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?
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Dillon 550b and Lee auto disk
- Thread starter flyrobb
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sdb321
Member
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
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.
Electraclyde
Member
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.
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.
dave33
Member
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.
OP
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.
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
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
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HorizontalMike
US Veteran
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.
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.
Boogsawaste
Member
OP
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.
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
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
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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.
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.
OP
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!
Bkreutz
US Veteran
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.
MrG5122
Member
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.
As far as the powder measure, I'd just spring for the Dillon unit. Way too easy.
derek45auto
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Keep the LEE dies, but get a DILLON powder measure
JMHO
JMHO
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