1. Resize & Deprime / Prime

• The case insert mechanism is retracted as the handle is lowered and then inserts each cleaned and lubricated cartridge case automatically into the shell plate when the handle is raised each time.
• The handle is operated using the right hand.
• When the handle is lowered for the second time, raising the cartridge case(s) in the shell plate to the tool head with dies, the cleaned, lubricated, used case in station 1 enters the first die and is resized and de-primed.
  • Like all the smaller Dillon machines, all loading actions on the XL 650 happen €œat the top€ when the handle is lowered, and the platform with shell plate and cartridge cases is raised to the tool head that holds the dies.
• The handle is raised, lowering the platform and the shell plate is automatically indexed to end the cycle, moving the resized and de-primed case to station 2.

2. Powder Drop / Flare

• At the end of each cycle, or the start of the next, the handle is pushed away from the operator to insert / seat a new primer into the empty, resized and de-primed case.
  • The primer is automatically fed from the reinforced primer magazine to the correct position under the resized cartridge case.
  • It is good practice to always start a cycle by pushing the handle away to seat the primer, or confirm that the primer is seated.
• As the handle is lowered again, raising the cartridge case(s) in the shell plate to the tool head with dies, the newly primed cartridge case receives the correct powder charge and the case mouth is flared / belled to facilitate later bullet seating.
• The case enters the powder die and the case mouth pushes the powder funnel up. The powder funnel serves several purposes:
  • Firstly, only if a case is present, the powder funnel is forced up into the powder die, activating / cycling the powder measure to dispense the previously-calibrated charge of propellant. No case = no mess!
  • Secondly, the powder charge falls through the hollow powder funnel and is guided into the case without mess.
    • It does take time for a large powder charge to fall through, so pause for a second or two when your load requires large quantities of propellant, especially extruded types. This is why rifle cartridges load slower than pistol calibres.
  • Pistol cases are flared / belled in the powder measure station to facilitate seating of the bullet, and especially lead bullets. This action is less critical for copper plated or jacketed bevel-based bullets.
• The handle is raised, lowering the platform and the shell plate is automatically indexed to end the cycle, moving the primed, charged case to station 3.

3. Powder Check

• This station requires the optional powder check system, a valuable safety feature that we highly recommend to verify that the powder charge is at a safe level.
• On the next cycle, first push the handle away to seat the primer into the case in station 2. Then, as the handle is lowered, raising the cartridge cases in the shell plate to the tool head with dies, a powder check probe enters the case mouth and rests on the propellant in the case.
  • The level of propellant / powder in the case pushes the probe up.
  • Should the level of propellant in the case be out of safe limits (too high or too low) an alarm is sounded to alert the operator to take remedial action.
• Like the powder measure, the powder check system must be pre-set to the desired charge.
• The handle is raised, lowering the platform and the shell plate is automatically indexed to end the cycle, moving the primed, correctly-charged case to station 4.

• Using the left hand, a bullet is manually positioned in the case mouth.
• On the next cycle, first push the handle away to seat the primer into the case in station 2. Then, as the handle is lowered, raising the cartridge cases in the shell plate to the tool head with dies, the resized, primed & charged case and bullet enter the seating die, as the platform is raised. The bullet is pushed into the case and seated to the desired, pre-set depth to achieve a suitable overall length of the cartridge.
• The handle is raised, lowering the platform and the shell plate is automatically indexed to end the cycle, moving the cartridge to the final station.

• On the next cycle, as always, first push the handle away to seat the primer into the case in station 2. Then, as the handle is lowered, raising the cartridge cases in the shell plate to the tool head with dies, the case with seated bullet enters the final die. A taper crimp is applied to remove the flare that was applied at station 2 (on pistol calibres) and to suitably grip the bullet.
• The crimp is especially important for semi-automatic firearms to ensure safe and reliable feeding from the magazine into the chamber.
  • All Dillon dies feature separate seating and crimping.
  • Other brand dies may not apply crimp, and this is generally the norm for bolt-action rifles.
• The cartridge is automatically ejected into the cartridge bin when the handle is raised, lowering the platform and automatically indexing the shell plate to end the cycle.
  • With progressive machines like the XL 650, all of the functions are being simultaneously performed each and every cycle, so a loaded cartridge is ejected each time the handle is cycled.

