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  #1  
Old 01-21-2012, 02:33 AM
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peppercorn peppercorn is offline
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I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!*  
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Default I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!*

I have been lurking here and there, have a copy of the 'ABCs of Reloading' and made a call to Dillon today.

I was looking at the 550B mainly because it is within my budget.
The fellow I spoke with helped me make a list of everything I will need to get started.

Please let me know what you think of this press and if I need to add or subtract anything.
I am starting out with loading .38 special/.357 and .44magnum.

Press
Dies
Caliber conversion kit
Tool head
Powder die
Scale
Caliper
Tumbler
Speer reloading manual
Surplus heavy duty metal desk

Thanks for any and all input.

Last edited by peppercorn; 02-21-2012 at 01:39 AM.
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Old 01-21-2012, 03:04 AM
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Dillon DVD for setup
Strong mount
Primer flip tray
Lyman's manual or a couple of others
Bullet tray
Wrench set & holder

Stuff to think about... I have 2 550B's setup. One for small primers & other large primers.


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Old 01-21-2012, 03:50 AM
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Looks like you've got most of it, Pepper. Of course, there's always more things to get, it's the nature of the hobby. Are you getting the deluxe caliber conversion, so you have a powder measure on each toolhead? That's how I have mine set up, really cuts down on time for caliber changes. You should definitely have loading manuals, and have an idea of what kind of loads your are looking for.

I'm in PDX, let me know if you need a hand setting up. I've been running my 550 for about 20 years now, so I think I've worked the bugs out pretty good by now.

Remember, Murphy always wants to visit with the inattentive loader
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Old 01-21-2012, 04:02 AM
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Small world, fellas! I'm over in Vantucky. I'm running a 650, but glad I finally got into the progressive. I think you will be happy with the Dillon unit.
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Old 01-21-2012, 06:20 AM
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If you are a beginning handloader, starting out with a progressive press might not work out well. A single stage is much better to learn the basics.

Take 2hawk up on his offer to help you get started safely.

john
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  #6  
Old 01-21-2012, 06:55 AM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
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The only thing I would like to add to the original list is: COMMON SENSE!

Make sure that makes it to the reloading room.

One rule to follow when loading on a progressive; if something happens that is out of the ordinary, you make a mistake, STOP, clear the shell plate, find the problem and start over. NEVER back the shell plate up, never.

This can be done super easily on the RL550B and folks have done it, forgot which case had what done, loaded a double charge and had an empty, all in one shell plate. Didn't catch it and KABOOM at some point. Be careful.

OOPSs will happen, they happen with single stage reloading too. There have been folks on this forum that have "fessed up" to doing that over and over. Even when loading in single stage fashion you have to pay attention.

The RL550B is a fine place to start. It can be run in single stage form very simply, only send one case through at a time until you get the hang of it. Learn each step in the process. The process will not change no matter what press you use. With a progressive, all you do is work on more than one case at a time and do different steps on each.

Certain monkeys can do it. And no, I don't believe in evolution either!

Be safe, though. If you have a question or problem come up, stop, swallow all that man pride and ask for help. Be safe, um, period.
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  #7  
Old 01-21-2012, 07:07 AM
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The only thing I can think of, someone already mentioned - a primer flip tray. You will need one.

I didn't opt for the DVD because the written manual is just fine, as far as I'm concerned.

And don't worry, some of us jumped into progressive without the benefit of single stage experience and do just fine. It is as Skip says, use common sense and take your time.
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Old 01-21-2012, 07:21 AM
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I have been running my RL550B for about 3 years. I agree with everything said above, but I would add a bullet puller to the list. If you are like me, feces will occur. If you can pull the bullet, you can salvage the components.
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Old 01-21-2012, 07:26 AM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
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440volt,

I am with LU 153. Welcome to the forum too by the way.

Your advice is good too. One thing about reloading, you don't have to shoot your mistakes! I have a 3lb coffee can that over the time I have been loading is about 1/2 full of cases waiting to be pulled.

