One Press has to Go... Which One?

Jerzsubbie

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So I got a great deal on an XL650, but only have bench space for 2 presses and can’t afford to mount a 3rd.

I have:
1) SDB (9 & 45)
2) LNL AP (.223 & 300BLK)
3) LCT (.308 & single stage use for pulling, univ decapper etc)
4) XL650 (new to me, setup for 9mm, may pass the deal on to a friend)

I like my current setup, only have minor gripes about both the LNL and SDB. I’ve never used a 650, have used a 1050. Is it worth learning a new press, changing my setup, and ditching one of them in favor of the 650? Either I keep it or I pass it on to a friend who has been eyeing a 650 for a while now.

My LCT is currently on a contraption that I can secure in my vise and store underneath when not in use, so that one gets a pass.
 
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A 650 for your bulk ammo is hard to beat. A 550 is a great second press for everything else - I don't know much about the LNL AP. If you don't load a lot of any one caliber, the 650 probably isn't worth it. Caliber changes are expensive especially with the case feeder (and without that, you might as well have a 550 or equivalent).
 
I'd ditch the SDB and the LCT and replace them with a 45 kit for the 650 and a good single stage press.
This was my first thought but I’m struggling with pros/cons of 650 over SDB for pistol.
I’ve been keeping an eye out for a LNL single to replace my LCT since that would allow me to still easily load .308 for my bolt gun. Just haven’t seen the right deal yet.
 
One more thought... while I know many would say “go blue”, I have my LNL AP setup with a 3D printed case feeder which I’m happy with, and by replacing the SDB with the 650 it would get me an even better case feeder setup for my 2nd press. I do load more 9mm than anything else.
I also like that I can use non-Dillon dies on the 650, since I have all Lee dies I need already.
 
I owned a LNL AP. I am now shopping the blue man presses. I am going to drop the coin in a new 750 unless. I can find a smokin deal on a 650.
 
I owned a LNL AP. I am now shopping the blue man presses. I am going to drop the coin in a new 750 unless. I can find a smokin deal on a 650.
Ok, why? What didn’t you like about that LNL AP that you’re looking to spend roughly double for a 650/750? I’m happy with mine but maybe that’s because it’s relatively new and I only load .223/300BLK.
 
I would never get rid of my LCT.

Out of the list you gave, if you really want to keep the 650, then I would probably let go of the SDB. But this would mean you would have to get 650 caliber conversions, toolheads, and dies for 9mm and 45. If you get rid of the LNL AP, then the same consideration except for the dies.
 
I currently use a 550 for bulk and a Lee single stage for precision rifle rounds. If I had the money, I’d add a 650 or replace my 550. Don’t get me wrong - the 550 is great, but the auto-index of the 650 makes for a shorter loading session.

I’d keep the 650...
 
Ok, why? What didn’t you like about that LNL AP that you’re looking to spend roughly double for a 650/750? I’m happy with mine but maybe that’s because it’s relatively new and I only load .223/300BLK.
mine was finicky and always had something needed adjusting.
 
Don't overreact by getting rid of any of the presses. Move to a bigger place and keep them all:D:D
Haha I’d love to have a bigger garage, but love my house so I’ll be sticking with my current multipurpose 2 car garage.
 
A 650 for your bulk ammo is hard to beat. A 550 is a great second press for everything else - I don't know much about the LNL AP. If you don't load a lot of any one caliber, the 650 probably isn't worth it. Caliber changes are expensive especially with the case feeder (and without that, you might as well have a 550 or equivalent).

How are caliber changes expensive with the case feeder if you are loading all pistol caliber you need 2 case feeder plates (large and small) 1 of them will come with the case feeder when you buy it and the other is $40.00. I also use lee dies and a lee powder measure with my XL650
 
Look into the inline fabrication mounts. Swap out presses on one mount, and keep them all.
I have inline mounts for everything now, I just don’t have ANY room for a 3rd press to be mounted or stored. I barely have room for the LCT to be stored and that’s pretty small.

I have a lot of hobbies, a lot of tools, and a 2 car garage, it’s a balancing act.

I’m leaning towards using the 650 in place of the SDB but think I’ll use it for a couple weeks before deciding.
 
I have inline mounts for everything now, I just don’t have ANY room for a 3rd press to be mounted or stored. I barely have room for the LCT to be stored and that’s pretty small.

