M14 Forum

pilotc7a · February 7th, 2012, 12:24 AM

Im curious,
how many of the m-14 shooters are using dillon equipment

my 550 rig was involved in a flood in houston several years ago.
It was a mess. I sent it back to dillon and they rebuilt it to new specs. I can't remember how much but it was less than $50.00.
Considering that it was a dead loss, the cost of repairs beat the cost of a new 650 press by a mile
SORRY ABOUT THE MISTAKE. I HAVE THE 550 NOT THE 650.

Francis · February 7th, 2012, 04:36 AM

I use a 650 to load 308 for general shooting:
155/168gr Hornady A-max, 150gr FMJ. Varget and Ramshot TAC powders mostly, also used BlC2.

When I load for my Match rifle I still use a single stage press and hand measure each load.

The 650 is a great press, and works well with ball powder and even Varget will measure well, but not as accurately as I wanted for my match loads. With longer extruded powder like 4064 it doesn't seem to measure well.

Also I can control the seating a bit better making for less run out.

Cheers

panther308 · February 7th, 2012, 05:13 AM

I load all my ammo on a 550

KYShooter · February 7th, 2012, 05:17 AM

When I was shooting my M1A in competition, I sized my cases on a single stage press but primed, charged, and seated on a 550. I found that the press threw IMR-4895 just fine and any variances in powder charge never showed any affects on accuracy. I could have done my sizing on the 550 but it would have still been a separate operation since I had to trim the brass anyway. I just used the single stage press because I had one set up already.

Now that I shoot .223 again, I still use the 550 but I have to take a lot more care to the process. With the small case, there are issues with dumping the powder into the small neck and bridging occurs frequently. I manually look into each round to check powder levels before seating the bullet.

Francis · February 7th, 2012, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KYShooter

When I was shooting my M1A in competition, I sized my cases on a single stage press but primed, charged, and seated on a 550. I found that the press threw IMR-4895 just fine and any variances in powder charge never showed any affects on accuracy. I could have done my sizing on the 550 but it would have still been a separate operation since I had to trim the brass anyway. I just used the single stage press because I had one set up already.

Now that I shoot .223 again, I still use the 550 but I have to take a lot more care to the process. With the small case, there are issues with dumping the powder into the small neck and bridging occurs frequently. I manually look into each round to check powder levels before seating the bullet.

I have the powder check and it works reasonably well for this. The issue I have with the small cases and extruded powder is the that when the base indexes it has a tendency to shake the case when it hits the stop and throws some powder out.

Agreed, the 223 is better sized separately, but 308 I case prep then use sizing die on the turret. I'm not sure if 550 has less turret stations or not, but 650 is POK.

When I load for 223 I tried tightening it down but it didn't feed well.

I now put my finger on the indexer so it doesn't snap into place and that seems to solve the issue. I do this because I want a consistent throw of the handle as the powder measured moves back and meters.

Using this method I agree you can get pretty consistent loads +-.2gr, but consistency of the lever throw is critical with non ball powder.

Tbirk · February 7th, 2012, 06:46 AM

Load 7.62, .30 Carbine, .38/.357 and 5.56mm on my Dillon 650. Load 9mm on my Dillon SDB.

BLACKTAIL 8541 · February 7th, 2012, 07:55 AM

I have been useing a RCBS PRO for several years and like everything about it except for the lack of a case feeder. A Dillon 650 with case feeder would be a nice addition to my reload setup and speed certain steps up. Case prep would be a big plus. Loading my plinking ammo with ball powders would be a breeze.

KYShooter · February 7th, 2012, 08:09 AM

The powder check die is a great idea but not one that works on the 550 - have to have, at least, a model 650.

Bamban · February 7th, 2012, 08:37 AM

I have two 650s both with case feeders, one is dedicated for sizing only, and the other for loading. The 550b is dedicated for loading only. I never prime on the Dillons. I grafted a case activated Redding BR powder measure on the 550b.

24kshooter · February 7th, 2012, 11:04 AM

Great equipment. Nice folks to deal with.

Hammer1 · February 7th, 2012, 11:18 AM

550 for me. I use their electric case trimmer seperately in a single stage.

dragon6097 · February 7th, 2012, 11:33 AM

Oof, just priced out what it would cost for the 650 with some of the fancier accessories and multiple caliber plates (5.56, 45, 308). That'll put a dent in the old wallet :(

Eagle 1 · February 7th, 2012, 12:59 PM

Dillon 550B for everything. 7.62/ .308, 30-06, .223, .45 ACP, and others.

Eagle 1

charlesPOSTLEwade · February 7th, 2012, 03:21 PM

Dillon 550b for Everything
30-06
7.62x51
.357
5.56x45
.45 ACP
9mm

Francis · February 7th, 2012, 04:14 PM

650 is more $ no doubt;

I reload large volumes for sever calibers for my buddies and myself so the cost of equipment was quickly recovered.

650 has stations for powder check and 550 is good, but 650 better for volume and multiple calibers IMO.

My borther in law has hornady progressive, and it is cheaper for equipment, but it only takes me 30 minutes to be tooled up for a totally different caliber and size on dillon. Not the same situation with others.

Dillon customer service to me has been best I've seem in America.