• 800 to 1 000 rounds per hour

• Without the optional electric case feeder: 32" (~800mm) 
• With the electric case feeder installed: 38½" (~980mm) 
• With optional XL650 mount: additional 175mm.

• Dillon Extra Small Powder Bar (DLN-20780) - throws from ½ to about 3 grains.
• Small Powder Bar - throws from a little under 3 to about 20 grains of powder.
• Large Powder Bar - throws from 15 to nearly 45 grains of extruded type propellant, and from 20 to about 50 grains of ball/spherical type propellant.
• Dillon Magnum Rifle Powder Bar (DLN-21353) - throws up to ~73 grains of extruded type propellant and ~82 grains of ball/spherical type propellant.
• The Dillon Magnum Powder Measure is capable of dispensing over 100gr of extruded type propellant.

NOTE: Capacities depend on actual propellant type, the values listed here are approximate.

• XL 650 machine

• With the empty tool head and primer system already fitted. The primer system is configured at the factory for correct size primers.
• A bag with small parts is usually pinned to the tool head, this includes:
  • One plastic case feed adapter
  • Three brass locator buttons
  • One stainless steel powder funnel
  • When Shooting Stuff reconfigure /setup the machine on request we put these in the calibre conversion kit box.

• Primer early warning system 

• Operating handle 

• Powder measure

• 1 x powder measure, with the appropriate powder bar installed.

• 650 Primer System Parts Bag

• 2 x primer pick-up tubes
  • 1 x for large primers (green tip)
  • 1 x for small primers (yellow tip)
  • 4 x spare plastic tips (green, yellow, clear, blue)
  • 2 x R-clips

• Rotary primer disk (large, if small is installed in the machine)
• Primer magazine tube with brass tip (large, if small is installed in the machine)
• Primer seating punch (large, if small is installed in the machine)
• Powder measure failsafe rod assembly (with blue wing nut)
• Case feed support bracket (blue plastic)

• 650 Accessory Box

• 1 x Ejected cartridge chute with bin support bracket (black steel)
• 1 x Loaded cartridge bin (blue, plastic AkroBin).
• 2 x long ¼” hex bolts
• 2 x ¼” nuts
• 2 x aluminium tube clamps
• 3 x 1” die lock-rings (7/8” x 14tpi) – for non-Dillon dies
• 1 x Spent primer cup (blue plastic)
• 1 x Extra powder bar (large, if small is installed in the machine)
• 7 x Allen wrenches (1/4”, 3/16”, 5/32”, 9/64”, 1/8”, 3/32”, 5/64”) in a bag (DLN-16607)

• Case feed mounting post

• 1 x case feed mounting post, black, round-tubing

• Calibre Conversion Kit Box

• 1 x Empty Calibre Conversion Kit Storage box (blue)

• Case Feed Tube

• 1 x Case feed tube, clear plastic ~34cm long with blue label (DLN-20532)

• Reloading Die Set 

• Scale 

Set and periodically check your powder charge, we recommend one of the following: 

• Dillon D-Terminator electronic scale (DLN-10483))
• Dillon Eliminator balance-beam scale (DLN-13480)
• CED Universal digital pocket scale (CED-UDPS)

• Loading Manual

• RDM’s Somchem reloading manual, version 3 (SomchemManual) is the only manual to include data for local, South African propellants.
• DVD: Competition Reloading with Brian Enos (DLN-14341) - a step-by-step guide through the reloading process for IPSC, Steel Challenge and other action-shooting styles.

• Safety Glasses 

You should always protect your eyes when reloading. Primers contain explosive compounds and nitrocellulose propellant is extremely flammable, with explosive characteristics when burning in a confined volume. We recommend tough, clear polycarbonate glasses for indoor use, like reloading.

• View safety glasses available 

• Case Lubricant

• Vernier calliper 

Set and check cartridge dimensions, like crimp and overall length, we recommend:

• Mitutoyo Digital Caliper. The caliper is not absolutely essential, but close enough that we included it here!