I have a lot of hobbies, a lot of tools, and a 2 car garage, it’s a balancing act.

I’m leaning towards using the 650 in place of the SDB but think I’ll use it for a couple weeks before deciding.

I will trade you my LNL with case feeder and lots of extras for the xl650
 
I have inline mounts for everything now, I just don’t have ANY room for a 3rd press to be mounted or stored. I barely have room for the LCT to be stored and that’s pretty small.

I have a lot of hobbies, a lot of tools, and a 2 car garage, it’s a balancing act.

I’m leaning towards using the 650 in place of the SDB but think I’ll use it for a couple weeks before deciding.

You aren't alone. I need a man cave other than the garage and bonus room.
 
Just picked it up, this thing is practically brand new. Came with the powder checker and riser mount, set up for 9mm

As is, versus my SDB it gives me:
Pros
the powder check (5th station)
ability to add a case and bullet feeder
ability to use universal dies
ability to load rifle if I want

Cons
more expensive caliber conversions
Have to buy one conversion to load 45

Anything else Pro/Con?

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huh.. didn't know that. It kind of comes down to personal preference then. play with them both and decide.
 
Manual index isnt bad....... It makes it easier to used a progressive like a single stage press.
 
I’ve been watching some YT videos on 650 caliber changes... most of these videos are 2-3 parts each 10min+ long. Seems like a bit of a PITA, granted, I don’t load much 45 so it would get changed maybe twice per year (to 45, then back to 9).
 
How are caliber changes expensive with the case feeder if you are loading all pistol caliber you need 2 case feeder plates (large and small) 1 of them will come with the case feeder when you buy it and the other is $40.00. I also use lee dies and a lee powder measure with my XL650

Turns out he got a 650 without the case feeder so it doesn’t matter, but that’s the point - for 2 calibers (9 and 45) you need 2 plates and the other small bits, and then first rifle needs one and then maybe another rifle . It adds up. Once you are past 4 calibers it’s only a little more than the 550 instead of a lot more. If you want to just load all small pistol then it isn’t too bad of course.

The 550 and 650 are really about the same speed without the feeder though. Once you learn the rhythm on the 550 each hand does two things in a cycle:
Left - index, place a bullet
Right - pull, insert a case

Auto index doesn’t save any appreciable time because the right hand becomes the limit on speed. With a 650 and feeder:
Left - place bullet
Right - pull

Then your throughout goes up.

The advantage of the 650 w/o case feeder over the 550 is the extra station for powder check (which is important for rifle IMO but unnecessary for straight wall pistol).

The advantage of the 550 is that it is simpler and easier to run and troubleshoot, and manual indexing is easier for setting up new loads, fixing issues, etc...

The trick on the 550 (or any press) to never squib or double charge is to a) never ever place a bullet without looking to see powder in the case (which doesn’t work for bottle neck cases), and b) use a powder that will overflow if you double charge. Then the mess and a) will catch it.
 
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I’ve been watching some YT videos on 650 caliber changes... most of these videos are 2-3 parts each 10min+ long. Seems like a bit of a PITA, granted, I don’t load much 45 so it would get changed maybe twice per year (to 45, then back to 9).

There is a thread here where someone is selling caliber conversions and quick change toolheads for 650.

I load 9 and .223 on my 650 right now. Those are the only conversions I have and I typically don't switch back and forth too much. I'll load a big batch of 9 and then swap out to .223 for a few months. I use my Lee turret to load the calibers I shoot less.
 
I’ve been watching some YT videos on 650 caliber changes... most of these videos are 2-3 parts each 10min+ long. Seems like a bit of a PITA, granted, I don’t load much 45 so it would get changed maybe twice per year (to 45, then back to 9).
With the quick change kits and some practice.....no biggie.
 
There is a thread here where someone is selling caliber conversions and quick change toolheads for 650.

I load 9 and .223 on my 650 right now. Those are the only conversions I have and I typically don't switch back and forth too much. I'll load a big batch of 9 and then swap out to .223 for a few months. I use my Lee turret to load the calibers I shoot less.
I’ll definitely look for that thread. Thanks for the lead.

That’s basically what I’m thinking, leave it setup for 9mm the majority of the time, and when I need more 45 just do one big run. I only have one 45 but 5+ 9mm’s.

Right now I’m loading a bunch of 9 then 45 on my SDB, then I’ll mount the 650, run a few hundred rounds and make my final decision.

