OP
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Worthwhile comments; thank you.
Dillon presses
- Thread starter rockquarry
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Worthwhile comments; thank you.
I reload on a Dillon 450, Lyman Turret and RCBS Rock Chucker, depending on cartridge and quantity. The 450 had been updated with newer style powder drop and primer feed. They all three work as designed. Lymans customer service has been almost as good as Dillons. I can't say anything about RCBS customer service because nothing has ever broke on that press.
GypsmJim
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I am a single stage guy. Partly because I like them and partly because I don't want the expense of a Dillon.
That said, sometimes I have a primer hangup. Easy Peasy, I can "feel" it and I correct it on the spot without a hitch.
Some time my powder measure has a glitch. I see it and act accordingly.
Now my question.....
for those of you that go progressive...how often does a glitch occur, do you know it and how do you fix it? Also, how many faulty rounds do you get in a Year? In my case, 1 bad one in 54 years and i can trace that back to when the wife was bothering me.
That said, sometimes I have a primer hangup. Easy Peasy, I can "feel" it and I correct it on the spot without a hitch.
Some time my powder measure has a glitch. I see it and act accordingly.
Now my question.....
for those of you that go progressive...how often does a glitch occur, do you know it and how do you fix it? Also, how many faulty rounds do you get in a Year? In my case, 1 bad one in 54 years and i can trace that back to when the wife was bothering me.
3 550s..one I picked up at an auction that has never been used. One large primer...one small primer...both were bought new. Have a 750 small primer for 38/357 right now. will change out to 223 soon. Have another 750 new in box given to me by a lady after her husband passed. I sold the rest of his stuff for her. The last Dillon is a 1050 I got at an auction set up for 45 Auto. Paid 300 for it...and it gets used very seldom at 850 rounds an hour...taking my time. The 3rd 550 I am going to change to a 550 basic/AT 500...which is essentially a glorified Turret press...and I have the parts . Otherwise I use a couple Redding T-7s for rifle and serious mag handgun. I have many cal conversions and micro-adj powder measures for the Dillons....mostly bought at gun shows and yard sales...cheap. I prefer to load on the progressive 750s rather than the semi progressive 550s. You can go as fast or as slow as you want anyway
I find that the 550 is about the most reliable press there is in many ways.
I have three 550s plus an SDB (.45ACP only) and a semi-full-auto 650 from back when the Missus was a sponsored USPSA competitor blowing through 25,000+ rounds a year of .40. The ol' 550 really couldn't keep up with her. The 650 has not just the casefeeder but bulletfeeder, too, and 650 rounds an hour isn't hard.
Switching 550 calibers isn't hard but I do like having multiple case heads set up with their own powder measures. Those powder measures aren't cheap but changing powders can be a nuisance.
The primer bar bearing plate mentioned above is a valuable minor addition.
Dillon warranty service is almost unbeleivable. I had a primer detonation in the 650 using Federal primers, which, incidentally, are prohibited by Dillon. The guy on the phone kind of yelled at me, and then sent me a whole new priming assembly that arrived in three days. That's incredible.
As for preferring a single-stage press, and I do for certain procedures, the 550 makes an excellent single-stage press that happens to hold a few extra dies and stations at the ready for you.
I have three 550s plus an SDB (.45ACP only) and a semi-full-auto 650 from back when the Missus was a sponsored USPSA competitor blowing through 25,000+ rounds a year of .40. The ol' 550 really couldn't keep up with her. The 650 has not just the casefeeder but bulletfeeder, too, and 650 rounds an hour isn't hard.
Switching 550 calibers isn't hard but I do like having multiple case heads set up with their own powder measures. Those powder measures aren't cheap but changing powders can be a nuisance.
The primer bar bearing plate mentioned above is a valuable minor addition.
Dillon warranty service is almost unbeleivable. I had a primer detonation in the 650 using Federal primers, which, incidentally, are prohibited by Dillon. The guy on the phone kind of yelled at me, and then sent me a whole new priming assembly that arrived in three days. That's incredible.
As for preferring a single-stage press, and I do for certain procedures, the 550 makes an excellent single-stage press that happens to hold a few extra dies and stations at the ready for you.
Ivan the Butcher
Member
The only squib I ever loaded was when my press was still a 450 with push bar primer and powder. I was new to the progressive and hadn't set up a routine and the DO NO DISTURB POLICY. I knew it right away.
Ivan
Look
Very true.
If there's anything I learned as a carpenter and cabinetmaker, it was never take your eyes off the active cutting edge.
Much the same applies to using a progressive press like a 550: never take your eyes off the case getting the bullet placed for seating.
I've allowed myself to stray a couple of times, with some really not-good results.
Very true.
If there's anything I learned as a carpenter and cabinetmaker, it was never take your eyes off the active cutting edge.
Much the same applies to using a progressive press like a 550: never take your eyes off the case getting the bullet placed for seating.
