Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading
o

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-08-2018, 06:54 PM
flyrobb's Avatar
flyrobb flyrobb is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: N. Colorado
Posts: 675
Likes: 553
Liked 504 Times in 218 Posts
Default Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk

Just picked up a used 550 and it came with a Lee Auto Disk. Will this work ok or should I look at getting the Dillon measure? Also has Lee dies for .45 acp. Any reason not to use the Lee dies?
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #2  
Old 07-08-2018, 07:24 PM
sdb321 sdb321 is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: LaFontaine In.
Posts: 397
Likes: 5,628
Liked 629 Times in 236 Posts
Default

I don't know about Auto disk, I personally like the DILLON. The Lee dies will work. I use the Lee Deluxe Pistol set in my 550 B. The set has a factory crimp die included. Hope this helps. sdb321
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 07-08-2018, 07:35 PM
OKFC05 OKFC05 is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 8,158
Likes: 3,605
Liked 5,199 Times in 2,172 Posts
Default

Get the Dillon powder measure for the Dillon press and enjoy; it is much more adjustable and reliable.. Dies will work. I have all the items you referenced, and a Lee turret press for the Lee powder measure.
__________________
Science plus Art
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 07-08-2018, 08:12 PM
Electraclyde's Avatar
Electraclyde Electraclyde is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Michigan
Posts: 620
Likes: 85
Liked 523 Times in 199 Posts
Default

The Lee powder disc will work OK, but the Dillon powder system can be adjusted much closer than the Lee disc. With the disc you can get close, but not exact. I do use Lee dies without any issues.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-08-2018, 10:15 PM
Engineer1911's Avatar
Engineer1911 Engineer1911 is offline
US Veteran
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Augusta, GA
Posts: 6,115
Likes: 6,648
Liked 6,156 Times in 2,666 Posts
Default

I used the Lee powder disc measure on my Dillon 450 before Dillon came out with auto-powder measure. Lee measure ran fine for target loads (not max loads) for about 3 years before I wore it out.
__________________
S&WHF 366
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 07-08-2018, 11:00 PM
dave33 dave33 is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Wilmington NC
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Do yourself a favor and get the Lee autodrum. It screws into the existing powder through expander die you already have and works great. Infinitely adjustable and only runs about $35 or so.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 07-08-2018, 11:31 PM
flyrobb's Avatar
flyrobb flyrobb is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: N. Colorado
Posts: 675
Likes: 553
Liked 504 Times in 218 Posts
Default

I'll look into the Lee Autodrum. I also have a RCBS Uniflow and suppose I could get the linkage and set it up for about $45 from Midway.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 07-08-2018, 11:41 PM
6string's Avatar
6string 6string is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Upstate, SC
Posts: 2,001
Likes: 3,094
Liked 4,737 Times in 1,517 Posts
Default

Hi,
To answer your original question, YES, the Lee Autodisk powder measure using the Lee powder thru die will work very well.
I have used a Lee Autodisk on my Dillon 650 for target (competitive bullseye and ISU match shooting) loads in 38 Special and 45 ACP.
Since the disks allow repeatable, accurate powder charges it's easy to get set up and to switch charge weights. As with any powder measure, be sure to periodically check the accuracy of a charged load using an accurate scale.
I still have that powder measure, originally purchased in 1999.

Having said all this, I do have and use the Dillon powder measures on a more frequent basis.

Since you got what you got, why not use it first before spending more money?

Enjoy your new set up!

Jim

Last edited by 6string; 07-08-2018 at 11:43 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 07-09-2018, 06:22 AM
HorizontalMike's Avatar
HorizontalMike HorizontalMike is offline
US Veteran
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: South Central Texas
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 2,688
Liked 1,114 Times in 501 Posts
Thumbs up Lee Adjustable Powder Bar +10

Not mentioned yet is the Lee Adjustable Charge Bar. I have this on my Autodisk and can say it is very accurate and repeatable. I liked it so much that I bought three, so I can set each for different calibers/loads, and then just leave it.

I have reloaded at least 100 rounds (in a run) without any deviation in powder load. The only deviation that has/could happen is after bumping the press in a cycle. You can usually tell when you have done this and reloading that cartridge cures that instantly.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 07-09-2018, 11:26 AM
Boogsawaste's Avatar
Boogsawaste Boogsawaste is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Quakertown PA
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 4,749
Liked 1,174 Times in 487 Posts
Default

Sure does work.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg C09F45E4-6DBF-4446-9B69-1B1E0300B705.jpg (71.1 KB, 94 views)
__________________
Jim
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #11  
Old 07-09-2018, 03:54 PM
SMSgt's Avatar
SMSgt SMSgt is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 6,556
Likes: 3,345
Liked 9,155 Times in 3,433 Posts
Default

Like driving a Ferrari with a Yugo engine.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 07-09-2018, 10:24 PM
flyrobb's Avatar
flyrobb flyrobb is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: N. Colorado
Posts: 675
Likes: 553
Liked 504 Times in 218 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 6string View Post
Hi,
To answer your original question, YES, the Lee Autodisk powder measure using the Lee powder thru die will work very well.
I have used a Lee Autodisk on my Dillon 650 for target (competitive bullseye and ISU match shooting) loads in 38 Special and 45 ACP.
Since the disks allow repeatable, accurate powder charges it's easy to get set up and to switch charge weights. As with any powder measure, be sure to periodically check the accuracy of a charged load using an accurate scale.
I still have that powder measure, originally purchased in 1999.

