[snowman]

Starting evaluation.

Refer to Dillons XL 650 manual, which is available on the internet at Dillons web site. I will be starting at page 20, Rifle Section. This section refers to the resizing steps, which I have no issue with. I use the RCBS precision MIC instead of the Dillon case gauge. I set the resizing die to give me the fire formed case size (in my 0.308 M1A1) minus 0.002", which in my case happens to be equal to the maximum case size for auto loaders. IE any case I resize should fit in any standard chamber and be within spec.

I have shown this photo previously, ie the case in the precision MIC.

I de capped and resized all of my cases, removing them after that step for cleaning and case trimming. As I have shown in a previous photo the trimmed case size is 2.005". I cannot see reloading brass with case lube on it and certainly without trimming, an essential step.

Another reason I remove the brass at this step is that resizing and decapping is the most violent operation, the one that is most likely to upset any other operation, like seating primers. The next step involves unscrewing the resizing die so that it is no longer functional and seating primers, the step with issues.

The sizing die is adjusted down until the required case length, as determined by the Dillon Case Guage or an RCBS precision MIC is reached. Other case gauges are also adequate for this step. The original Dillon resizing die did not have enough capability to adequately resize the case. I had to send it back to Dillon, where they removed about 0.025" from the overall length. The result worked as it should. The conclusion, check everything, assume NOTHING.

This result is certainly a QC issue for Dillon.

In addition I had 36 jams in the case feeder doing 500 cases, about 70 for 1000 cases. Not the end of the world but certainly not a "world class" reloading machine. I have already posted pictures of these jams. NOTHING the user could do to prevent them. My biggest gripe is the plastic guide, it kept falling out, just no excuse for this.

Again this is not a deal killer for me. Its after all, an inexpensive, reloading machine, and a few glitches are expected.