Does Dillon Do Time Reload? What It Means and What It Costs
By Amis Thains Published 5 min read
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You are building a Dillon 750 or XL750 setup and hit a line in the spec sheet or forum post that says “time reload.” You need to know if the machine actually runs on time, how it limits your speed, and if you are wasting money buying a kit that does not fit your pace. This page gives you the straight definition and the real-world impact on your session.
In short: No, Dillon presses do not perform “time reloads” in the sense of automatic, timer-based cycling. A progressive press like the Dillon 750 or XL750 operates on manual indexing or case-activated powder measures. You control the pace; the machine does not set a timer. “Time reload” is a forum shorthand for the time it takes you to complete one round, not a machine feature.
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Lets you manually advance the shell plate for complete oversight of each stage, fixing pace anxiety.
High-speed progressive base for large batches, though it requires you to manage your own timing and workflow.
What “Time Reload” Means in Dillon Talk
The term “time reload” is not a technical specification found in any Dillon manual. It is a shorthand used in reloading forums and on places like eBay when sellers describe their pace or when buyers ask, “How fast can I go?” We go through xl750 setup guidance step by step in its own article.
It refers to the time it takes you to complete one full cycle of the reloading process. For a progressive press, this includes pulling the handle, letting the case advance, dispensing powder, seating the bullet, and extracting the fired case.
- Machine time: The physical movement of the press, which is nearly instant.
- Operator time: The time you spend handling cases, inspecting brass, and managing the shell plate.
- Batch time: Total time divided by number of rounds.
When someone asks if a Dillon “does time reload,” they are asking if the machine has an automatic timer that forces a pace. It does not. You set the pace.
The Dillon RL550C uses manual indexing, which puts the pace directly in your hands rather than a machine timer.
- Precision Reloading with Progressive Efficiency – Combines the repeatability of
- Quick & Easy Caliber Changes – Removable toolhead keeps dies and powder settings
How Dillon Presses Actually Control Pace
Dillon presses use mechanical indexing, not electronic timers. The mechanism advances when you pull the handle. On models like the 750S or XL750, the powder measure is case-activated.
Here is how the workflow breaks down:
- You insert a case.
- You pull the handle to cycle the mechanism.
- The case activates the powder measure, which drops the charge.
- You release the handle.
The time between rounds is entirely up to you. You can fire the handle as fast as your motor skills allow, or slow down to inspect each stage. The machine has no internal clock that locks you into a specific “time reload” pace.
The XL750 base is engineered for high-speed progressive reloading, allowing you to produce large quantities without machine-imposed delays.
- The Dillon XL750 is engineered for efficiency, allowing users to produce large
- Please note: this is a base no-caliber XL750. Caliber conversion kits and reloading
When “Time Reload” Matters for Your Speed
“Time reload” becomes a real metric when you are building competition ammunition or need to clear a magazine quickly. In these cases, the operator’s consistency is the bottleneck.
If you are loading slow target ammo, your time per round might be 15 seconds. For match ammo, you might target 3 to 5 seconds per round. The difference is not the machine; it is your workflow. Before you buy anything, it is worth looking at difference between dillon 750 and 650.
- Low volume: Time per round is irrelevant. Focus on precision.
- Medium volume: Find a steady rhythm. Time per round is 8–12 seconds.
- High volume: Time per round is 3–6 seconds. You must streamline every step.
When people say a press “does time reload,” they often mean they can hit a specific time target. You can do this on any Dillon progressive press if you practice your flow.
Quality dies like the Hornady Custom Grade set ensure consistent seating and resizing, which prevents the stalls that slow down your time per round.
- Die Set for the Avid Reloader - hand crafted and polished for an unmatched finish, the
- Find the Custom Grade Dies You Need - these precision dies give the handloader more
Common Myths About Dillon Timing and Speed
Myth: Dillon presses have a built-in timer that sets the reload time. Fact: They do not. The speed is 100% operator-controlled. The machine is a mechanical tool; it does not pace you.
Myth: Faster time reload means better accuracy. Fact: It does not. Speed often trades off against inspection time. A 3-second cycle gives you less time to check for double-indexing or case defects than a 10-second cycle.
Myth: “Time reload” is a marketing term for automatic presses. Fact: It is a forum term for operator efficiency. Automatic presses are a different category entirely, and Dillon’s core lineup is manual-index progressive.
Safety first: Do not rush your time reload pace. Every time you skip a case inspection to save two seconds, you risk loading a defective round that can damage your firearm or injure you.
How to Choose a Setup for Your Target Time
If your goal is to hit a specific time per round, choose the press style that matches your attention level. We go through single stage loading data step by step in its own article.
For maximum control and a slower, precise pace, the Dillon RL550C is the right tool. It forces you to manually advance the shell plate, ensuring you never miss a stage. It is ideal for match shooters who need to inspect every case.
For high volume and a faster pace, the Dillon XL750 or 750S is the standard. These presses are designed for throughput. You will need to practice your hand speed to lower your time per round without cutting corners on safety checks.
- Precision focus: Get the RL550C. Your time per round will be higher, but your inspection rate will be 100%.
- Throughput focus: Get the XL750. Your time per round can be lower, but you must be disciplined.
The bottom line
Dillon presses do not have a “time reload” feature; the term refers to your operator speed. If you need strict control over pace and inspection, get the Dillon RL550C. If you need to move volume quickly and are comfortable managing your own workflow, get the Dillon XL750. Start slow, find your rhythm, and only increase your time per round pace once your safety checks are automatic.
- Precision Reloading with Progressive Efficiency – Combines the repeatability of
- Quick & Easy Caliber Changes – Removable toolhead keeps dies and powder settings
Frequently asked questions
Does the Dillon 750XL have an automatic timer for reloading?
No. The Dillon 750XL is a manual-index progressive press. You control the speed by how fast you pull the handle. There is no electronic timer that dictates a reload time.
What is the average time per round on a Dillon 750?
It varies by operator. Beginners often average 10–15 seconds per round. Experienced users can hit 3–5 seconds per round on straight wall cartridges. Rimfire and bottlenecked cases are slower.
Can I buy a Dillon press on eBay to save money?
Yes, but be careful. Used Dillon presses are common on eBay, but you must verify the base does not have a bent frame and that the powder measure seals work. Check the seller’s history and inspect the toolhead for wear.
Is “time reload” the same as “cycle time”?
In common forum usage, they are often swapped, but “cycle time” usually refers to the mechanical time of the press, while “time reload” includes your handling time. The total is what matters for your throughput.