Just like a pistol, it's a solid idea to get a feel for it before adding things to make it "better". However, this provided an immediate benefit. Should come standard.
There's some other things I've upgraded over the years, but personal preference does come in.
Participation does not equal Proficiency
- Mike Pannone
I just realized I left something off my list: a 9mm shell plate, because I'm not buying a caliber kit, as I'm going to use the dies I already have.
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"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me." - Isaiah 6:8
You need the caliber kit, it does not include dies. It has the plate and the buttons and the powder funnel and all of the stuff that goes on the shell feeder. I know you do not plan on buying the feeder initially (I did this with my SL900 for a while) but there is not (IMO) a practical way of doing it without, you will be dropping them in by hand. Plus, you will be set for the feeder if/when you get it. Or, some people configure the simple Lee collator bowl, and that might be a good option, and you will need that stuff.Originally Posted by DMF13
I would also suggest getting the calendar, I always feel like such a leg-humper when I have to place a separate order...Well, the calendar is pleasant to look at, but I always feel awkward just buying it and paying shipping, so I concoct some perceived need for some other trinket I have somehow not acquired over the past four decades of using Dillon equipment, so the calendar ends up costing the same as the $100 duct tape at Lowe's...I don't understand.
Unless they are running a $5 shipping special, in that case I am buying the calendar, today...
Would be a good time to buy your press, the typical shipping is a significant chunk of change.
I have both a case feeder and a bullet feeder on my RL 1050. I would recommend getting both, even though it might take longer to get it moved inside when not in use.
Consider the cost plus inflation. I bought my 1050 way back to make loading easier than my 550 for volume loading. It had the case feeder. After many years I started developing problems with my left hand from placing the bullets on the case. I got the bullet feeder and my hand thanked me. I probably should have checked with my health insurance to see if they would have paid for preventative medicine.
For cost and inflation, I bought my 1050 many years ago. It cost $895. Prices are never going to go down.
I agree, I would at least give it a little more consideration.
The 750 is so fast and so reliable, that I can't imagine not having the electric casefeeder to keep the party going. I recommend the DAA Turbo casefeeder plate and not Dillon's if you're loading 9mm.
Thanks, I assumed the conversion kit was the plate, and dies, and didn't know about the other parts.
It is a bit disappointing, as I plan to use the Photo Escape PTX, so the Dillon one is a waste. However, I did order the DAA Mini Case Feeder, and loading bowl, so the other parts will get used
OK. I had no idea that was a thing.Well, the calendar is pleasant to look at . . .
Thanks, I hadn't noticed they are doing $5 shipping, until the 8th. I'll call CS tomorrow, and make sure I have everything I need, and place an order. Looks like I'll also be getting 2000 cartridge cases, so that's a bonus.Unless they are running a $5 shipping special, in that case I am buying the calendar, today...
Would be a good time to buy your press, the typical shipping is a significant chunk of change.
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"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me." - Isaiah 6:8
I loaded for years (and tens of thousands of rounds) on a Lee Pro 1000 (which I did many tweaks and other adjustments on to make it run how I wanted), but eventually got a 650. The first time I used the 650 the clouds parted, the light shown, and the angels sang. It really was such a contrast to loading with the Lee. I also have a friend who went with a LnL over the Dillon, so I've got a bit of experience with it (mostly over there tinkering trying to get it to work).
Couple thoughts:
I will echo what others have said about the case feeder. The 650/750 is really designed to run with the case feeder, and it is both awkward and much slower to run it without one. The very short amount of time it takes to put the case feeder on (and take it back off again when you put the machine away) will more than be made up for in loading speed. The 550 does not need the case feeder, and really even the 1050 is more convenient loading without a case feeder than the 750 because the brass enters at the front of the press instead of the back.
I have also used some of the upgraded parts you can get online. The roller bearing upgrades on indexer block (that rotates the shellplate) and camming pin (to feed the case) makes a noticeable difference.
So here is what I purchased, and hopefully I didn't miss anything:
1. XL750
2. 9mm Conversion Kit
3. Spare parts kit
4. Alignment tool
5. Bearing Camming Pin Upgrade
6. Powder Measure Quick Disconnect
7. PhotoEscape PTX
8. DAA Mini Case Feeder & Loading Bowl
9. Inline Fabrication Ergo Roller Handle
10.Inline Fabrication QC Plate
11.Inline Fabrication Skylight
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"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me." - Isaiah 6:8
When you get this tuned up consider a Mr. Bullet feeder. I just installed one on my super 1050 and it helps production time. My wife is shooting more so I am loading for two!.
You didn’t say what problems you’re having with the Hornady.
While I wish I’d originally gone with Dillon, I have 2 Hornady’s now since I was invested in the system. The first I bought in 2013 and nearly sold it out of frustration.
My initial problem was primer feed. At first I couldn’t get through 100 rounds, but finally isolated the problem to Winchester small pistol primers. They have a heavily-radiused cup.
My current issue on the newer one purchased last year is the powder measure getting stuck in the up position. I have to watch it on every stroke or end up with squibs.
For a while I used a Dillon SDB for my bulk reloading which was fast & reliable, except for too many high primers due to the lack of leverage. Plus I use a lot of after-market dies, which are unusable on the SDB.
I might ask Santa for a 750 or FFA this year.
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