Good call, and again, welcome to the forum. (This is the best section on the whole thing though! )
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Old 01-21-2012, 09:32 AM
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I didn't see a bullet remover in your list-a necessity!
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  #11  
Old 01-21-2012, 03:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2hawk View Post
Looks like you've got most of it, Pepper. Of course, there's always more things to get, it's the nature of the hobby. Are you getting the deluxe caliber conversion, so you have a powder measure on each toolhead? That's how I have mine set up, really cuts down on time for caliber changes. You should definitely have loading manuals, and have an idea of what kind of loads your are looking for.

I'm in PDX, let me know if you need a hand setting up. I've been running my 550 for about 20 years now, so I think I've worked the bugs out pretty good by now.

Remember, Murphy always wants to visit with the inattentive loader
Quote:
Originally Posted by OldW View Post
Small world, fellas! I'm over in Vantucky. I'm running a 650, but glad I finally got into the progressive. I think you will be happy with the Dillon unit.

Hey everyone, Thanks so much for all the input and ideas, I really do appreciate it and am making notes.

2hawk,
Thanks for the offer,I am sending you a PM.


OldW,

It is a smalll world,I am in Vancouver also, west side, near the lake.
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  #12  
Old 01-21-2012, 05:47 PM
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I have a lee single stage and had an "oops" at the range the other day.I had my first squib,so I stopped and put away the gun thinking the next round was double charged. I took them home and weighed them all and they all check ok.Whew! Take all the advice you can get! Go slow LOAD ALONE so you have NO DISTRACTIONS and you "should" be ok. Senyore Murphy is alive and well!!
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Old 01-21-2012, 05:56 PM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jnyav8r View Post
I have a lee single stage and had an "oops" at the range the other day.I had my first squib,so I stopped and put away the gun thinking the next round was double charged. I took them home and weighed them all and they all check ok.Whew! Take all the advice you can get! Go slow LOAD ALONE so you have NO DISTRACTIONS and you "should" be ok. Senyore Murphy is alive and well!!
Thanks for your honesty! Even with a single stage! IMAGINE that!
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Old 01-21-2012, 06:11 PM
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I can't stress enough the value of taking your time, and making sure of each load. The 550 is a fine unit, but it takes a bit of practice. I've had two squib loads, where the powder was missing. Lucky for me, the next round wouldn't chamber, on both occassions. Pounding out stuck bullets is no fun. Of course, being aware of every round being fired, will prevent a real disaster. Totally my fault. Now I do a visual for powder on every round. Only other problems have been flipped primers, and missing primers. The missing primers are very easy to spot, when you have to disassemble everything to clean out the powder. If the Dillon has a short coming, it's the primer feed.
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Old 01-21-2012, 07:05 PM
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I have a goose neck lamp hovering over to see the powder in EVERY case before bullets are seated.
Everyone's advice to go slow and be careful are wise.
And only one can of powder on the bench at a time. That is the can that filled the powder measure, of course.
Have fun and welcome to the fraternity.
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Old 01-21-2012, 07:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by biquer View Post
I have a goose neck lamp hovering over to see the powder in EVERY case before bullets are seated.
Everyone's advice to go slow and be careful are wise.
And only one can of powder on the bench at a time. That is the can that filled the powder measure, of course.
Have fun and welcome to the fraternity.

Yes, go slow and be careful and learn. It's not a race.
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Old 01-21-2012, 10:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jnyav8r View Post
I have a lee single stage and had an "oops" at the range the other day.I had my first squib,so I stopped and put away the gun thinking the next round was double charged. I took them home and weighed them all and they all check ok.Whew! Take all the advice you can get! Go slow LOAD ALONE so you have NO DISTRACTIONS and you "should" be ok. Senyore Murphy is alive and well!!
BTW, unless you are loading 10gr or more of powder, trying to weigh them is useless in finding a squib. The case, bullets will often be a diff of 5gr so it's not a good way to look for a suspected dbl.
You can buy lots of goodies for the 550B but what yo uhave is agood start. The roller handle is a bit more comfy than the ball handle for most. The stongmount get the press up higher if you want that. Your bench need to be very solid or you'll have issues priming, so make that bench top thick & solid. fasten the bench to the wall if you can.
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Old 01-22-2012, 12:07 AM
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More great info everyone.
It is much appreciated and the willingness to help, encouragement and welcome to the forum have been overwhelming.