Having said all this, I do have and use the Dillon powder measures on a more frequent basis.

Since you got what you got, why not use it first before spending more money?

Enjoy your new set up!

Jim
Jim, I like the way you think! That's probably what it will do and check into the adjustable charge bar HorizontalMike suggested. I'm sure as time goes on I will accumulate plenty of add on's for it.

One thing for sure it's a bit overwhelming looking at box of parts after using a single stage but I have the manual and lots of help on this forum to tap into.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 07-09-2018, 11:23 PM
6string's Avatar
6string 6string is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Upstate, SC
Posts: 2,001
Likes: 3,094
Liked 4,737 Times in 1,517 Posts
Default

Hi flyrobb,

Let me offer you a suggestion. Mount the Lee powder measure on your single stage and try it out with 50 rds. You'll be able to set the belling of the case mouth, then use the disc that matches your desired charge weight. It will give you a chance to observe just how it works.
Before I got my Dillon, I used the Lee autodisk on my RCBS single stage. It helped me get my reloads together for matches a bit quicker. I was also impressed with the charge to charge consistency.
When I got my Dillon 650, I set up the dies and primer system, then used it for a while with the Lee autodisk. Once I got comfortable with all the functions going on at once, I then added the Dillon powder measure.
I like to be cognizant of everything that's going on, and rarely just put blind trust in a machine. Maybe that makes me a bit overly cautious, and spend more time, but I avoid mistakes.

Enjoy,
Jim

Last edited by 6string; 07-09-2018 at 11:24 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 07-10-2018, 02:07 AM
Kiwi cop's Avatar
Kiwi cop Kiwi cop is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Taranaki, New Zealand
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 4,282
Liked 6,015 Times in 1,304 Posts
Default

One issue with the Lee powder systems is that the powder has to change direction, Down the hopper into the disk, horizontally forward to the charge die then downward into the case.

If you are too quick not all the powder will drop into the case. I learned to pause slightly without he press handle all the way down to allow the powder to fall properly.

The auto drum system is better but a slight pause is recommended.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #15  
Old 07-10-2018, 11:27 PM
flyrobb's Avatar
flyrobb flyrobb is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: N. Colorado
Posts: 675
Likes: 553
Liked 504 Times in 218 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 6string View Post
Hi flyrobb,

Let me offer you a suggestion. Mount the Lee powder measure on your single stage and try it out with 50 rds. You'll be able to set the belling of the case mouth, then use the disc that matches your desired charge weight. It will give you a chance to observe just how it works.
Before I got my Dillon, I used the Lee autodisk on my RCBS single stage. It helped me get my reloads together for matches a bit quicker. I was also impressed with the charge to charge consistency.
When I got my Dillon 650, I set up the dies and primer system, then used it for a while with the Lee autodisk. Once I got comfortable with all the functions going on at once, I then added the Dillon powder measure.
I like to be cognizant of everything that's going on, and rarely just put blind trust in a machine. Maybe that makes me a bit overly cautious, and spend more time, but I avoid mistakes.

Enjoy,
Jim
That's a really good idea and one I will put to good use. I'll start with .45 acp since the press came set up for that caliber. At some point when I get to loading 9mm I'll look into getting the Dillon set up for that. One step at a time though.

Thanks for the advice!
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 07-11-2018, 03:05 AM
Bkreutz's Avatar
Bkreutz Bkreutz is offline
US Veteran
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Fruitland Idaho
Posts: 5,076
Likes: 1,586
Liked 4,882 Times in 2,025 Posts
Default

I don't use an Autodisk anymore, but it is possible to adjust the powder throw to something other than the preset amounts. Find one of the holes that throws a charge just below the one you want to throw, then drill (or ream, or file) the hole a little bit bigger at a time until you get the exact powder throw that you want. The disks are cheap, so you could make a whole bunch of custom disks, just remember to mark the modified holes. I did this back in my budget days, don't have to worry about that anymore. I still have the Autodisk in it's original box, can't bring myself to sell it.
__________________
Minimize the variables
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 07-14-2018, 12:15 PM
MrG5122 MrG5122 is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 916
Likes: 1,409
Liked 1,083 Times in 361 Posts
Default

Some Lee pistol dies have shorter die bodies than other brands. Some say they can't be used on a Dillon toolhead because there is not enough thread left on top of the head for the lock nut to grab. I have found this to be true. The solution is to run the lock nut from the bottom side of the tool head. Problem solved.

As far as the powder measure, I'd just spring for the Dillon unit. Way too easy.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #18  
Old 07-20-2018, 12:09 AM
derek45auto's Avatar
derek45auto derek45auto is offline
Member
Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 440
Likes: 100
Liked 806 Times in 210 Posts
Default

Keep the LEE dies, but get a DILLON powder measure

JMHO
__________________
NRA Life
USPSA/IPSC
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
SOLD: Lee Pro Auto-Disk, Bench Plate kit, Auto-Disk adjustable bar, double disk set 10mmauto Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 8 12-31-2016 07:35 PM
Dillon RL 450 vs RL 550b RCF Reloading 27 02-14-2014 04:34 AM
WTB/WTT Dillon 550b Lago86 WANTED to Buy 0 01-26-2014 10:41 PM
Dillon 550B Old Seabee WANTED to Buy 1 02-11-2013 08:22 PM
Dillon 550B 44magsam Reloading 12 03-31-2012 05:56 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:00 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)