Dillion presses

[TEXVET]

I want to take a minute to express my appreciation for my Dillion 550B press. I bought it several years ago and it has loaded several thousand rounds during that time frame.
It has been about 6 months since I last used the press. It sits patiently in my garage waiting for me to return. The temperature in my garage can reach over 100 degrees in the summer time and as low as 12 degrees above zero during one cold spell this winter.

A couple of weeks ago I decide to resupply my ammo cache. I uncovered the press, filled it with powder, and dropped a powder charge. I usually drop eight to ten charges prior to weighing a load, just to consolidate the powder and remover any static cling. This time I decided to weigh the first charge. It was exactly the same as when I left it 6 months ago, 5.6 grs. I weighed five or six more drops and all weighed 5.6 grs.
I have had a few minor problems with the press, but each time a quick call to Dillion gets me going again.
The Dillion 550B is a good choice for someone looking to upgrade to a progressive press.

I love mine (except for that little plastic primer jaw at the bottom of the primer feed tube), seems like I am always changing that out. I guess after 20,000 rounds something that small is acceptable.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

My 2 Square Deal "B's" with 6 different die changes have been "Kicking Brass" for nearly 25 years................I'm with you Bro.

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

SO HAVE MY 4, 1050'S

 

[manyguns]

I am at roughly 100,000 rounds loaded on my 550 B. They work well & they are good for their word on warranty.

 

[Bearbait in NM]

I had a major change in my living arrangements a few years ago, and space is at a big premium. I had my 550B in storage. I made a desk/table out of nice wood, as it is mostly in my living room. I can tolerate my Rockchucker permanently mounted as it does not look bad when I clean the desk off.

I decided to bring the 550B home to see if I could come up with a way to make a removable mount/setup. By stripping off the Strong mount and holders, and drilling four holes in the deck that I cover with a leather pad when not in use, I am back to reloading on it. It's almost like receiving it new so many years ago. Getting it set up, cleaned, lubed and back at cranking out rounds. The last couple of evenings has almost felt like Christmas again ;^)

Craig

 

[NHKen]

I've got my dad's 550 that he bought in 1987.... Still runs great. Seeing these pics makes me want to set up the 650 that I've had sitting NIB since last winter.... This week, maybe!
Ken

 

[Jellybean]

I almost bought one, several times. I would build up a nice chunk of money in my shooting fund and look through the latest copy of the "Blue Press", then, while the drool was still flowing, I'd grab my credit card with one hand and the phone with the other...There was no phone number to order one in the BP. (After several bad experiences with the local post office, I wouldn't send money or credit card information through the mail.) And every time I ended up just buying a new gun instead.

I eventually decided I didn't need one all that bad. I'd still like to have one, or more, I just don't need them.

 

[S&WIowegan]

I got a 550 in the very early 90s after suffering with Lees....what an amazing upgrade! When the 650 was introduced somewhere around 20 yrs. ago, I gave away my Loadmaster and got the 650. Since then it has loaded skillions of .38 Super, 9mm and 40 S&W. The only problems I have is when a part wears out....I just bought new green things for the case feeder. The other thing that happens is the primer wheel accumulates crud(not Dillons fault) and that crud causes inverted primers....UGH. A good cleaning and back to normal.

 

[H Richard]

I've been using a 550 since the mid 80's. Didn't upgrade it to a "B" model until a few years ago, it just keeps cranking them out. Any few problems I have had over the years have been taken care by one phone call.

 

[chief38]

I could not be happier with my 650 which was an upgrade from my 30 year old Square Deal. My only regret is that it took me too long to do the upgrade!

 

[Harrison]

My 22 year old 550B has probably loaded almost 200,000 rounds since I got it, and it is still pumping them out on a regular basis. A few minor parts have died due to wear and tear. Dillon always sent me a new part for free. Can't ask for better than that.

 

[blujax01]

The gathering of Smurf Nation!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

My 1984 450 that I upgraded to 550 B status, has made over a quarter million rounds. That is a lot of affordable shooting!
Smurfette has never been to my house! Or we would put her to work! Ivan

 

[FloridaFlier]

Shooting is my sport. Reloading is my hobby. Dillon is my enabler.

 

[Rule3]

The gathering of Smurf Nation!

Perhaps a whole separate forum??

 

[smokindog]

If you notice, the most wise of the group tries to cover his blue with RED!

The gathering of Smurf Nation!

 

[Rule3]

Papa Smurf is Wise and such a Rebel!

 

[blujax01]

Oh Man, I can feel the love! <3

 

[TEXVET]

I sorta figured I wasn't alone in my liking of the Dillion equipment. I acquired my 550B by chance. I happened to overhear two guys at a local gun store talking about a friend of theirs that had it for sale. Both said they couldn't afford it at the time. I spoke to them and asked if their friend would sell it to me. They said they didn't see any reason he wouldn't. It turns out the seller had bought the press fourteen years prior. He had gotten divorced and was now living in an apartment. The press had never been out of the original Dillion shipping box. All of the plastic packages were still sealed.
The guy sold me the press [set up for .45 ACP], a brand new set of Dillion .45 ACP dies, and a Dillion accessory package for the 550B. The original Dillion order form was folded up in the box. He sold me the works for $250 dollars. I couldn't get my money out fast enough.
Later I called Dillion and told them what I had done and asked if any parts had been updated in the fourteen years since the press was manufactured. The Dillion guy said a couple of things. He took my name and address and mailed me the upgraded item at no cost.
He said they warranty their products for life, no matter how many times a product changes hands. That was three years ago and some 25,000 rounds later. I sure wish they made automobiles and computers like that!!!

 

[Rule3]

^^^^^^^

Wow, really gonna rub it in aren't ya!