Dillon XL750 Review: Who Should Buy This Progressive Press?

You are planning to reload hundreds of cases and need a press that keeps up with your range schedule. This review covers the exact features of the XL750 that save time and the drawbacks to plan for.

Who it is for (and who should skip it)

The XL750 is for you if you reload for multiple rifle and pistol calibers and value speed. It processes multiple stages per cycle, which is much faster than single-stage or turret presses. It helps to understand hands-On Comparison before going further.

It suits competitive shooters, high-volume plinkers, and range-day reloaders who fire hundreds of rounds a month. You will notice the difference when you have a large batch of 500 or 1,000 cases to prepare before a match or club day.

Skip it if you reload small batches or want a simple, low-cost press. It is not the right tool for casual reloaders who fire fewer than 200 rounds a year. The speed gain only matters when you are running hundreds of cases at a time.

If you only reload for family fun on weekends, a single-stage press like the Dillon BL550 might be a better fit. The XL750’s complexity and cost do not justify themselves if you only load 20 rounds a month.

What stands out in the XL750

The main reason people buy this press is consistency. Once the dies are set, the machine repeats that setup every cycle without the minor drift you see on some competitors. This is critical for match shooters who need uniform cartridge overall length (COAL) and bullet seating depth.

The priming system uses a slide bar. This is safer than older dial systems because it keeps the primer stack away from the ram. Dillon also builds these with zerk fittings for lubrication, which allows for easy maintenance without disassembling the entire press. It helps to understand reloader 5 press review before going further.

• Lifetime Warranty: The core machine is covered for life, saving you on long-term repairs.
• Tool Head Compatible: Works with older XL650/750 dies, so your existing investments are not wasted.
• Base Speed: Runs about 500 rounds per hour, which is more than enough for most range days.

It works out of the box. You do not need to tweak it to get a smooth cycle, which saves you time on setup day. The indexing mechanism is precise, ensuring cases move to the next station accurately every pull. This precision is why many shooters prefer Dillon for bulk work; the tolerance stack is tight.

The drawbacks and things to watch

The price is the biggest barrier. The base press is expensive, and the speed benefits only come with feeders that cost extra. If you buy the base press without feeders, you are not fully leveraging the machine’s potential. You are essentially paying for a high-end frame but doing the work by hand.

No Quick-Change Dies: You must remove the die for full removal, which takes longer than quick-change kits. This is a significant drawback if you switch between many different calibers frequently. You will need dedicated time to swap out the tool head and set the new dies.

Powder Measure: It can be tricky to empty completely when changing powders. Always check for clumps. If you switch between a fast-burning pistol powder and a slower rifle powder, you must purge the measure carefully to avoid cross-contamination.

Cost: Adding a case and bullet feeder adds significantly to the total investment. The bullet feeder option is what makes it truly fast. Without it, you load bullets by hand, which slows down the cycle and limits the benefit of the progressive design.

You must manage both powder and bullets manually to get the most out of the base unit. There is more on rcbs rock chucker in a separate guide.

Setup and use tips to make it faster

Start by using the correct shell holder for your case length. Install it and check for play before you prime a single case. Ensure the case locks securely into the holder to prevent cycling issues. If the holder is too loose, the case will not index properly, leading to jams.

Lubricate: Use the zerk fittings to lubricate the ram pivots. This keeps it running smooth. Do this regularly to maintain performance. A dry pivot will create friction and eventually wear out the bushings.

Prime First: Always prime empty cases before you add powder and bullets. This simplifies troubleshooting. If you prime and load in one go, a misfire or defect is harder to trace back to the cause.

Check Alignment: Make sure the case indexes properly into the turret. Misalignment causes jamming. For the primer station, use the primer seating issues check. If primers are not seating deep enough, adjust the primer seating depth on the press until they are flush. Consistent seating is critical for reliable ignition, especially in high-pressure rifle loads.

Alternatives worth a look

If the XL750 cost is too high, look at the older XL650. It uses the same tool heads and dies, but has a different priming system that may suit your workflow. The XL650 is a solid workhorse but lacks the slide-bar safety feature of the XL750.

For a different style, the Dillon RL550 is a semi-automatic option. It is slower than a full progressive, but cheaper and easier for people who do not need 900 rounds an hour. It is a good step up from single-stage presses without the full investment.

The RL550 has a turret head that allows you to hold multiple caliber setups ready to go.

The BL550 is a single-stage press that is good for low-volume reloading. It is the entry point for most new reloaders and is significantly less expensive. If your volume does not justify the XL750, the BL550 will serve you well for many years.

The bottom line

Frequently asked questions