Several years ago I bought an entire reloading setup from a guy getting out.

Sold over half of it for what I paid for all of it. And kept the rest. So I have zero dollars in a Dillon 650 with case feeder.

Lately I have been asking myself why keep it? I NEVER use it, but there is a little voice in my head saying keep it. Someday you may need it.
To me the 650 is perfect for loading pistol. Currently I just don’t shoot much pistol. I’ve been on rifle binge for several years. But who knows that could change.

Have you ever had something you never use but can’t bring yourself to sell it?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Hammer1967, April 03, 2024 04:21 PM

Hammer - IMO - The Dillon 650 is the best machine that Dillon ever made and I have owned and loaded on a 550 and currently own and load on a 650 as well as their newest machine - the RL1100….The 650 is an investment that will always provide you with the option to load over 100 different calibers with a round going from a spent brass unit to a loaded round with every pull of the handle (as you know once each of the five rotating stations are populated with a in process round).

My wife has said more than once to me - Whatever happens in the ever changing world we live in today I have the capabilities in my shop using my hands to load whatever ammo is needed, no matter what happens tomorrow…..

My recommendation (since I still load on my 650 weekly and I have a second 650 complete system that remains as a NIB system for future use) is to purchase the needed items that will allow you to load, if you ever NEED to load specific calibers that you shoot frequently as the prices of those components become available and affordable. Another ammo “shortage” or “panic” will occur - no one knows when or how long it will last and when it does, you can pull out your 650 and load what you need to support your requirements.

Today, I shoot less than before, but I still shoot in excess of 1000 rounds of 9mm a month in local and state matches - and I load every round I shoot in those matches…..Buy low and know that you are ready for whatever happens….

Just my two cents worth as a guy who has reloaded for 40 years, 14 years on Dillon machines….IMO the Dillon 650 is the BEST all around progressive reloader on the market today. Also, on average all Dillon reloading machines and the equipment that is required to support Dillon reloading machines (caliber conversions) increases between 7% to 10% a year (I have tracked this over the last 9 years)…..

If I ever sell one of my machines it will not be my 650…

I have never owned a Dillion, though I agree their the best progressive.

My situation is I change around a lot, not really high numbers of anything. I guess 9mm plinking ammo is about my most common.

I’ll go from 32 Win Spcl, to 30 Carbine, to 41 mag, to 22-250 & on & on. I may do batches of 40 rounds at times.

With this my turret press is fine. I added a Redding ‘Big Boss II’ a few years ago.

In your case you are in with 0 money, after selling part. If it sat around a little longer, no biggie.

I think you need to evaluate your needs, then future expected needs. Yes they can change.

Case in point, when the younger son move on with the military, from home, my reloading requirements dropped off a good bit.

I wouldn't get rid of it. People will tell you the primer system on the 750 is better but those are the ones that have never used both. I have very almost no problems with my priming system.

I have an old 450B that I upgraded the frame on so I could use interchangeable toolheads. The one thing I don't like about it is, the primer size is a PITA to change. So when I started shooting more 9mm a few years ago I ordered a 650 and set it up for small primers, and left the 450 set up for large primers. But I was never able to get the 650 to work right and eventually sold it. There's a small "snap" that happens when the powder measure linkage cycles, and that apparently introduced enough vibration that primers would flip over and end up getting stuffed into the primer pocket upside down or sideways. And then you have to interrupt your rhythm to correct it, which in my case led to an occasional round getting through with no powder, or with powder but no primer. I never damaged a gun with one of those squibs, but knowing there were potentially more of them took a lot of the fun out of shooting them. So I got rid of the 650 and went back to shooting commercial 9mm ammo. I'm sure I just didn't get something adjusted right, but after fighting it for a few months I gave up.

That said, I'd recommend hanging on to it. You can always sell it later if circumstances change, but if you do decide to get more into pistol shooting you'll probably be glad you kept it. That is, if you can get it set up right.

quote:

Originally posted by Hammer1967:
Several years ago I bought an entire reloading setup from a guy getting out.

Sold over half of it for what I paid for all of it. And kept the rest. So I have zero dollars in a Dillon 650 with case feeder.

Lately I have been asking myself why keep it? I NEVER use it, but there is a little voice in my head saying keep it. Someday you may need it.
To me the 650 is perfect for loading pistol. Currently I just don’t shoot much pistol. I’ve been on rifle binge for several years. But who knows that could change.

Have you ever had something you never use but can’t bring yourself to sell it?

All the time, I get separation anxiety thinking about selling, throwing or giving it away because I ALWAYS need something at a later date that I got rid of.

I’m not at all sure why you feel “restricted” to pistol ammo on thee 650. That Dillon is one versatile reloaded, AND it loads quality ammo, be it pistol or rifle. Bet if you loaded some of your rifle ammo on it, you’d be pleasantly surprised.

That said, if you’re shooting 800-1,000 yds, a single stage is better. Plus a trickle powder drop, turned necks, uniformed flash holes,…. But then, you’re probably already reloading.

Thanks for all the replies

I have put a 2 year window on selling my 650
If 2 more years pass without use I’ll let to go.

quote:

Originally posted by Hammer1967:
Thanks for all the replies

I have put a 2 year window on selling my 650
If 2 more years pass without use I’ll let to go.

Great plan Hammer - IMO - a lot can happen in two years especially in this unpredictable world we are living in now.

quote:

Originally posted by Hammer1967:
I have put a 2 year window on selling my 650
If 2 more years pass without use I’ll let to go.

Please get in touch with me on November 3, 2025 if you decide to sell it!!

Well I did it.
Knocked the dust off the 650 and loaded about 200 45acp. Bit of a learning curve, but I eventually got back in the swing, kinda……….lol. I did not realize how bad my sight has gotten.

It was a cold rainy day here in TN so I guess I got inspired. Going to work on it some tomorrow and see how it goes. I don’t have a pic hosting site anymore or I’d post a few of the mishaps ……..lol
Good Day

quote:

Originally posted by Hammer1967:

I don’t have a pic hosting site anymore or I’d post a few of the mishaps

PostImage. Easy to use, and FREE!

^^^
Bright LED lighting and reading glasses are the answer for the bad eyesight.
I have a four foot LED fixture mounted above my progressive reloading machine.
Also, a Walmart branded LED work light mounted above/behind the reloading press.
This allows visual inspection of the powder charge height in the case before placing/seating a projectile.
Ironman branded reading glasses are also impact rated, as you should be wearing safety glasses when reloading.