Dillon 650 upgrades/mods?
- Thread starter Sniper338
- Start date
I've had a 650 since about '95. I've added a case feeder which makes loading a lot of pistol or .223 so much easier than feeding cases down the feed tube one at aa time. I've also polished the bottom metal funnel of a couple of the powder measure to get stick powder to meter better, it does but I still load my long range ammo singly. In regards to what you mention...
"the live primer ski ramp catch is a must fix" I've never had a problem so nothing to fix.
"the spent primer bin is a must fix" Once again I've never had a problem, just empty it before it overflows.
'press mounted lights help alot..." No argument there, good lighting is a plus but doesn't have to be press mounted. I use a flexible neck shop lamp.
I got the roller arm, the stands that raise the press mounted to a wood base sized to fit on a Black & Decker Workmate, the base and 650 store on custom shelving.
When I bought the 650 it was on the recommendation of a couple Grand Master competitors, and the fact that 18 of the top 20 shooters at that years national championships loaded on Dillon equipment. I was a little nervous as it was a chunk of change. It worked first time, it's worked every time since. Thing is, most things work. I have a cabinet full of things that work. Fewer things work well, those stay on the bench like the Dillon.
"the live primer ski ramp catch is a must fix" I've never had a problem so nothing to fix.
"the spent primer bin is a must fix" Once again I've never had a problem, just empty it before it overflows.
'press mounted lights help alot..." No argument there, good lighting is a plus but doesn't have to be press mounted. I use a flexible neck shop lamp.
I got the roller arm, the stands that raise the press mounted to a wood base sized to fit on a Black & Decker Workmate, the base and 650 store on custom shelving.
When I bought the 650 it was on the recommendation of a couple Grand Master competitors, and the fact that 18 of the top 20 shooters at that years national championships loaded on Dillon equipment. I was a little nervous as it was a chunk of change. It worked first time, it's worked every time since. Thing is, most things work. I have a cabinet full of things that work. Fewer things work well, those stay on the bench like the Dillon.
You can look at some interesting things here. http://www.uniquetek.com/category/41374518 The only "must have", in my opinion, is the case feeder. The press works pretty darn well as shipped.
I bought one (650) a few years ago. My loads are limited to Rifle not pistol. I have the case feeder and load for .204 Ruger and .223 Rem. I load 1,000+ a week during the squirrel season. My simplification is this, the powder charge is the same for both rifles, 22.0 grains of LT-32. Changing and trying to get the same charge is a challenge. Buying a separate powder measure would be
better but $ I tumble, Spray with RCBS lube, Let it dry, run a batch. I do no case primer pocket work at all. I find the accuracy to be excellent and focus on shooting consistent loads instead of
working brass with OCD.
better but $ I tumble, Spray with RCBS lube, Let it dry, run a batch. I do no case primer pocket work at all. I find the accuracy to be excellent and focus on shooting consistent loads instead of
working brass with OCD.
The 650 is a fantastic tool- you'll love it.
I found that the roller cam follower, low mass detent ball, and shell plate bearing updates were well worth the nominal dollars to smooth things out and give me a little better "feel" of the operation.
I would suggest (as others above have) more primer tubes, roller handle, and getting the press height/lighting just right with a mount.
I seem to always want (not need) another powder measure.
The spent primer thing- not been on my radar as the stock setup works for me- the ski ramp- I will probably try one soon.
I have really enjoyed the Bully adaptor bullet feeder for loading pistol (in conjunction with the case feeder). I load for a couple calibers and this setup seems to be the sweet spot for me over the 1050-swapping calibers is quick enough and I can get enough throughput to not be lusting over a 1050.
I found that the roller cam follower, low mass detent ball, and shell plate bearing updates were well worth the nominal dollars to smooth things out and give me a little better "feel" of the operation.
I would suggest (as others above have) more primer tubes, roller handle, and getting the press height/lighting just right with a mount.
I seem to always want (not need) another powder measure.
The spent primer thing- not been on my radar as the stock setup works for me- the ski ramp- I will probably try one soon.
I have really enjoyed the Bully adaptor bullet feeder for loading pistol (in conjunction with the case feeder). I load for a couple calibers and this setup seems to be the sweet spot for me over the 1050-swapping calibers is quick enough and I can get enough throughput to not be lusting over a 1050.
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