. The 650 can handle rifle, but not the 550. The 550 case feeder is more expensive than the 650 feeder. Adding the case feeder to the 550 will increase production by 20-25%. All you are doing is moving the handle and setting a bullet on the case, then index.
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The thing that I think would bother me the most on the 550 is requiring both hands. I.E. Right hand puts the case in, left hand puts a bullet in, and then the right hand pulls the handle, repeat. I like the idea of my left hand only putting a bullet on and my right hand only pulling the lever
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I load 500rds per hour like this and it isn't a big deal. The less the press does the more control you have over the loading sequence.
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I've seen the hornady in a magazine and it does look attractive on both price and that free 1000 bullets offer, even though they don't have bullets in something i'd be reloading I could probbaly sell them on the forum.
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If you go this route, get XTP bullets in 10mm and I will buy them from you for half of retail.
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Dillon still seems to be the most highly regarded press around, and their no BS warranty is certainly attractive to me as well. While I don't see many parts on the press that would break easily it's the peace of mind that seems well worth it.
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Dillon is excellent at standing behind their products. I have a contact at Dillon that can pull some strings and has done so many times for me.
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It would be too much press for me.
The Hornady case feeder appears to be a lot more pricey than the Dillon, how does it work better? I suppose looking at how much (or little) I'd be reloading I could do without a casefeeder.
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The Hornady feeder is very similar in design and operation as the Dillon XL650 case feeder. The Dillon feeder is cheaper but the press is more expensive.