Dillon XL750 Review: How It Reloads and Where It Shines
By Amis Thains Published 6 min read
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On this page (7 sections)
You are staring at YouTube reviews of the Dillon XL750 and wondering if that speed is real or just marketing hype. This page cuts through the video noise to tell you exactly how the machine works, where it fails, and if it will actually save you time.
In short: The Dillon XL750 is a fast, semi-automatic progressive press best for high-volume shooters who prioritize speed over ultra-precise single-stage accuracy. It handles 4 steps (primer, bullet seating, resizing, etc.) simultaneously across 4 stations, making it ideal for producing hundreds of rounds quickly, though it requires strict discipline to avoid out-of-spec ammo.
Quick picks
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CNC-machined aluminum tool head that stabilizes case indexing for tighter tolerances.
Integrated trim die allows in-press case trimming without removing the press.
Who it is for (and who should skip it)
The XL750 belongs to the shooter who loads 1,000+ rounds a month. If you are a competitive 100-yard target shooter who manually trims, weighs, and sorts every case, skip it. The semi-auto progression introduces a small variance that single-stage presses avoid. Loaders in this spot often ask about intellidropper 2.0 performance review as well.
If you are hunting or plinking with factory brass, this is the machine. It automates the tedious parts of resizing and priming, letting you load 100 rounds in the time it takes to load 20 on a single-stage. We cover dillon 750 production rate in a guide of its own.
- Buy it if: You value speed, have consistent powder/bullet combinations, and don’t need tournament-grade precision.
- Skip it if: You load match-grade cartridges like .223/5.56 or 6.5 Creedmoor where sub-MOA consistency is the goal.
Pro tip: Start with a single step to ensure die alignment before running a full progressive cycle.
What stands out in the XL750 design
The core feature is the 4-station progressive system. As you pull the handle, each case moves to the next station automatically. This means you are always working on 4 cases at different stages simultaneously.
Unlike the older XL650, the XL750 uses a new handle design that reduces the force needed to cycle. This makes the 4th station (usually bullet seating) feel much less fatiguing over long sessions. The indexing mechanism is stiff and positive, meaning the case locks into place firmly before the handle travel begins.
It also features a dedicated priming system that sits at the top of the station, keeping the flash holes clean and ensuring consistent prime depth. This is a significant upgrade over the older designs that relied on a separate primer feeder unit.
Pro tip: Check the primer feed chute for obstructions before every session to prevent double-priming accidents. We cover best umarex crosman gun in a guide of its own.
The drawbacks: speed comes with a cost
The biggest complaint in owner reviews is the learning curve for die alignment. If your dies are not perfectly concentric, the progressive motion can cause cases to tilt or jam. This takes practice to set up correctly the first time.
Another issue is the inability to easily inspect the case after each step. On a single-stage, you stop and check. On the XL750, the case moves on automatically.
If you load a bullet that is slightly too long, the next station will detect it, but you are already two steps deep. This requires a high level of discipline to stop and check when the machine flags a problem.
It is also not ideal for mixed lots of brass. The progressive system assumes all cases are similar in length and headspace. If you mix short and long brass, the dies will not accommodate both, leading to failures.
Safety first: Never force the handle if the cycle sticks. Release the handle and remove the jammed case before continuing.
Setup and use tips for consistency
Start by setting the dies for single-step operation. Use your micrometer or calipers to ensure the primer depth and bullet seating depth are correct at the final station. Then, switch to progressive mode. For the detail, see our notes on dillon xl750 press.
Keep your powder measure synchronized. The XL750 works best when the powder thrower is zeroed to the exact grain weight you want. The machine’s speed is useless if you are constantly checking the scale.
- Zero the dies: Each die should just touch the case or bullet with zero pressure.
- Check the index: Ensure the case moves smoothly without grinding. Add oil to the index cam if needed.
- Batch sizes: Load 50-100 rounds per session. Stop to check for consistency every 20 rounds.
A CNC-machined tool head improves indexing stability for tighter case placement.
- Fits XL 650 and XL 750 series presses.
- Designed and made in the USA. Look for the JFusa logo, otherwise they are copies made
Alternatives worth a look
If the XL750 feels like overkill, look at the Dillon XL650. It is cheaper and simpler, but lacks the 4-station flow and the new handle design. It is a better entry point for beginners who want to progress into multi-station loading.
For those who want the speed but prefer a fully automatic system without the handle-cycling step, the Starline ST-2000 is the alternative. It is faster but significantly more expensive and complex to maintain.
If you find the XL750 lacking in precision, a single-stage press like the Lyman Master or RCBS Xpress remains the gold standard for target ammo. The XL750 is a production tool, not a precision tool.
This trim die allows in-press trimming for cartridges like 300 BLK without downtime.
- Fits XL 650 and XL 750 series presses. For use with the RT1500 Electric Case Trimmer
- Designed and made in the USA. Look for the JFusa logo, otherwise they are copies made
The bottom line
The Dillon XL750 is the best choice for volume shooters who want to maximize throughput without sacrificing too much quality. It is not a precision tool for competition, but it is the most efficient way to produce reliable hunting and plinking ammo.
If you load more than a few hundred rounds a year, the time saved pays for the machine quickly. Start with a basic setup, then consider the tool head upgrade if you need tighter indexing.
- Fits XL 650 and XL 750 series presses.
- Designed and made in the USA. Look for the JFusa logo, otherwise they are copies made
Frequently asked questions
Can the Dillon XL750 reload 9mm Luger?
Yes, the 9mm is one of the most common cartridges for the XL750. The short case length makes it ideal for the 4-station system. Ensure you have the correct dies and a compatible powder measure. Most users report smooth cycling for 9mm, provided the brass is clean and not overly resized. If that sounds like your bench, read up on viewing its long-term legacy next.
What are common problems with the Dillon XL750?
The most frequent issue is index jamming, caused by dirty or warped cases. Another common problem is primer misfeeds, usually due to clogs in the primer chute. Die misalignment is also a frequent complaint, leading to off-center crimps or seating. Regular maintenance of the index cam and keeping brass clean resolves most of these issues.
Is the Dillon XL750 good for precision reloading?
It is good for consistent target ammo, but not for match-grade precision. The semi-automatic progression introduces small variances in case seating and primer depth that single-stage presses do not have. If you are chasing sub-MOA groups at 100+ yards, use a single-stage. For 300-yard hunting or plinking, the XL750 is plenty accurate.
How does the XL750 compare to the Lee Loader?
The Lee Loader is a different class of machine. The Lee is a high-speed, fully automated system designed for military surplus ammo. It is much faster but far more complex and difficult to maintain. The XL750 is a step between single-stage and fully automatic. It offers a balance of speed and control that the Lee does not.
When did the Dillon 750 come out?
The XL750 was released in 2015 as a major update to the popular XL650. It introduced the 4-station progressive system and the new handle design. The original XL650 had been on the market for years, so the 750 represented a significant jump in user interface and reliability.