I've allowed myself to stray a couple of times, with some really not-good results.
austintexas
Member
dillion
About the only goof I've done one my Square Deal was accidentally loading 380 acp while doing 9 mm. After sorting and cleaning range brass every once in awhile a piece of 380 brass gets missed. When I put the ammo in the boxes I discover a short round.
SWCA 892
About the only goof I've done one my Square Deal was accidentally loading 380 acp while doing 9 mm. After sorting and cleaning range brass every once in awhile a piece of 380 brass gets missed. When I put the ammo in the boxes I discover a short round.
SWCA 892
New2S&W77
Member
I load .223, 7mm-08, .380acp, 9mm, .40S&W, 10mm, and .44mag on a Dillon XL650 using Winchester 748 for rifles and Winchester 231 for pistols as well as "only" CCI 550 primers (except for .44mag and 7mm-08) to keep things simple.
Works out pretty well.
Works out pretty well.
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I've loaded on a 550 for years.
Switching from between primer sizes takes a little time but that's ok.
The 550 or one of the more advanced presses is just easier to load on.
IMO the 550 with multiple tool heads is the way to go. (Not just because that's what I do). The SDB is a Dillon proprietary press that uses ONLY Dillon dies.
Switching from between primer sizes takes a little time but that's ok.
The 550 or one of the more advanced presses is just easier to load on.
IMO the 550 with multiple tool heads is the way to go. (Not just because that's what I do). The SDB is a Dillon proprietary press that uses ONLY Dillon dies.
@rockquarry: thanks for not hijacking my thread on the Dillon SDB.
In my opinion, Dillon wrote the book on progressive reloading presses. The biggest issue that I have with my 550B, is maintaining alignment of the priming system. That is why I sought an SDB to be dedicated to 45 ACP.
My setup is as follows:
Square Deal B: 45 ACP LPP only.
550B: 380s, 9x19, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 40 S&W, 45 ACP SPP
RCBS JR: all rifle cartridges, 357 Sig, 41 Magnum, and 44 Special
This way, on the 550B, I can change calibers in just a few minutes, with the most time consuming task being adjusting the powder charge.
The most painful move was purchasing the new SDB. I remembered how easy it was to produce ammo, provided that I didn't change calibers. What hurt was the price, my original SDB sold for about $200, yet the current prices seem to be running $700 to close to $900, depending on where you look!
The best part of having a Dillon is the Customer Service and the Warranty. After becoming disabled, it took a few years before I made it into my shop to reload, and parts had become misplaced. Dillon replaced the misplaced parts without a question. That kind of support is invaluable!
In my opinion, Dillon wrote the book on progressive reloading presses. The biggest issue that I have with my 550B, is maintaining alignment of the priming system. That is why I sought an SDB to be dedicated to 45 ACP.
My setup is as follows:
Square Deal B: 45 ACP LPP only.
550B: 380s, 9x19, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 40 S&W, 45 ACP SPP
RCBS JR: all rifle cartridges, 357 Sig, 41 Magnum, and 44 Special
This way, on the 550B, I can change calibers in just a few minutes, with the most time consuming task being adjusting the powder charge.
The most painful move was purchasing the new SDB. I remembered how easy it was to produce ammo, provided that I didn't change calibers. What hurt was the price, my original SDB sold for about $200, yet the current prices seem to be running $700 to close to $900, depending on where you look!
The best part of having a Dillon is the Customer Service and the Warranty. After becoming disabled, it took a few years before I made it into my shop to reload, and parts had become misplaced. Dillon replaced the misplaced parts without a question. That kind of support is invaluable!
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Mike4MSU
Member
I load many calibers on my 550. I love the ability to change calibers quickly. I also love that there is not significant cost in changing calibers. Here are some of my thoughts:
- Changing primer sizes. The primer tube is an easy screw out and screw in. The primer cup is an easy exchange if you do it like this video. Been no issues and can swap in less than a minute. https://youtu.be/Nb1CvjA7UmA?si=Ml5p9Jsa2I8M6Lfb
- I load from 380 to 45-70 on my press. I only need the small and large powder bars. Here’s what Dillon recommends:
Extra small <3gr
Small 3gr <> 20gr
Large 20gr <> 50gr
Extra Large >50gr
-It is worth while to have a dedicated toolhead for each caliber. I set up with a powder die. I have two powder measures and leave one set up with a small powder bar and one set up with a large. I use quick disconnects for the powder measure to quickly move the powder measure between calibers or dump remaining powder. Buying a powder knob allows you to quickly adjust volume.
- Caliber conversions. Once you buy a few kits, it is often cheaper to buy the powder funnel, shellplate or buttons to switch caliber than the entire kit.
