Dillon 550 powder measure problems with 308

flyfishinjunkee · Sep 20, 2024

I'm a dillon newbie as I scored a 550 press with a bunch of conversion kits and extra parts.

While attempting to setup the powder measure for my 308, I have noticed that the case will not fully actuate the powder measure. I am using the "B" case adapter and the powder die is turned down all the way as far as it can go. When the arm is fully depressed it does engage/actuate the powder measure, but only about 65% of the way.

It appears to me that this "B" case adapter is too short, especially when comparing the total length of the case + case adapter to other calibers. Can someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong here?

For comparison's sake I have placed a 6.5 creedmoor with case adapter "K" on the left and 308 with adapter "B" on right. The 6.5 creedmoor engages the powder measure fully and works fine.

austintexas · Sep 20, 2024

Dillons

I have 3 Dillon progressive machines. ANY problem I run into I just call Dillon. Their representatives are more than happy to figure out your problem. That's what the lifetime warranty is for.
SWCA 892

Ivan the Butcher · Sep 20, 2024

my paperwork say the "B" funnel should work. If you have a "C" or an "AK" they are for shorter cases (300 Blackout and the AK 47 round) they might cure your problem, but you will probably have to run the powder die quite a bit. While you are investigating, try a different powder die. (The original 450 powder dies had a set screw, if yours has one, be sure to remove it.)

Ivan

Ivan the Butcher · Sep 20, 2024

1-800-223-4570, the only number you need to know.

Another idea. The collar that holds the powder measurer to the powder die: I have set that collar too high. I messed it up and drove the Dillon SC Rep nuts, I took it apart and reinstalled it (think reboot!) then it worked fine.

Ivan

BB57 · Sep 20, 2024

For precision .308 Win loads, I prefer to use my Redding bench rest measure and a 3/4” powder measure adapter. It must be manually operated but it’s more accurate than the Dillon measure.

Using a Whidden floating tool head and a clamp kit, I can still load 110 rounds per hour checking the weight of each charge on a scale. The runout of each cartridge is rarely in excess of .001”, and I correct anything over .0015”.

The resulting ammo is also sub MOA.

dillonhelp · Sep 23, 2024

The post on the connector body collar that the short lower leg of the bellcrank contacts is missing a roller. Without the roller, the diameter of the post is too small to push the powder bar all the way over. Email Dillon and ask for the connector body collar roller, stock#13793

pcmacd · May 6, 2025

flyfishinjunkee said:
I'm a dillon newbie as I scored a 550 press with a bunch of conversion kits and extra parts.

While attempting to setup the powder measure for my 308, I have noticed that the case will not fully actuate the powder measure. I am using the "B" case adapter and the powder die is turned down all the way as far as it can go. When the arm is fully depressed it does engage/actuate the powder measure, but only about 65% of the way.

It appears to me that this "B" case adapter is too short, especially when comparing the total length of the case + case adapter to other calibers. Can someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong here?

For comparison's sake I have placed a 6.5 creedmoor with case adapter "K" on the left and 308 with adapter "B" on right. The 6.5 creedmoor engages the powder measure fully and works fine.

Call Dillon.

Kp321 · May 6, 2025

“For precision .308 Win loads, I prefer to use my Redding bench rest measure and a 3/4” powder measure adapter. It must be manually operated but it’s more accurate than the Dillon measure.”

I do the same except I use my RCBS measure. Only a little slower than the Dillon measure and much more accurate. For even more precision, you can weigh each powder charge and use the small funnel that comes with the BL 550 (available from Dillon).

Dillon 550 powder measure problems with 308

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