The Dillon XL650 Progressive Reloading Press
The Dillon XL650 is the first reloading press I bought when I got into reloading, and I’ve had absolutely no regrets from day one. The machine is extremely well built and comes with a lifetime “No B.S.” warranty.
Their motto; “If it breaks, we’ll fix it FREE for as long as you own it.” Thankfully, to this day, I have not needed to take them up on their guarantee, as the machine has run flawlessly from the get-go.
When I look back, and from a purely educational point of view, I’m sure I would have benefitted more if I had started with a single-stage press and learned the basics.
However, at the time, I was primarily looking to reload 9mm for competitive shooting and needed a way to produce up to a thousand rounds per session efficiently.
I had looked into a few different progressive presses and decided that the one I would choose should easily convert to reload for common semi-auto rifle calibers as well. While this isn’t a full best progressive reloading press comparison, it’s a closer look at the Dillon Precision XL650 and how I’ve set mine up..
Yes, there are other progressive presses available, and perhaps one day I’ll pick one up to do a side by side comparison, but not today.
Safety Disclaimer
Reloading involves explosive components like powder and primers, and it’s never without risk. Always wear proper ear and eye protection, keep your bench clear of loose components, never smoke while reloading, and never force a stuck primer.
For the full list of precautions, see the Dillon XL650 manual. My notes here are based on personal use and do not replace manufacturer instructions.
What does the Dillon Precision XL650 kit include?
Out of the box, the Dillon XL650 progressive reloading press comes with almost everything you need to get set up and running. I say almost because there are a few things that you will need, and a few that you will inevitably want.
The list of things you need is short. For pistol cartridges, you will need a set of three carbide dies in the caliber you intend to load, and the same is true for rifle cartridges.
You will already have the one caliber conversion kit that comes with your machine, but if you intend to load another caliber, you will need that specific conversion kit as well. That’s it!
The basic 650 includes the following.
- 1 powder measure with standard large and small powder bars (small bar installed). The small bar throws from 2.1 to 15 grains of powder. The large bar throws from 15 to 55 grains of extruded powder or up to 60 grains of ball/spherical type powder.
- 1 primer system with large and small priming parts (appropriate size installed).
- 1 large and one small primer pick-up tube.
- Low Primer Alarm
- 1 loaded cartridge bin
- 1 toolhead
- 1 powder die
- 1 caliber conversion kit – installed
- 1 set of standard Allen wrenches
Dillon Xl650 Upgrades
As mentioned above, the list of wants will far exceed the list of needs. There is no shortage of upgrades available for the XL650, that’s for sure. That said, they’re not all “essential,” however, some enhancements will increase your production. The following list of components is the most common upgrade available for the XL650.
Strong Mount
One thing to consider is how you intend to secure the press to your reloading bench. While it is possible to attach directly to your bench, given the nature of the progressive press, it is advisable to use a Strong Mount or Ultramount.
Electric Casefeeder
Although the basic kit does include the Casefeed mounting post, it does not include the Electric Casefeeder itself.
The case feeder is likely the single most significant upgrade you can add to increase production. And to be honest, from a production point of view, I can’t picture using the machine without one.
The feeder includes one of four case feed plates: Small Pistol, Large Pistol, Small Rifle, and Large Rifle. Additionally, you can get a Magnum rifle case feed plate if needed; however, it is not considered one the “free” plates included with the unit.
Bullet Tray
The bullet tray is another one of those enhancements that can increase the overall ammunition production. It attaches to the strong mount and holds your bullets up to the platform and can hold several hundred pieces at a time, allowing for quick access.
Powder Check System
The powder check system takes the station just after the powder measure. Once you have dialed in the desired powder weight, you will adjust the powder check to the ideal depth of powder in the case.
While the powder check system does not guarantee the accuracy of the powder charge, it does provide an audible warning if the charge is too high or too low.
KMS Squared UFO 650
The UFO 650 is an LED reloading press light that easily integrates with your XL650 to provide illumination to your entire shell plate and tool head. I highly recommend you check out KMS Squared; they have a wide range of lighting systems for reloading presses. Check out my full write-up on the KMS Squared UFO 650 press light.
Mr.Bulletfeeder
Of course, there are other upgrades available. You may want to look in the Mr.Bulletfeeder by Double-Alpha Academy. The Mr.Bulletfeeder automatically drops a bullet onto the charged case.
Typically the bullet feeder would take station three, replacing the powder check system. I do not personally have this upgrade on my XL650; however, it is one that I will consider at some point. It would round out my setup quite nicely.
XL650 Quick Exchange
If you want to keep your dies setup for multiple calibers, you’ll want to consider the XL65 Quick Change. The quick-change is a great way to store your preconfigured tool head, making it easy to switch between calibers. Included with each xl650 quick change is one powder measure, one powder die, one tool head, and one tool headstand.
XL650 Caliber Conversions Kit
If you plan on reloading more than one caliber on your Dillon, which most people do, you’ll require a caliber conversion kit. The kit includes one shell plate, a set of three brass locator buttons, one powder funnel, and the case feed adapter parts.
Index Bearing Cam Block for Dillon xl650
One upgrade I don’t personally run but often hear about from other reloaders is the index bearing cam block for the Dillon XL650. The idea is simple — replace the factory cam block with one that uses a bearing, which makes the press index more smoothly and can reduce wear on the mechanism over time.
It’s not essential, and the stock cam block works fine, but people who’ve made the switch say the press feels more refined. If you’re already investing in accessories, this is one of those small upgrades that can make the XL650 run just a little sweeter.
Testing Notes from My Bench
Over the years I’ve run thousands of rounds through my XL650 in different calibers, mostly 9mm, 357 mag, 40cal, and the occasional batch of rifle rounds, .308 and 25.06 rem.
Once the press is set up and dialed in, I can comfortably produce between 600 and 700 rounds an hour. If you want to get a sense of how that translates into cost savings, try running your numbers through my reloading calculator.
Mechanical issues have been rare, and most stoppages came down to me rushing or not paying enough attention. The primer system, for example, works well but benefits from a quick clean every few thousand rounds. If you ignore it too long, you’ll start to feel a bit of drag.
There are a couple of simple maintenance habits that make life easier. Spilled powder should be cleaned up right away, since it can foul the shell plate holder or the primer system if left to build up. Carbon “grunge” also collects around the decapping station, and a quick brush-out now and then keeps things smooth. Beyond that, I just stick to the basics outlined in the Dillon manual — like a light grease on the moving parts — and the machine runs without complaint.
One upgrade that’s paid for itself more than once is the powder check system. It won’t guarantee perfect charges, but it has caught both light and heavy throws before I seated bullets. That audible warning is worth its weight in primers.The biggest change with time has been confidence. In the early days I checked every 15–20 rounds with a scale, but now I can trust the press and focus on production. You start to notice the feel and sound of the machine, and if something’s off, it’s obvious.
Setting up you Dillon XL650 Progressive Reloading Press
The initial setup of your XL650 is relatively straightforward. As with any press, you’ll need to attach the machine, directly to your bench, either by bolting down, or installing a rail system. I’ve adopted a bit of a hybrid system, a concept which I picked up from Ultimate Reloader.
I use a strong mount and attach it to a bottom plate, I secure the plate to my bench via aluminum channels and T bolts. This method provides a modular solution for my reloading bench. I can quickly move reloading presses around, and attach individual tools and components.
For a detailed look at setting up the Dillon XL650, you can view or download their instruction manual here. The manual covers everything that you’ll need to know to set up for both pistol and rifle reloading, as well as some other helpful information about the machine itself.
When it comes to the high production of straight-walled pistol ammunition, the Dillon XL650 performs exceptionally well. If you take the time to dial in your machine and layout all your components, you can quickly produce 600+ rounds an hour or more.
I usually run a bunch of test runs to dial in my powder measurement. Any adjustment made to the powder measure will require a few run-throughs to stabilize the throw. Once the calibration is stable, I’ll load 50 rounds and recheck the measurement.
If it hasn’t made any notable changes, I’ll rip through 100 rounds before I bother to recheck the powder charge, or until I run out of primers.
Since I use the powder check system in station three, I will receive an audible warning if the powder charge is +/- the desired range.
When I first started with the XL650, I’d find myself checking the charge weight every 15 to 20 rounds as I was extra cautious. As you can imagine, production takes a big hit when you stop, pull a charge, weigh it on your scale a couple of times.
When you become more familiar with your machine, you will tune into the feel and even the sounds that are produced as you work the press. Once you are confident in the process, you can really get it ripping!
Verdict: Pros and Cons of the Dillon XL650
Pros
- Built like a tank, backed by Dillon’s lifetime “No B.S.” warranty.
