I have decided I want to get into a Dillon 550. I have been reloading on a single stage press and I want something a little faster. Dillon seems to meet my needs. I have a few questions on my purchase.

1. What do I need other than press, conversion kit, and dies? (I have manual, scale, funnel, powder/primer components, etc.)

2. Do I really need dillon dies or can I use the lee carbide dies I have now?

3. What upgrades do I need to get from the start? I don't need the stand or the bullet tray. More like roller handle, wrench/tool holder, spare parts kit...

4. Where should I buy my dillon? Can I get a C&R discount from dillon?


Thanks.

1. If you have everything for the single stage, you still need a primer flipper and pickup tube.
2. Lee dies work in a 550.
3. You don't have to get any of that. They will send repair parts to you as needed, but you do have to wait for the mail.
4. ?? I bought from Dillon..

Get the video. It sure makes set-up easier. I use Lyman, RCBS and Lee dies in mine. The Lee can be a bit too short in some cases. You will then need some thin rings.

You will love the Dillon. I used a RCBS Jr for over 20 years before I made the switch.

I have the RCBS rockchucker and decided I needed something a little faster. I bought the 550b a little over a month ago and have had a few problems but nothing major with it. I also purchased the video which made setup a lot faster. There are a few things shown in the video that no longer apply to the setup of the 55ob such as a plastic collect in the powder dispenser mount that was used in the video demonstation that is no longer used. Also make sure you have a case in the station one sizing die when you are making bullet seating depth adjustments. If you don't do this your seating depth will not be as deep as it will be if you set the seater die up without doing so. If you are going to load any 40 caliber be wary of the Glock fired cases before you run off a whole bunch and find out they don't fit in your case gage when you check them. I bought the quick change kits for the 9mm 40, and 45 and it sure saves time. The shell plate for the 9mm and the 40 are the same so you only need to buy another powder drop funnel and the 3 case holder buttons for that change. When going from the 9 or 40 to the 45 you will have to change the primer slide from the small to the large but that is no big deal. All in all a good press to own. I still use my rockchucker if I am working up loads or loading no more than a box to do accuracy testing with.

You don't need Dillon dies but I use them exclusively in the 550. I keep my other dies so that I can do load developement work on the single stage. Yeah, it can be done on the 550 but it's a pain.

Just got my 40 dies set up and am finding something strange on my 550b. I resize a case and check it in my case gage to make sure it fits and it slides right in with no problem. After seating my bullet to 1.120 inches and finishing the process when I try to drop it in the case gage it only goes about halfway in. I also see a distinct line in the case where the end of the bullet is. I have been crimping to about .424". This is with 165 gr fmj bullets. Any ideas on whats causing this? Thanks for the comments.

Hi mcanders, Sgt Preston here. The 550 is a great machine, you're going to love it. I bought the following accessories and here's why:
1. The "Strong Mount" raises you machine & stiffens the mounting. Raising the machine puts the crank handle at a more ergonomic position. Stiffening the machine makes reloading "better". I would definitely buy this with your machine purchase.
2. The Roller Handle simply fits your hand better & rolls when you crank it. Cranking a 2" ball 1000 times can put blisters on your hand. This can be added later. (Christmas presents?)
3. The "Bullet Tray Kit" puts the bullets right at your finger tips so you hand doesn't have to move very far to pick up & place a bullet. My left hand rests on the tray. This can also be added later.
4. The "Cartridge Case Bin & Bracket". This puts your empty brass right at your right hand. My hand rests on the bin. Proper hand placement save lots of motion = time. This can also be added later.
5. Do buy 4 large & 4 small primer pick up tubes so you can preload lots of primers & have the ready to go.
6. Do buy a spare parts kit. Dillon will send you parts. BUT if your in the midst of loading & lose or break something silly, you will have to wait.
7. Buy the Video.
8. Consider buying a "Mr Dial" www.mrdial.com instead of buying extra powder measures.
9. Consider buying extra toolheads, & toolhead stands & powder dies.
10. I did NOT buy a low powder alarm. I check my powder level visually every time I add primers.
11. I also did recently buy a wrench holder. Again it just keeps your wrenches orderly & nearby. You will need them while reloading. It makes a nice Christmas present & beats another tie.

I wrote an article on the Mr Dial a while back. You should be able to do a search for it. Hope this helps. Sgt Preston USMC LLA

Pick up one of these Rosette knobs for your Dillon powder measure.... Get one sized to fit the 1/4" hex bolt [7/16" across the flats]. Also consider a low primer alarm. You can visually see the powder level but when you run out of primers it is the pits. Might also think about a Lee FCD for the 4th station. I bought a [cartridge] counter but that is not really necessary.

Littledragon777
I would suggest putting a LEE Factory Crimp Die in the Fourth Station. I added this die on all my auto calibers and it solved virtually any fitment problems.

I realize taking out a Dillion or other quality Die, and replacing it with a Lee might sound like a step backwards, but LEE got this one right.

PC945

Littledragon it sounds to me like you may be crimping too tight. Here's what I would do & it will only take a few minutes.
At Station #1- "resizing". Make sure your die goes all the way down the brass. The die should get to withing .005-.010 of the "Shell Plate #20093" with the station in the full up position. Lower the die if it's too high.
At Station #2 - "Powder filling". Make sure you are adding some flare to aid in inserting your bullet head. Lower the die to increase the amount of flare. You don't need a lot - but do need some.
At Station #4 - "Crimping". I suggest raising the die up a lot & then gradually try lowering it until you it gives a snug fit & fits your case gage. Afterwards test to see that you have enough crimp by measuring the OAL length of your round & then pushing it nose down against your workbench holding it between your fingers & pressing on the primer end with your thumb. Lean on it. Remeasure the AOL. It the length stayed the same & it still fits your case gage, your good to go. Hope this helps. Sgt Preston USMC LLA

Thanks for the suggestions! I will be looking into that Mr Dial. Thanks, I will be ordering as soon as my check comes from my friend, Mr. Bush...

Mike,

If you get a chance to come down I'll let you try my 550 and SDB. I have a 550 Video I'll give you.

Chris

Chris,
That would be awesome! I will get in touch with you when I figure out when the best time is. Thanks!

All I could add is a big second tot he maintenance kit. It's fairly cheap and worth the savings in aggravation when a spring breaks or a locating pin rolls under the bench and enters the Twilight Zone.

Graf & Sons gives a C&R discount on Dillon.