On the topic of willingness to help....I spoke with 2Hawk on the phone this afternoon, great conversation and a very generous offer to come over to my place and help me out once all the pieces are gathered. This means the world to me!

I have to admit that I have been somewhat apprehensive going into this. I value my S&Ws and the safety of myself and those around me.

It's hard for me, at this stage of the game, not to think about the photos circulating the web that show the results of reloading gone wrong.

In the mean time I will keep taking notes and asking questions.
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Old 01-22-2012, 12:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jt1 View Post
If you are a beginning handloader, starting out with a progressive press might not work out well. A single stage is much better to learn the basics.

Take 2hawk up on his offer to help you get started safely.

john
I started out on a Dillon 550 about 10 years ago and I'm glad I didn't listen to those who where advising me to start out on a single stage. I learned the basics just as well and didn't waste money on a equipment that wouldn't turn out the rounds per hour I was looking for.

I do recommend utilizing the services of a mentor if possible.
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Old 01-22-2012, 12:49 AM
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Thanks for the kind words, Pepper- no problem helping out, that is what these forums are about, and I am glad for the opportunity.

Since this is a "what else can you think of" kind of thread, while I see a tumbler on your list, do you have media and a seperator lined up as well? The Dillon gear is good, and I know their tumblers have the reputation for outlasting others. Also, ditto on the puller. I like the one with the o-ring collet, although can't remember who makes it now.
Have to run down to basement and see, I guess. CRS, anyone?

Anyway, keep checking in with your list, I am enjoying everyone thinking about the forget-me-nots- always good to see experienced people sharing their knowledge!
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Old 01-22-2012, 09:08 AM
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On the subject and something to think about:
Lets see your reloading benches
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Old 01-22-2012, 01:55 PM
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Mild to wild, these are some widely varied approaches. Great link, lots of food for thought.
My wife says I better get the garage cleaned out before I start 'buying' anything.
Well, that will be next weeks project.
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Old 01-22-2012, 02:24 PM
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I've been a re-loader for 30+ years and so I will give you my personal experiences, regrets & opinion:

I originally bought the Dillon Square Deal - B because I had only intended to reload pistol caliber cartridges. The press is EXCELLENT, Dillon's service is EXCELLENT and I rarely have any issues. When I do (I have loaded TENS of thousands of rounds on this thing) they have taken care of it right away with their NO BS Guarantee.

I decided about 10 years ago that I wanted to reload some .45-70 and .38-55 rifle cartridges (but not large amounts) so I went out and bought an RCBS Rock Chucker Press which has served me quite well for its intended limited usage.

What I probably should have done is instead of buying the Rock Chucker I should have sold the SD-B and bought a Dillon 650 press which would be used for both rifle and pistol.

i am very much aware that Dillon's most popular selling press is their 550. That said, I would recommend you get the 650. The 550 is a little less expensive, however it does not index automatically which is something that I do not like. For about $100 more the 650 is (IMHO) just a better more advanced and more expandable, heavy-duty machine.

If you intend to reload pistol caliber bullets and you are absolutely positive you will have no future regrets about not having the ability to load rifle calibers, you can even go with the Square Deal - B which is also automatically indexing and is a great little press (less money as well). It does however have one draw back. The dies the SD-B uses are not interchangeably with other machines, and you will have to buy SD-B specific dies. Other than that it's a great press!

If you want to be a serious re-loader and have a press you can grow into instead of out-of, I would recommend the Dillon 650. Since there are lots of fella's here that have a 550 I would be shocked if there were not a few posts after this that don't quite agree with me, but hey, it's still America!

Bottom line here is ( and again JMHO ) Dillon's equipment is the way to go!

Chief38
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Old 01-22-2012, 07:33 PM
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I have both a RCBS and a Dillon. I load probably 40 different calibers from 38 S & W upp to .458 Win and 45-90 BP. Including many old timers.

What you're getting is pretty good adviceo. Dillon will not steer you wrong. You will likely save some dollars ordering through Brian Enos=he has a deal with Dillon, so it's no skin off anyone's nose.

I have a powder measure on each toolhead (for each caliber). I don't vary loads, so it makes caliber changes easier. I also have the roller handle==my arthritis appreciates it. I needed to get a primer part and Dillon suggested I keep separate primer arms for large and small primers set up. Again, makes changes easier. They suggested it and sent me the additional parts for free.

