Dillon XL 750 Setup: The Complete Station Guide for Clean Reloads
By Amis Thains Published 5 min read
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On this page (8 sections)
You have the press, the dies, and the components, but the turret is spinning faster than your brain can keep up. This page gives you the exact station sequence and the primer depth checks that stop the jams.
In short: A correct Dillon 750XL setup relies on a strict station order: case prep, primer seating, decapping/trimming, and powder/bullet. You set the primer depth in station 1, verify the charge in station 3, and ensure the case is seated in the anvil before cycling. This sequence prevents double-priming and short chambers.
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Eliminates shadows on the powder dipper and primer pocket so you can verify full seating before cycling.
Keeps shell plates and locator pins sorted by caliber so you never run the wrong conversion.
Carbide dies that cut faster and last longer than standard steel when running high-volume 9mm.
What you need before the first cycle
- The XL750 press and its specific conversion kit
- Station dies matched to your bullet diameter
- Primer depth gauge or dummy round
- Chamelon lube or equivalent case lube
- Caliper for verifying case length
Gather these items before you install the shell plate. A missing locator pin is the most common cause of a misfeed on day one. Keep your shell plates organized to avoid grabbing the wrong tool for your current cartridge. An unorganized turret setup leads to cross-threading dies and wasting time on cleanup. It helps to understand checking the accuracy of precision seating before going further.
Holds your shell plates and locator pins in a labeled, organized way to prevent grabbing the wrong caliber tool.
- Efficient Organization: Safely store and access up to 8 shell plates and 24 locator
- Compatible with Various Machines: Designed to accommodate Dillon RL300, RL450, RL550
Station 1: Case prep and primer depth
- Install the deprimer, primer pocket cleaner, and primer feed tube.
- Set the primer depth by lowering the die until it breaks the case head flat.
- Run one empty case through to verify the primer sits 0.005″ below the head.
This station does the heaviest physical work. If the primer is not fully seated, the primer feed tube may push it too deep or too shallow. Check the primer feed tube for blockages before your first batch.
A single crimped primer can stop the feed and jam the station. Ensure the primer pocket is clean; debris here prevents the primer from seating correctly and causes head stamping issues later in the cycle.
Safety first: Never load live rounds into the press to check depth. Use a dummy round or a brass checker instead.
Bright, shadow-free light lets you see if the primer is fully seated or stuck high in the well.
- Reloading press not included. Replacement Packs include the LED strip only. KIT
- Bright, shadow‑free lighting 24 high‑output LEDs illuminate shell stations for clear
Station 2: Tumbler and case lube
- Attach the tumbler or lube station to the turret.
- Adjust the dwell time so the case gets a thin, even coat of Chamelon lube.
- Ensure the case advances smoothly to station 3 without sticking.
Lube is the difference between a smooth cycle and a sticky turret. Too much causes residue to build up on the anvil. Wipe the anvil with a rag after every 500 rounds.
A sticky anvil causes the case to drag on the next cycle, which can crack the brass or prevent the die from seating properly. Listen for the ‘clack’ of the case hitting the anvil; if it sounds dull, you need more lube.
Station 3: Powder charge verification
- Install the powder dipper and scale.
- Set the dipper length to your target charge weight.
- Run 10 dummy cases to confirm the charge is consistent within +/- 0.1g.
This is where you catch scale errors. If the dipper is set too long, you risk overcharging. If too short, you risk low pressure. The other half of this decision is watching video reviews of the dillon.
Check the dipper depth with a ruler every session. Powder settles in the hopper, so a dipper that was accurate yesterday may be short today. Always weigh your first five rounds of every session to verify the charge.
Station 4: Bullet seating and crimping
- Install the die stack for resizing, expanding, seating, and crimping.
- Align the expander with the case mouth.
- Set the seating depth using a caliper on the first three rounds.
The expander must open the case just enough to allow the bullet. Too much expansion causes case split. Verify the crimp with a caliper.
A crimp that is too tight can deform the bullet and cause high pressure. A crimp that is too loose allows the bullet to slip in the chamber. Use a bullet seating gauge to ensure consistent depth across your batch.
Carbide dies reduce the force needed to expand and seat, which helps keep the turret moving smoothly.
- Country of Origin: United States
- Product type :SPORTING GOODS
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Primer feed blockage: Clean the feed tube weekly. A single primer piece in the tube stops the whole cycle.
- Case sticking in turret: Check your lube application. Too much creates a glue-like residue on the anvil.
- Short chambered round: Verify the seating depth. If the bullet is too long, it won’t chamber, but the press may still cycle.
- Turret won’t turn: Ensure all locator pins are fully seated. A missing pin allows the turret to drop under load.
These issues are rarely caused by the press itself. They are usually setup errors. If you follow the station order and verify each step, you will avoid 95% of these problems. Keep a log of your settings for each caliber to speed up future changes.
The bottom line
Start with the primer depth check in station 1 and the lube adjustment in station 2. These two steps fix 90% of beginner jams. Once those are dialed in, verify your powder charge and seating depth. The press is only as good as your most careful step.
- Reloading press not included. Replacement Packs include the LED strip only. KIT
- Bright, shadow‑free lighting 24 high‑output LEDs illuminate shell stations for clear
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct primer depth for a Dillon 750?
The primer should sit approximately 0.005 inches below the head of the case. Use a primer depth gauge or a dummy round to check this at station 1. If the primer is proud, the case will not seat properly in the firearm. Adjust the die until the depth is consistent across multiple cases. Loaders in this spot often ask about our notes on 750 customer reviews as well.
Why does my Dillon 750 jam at the turret?
Usually, it is due to insufficient case lube or a missing locator pin. The case must slide freely over the anvil. Add a thin coat of lube and verify all pins are tight. Check the anvil for dried lube residue and clean it with a solvent if necessary.
Can I use the Dillon 750 for precision reloading?
Yes, but you must hand-check every round with a scale and caliper. The press is for volume, not for eliminating the need for verification. Precision shooters use it to speed up the initial stages, then manually verify the final load. Do not rely on the press’s consistency for match-level loads without individual verification.
How often should I clean the powder feed tube?
After every reloading session. Powder residue builds up and can clog the tube, leading to light or heavy charges. Use a cleaning rod and a solvent-dipped patch. Regular cleaning prevents the most common cause of inconsistent powder weights.