- Consistently high output once dialed in — 600+ rounds an hour is realistic.
- Easy caliber changes with conversion kits, especially when paired with quick-change setups.
- Huge aftermarket support with upgrades for speed, lighting, and automation.
Cons
- The cost adds up quickly once you start adding the must-have upgrades like the casefeeder and strong mount.
- Primer system can get finicky if you don’t keep it clean and free of spilled powder.
- Not the best starting point for someone brand new to reloading — the learning curve is steeper than a single-stage press.
- The XL650 has been discontinued, so brand-new buyers may lean toward the XL750. That said, Dillon still supports the 650, and good deals can be found on the secondary market.
Who it’s for
The XL650 shines for high-volume shooters who burn through hundreds or even thousands of rounds in a session. Competition shooters, in particular, will appreciate the ability to control every aspect of their ammo, including powder charge, which is critical for staying within strict match rules. It’s also a strong choice for reloaders who want flexibility across multiple calibers while knowing the machine will hold up for decades.
Who might skip it
On the other hand, the XL650 is probably overkill for casual shooters who only need a box or two of ammo each month. Beginners may also find the learning curve too steep compared to a single-stage press. If you’re still deciding what type of press makes sense for you, check out my full guide to the different types of reloading presses.
The XL650 also isn’t the best fit for long-range or precision rifle shooters. For those disciplines, consistency and fine control are usually more important than sheer volume. A quality turret press, like the Redding T7, gives you the ability to slow things down and dial in accuracy. (See my full write-up on the Redding T7 Turret Press.)
In Conclusion
I expect a lot from the equipment I use, as should anyone who spends serious time at the bench. To me, the XL650 has always felt more like an investment than an expense. It’s not the simplest press to learn on, but once you’ve mastered it, the payoff is enormous.
After thousands of rounds, the XL650 has proven itself a workhorse. It may not be the best choice for beginners or long-range precision reloaders, but for high-volume pistol and semi-auto shooters, it remains one of the most capable presses Dillon ever built.
FAQ about the Dillon XL650
Is the Dillon XL650 discontinued?
Yes, Dillon Precision has discontinued the XL650 and replaced it with the XL750. The 750 features a redesigned priming system, but otherwise the two presses are very similar. If you already own an XL650, Dillon continues to support it with parts and service.
Can you still buy a Dillon XL650?
You won’t find new XL650s from Dillon, but the press often shows up on the secondary market. Dillon’s “No B.S.” warranty is officially limited to the original purchaser. That said, Dillon continues to support the XL650 with parts and service, and secondhand buyers can still keep their presses running with available parts.
What calibers can you reload on the Dillon XL650?
The Dillon XL650 covers almost the entire spectrum of common handgun and rifle cartridges when paired with the correct conversion kits.
Pistol: from small rounds like .32 ACP and .380 Auto up through heavy calibers such as .454 Casull, .460 S&W, .500 S&W Magnum, and .50 Action Express.
Rifle: from varmint rounds like .17 Hornet and .223 Rem/5.56 NATO all the way up to big-game cartridges including .375 H&H Magnum, .45-70 Gov’t, and even .338 Lapua Magnum.
In short, the XL650 can handle everything from competition pistol ammo to serious hunting cartridges. For ultra-precision rifle rounds or cases larger than .338 Lapua, reloaders usually turn to single-stage or turret presses.
How fast can you reload with the Dillon XL650?
With the press properly set up, 600 to 700 rounds per hour is realistic. That number depends on how well you stage your components and how familiar you are with the machine.
Is the XL650 good for beginners?
The XL650 is not usually recommended as a first press. Beginners often benefit from starting with a single-stage press to learn the fundamentals. For a more step-by-step walkthrough, check out my Beginner’s Guide to Reloading.
What is the caliber conversion kit for Dillon?
A caliber conversion kit includes the shell plate, locator buttons, powder funnel, and casefeed adapter parts you need to switch your press to another cartridge. Both the XL650 and XL750 require a conversion kit for each caliber you plan to load.
What is the difference between Dillon XL650 and XL750?
The Dillon XL750 replaced the XL650 in Dillon’s lineup. The main change is the redesigned priming system, which is smoother and less prone to hang-ups. Otherwise, the presses are very similar in terms of output, caliber conversions, and available upgrades. If you own an XL650, there’s no need to switch unless you specifically want the new primer setup.