I have mine mounted on a wooden table. I would also suggest a piece of 1/2 to 3/4 plywood between the desk/table and the press mount, if you have a wooden dest==distributes forces more evenly..

Dillon customer service is THE standard others hope to achieve. I've called twice and both times had delivery within a day or two. Once delivery came on a Sat.!
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Old 01-23-2012, 01:04 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chief38 View Post
I've been a re-loader for 30+ years and so I will give you my personal experiences, regrets & opinion:

I originally bought the Dillon Square Deal - B because I had only intended to reload pistol caliber cartridges. The press is EXCELLENT, Dillon's service is EXCELLENT and I rarely have any issues. When I do (I have loaded TENS of thousands of rounds on this thing) they have taken care of it right away with their NO BS Guarantee.

I decided about 10 years ago that I wanted to reload some .45-70 and .38-55 rifle cartridges (but not large amounts) so I went out and bought an RCBS Rock Chucker Press which has served me quite well for its intended limited usage.

What I probably should have done is instead of buying the Rock Chucker I should have sold the SD-B and bought a Dillon 650 press which would be used for both rifle and pistol.

i am very much aware that Dillon's most popular selling press is their 550. That said, I would recommend you get the 650. The 550 is a little less expensive, however it does not index automatically which is something that I do not like. For about $100 more the 650 is (IMHO) just a better more advanced and more expandable, heavy-duty machine.

If you intend to reload pistol caliber bullets and you are absolutely positive you will have no future regrets about not having the ability to load rifle calibers, you can even go with the Square Deal - B which is also automatically indexing and is a great little press (less money as well). It does however have one draw back. The dies the SD-B uses are not interchangeably with other machines, and you will have to buy SD-B specific dies. Other than that it's a great press!

If you want to be a serious re-loader and have a press you can grow into instead of out-of, I would recommend the Dillon 650. Since there are lots of fella's here that have a 550 I would be shocked if there were not a few posts after this that don't quite agree with me, but hey, it's still America!

Bottom line here is ( and again JMHO ) Dillon's equipment is the way to go!

Chief38
Chief,
You make a compelling argument and I will take it under advisement.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BearBio View Post
I have both a RCBS and a Dillon. I load probably 40 different calibers from 38 S & W upp to .458 Win and 45-90 BP. Including many old timers.

What you're getting is pretty good adviceo. Dillon will not steer you wrong. You will likely save some dollars ordering through Brian Enos=he has a deal with Dillon, so it's no skin off anyone's nose.

I have a powder measure on each toolhead (for each caliber). I don't vary loads, so it makes caliber changes easier. I also have the roller handle==my arthritis appreciates it. I needed to get a primer part and Dillon suggested I keep separate primer arms for large and small primers set up. Again, makes changes easier. They suggested it and sent me the additional parts for free.

I have mine mounted on a wooden table. I would also suggest a piece of 1/2 to 3/4 plywood between the desk/table and the press mount, if you have a wooden dest==distributes forces more evenly..

Dillon customer service is THE standard others hope to achieve. I've called twice and both times had delivery within a day or two. Once delivery came on a Sat.!
Bear',
Thanks for the input. What you mirrors what some others have also said, which is great.
Thanks for the input on the table top also.

Great input everyone, thanks again.
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Old 01-23-2012, 10:17 AM
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Check Brian Enos out online, He has a bunch of Questions/Answers, and What and Whys.
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Old 01-24-2012, 04:07 AM
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I started out with the 550 and VHS tape. It all worked out. One advantage of the 550 vs the 650 is you can do single stage (no auto indexing). I do this when loading the for the 338 RUM / 300 Win Mag and need a bit more flexability.
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Old 01-27-2012, 11:52 PM
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Default Tumbuler media

This is probably a minor point of the reloading operation but for me, it has been a real PIA. The corncob media gets "packed" in my small rifle cases, 223 and 22-250 and in all cases, plugs the primer holes. A dental scaler is great but I have better things to do with my life.

The "Reptile Sand" from PetCo is walnut hulls and the uniform diameter of the particles is smaller than the primer holes. The first time I used it I thought I had died and gone to heaven. No cleaning the primer holes!!