• Powder Check System 

Verify the powder charge in each and every case using the Dillon Powder Check System (DLN-21044). Once adjusted for a specific charge the sensor’s brass-tipped probe enters each case and is pushed up by the propellant, to check the level of powder in the case. In the event of a significant error in powder charge, either too high or too low, the sensor sounds an audible alarm. This is a safety check, not an accuracy check, and while not absolutely essential we feel it’s valuable enough that we included it as essential!

• Machine Mounts 

• Dillon Strong Mount for XL650 (DLN-22052).
• Dillon Strong Mount 550/650/750 (DLN-22051) or Shooting Stuff Machine Mount for XL650 (SSB-Mount650) - powder coated blue and features additional, elongated mounting holes for more mounting options when your bench’s support structure gets in the way. 

• Bullet Tray 

• 220V Electric Casefeeder

This device automatically feeds the cases right side up into the included case feed tube, and stops and starts automatically to keep the tube filled. The case feeder for the XL 650 is suitable for handgun and rifle calibres!

Available Options:

• XL 650 Casefeeder for Large pistol (DLN-97025)
• XL 650 Casefeeder for Small pistol (DLN-97021)
• XL 650 Casefeeder for Large rifle (DLN-97022)
• XL 650 Casefeeder for Small rifle (DLN-97023)

• Primer flip tray

• Additional primer pick-up tubes

Transfer the primers from the flip-tray to the machine’s priming system. Once the primers are shiny-side up in the flip tray, dab each one with the appropriate pick-up tube to load-up a hundred primers into a tube.

The RL 550B is supplied with one pick-up tube of small primers (yellow tip) and one for large primers (green tip). Extra primer pick-up tubes, pre-filled, are useful when loading more than a few hundred rounds per sitting.

They are available individually, or in value-packs of four:

• 4 tubes with green tip, for large primers (DLN-20050)
• 4 tubes with yellow tip, for small primers (DLN-20049)
• 2 large and 2 small pick-up tubes (DLN-20056)
• 1 tube with green tip, for large primers (DLN-22029)
• 1 tube with yellow tip, for small primers (DLN-22028)

• RF 100 Automatic Primer Filler 

• RF 100 for large primers, 220V (DLN-97112)
• Conversion kit to load small primers (DLN-17903)
• RF 100 for small primers, 220V (DLN-97113)
• Conversion kit to load large primers (DLN-17902)

• Toolkit 

The tool head on the XL 650 is quite compact, with little space between dies. Conventional spanners or shifting spanners may be too bulky to work well in the confined space, so we offer a specially designed spanner to get in and adjust then lock your Dillon dies.

Most adjustments on your XL 650 require Allen wrenches. The XL 650 is supplied with a standard set of these, adequate to work on your machine. The development of ball-ended Allen wrenches made it much easier to adjust bolts and screws where space constraints make it difficult to perfectly align the standard Allen wrench with the bolt. The ball-end allows you to work “off axis”, a much more convenient solution!

We have developed a stylish toolkit bracket to conveniently hold a set of ball-ended Allen wrenches as well as the 1-inch spanner. The bracket mounts to the back of the machine.

Convenient toolkits with mounting brackets are available (all the tools required to adjust and basically service the XL 650 machine):

• Dillon Toolholder with Wrench Set for XL 650 (DLN-11555) - a two-part bracket that mounts to the XL 650 progressive reloading machine to organise and store a set of dipped, ball-ended Allen wrenches and the 1" Bench Wrench. These tools are supplied in the kit and are what's required to adjust and basically service the machine.
• Shooting Stuff Toolkit for 550/650/750 (SSB-TK650) - a stylish, one-piece bracket that mounts to the "blue" Dillon progressive reloading machines to organise and store a set of ball-ended Allen wrenches and the 1-inch spanner. These tools are supplied in the kit and are what's required to adjust and basically service the machine.

Individual items available:

• Dillon 1” Bench Wrench (DLN-10842)
• Shooting Stuff 1-inch Spanner (SSB-Wrench) 
• Shooting Stuff Toolkit Bracket for 550/650/750 (SSB-TK650b)

• Spare parts kit

Dillon XL 650 Spare Parts Kit (DLN-21146) contains an assortment of small parts for the XL 650, to avoid downtime while waiting for a replacement part should something break or get lost. 

