https://www.dillonprecision.co...oader_8_1_26745.html

Interesting upgrades primer station.

I wonder how many of those parts can be installed on a 650, or if any are really worth doing that.

I think if the XL650 is working well and you have worked out the kinks is there a reason to upgrade? That said, I will be looking at the price of an upgrade kit.

quote:

Originally posted by XLT:
Interesting upgrades primer station.

I did not see anything in that link about upgrades to the primer system. Do you know what they did to improve it?

Wait, are they getting rid of the 650?

It's not under their presses section anymore, just the 750. For $100 more.

WTF? I hope they're not getting rid of the 650 since I was just about to get one, and it was already a budget stretch.

Here's the skinny:

I just got off the phone with Dillon. Here's what I learned:

- The 750 is on the same frame/chassis as the 650, with a few places machined out differently for some tweaks. The big differences between the 650 and 750 are the priming system and how it indexes.

- The 750 uses a priming system more like the 550, with a sliding bar that will hold a live primer until a case is in the station (no more dumping live primers down the ski jump if there's no case present). And this system is also supposed to be safer, because there's more space/separation between the primer magazine and the primer in the station, reducing the possibility of a chain detonation.

- The 750's indexing is supposed to be slower to reduce /eliminate powder spillage. It's also supposed to use a roller bearing to make it smoother.

It also doesn't start turning the shell plate until a bit later in the stroke, to allow for longer cases to be used. (Those are the words of the Dillon sales guy). They've also supposedly redesigned the bearing surfaces to reduce the index ring (I think that's what he said?) breakage that the 650 has.

- Price is +$50 from the cost of an xl650.

- Sales guy said almost all 650 accessories will still be compatible (tool heads, roller handles, case feeders, etc will all still fit).

- 750 is supposed to start shipping next Thursday. When it does, 650 will still be supported (obviously) but will no longer be sold.


Andrew

Oat:
Early this week I read that they were still taking phone orders for the remaining 650s even though they are not on the www. Maybe they still have one.

quote:

And this system is also supposed to be safer, because there's more space/separation between the primer magazine and the primer in the station, reducing the possibility of a chain detonation.

Strange, the rotary primer feed was supposed to be a safety innovation over the sliding bar type. I don't think it was, which is probably why they are going to the 550 type.

I just talked to them and they said only through their dealers.

I found a local guy who has one, but I can't get there today, so I have to run to a gun show tomorrow and see if I can snag it from him.

I really wasn't ready to jump on this now, and I'm not sure the +$50 jump is enough to justify buying immediately.

I wonder if the Swage It 650 will be compatible. Because I really wanted one of those, and, of course, the 750 is a change to the priming system exactly where the Swage It 650 sits.

I grasp the concept of "$50 here, $50 there and, before long, you're talking about real money," but, for the $50 difference, I'd wait until I was ready and reap the benefits of the improved machine.

I say "hats off" to new designs and moving their products forward. Having said that, I have owned my 650 for a number of years, and have added "accessories" to various areas of this press, and am 100% happy with it. I see no need for me to upgrade.....if this is truly and upgrade. I have read many threads about folks having problems with the 550 priming system, but not so with the 650 system. I will just stay put with what I own currently.

quote:

Originally posted by GT-40DOC:
I say "hats off" to new designs and moving their products forward. Having said that, I have owned my 650 for a number of years, and have added "accessories" to various areas of this press, and am 100% happy with it. I see no need for me to upgrade.....if this is truly and upgrade. I have read many threads about folks having problems with the 550 priming system, but not so with the 650 system. I will just stay put with what I own currently.

Having cursed the 550 priming system for years I wonder why they would try to emulate it on the 750. In truth though one needs a couple after market parts and measuring the height of the primer cup and replacing those parts periodically and it is passable. The aftermarket part I have extends the area that the primer bar slides over. Supports the whole length of travel. I think I got mine on Amazon. I am debating getting a 550 C before they go out of sight price-wise and would do that to eliminate going from small to large primers and vice versa. May be worth sending it in to Dillon to be tweaked ever 5 years or XX round count.

There are several 650 around here on the shelf if anyone is looking to get them before they are gone.
I have zero issues with my priming system on my 650 or any issues with the shell plate spinning out of control and spilling powder I guess it depends on how you have it adjusted. I haven't heard great things about the 550 primer system but I have never owned one of those just the 1050 super and the 650.

Time will tell if the 750 is a better machine. Knowing dillion I'm sure they will make it right

750 seems to use the 550 priming system. I fail to see how this is an upgrade.

It doesn't blow up as easily.

quote:

I will be looking at the price of an upgrade kit.

I was out at Dillon's Saturday and they told me there is not a plan for an upgrade kit.

quote:

Originally posted by tha1000:
750 seems to use the 550 priming system. I fail to see how this is an upgrade.

Agreed the 550 priming system leaves much to be desired though I think I have found the magic with aftermarket parts and early replacement of the parts of the primer bar that height deal for the cup is critical small or large primer and the spent primer chute is a joke.

quote:

Originally posted by cas:
It doesn't blow up as easily.

Ironically, I have popped primers on my 550 but never my 650. If I could get my last limited gun sold, I'd sell the 650 and move to a 1050 or Mark 7 in 9mm and be done with it.

Owning a 650 and being a new reloader, having used a 550 for a few rounds, I would snatch up a 650 and skip the 750.

I’ve not had any significant problems with it, the primer systems works well to me. Out of a run of 1,000, I may get two or three live primers on the ski ramp because of a non feeding case at station 1. That’s usually only because the rim is beat up too much or similar.

I slicked it up with an aftermarket thrust bearing for the shell plate and keep it clean and lubed.