I appreciate all of the input... and interest in buying my SDB if I part with it ;) Haha
 
scrap them all and get a 1050 @Jerzsubbie
Funny you say that. I had an opportunity to get a 1050 for cheap, but after helping my friend set it up, reading up on caliber changes & available upgrades, and running it a bit, that’s too much press for me and for my wallet! I’m a “bang for the buck” guy all the way.

I may however borrow his case feeder since he has since packed his 1050 away.
 
Idk why I hadn’t thought about this sooner... rather than load 45 on the 650, I can leave the 650 setup for 9mm, do all of my caliber changes on the LNL since the volume is much lower for my other calibers, and LNL caliber changes are ~$100 and pretty quick/easy.
This would also make it a little easier to buy/justify a case feeder if I can’t borrow my friend’s long term.

Edit: I also just confirmed that my DIY 3D printed case feeder on the LNL will work for 45. Done deal! Only took me an entire day to figure this all out haha
 
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Turns out he got a 650 without the case feeder so it doesn’t matter, but that’s the point - for 2 calibers (9 and 45) you need 2 plates and the other small bits, and then first rifle needs one and then maybe another rifle . It adds up. Once you are past 4 calibers it’s only a little more than the 550 instead of a lot more. If you want to just load all small pistol then it isn’t too bad of course.

The 550 and 650 are really about the same speed without the feeder though. Once you learn the rhythm on the 550 each hand does two things in a cycle:
Left - index, place a bullet
Right - pull, insert a case

Auto index doesn’t save any appreciable time because the right hand becomes the limit on speed. With a 650 and feeder:
Left - place bullet
Right - pull

Then your throughout goes up.

The advantage of the 650 w/o case feeder over the 550 is the extra station for powder check (which is important for rifle IMO but unnecessary for straight wall pistol).

The advantage of the 550 is that it is simpler and easier to run and troubleshoot, and manual indexing is easier for setting up new loads, fixing issues, etc...

The trick on the 550 (or any press) to never squib or double charge is to a) never ever place a bullet without looking to see powder in the case (which doesn’t work for bottle neck cases), and b) use a powder that will overflow if you double charge. Then the mess and a) will catch it.
Agree 100% with everything you said.

I use my Lee turret to load the calibers I shoot less.
Same here. I use the 550 for my semi-auto pistol rounds, and 223 plinking loads. Everything else on the LCT.
 
Idk why I hadn’t thought about this sooner... rather than load 45 on the 650, I can leave the 650 setup for 9mm, do all of my caliber changes on the LNL since the volume is much lower for my other calibers, and LNL caliber changes are ~$100 and pretty quick/easy.
This would also make it a little easier to buy/justify a case feeder if I can’t borrow my friend’s long term.

Edit: I also just confirmed that my DIY 3D printed case feeder on the LNL will work for 45. Done deal! Only took me an entire day to figure this all out haha

I will trade you a lnl with case feed for the Dillon without case feed then you could have 2 LNL progressives and I would have 2 Dillon 650 (1 small primer one large)
 
I will trade you a lnl with case feed for the Dillon without case feed then you could have 2 LNL progressives and I would have 2 Dillon 650 (1 small primer one large)
I appreciate the offer, and it's an enticing one, however I think I'm going to stick with this 650 and add the case feeder at some point in the future. I wanted a 650 before, but couldn't bring myself to drop the cash for one, therefore I settled on the LNL. I also like the idea of having the 650 & LNL since they seem so similar on paper but have many differences in reality.

Once I finish loading up the last of my 45 bullets on my SDB, it will be sold. A few members have already reached out about it, so they'll get first dibs on the entire setup.
 
I appreciate the offer, and it's an enticing one, however I think I'm going to stick with this 650 and add the case feeder at some point in the future. I wanted a 650 before, but couldn't bring myself to drop the cash for one, therefore I settled on the LNL. I also like the idea of having the 650 & LNL since they seem so similar on paper but have many differences in reality.

Once I finish loading up the last of my 45 bullets on my SDB, it will be sold. A few members have already reached out about it, so they'll get first dibs on the entire setup.

My 650 is set up for 40 S&W my LNL is set up for 9mm and I loaded my 45 on a loadmaster Rifle is done on a lee Classic turret setting up a 650 head to start loading for the 10MM and the 38 super
 
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