As far as tumblers go, the vibrator ones are probably the fastest but I scored a two drum rotary tumbler on Harbor Freight on sale for about 40 bucks. It is relatively quiet, esp when compared to the vibrators and while I doubt it will last 20 years, the motor is replaceable.

As others have said, have no distractions when reloading. I consider it a solitary enterprise. I also reload for my bolt action 50BMG and you better believe I have no distractions. Any bolt coming back in your face would be a disaster but that one.... Well R.I.P.
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Old 01-29-2012, 01:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chief38 View Post
If you want to be a serious re-loader and have a press you can grow into instead of out-of, I would recommend the Dillon 650. Since there are lots of fella's here that have a 550 I would be shocked if there were not a few posts after this that don't quite agree with me, but hey, it's still America!

Bottom line here is ( and again JMHO ) Dillon's equipment is the way to go!

Chief38
Well, I would consider myself a very serious reloader. I currently load for 26 diff caliber, have dropped a few more along the way. Many of my rifle rounds are wildcats that have no loading data to work from. I am quite happy using a 550 to reload on & often recomment one. I also use a 650 & ss press, I did say I reload for 26 diff caliber? Buying conversions for a 650 for all the calibers alone would set you back the cost of another press!
No, the 650 is a high end production machine, not something you want to tear down every time you want to load 40rds of this or that. The advantage of the 550 IMO is the manual indexing. It's just so simple & flat works. There is no speed advantage to auto indexing, none, zero. I ran my 650 w/o case feeder for a month & can tell you for sure, they are not faster. In many ways auto indexing presses are a PITA. A mistake can't be easily corrected before the press advances itself & you get a jambed up machine that takes time to clear.
Still, I love my 650, but I am not breaking it down from 45acp to setup for 223 to make a 20rd test batch. Very easily done on a 550. I load a lot on a ss press for the same reason. I am not breaking down a perfectly good running 650 to load 20 rds of 338-06 for practice before deer season or try out a few new bullet designs. SO the 550B is not a press you ever grow out of IMO. I still load 8-10 calibers on it & leave the 650 set up for 600-1000rds a month of 45acp I shoot. I would still be happily churning out 450rds an hour on the 550B for that, but the 650 kind of fell into my lap.

Last edited by fredj338; 01-29-2012 at 01:14 PM.
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Old 01-29-2012, 01:32 PM
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I too have a Dillon 550B. Great machine! I still do most of my ammo on my old Pacific 007 or Redding Ultra single stage , but for hi-volume .38 and .45 target ammo , the Big Blue rocks! Watch the video a few times (VHS in my time) , especially while setting up. I have complete tool sets for .38 & .45 , and have been using the same powder charge and bullets in each caliber for many years , and really can't remember having to re-adjust anything. I manually drop and weigh the first few powder charges and I'm good to go.
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Old 01-29-2012, 01:42 PM
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Your on the right track. As a matter of fact, your on the PERFECT track. I have been loading since about the mid 80s, thats 1980s. I own both the RL550B and the XL650 with almost all the options. The RL550B is one fine loader. Easy to convert different calibers and is a very straight forward machine. The RL550 will last a life time and do everything you want. The RL550B is great for both small (pistol) and large (rifle) loading. I find the XL650 not so good for the large caliber (rifle) loading. Its a little fussy and does need adjustments once in a while. The auto casefeeder works well most of the time but will on occasion jam up. The XL650 just seems a little more touchy and more complicated and seems to like the small (pistol) loading over the bigger stuff (rifle). I use the RL550B for the big medicine and the XL650 for my pistol stuff. I no longer shoot as much as I used to, but even when I was shooting 50-60,000 rounds each year the RL550B would have been able to supply my needs. Most of the time the XL650 just sets on my bench waiting to load more 45ACPs, and it does an exceptional job for that round. The XL650 also cost more for the caliber conversions. YEP, the RL550B is more machine than most will ever need. One other side note, the RL550B is IMHO much safer and user friendly for the begginer. Good luck and please keep us all updated on your reloading.
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Old 01-29-2012, 06:23 PM
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More great information and relative perspectives on the 550 vs 650.


