Dillon is known for equipment that’s well suited for high-volume reloading. That’s why a lot of pistol competitors use Dillon equipment to load match ammo. Sometimes these competitors load literally thousands of rounds per month. And that that rate, you start to look for ways to increase speed and efficiency. One of the ways to speed up the reloading process is to add an autodrive to your press. In the past, the only options were something like the fully mechanical Ponsness/Warren system. If something “bad happens” with a fully-mechanical system like that, parts start to break, and things go “down hill” fast. 

Enter the age of computer controlled press autodrive systems. Today’s technology adds speed, safety, and metrics to the equation. At the top of the heap for Dillon autodrives: Mark 7 Reloading. In fact, that’s how Mark 7 got started in the game- with autodrives for Dillon presses. Now Mark 7 has their own lineup of 10-station presses (the Evolution and Revolution). But if you want to add Mark 7 technology to your existing Dillon press, The Mark 7 Autodrives are the way to go!

Corrections from video:

• Spencer meant to say “IPSC” when referring to competitive pistol matches
• Gavin meant to say torn “Rotator Cuff” instead of “ACL”

Mark 7 Dillon Autodrive for the XL-750 and XL-650

The Dillon XL-650 and XL-750 (update to XL-650) presses are well known for their competitive price-point, 5-station flexibility, and smooth operation. Adding a Mark 7 Autodrive for the XL-650/XL-750 is a natural “extension” of the platform- and a great way to speed up brass prep and/or reloading with these presses.

This was my first “hands-on” look at the new Dillon XL-750- which adds a new priming system (slide-bar, replacing the old “telephone dial” from the XL-650). It is a very nice machine!

From the Mark 7 product page:

AUTOMATES THE DILLON CP2000/RL1100/1050 AND 650 PRESSES (Dillon machine is not included.)

• Two user selectable speeds 900 to 1,200 rounds per hour
• Includes 9″ pre-loaded tablet – no control boxes!
• Includes Upgraded 9″ tablet holder
• Completely compatible with Mr. Bulletfeeder and GSI bulletfeeders
• Broad caliber capacity – able to load a wider array of calibers including larger rifle calibers
• Small footprint
• Digital clutch – adjustable on-the-fly from 0 to 20
• Digital primer depth setting – no more guessing!
• Digital jog and immediate stop
• Microprocessor monitored and controlled
• Features monitored by tablet
• Downloadable software upgrades for life
• Supports a variety of accessories
• User-configurable Dwell time at the top of the stroke
• Easy Installation
• Pre-assembled and shipped ready to use
• CNC grade planetary gearbox
• Full warranty
• Fully Supports International Voltage – this unit operates at 110/220v and at 50/60 Hz with no appreciable variation in speed or performance (Please select voltage at Check Out)
• Dimensions and Capacity

More info and notes:

• Overall machine dimensions are 49″ tall (124.4 cm) X 14″ (35.5cm) wide x 12″ (30.5cm) deep
• True operational height: earlier machines 52.5″, later machines 48.5″
• Quite operation approximately at 75-80 dB including case and bullet feeder
• CNC billet heavy-duty crank
• High torque output
• Mounted on heavy-duty baseplate
• In-line direct-drive operation helps ensure equal amounts of pressure applied to the 650 ram / operation
• Does not include the Dillon Precision XL650 reloading press
• Completely compatible with the leading bullet feeders on the market

I’m hoping to get my hands on one of these for my XL-650. I would love to prep and load 9mm, 45 ACP, and 223/5.56 with this setup!

Mark 7 Dillon Autodrive for the RL1100, Super 1050

Most serious competitors loading on Dillon equipment run the 7-station Super 1050, or the new 7-station 1100 press. So for Dillon equipment, these are the “sweet spot” for a Mark 7 autodrive upgrades.

From the Mark 7 product page:

AUTOMATES THE DILLON CP2000/RL1100/1050 Dillon machine is not included. Features and details:

• Digital clutch – adjustable on-the-fly
• Completely compatible with Mr Bulletfeeder and GSI bulletfeeders
• Digital jog and immediate stop
• Microprocessor controlled
• Includes tablet – no control boxes!
• Features monitored by tablet
• Downloadable software upgrades
• Supports a variety of accessories
• User-configurable Dwell time1.3 HP high torque motor
• Plug-and-play with your unmodified Super 1050 or RL1050
• Pre-assembled and shipped ready to you
• CNC grade planetary gearbox
• Maintenance-free timing belt drive
• User selectable speeds of up-to 2,100 rounds/hour
• Full warranty
• Fully Supports International Voltage – this unit operates at 110/220v and at 50/60 Hz with no appreciable variation in speed or performance (Please select voltage at Check Out)
• Completely compatible with the leading bullet feeders on the market
• Machine dimensions are: 41″ tall (104 cm) x 16″ wide (40.6 cm) x 20″ deep (50.8 cm)

I haven’t owned a Dillon 7-station press, but am hoping to get more hands-on time with one in the future. If I was a pistol competitor with a 7-station Dillon press, I’d definitely be looking at a Mark 7 Autodrive!

Do you all want to see more Mark 7 content? Please leave a comment!

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Thanks,
Gavin