Consider this kit insurance against Murphy’s Law which states that if something can go wrong, it will, at the worst possible time – i.e. the night before a big match! 

• Case gauge 

Dillon's Stainless Steel Case Gauges allow rapid checking of critical aspects of each loaded cartridge – especially valuable for competition or carry ammo. Invest in one for each calibre!

NOTE: Dillon’s case gauges are available for defined popular calibres only, but those from LE Wilson expand the range considerably: view here.

• Roller Handle 

A Roller Handles is more comfortable to use than the standard ball-handle, especially for extended reloading sessions, and it can also reduce operator fatigue. We offer the following options:

• Dillon Aluminium Roller Handle (DLN-17950) - anodised blue roller handle, with a round grip, .
• Shooting Stuff Smooth-Glide Roller Handle (SSB-RHandle) - round grip handle with internal ball-bearings for smoother operation and more tactile feedback when seating primers. The shaft of the handle is also treated with silver zinc-blue for better corrosion resistance.

• Low Powder Sensor 

Even though the powder level is visible through the clear polycarbonate hopper, a low powder sensor backs you up when you lose concentration or get distracted. 

• Dillon Low Powder Sensor (DLN-16306) - warns you both audibly and visibly when the propellant level in the powder measure’s hopper gets low. The weight of the sensor is also reported to enhance charge consistency at lower powder levels.

• Machine Cover 

Our machine covers are designed to keep the machine dust free. They have a locking feature to secure the machine from little hands, or other unauthorised tampering. We have the following options available:

• Dillon XL 650 Machine Cover (DLN-13239) - Dillon blue
• Shooting Stuff Machine Cover (SSB-Cover650) - Navy blue, and is sized for the XL 650, SL 900 and Super 1050.

• Powder Bars 

• Dillon Extra Small Powder Bar (DLN-20780) - for very small charges.
• Dillon Magnum Rifle Powder Bar (DLN-21353) - for very large charges. 

NOTE: See Technical Specs tab for powder bar capacities.

• Belted-Magnum powder system 

When loading lots of ammo for big, powerful calibres like .338 Lapua Magnum, .416 Rigby, .458 Lott, etc, you will need a powder measure capable of dispensing over 100gr of extruded type propellant.

Dillon Magnum Powder Measure (DLN-97126) comes with an Oversize Powder Die (DLN-21253) for calibres too large in diameter to fit in the standard powder die.

As a minimum, you will need the following to change calibres:

• Calibre Conversion Kit for the specific calibre.
• Reloading Die Set for the specific calibre.

Adding a Case Gauge for the specific calibre is always a good idea! 

Option 1 does not take full advantage of the convenience offered by the RL 550B’s interchangeable tool head. So, if you want to leave your dies pre-set, you'll need:

• Calibre Conversion Kit for the specific calibre.
• Reloading Die Set for the specific calibre.
• Dillon XL 650 Tool Head (DLN-13863)

Including an additional Dillon Powder Die (DLN-20064) allows you to move your powder measure from tool head to tool head without changing the flare or belling adjustment. Consider taking a second powder die to also share the powder check system.

For the full Dillon convenience of changing calibres “the easy way” consider the option to leave your dies, powder system and powder check system set up and dedicated to a specific cartridge for faster, easier calibre changes. We call this “calibre conversion, the easy way”

• Calibre Conversion Kit for the specific calibre.
• Reloading Die Set for the specific calibre.
• The XL 650 Quick Change Kit (DLN-22059), which includes:
  • Powder measure (DLN-20782)
  • Powder die (DLN-20064)
  • Tool head (DLN-13863)
  • Tool head stand (DLN-22055)
• Quick-change Dust Cover (DLN-11143) keeps the assembled tool head with powder measure dust free.
• Case Gauge for the specific calibre (if available).

You may also need a different case feed plate for the electric case feeder. Please refer to the calibre conversion chart in the Instruction Manual for the correct plate. The XL 650 Instruction Manual can be downloaded here, or call Shooting Stuff for advice. Available case feed plates (applicable to the XL 650) are:

• Large pistol (DLN-21072)
• Small pistol (DLN-21073)
• Small rifle (DLN-21074)
• Large rifle (DLN-21075)
• Magnum rifle (DLN-18492)