Again,I really appreciate all the experience and feedback here.
It looks like the 550 is the way I will be going, sounds more straight forward and simpler. I have allways adhered to the 'KISS' fomula and it sounds like that is apropos for reloading.
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Old 02-02-2012, 07:20 PM
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The more that can go wrong, the more that will go wrong. And, sooner or later, something will.

keep it simple, and the results should be minor.
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Old 02-12-2012, 10:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fredj338 View Post
BTW, unless you are loading 10gr or more of powder, trying to weigh them is useless in finding a squib. The case, bullets will often be a diff of 5gr so it's not a good way to look for a suspected dbl.
You can buy lots of goodies for the 550B but what yo uhave is agood start. The roller handle is a bit more comfy than the ball handle for most. The stongmount get the press up higher if you want that. Your bench need to be very solid or you'll have issues priming, so make that bench top thick & solid. fasten the bench to the wall if you can.
I second this post regarding a bench. IMO the most important component of reloading with a 550B or any other for that matter. Get a strong, sturdy bench that won't wobble. In a perfect world, anchor it to the wall if you can. If you can't, just make sure it has good depth, nice and heavy, thick solid wood top and level.
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Old 02-13-2012, 12:38 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jt1 View Post
If you are a beginning handloader, starting out with a progressive press might not work out well. A single stage is much better to learn the basics.

Take 2hawk up on his offer to help you get started safely.

john
+1 what John said. Sound advice.
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Old 02-13-2012, 08:48 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Faulkner View Post
I started out on a Dillon 550 about 10 years ago and I'm glad I didn't listen to those who where advising me to start out on a single stage. I learned the basics just as well and didn't waste money on a equipment that wouldn't turn out the rounds per hour I was looking for.

I do recommend utilizing the services of a mentor if possible.
I agree with this except I started out reloading back in the mid-80's with my RL-550B.

Using the Dillon progressive, it was much easier to learn since I could use the progressive reloader as a multi-single stage, learning each stage before progressing to the next stage. If had started out with a single, I would have spent most of time just changing dies and worse, recalibrating and remeasuring everything that had changed.

I was given a single stage press about 5 years after I started with the Dillon 550B, I tried using it for just .308 hunting rounds - what a PITA. Just when I'd get into a rhythm, I'd have to tear it down and start all over again with the next stage. I found it much easier to change over the Dillon from small to large primers plus the powder measure from small to large rather than fool around with the single stage.

If I had taken the usual advice to start with a single stage press, I probably would have never taken up reloading as much as I have (about 12 rifle calibers and 4-5 pistol calibers)
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Old 02-13-2012, 12:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skip Sackett View Post
Thanks for your honesty! Even with a single stage! IMAGINE that!
Actually, it is easier to create squibs and doubles on a single stage than on a auto-indexed progressive. There is this myth that a single-stage is safer - not so!
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Old 02-14-2012, 12:22 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dla View Post
Actually, it is easier to create squibs and doubles on a single stage than on a auto-indexed progressive. There is this myth that a single-stage is safer - not so!
Well, only if you violate all the tenets of safe reloading. One should NEVER get a squib or double using proper reloading techniques, never, not once. The way I teach reloading is on a ss press. It is virtually impossible to get powder charging wrong using a proper technique. You would have to be reloading drunk or asleep to accomplish that. Neither fits into safe reloading doctrine. It is much easier on autyom,ated gear as you get into a habit of just pulling the handle after awhile & then anything can happen. It always comes down to the operator & the technique, rarely is the equip at fault.

Last edited by fredj338; 02-14-2012 at 12:24 AM.
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Old 02-14-2012, 01:26 AM
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OK guys, I'm still here taking notes so thanks for the thought out, experience backed insights.
In fact just today I made my first reloading supply order: 500 rounds each of nickel Starline brass in .44 and .357 along with Rainier plated bullets.
I don't even have a press or a desk/bench yet as I am still carving out a space for it, I am just excited to get going.
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Old 02-14-2012, 01:47 PM
parabarbarian parabarbarian is offline
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The 550B is an excellent press. I think where most people get into trouble on any progessive is trying to go too fast too soon. When I bought my Dillon 550 I was tempted by the speed too but seeing a few gun blow up over the decades (none of mine, thank goodness) caused me to stop and take a deep breath. Now, about three years later, I still don't use my Dillon 550B as the designers intended.