- Changing primer sizes. The primer tube is an easy screw out and screw in. The primer cup is an easy exchange if you do it like this video. Been no issues and can swap in less than a minute. https://youtu.be/Nb1CvjA7UmA?si=Ml5p9Jsa2I8M6Lfb
- I load from 380 to 45-70 on my press. I only need the small and large powder bars. Here’s what Dillon recommends:
Extra small <3gr
Small 3gr <> 20gr
Large 20gr <> 50gr
Extra Large >50gr
-It is worth while to have a dedicated toolhead for each caliber. I set up with a powder die. I have two powder measures and leave one set up with a small powder bar and one set up with a large. I use quick disconnects for the powder measure to quickly move the powder measure between calibers or dump remaining powder. Buying a powder knob allows you to quickly adjust volume.
- Caliber conversions. Once you buy a few kits, it is often cheaper to buy the powder funnel, shellplate or buttons to switch caliber than the entire kit.
I have a Dillon xl650 with case feeder. I load 380, 9mm, 38Super, 357Sig, 40SW, 45ACP, 38/357Mag, 44/44Mag, 223REM, & 7.62x39 all on the 650. I use the RCBS Uniflow powder measure with the micro adjustment (I have three of them) for all my loadings on the 650. The Dillon case feeder feeds these cases without issue and the RCBS Uniflow drops accurate powder charges. The Dillon works fine, and is less finicky to maintain and operate.
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The only Dillon powder measure I've used is the manual one that came with my original 450. That's long gone. Never wanted to spend the kind of money Dillon wants for powder measures so first I started using a Lee Auto-Disk. Then a Pro Auto-Disk. Now I'm using the Lee Auto-Drum.
The Auto Drums come with two quick-change drums. One small (.25 ACP to .223) and one large for bigger rifle cartridges. There is also a plug included for the large to turn it into a small. You can buy a four-pack of drums for less than $20 ($15 at Titan). The drums are adjustable to whatever you want, but you can leave them set and treat them like fixed disks.
The Auto Drum is less than $40 most places. My first complaint was the hopper is kind of small. But then the guys at Lee threaded the cap the same as Hodgdon powder bottles so you can just mount the whole 1# bottle!
There's also a Deluxe version that comes with different stuff, a bigger hopper for one, and a riser I believe. But I don't think it comes with the bottle adapter. Don't remember, it's a little different. You'll need a Lee Powder through expander die if you don't have one, and a Powder Riser to get it to clear the dies.
This is way more practical when you have 4-6 tool heads. You can afford to mount a measure on each, and buy extra drums for different loads.
The Auto Drums come with two quick-change drums. One small (.25 ACP to .223) and one large for bigger rifle cartridges. There is also a plug included for the large to turn it into a small. You can buy a four-pack of drums for less than $20 ($15 at Titan). The drums are adjustable to whatever you want, but you can leave them set and treat them like fixed disks.
The Auto Drum is less than $40 most places. My first complaint was the hopper is kind of small. But then the guys at Lee threaded the cap the same as Hodgdon powder bottles so you can just mount the whole 1# bottle!
There's also a Deluxe version that comes with different stuff, a bigger hopper for one, and a riser I believe. But I don't think it comes with the bottle adapter. Don't remember, it's a little different. You'll need a Lee Powder through expander die if you don't have one, and a Powder Riser to get it to clear the dies.
This is way more practical when you have 4-6 tool heads. You can afford to mount a measure on each, and buy extra drums for different loads.
Attachments
Buddy of mine had a missing toohead pin, they charged him for another. This was last week. Another buddy tried to order the bolt that goes on the end of the handle, they was going to charge him to. Went to Ace instead.
Rosewood
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They are a little more strict than they used to be. They do require some sort of evidence that the part failed under normal use. They don't replace stuff you lost or broke.
They used to just send you whatever you asked for. I think some were taking advantage of that.
Kp321
Member
I started with Dillon in the early 80’s, a 450 which I upgraded with the 550 primer system and loaded round ejector when they were available. I had an ammunition manufacturing FFL at the time and loaded 20+ calibers, all on the Dillon. It took a little extra time to screw dies in and out but I didn’t have to buy tool heads. I didn’t go with the auto powder measure till I bought a 550 years later. For rifle calibers, I adapted my RCBS Uniflow measure for greater precision.
bigt5150
Member
My first press every was a Dillon 550B which I bought in 1996. There was a bit of a learning curve but I got over it quite easily and never regretted my decision. The conversion of primer sizes is not difficult but can be tedious to me. I was lucky in the sense that my brother got into reloading after I did but never stuck with it and GAVE me his 550B! So I have that one set up for large pistol primers. Do I really need to have two? NO? but it sure makes it alot easier and more fun. BTW, If memory serves I paid 295$ for my 550 back in in 1996. Damn, how things change.
Monumental Task
At age 76 it is a MONUMENTAL task. My second 550C cost me the princely sum of $250 (10 years ago used) -- THIS IS way better than changing out primer seaters/feeders.
At age 76 it is a MONUMENTAL task. My second 550C cost me the princely sum of $250 (10 years ago used) -- THIS IS way better than changing out primer seaters/feeders.
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