Thanks for the helping me deside on a line of progressive reloaders. Seems that Dillon is nearly everyones favorite. I'm now debating on the 550B and the 650. From what I have read in their literature about the only difference other than additional add on features is the automatic indexing.

For those of you who own these presses or have used both, what is your opinion? It's my understanding that you somehow rotate the shell plate with your thumb to index it to the next station in the reloading process for the 550B and the 650 does this process automatically. It would seem to me that your thumb would get awfully sore after loading a few hundred rounds? Is the 650 worth the additional cost for this feature and for the add on features available? I also notice that the 650 cannot reload as many different types of cartridges as the 550B can. It this a limitation I should be concerned with? I do not plan on reloading anything exotic. Actually, I only plan on owning the following rifle and pistol calibers: 223, 243, 7mm-08, 308, 30-06, 338 or 375 H&H, 9mm, 357, 44 Mag, maybe 454 Cassual or 475 Linebaugh. Several of these will just be barrels for my TC Encore.

[ 09-04-2002, 23:38: Message edited by: jcsabolt-2 ]

The automatic indexing isn't the only feature difference, much more important is the 5th die station of the 650 (550B only has 4 positions). This allows you to use a powder check die to catch uncharged/double charged cases. Either can result in a blown gun - double charged cases can blow the gun directly, uncharged cases often leave a bullet in the barrel - and if you don't realize it and fire another round you again blow-up your gun.
Another important difference is the case feed setup of the 650. This can greatly speed the reloading process - important mostly for pistol shooters who can go through hundreds of rounds in each shooting session - and may shoot several times a week.

The automatic indexing does speed things up a little - but also causes problems as it tends to "jerk" the cases and cause the powder to spill out.

I used a 550 for a while. Traded for auto-indexing. The powder check is a good feature if you're like me and forget to look in the cases. Mine has warned me twice that I can remember.

Eddie

I prefer the manual index on the RL-550 for two reasons. The previously mentioned "jerk" is one of them; this can send fine grain powder in interesting directions if not controlled. Secondly, I'm hyper-cautious; if anything looks/feels/smells bad while I'm rolling my own, I can stop everything without having to empty the shell plate, then resume once I'm sure everything's OK (or I take appropriate corrective action).

Having said that, the case feed is nice (but expensive) as is the powder check. Keep in mind the following economic realities - the 650 costs $118 more alone; the case feed costs an additional $173 ($291 more total for initial set up) and extra case feed plates cost $33 each; each conversion 650 conversion kit costs $25 more than a 550 conversion; tool heads are a couple of bucks more; and the powder check costs another $56. So, to set up with a case feeding, powder checking 650 in one caliber costs $347 more than the 550 - more than TWICE as much... Then, for every new caliber you load, it'll cost you $29 more each.

While it might be nice to have fewer things to do, I can comfortably crank out 300-500 rounds of pistol ammunition an hour on my RL-550 (I've "upgraded" with the roller handle, which, IMHO is a must have). YMMV, of course, but I can't see the extra money for non-commercial reloading.

Regards,

Kevin

Manual for the same reason's as above,however I wouldn't mind haveing the 650 from Dillion just can't justify it right now.
Get the one YOU LIKE BEST.

I really like the idea of auto indexing and a 650 would be nice, but the absolute versatility of the 550B is worth the small and I mean very small inconvienince of manually clicking the rounds. having said that and not having read all the previous posts yet. I have averted numerous problems from attention lapses because of the manual indexing and going back to check all the stages before continuing. Also you can use this press like a fast single stage and get really consistant ammuniton. You will find that the 550 is much more affordable for accessories and caliber conversions than the 650, but you probably don't need auto indexing for the price increase and that machine is not capable of loading as many different calibers. If yours are on the list as are ones you may want then by all means go with the 650, but after having the 550B I honestly have no desire for a 650... now a super 1050 in 40S7W is a different story.

Lots of good replies here. I use the RL550B and am very satisfied with its' performance. I like the manual indexing, but have no experience with auto-indexing yet.

The real reason I weighed in on this one is to second Gunner's recommendation to put the aluminum roller handle on whichever machine that you get!

Best regards, Bill