The Dillon 650 is a legend in the reloading world, known for its speed, precision, and overall reliability. This isn't just another press; it's an investment in efficiency and consistency for serious reloaders who demand the best. This comprehensive review will delve into its features, benefits, drawbacks, and ultimately, whether it's the right choice for you.
Understanding the Dillon 650's Power
The Dillon 650 is a progressive reloading press, meaning it performs multiple operations in a single press stroke. This significantly accelerates the reloading process compared to single-stage presses, making it ideal for high-volume reloaders. Its robust construction, built to withstand years of heavy use, is a testament to Dillon's commitment to quality.
Key Features That Set It Apart:
- Progressive Operation: As mentioned, this is the core feature, allowing for quick and efficient reloading. Each stroke completes multiple steps, including case feeding, resizing, priming, powder dispensing, bullet seating, and crimping.
- Adjustable Powder Measure: The Dillon 650 boasts a highly accurate powder measure, ensuring consistent powder charges for optimal performance and safety. Fine-tuning is simple and precise.
- Case Feeding System: The reliable case feeding system minimizes downtime and ensures a smooth, continuous workflow. This significantly reduces user fatigue during long reloading sessions.
- Robust Construction: Built from heavy-duty steel, the press is designed to handle the rigors of high-volume reloading without compromise. It's a long-term investment that will likely outlast you.
- Wide Caliber Compatibility: While requiring specific dies for each caliber, the 650's adaptable design allows you to reload a wide range of cartridges, making it a versatile addition to any reloading bench.
Advantages of Choosing the Dillon 650
The Dillon 650's strengths are numerous, attracting reloaders of all skill levels, particularly those aiming for efficiency:
- Speed and Efficiency: Its progressive design significantly reduces the time required to reload ammunition, allowing you to produce hundreds of rounds in a shorter timeframe.
- Consistency and Accuracy: The precise powder measure and consistent operation lead to consistently loaded ammunition, enhancing accuracy and reliability on the range.
- Durability and Longevity: The sturdy build guarantees years of reliable service, making it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
- Ease of Use (after the learning curve): While the initial setup might seem daunting, the Dillon 650's intuitive design makes it surprisingly easy to use once you've mastered the process. Numerous online resources and a supportive community aid in this learning curve.
- Scalability: As your reloading needs increase, the Dillon 650 can easily keep pace, providing a significant advantage over single-stage presses.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While the Dillon 650 is a top performer, it's crucial to acknowledge a few potential downsides:
- Initial Investment: The upfront cost is higher than single-stage presses, representing a substantial investment for new reloaders.
- Learning Curve: Mastering the operation and fine-tuning the press requires time, effort, and attention to detail. Improper setup can lead to inconsistencies or malfunctions.
- Space Requirements: The press itself, along with associated equipment, requires a dedicated workspace on your reloading bench.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure the press operates smoothly and accurately.
Is the Dillon 650 Right for You?
The Dillon 650 is an exceptional progressive reloading press, but it's not for everyone. It's the ideal choice for:
- High-volume reloaders: Those who need to produce a large quantity of ammunition regularly will find the 650 invaluable.
- Experienced reloaders: While not exclusively for experienced users, the 650's complexity requires a certain level of mechanical aptitude and understanding of reloading principles.
- Those prioritizing speed and consistency: If speed and accurate, consistent reloading are your top priorities, the Dillon 650 excels.
However, it might not be the best option for:
- Budget-conscious reloaders: The significant initial cost might be prohibitive for those on a tight budget.
- Beginner reloaders: The learning curve might be too steep for complete beginners; a single-stage press may be a more appropriate starting point.
- Low-volume reloaders: If you only reload occasionally, a single-stage press might be a more practical and cost-effective choice.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs and preferences. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering your experience level, reloading volume, and budget. If you’re serious about reloading and value speed, precision, and longevity, the Dillon 650 is a worthy investment.