I take my clean and deprimed brass and run it through the first two stations -- prime and charge. Then I remove the case and set it upright in a block. When I get ready to seat and crimp bullets -- usually at 100 -- I first shine a light into every single case to visually check the powder level. Then I finish with stations three and four. True I can't load 5,000 rounds/hour but I can crank out 100 between coming home from work and washing up for dinner. That suits my needs well enough.
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Old 02-15-2012, 04:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by indymike View Post
I second this post regarding a bench. IMO the most important component of reloading with a 550B or any other for that matter. Get a strong, sturdy bench that won't wobble. In a perfect world, anchor it to the wall if you can. If you can't, just make sure it has good depth, nice and heavy, thick solid wood top and level.
I third that,especially when you are loading mixed bag of 44 mag brass.
I have my presses on a flat car rail road wheel with many ten # bricks of lead places on the wheel.
IT STILL moves.
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Old 02-15-2012, 11:03 PM
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I agree with what everyone has said. I have been reloading since 1977 and currently have a Dillon 650, a Rockchucker, and a Redding T7.

I only load practice ammo on my Dillon and follow the safety procedures others have mentioned. Watching the powder charge is of PARAMOUNT importance.

I use the T7 for load development and defense ammo. I weigh every charge and do a loading block / flashlite cross check in addition. That way there is 100% QC check.

May I suggest, that as an alternative, you buy a T-7 to start with and move up to the Dillon as your needs dictate. Also, a good thing to have is a Forster collet bullet puller. It is infinitely superior to the impact type.

S/F, SST,

RAS
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Old 02-16-2012, 07:07 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by parabarbarian View Post
... When I get ready to seat and crimp bullets -- ...-- I first shine a light into every single case to visually check the powder level. Then I finish with stations three and four. ...
As do I, my friend. I just don't do it away from the press.
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Old 02-17-2012, 01:44 AM
bnewc75 bnewc75 is offline
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with all the chatter on the forum I sometimes need to be aloan...... HA HA........ yes, load alone... I have had two squids on a single stage press over the years

get an oops can like Skip said... mine only a few in it.... right
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Old 02-21-2012, 01:52 AM
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I have done it now, and I can't be more excited!

I went to the gun show this past Sunday, yeterday to be exact, and put money down on a new 550B which will arrive early next week.
I have read and re-read this post and others concerning this press and other progressives along with the single stage arguments.
All arguments carried merit but I kept coming back to what I wanted, ultimately, and this is where I ended up.
I almost went single stage, to get the basic concept down but knew I would end up with the Dillon in the end. My road has been littered, in the past, with in between/ interim steps and anymore I try to start where I think I will end up anyway, mainly because it saves time and money.

I have everything you guys have mentioned above except the Speer/Lyman manual and a bullet puller. Well, and a desk but I do have a line on one.

This next weekend is the garage clean out/ reloading area creation.

Thanks again everyone, really a huge help!

Speaking of help I will need to start another thread now to gleen ideas for downsized .357Mag and .44 Mag loads........
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Old 02-21-2012, 02:37 AM
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Well, it's about time
Seriously, once you get up and running you'll wonder why you waited
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  #47  
Old 02-21-2012, 06:36 AM
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blujax01 blujax01 is offline
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I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!*  
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You know what they say:

"Without pictures it didn't happen."

Looking forward to seeing your reloading bench.
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  #48  
Old 02-21-2012, 10:45 AM
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Rule3 Rule3 is offline
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I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!*  
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What no bench??

WORK BENCH - Brownells

Actually Harbor Freight sells a similar one.
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  #49  
Old 02-21-2012, 12:50 PM
parabarbarian parabarbarian is offline
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I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!*  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blujax01 View Post
As do I, my friend. I just don't do it away from the press.
I tried using a light shining onto the case but it only worked on the stubby little girly man cartridges.
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  #50  
Old 02-21-2012, 04:58 PM
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blujax01 blujax01 is offline
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I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!* I am about to jump into reloading with a Dillon press.....HELP!**Just ordered 550B!!*  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by parabarbarian View Post
I tried using a light shining onto the case but it only worked on the stubby little girly man cartridges.
Thanks, I needed that!
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