safeactionjackson

Both the 650/1050 will be a noticeable improvement, I went from a 550 to a 1050 and had no regrets at all. Based on what you mentioned (injury and single caliber, keeping the 550 for other cals), I’d strongly a consider the 1050, you can always add a bullet feeder and or Mark7 down the road. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I run separate dies on my s1050/Mark 7, no powder check die... and visually inspect that powder has been dispensed. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

While calibers conversion are surely more expensive (if you are doing a separate tool head for each cal), it isn't bad to change caliber if you aren't changing over the primer system, and even if you have two change the primer system it isn't really all that hard or time consuming. Other things to consider, 1050 is a high volume press.... you aren't supposed to be changing calibers every hundred rounds. I usually run 10K+ before switching to a new caliber, I always leverage the switch to clean and lube the press.... which honestly takes longer than the actual caliber conversions. I'm running two s1050 (sm/lg primer), I've got 4-5 dedicated tool heads and have the ability to reload maybe 8 calibers in total. My small primer s1050 has a MBF and Mark VII for my high volume reloading needs. For the record I also have a 550b and xl650.

If I was you I'd send the 1050 to Dillon and have the press refurbished. I'd then reload a single caliber to see if reloading is really something you want to do, I've seen lots of people make huge investments on xl650/s1050's.... only to decide that reloading isn't for them. Would the lack of a "no BS warranty" skew my choice, not at all..... as the s1050 is another league as far as performance and build quality. Would I worry about what people on the internet say about one machine or the other, probably not without an understanding of the personal actual reloading experience. The biggest deciding factor would be number of calibers, and quantity. Based on the numbers you provided, a 550b/c would probably cut it, with the xl650 being ideal..... that said, I'd still start with the 1050 and go from there.

Switching the primers system over on the 650 is a snap, if space is an issue you can probably migrate everything to the 650. Upgrading for me would be driven by volume loaded, and the time associated. The xl650 is a great press.

Similar situations was what led me to purchase my first s1050, which is used for large 9mm run (2K-5K). MBF and RF100 compliment the machine very nicely. Recently added a Mark7pro.... and couldn't be happier. I spend more time cleaning/lubing it than I do for an actual caliber conversion, so it's truly not that big of an issue. Cost is relative, I could have spent 3x the time to reload the same volume on my 550b. My time is far more valuable than the money I've invested in s1050's Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You just have to find the proper rhythm, once you get that down it doesn't take before you have the muscle memory. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Welcome! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Shot poorly, and worked the entire match as I have for the past 6 years. Considering that this match almost didn't happen, I'd say everyone that stepped in and up to make this happen really deserve a big hand. In general the match went very smooth, and the feedback from shooters was outstanding. I worked the last bay, stages 12/13. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I only reload a few calibers on my 550 now. Reloading .380 I average about 350-400 rph at a comfortable pace, I have done 500 rph in the past, but it reminded me of doing piece work when I was younger. Outside of .380 the 550 is my main source of .454 Casull production, considering my limited supply of brass for this caliber, and some additional consideration when producing magnum round, production is probably in the neighborhood of 150-200 rph..... and I'm fine with that. Real reloading volume is handled by my 650/1050's. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

^incomplete data without bullet weight. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

With titegroup there is very limited data listed by Hodgdon, more or less about a half grain difference between min and max load. Not sure if there is a +p or +p+ spec for .380. I'd think most people would purchase defense ammo from a reputable company, some do post the performance on the box. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

No experience with a Mark7 installed on a xl650. This weekend I mounted one of my 1050's on a Mark7 pro. Personally I think the 1050 is a better platform for automation, that said I was doing just over 1K per hour on my 1050 with MBF and RF100.

xTreme/titegroup for practice Montana Gold CMJ/N320 for matches Case gauge all of my ammo. Both loads are almost identical PF wise.

I use the same measure, simply empty it and the new powder, in between runs its sits on the press with powder in it, and dispenser covered. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk