Getting ready to start reloading

[fredj338]

The 550 needs nothing but the roller handle IMO. The other stuff s fine but other than separate tool heads & powder thru dies for each caliber, the 550 is gtg out of the box.
Just resist the idea of using it as a progressive until you load like 500 rds one at a time. Sort of like an inv turret. This lets you follow the process & learn what you are doing as well as exactly how the 550 works. Then start slowly using it as a progressive. Pay attention to detail, be safe, have fun. Owning 550, 650 & loading a bit on a LNL, the 550 is about the best starter progressive one coud buy as you control the speed of operation.

 

[trophyhunter]

I was happy adding a 550B next to my CoAx until the blue fiend munched my precious 25-20 brass. After multiple calls to Dillon, I have a LNL AP that uses the same dies and doesn't eat my brass. A good progressive press can do wonders. I do not advise starting out on one, but it you're mechanically handy you can probably get away with it.

The base plate on a 550 is fully adjustable to align the shell plate dead center on the primer seater and sizing die. Dillon provides the alignment tool free of charge for 550 owners for issues like that.

Shame a simple adjustment wasn't made to correct your issue. The alignment tool is a simple centering device that is inserted in place of the sizing die and allows precise alignment of all the dies to the caliber conversion plate.

Any time a 550 has the two bolts in the baseplate loosened for any reason or cleaning purposes that alignment tool needs to be used when the press is re-assembled.

 

[THEWELSHM]

I would say presses are like Fords and Chevys " they all have quirks and foibles" each to their own. If you are mechanically inclined dicsiplined and pay attention to detail knock your self out with anything you want. I wont Dis another press I have not worked with. Enjoy the hobby mate.

thewelshm

 

[Old_Sparky]

fredj338, that is exactly how I plan on starting, doing 500 rounds or so one at a time, instead of cranking away as fast as I can to make bullets. I have plenty of mechanical experience, and am willing to learn slow to ensure I don't make stupid mistakes and build bad habits early on. The cranking can come much later.

 

[fredj338]

fredj338, that is exactly how I plan on starting, doing 500 rounds or so one at a time, instead of cranking away as fast as I can to make bullets. I have plenty of mechanical experience, and am willing to learn slow to ensure I don't make stupid mistakes and build bad habits early on. The cranking can come much later.

The one issue with the 550 many seem to stumble with is preventing squibs or doubles. Since the shell plate needs to manual index, the fool proof way is to visually see the powder charge in stn #2, then as you advance the shell plate, place the bullet as you go to stn #3. This is virtually fool proof if done every time.

 

[redcar]

Here is my hornady lnl ap setup and I love it.

 

[blujax01]

Welcome to Smurf Nation. You made the right choice.

 

[blujax01]

A tip on buying Dillon accessories. Unless you can get them locally, you will save money by going through Brian Enos' Store. He has a much better shipping price than Dillon direct.

Dillon Precision Reloading on BrianEnos.com

He also hosts a very informative Dillon Bulletin Board Forum:

Brian Enos's Forums... Maku mozo!

 

[forestswin]

Good list.... The calipers, scale and manuals are essentials in my book.

AND CHECK WEIGHTS

 

[blujax01]

AND CHECK WEIGHTS

Absolutely! The "calibration weight" that comes with most scales has a mass of 50 grams. That is so far out of the range we work with that it is useless. There are some nice vintage sets available on EBay or they can be purchased new from RCBS or the like for about $30. Good call, Forest.

 

[gm272gs]

...Time is in short supply...

I do not intend to put words in your mouth by saying this, so take it with a grain of salt. As with anything firearms related, nothing should be done in a hurry (unless you're shooting Action Pistol !).

The best advice that I have for reloaders, is to;
1. Make time for the task at hand.
2. Only reload when you are confident that there will be no distractions.
3. Don't answer the phone or otherwise try to "multitask".
4. Don't smoke.
5. Don't try to vacuum up powder you spilled on the floor.
6. Buy more than one reloading manual (preferably a mix of manuals written by powder manufacturers and manuals written by bullet manufacturers) and read them thoroughly.
7. Cross reference starting charge weights (between manuals) and start with the lowest one listed.
8. Keep good notes.
9. Buy a bullet puller.
10. Don't put away the powder, scale, and measure until you're done seating all your bullets.

 

[Old_Sparky]

I do not intend to put words in your mouth by saying this, so take it with a grain of salt. As with anything firearms related, nothing should be done in a hurry (unless you're shooting Action Pistol !).

The best advice that I have for reloaders, is to;
1. Make time for the task at hand.
2. Only reload when you are confident that there will be no distractions.
3. Don't answer the phone or otherwise try to "multitask".
4. Don't smoke.
5. Don't try to vacuum up powder you spilled on the floor.
6. Buy more than one reloading manual (preferably a mix of manuals written by powder manufacturers and manuals written by bullet manufacturers) and read them thoroughly.
7. Cross reference starting charge weights (between manuals) and start with the lowest one listed.
8. Keep good notes.
9. Buy a bullet puller.
10. Don't put away the powder, scale, and measure until you're done seating all your bullets.

All good advice. I want to be able to take my time and learn the correct way to reload. However, I don't want to learn single stage, then buy again just to move to a progressive so I can process ammo faster. I have a Lyman's manual now, with one from Alliant on it's way. The phone can wait when it rings, as they can leave a message if it is important. I am a firm believer on concentrating on the task at hand.

Any other recommendations?

 

[Scuba2do]

I went thru the same questions about 7 months ago and have been loading on the 550b. I agree the powder sensor is probably not necessary (I have one). The steel roller handle is real nice. I like the strong mount to be able to stand comfortably to reload. I got case gauges. I don't know about the manual balance, I have one but pretty much use the digital one all the time. You need some calipers, they are useful for measuring a lot of things besides bullets. I started out loading 9mm and 45ACP. My brother got some 45LC dies. Just recently got the 38/357 setup. When you get the dies I get the whole die set with the powder feed so things don't need to be adjusted when changing calibers. We have a total of 4 manuals and get on internet to double check data.
It's real nice loading with someone else , I find that two heads are better than one. There is a bit of a learning curve, but if you have reasonable patience and intelligence it really isn't a problem going with this type of press. It is expensive starting out getting the press then getting the components to feed the press(powder, brass, bullets, primers). Plastic boxes to put the rounds in, case bins, etc.... but it sure is a lot of fun. It is my therapy. We have loaded thousands of rounds and really haven't had any problems to speak of, ymmv. Dillon is real good to deal with. Had a few parts break, get bent and they sent out replacements. Another thing get the little repair kit of parts and get the set of allen wrenches than mount to the back of the machine along with the big wrench to take dies on and off with. It's also nice to have the cover to put over the machine to keep it clean. Pay once and cry once....have fun...

Tony

 

[Old_Sparky]

Scuba2do, Thanks for your input here. Which balances do you have? I can see using an electronic for simplicity, but I am concerned about the higher cost over a manual balance.

 

[carpriver]

I have be reloading for several years. I started and still use a Lee turret press. My suggestion is pay attention to what you are doing. Know you equipment. check your powder weight often. never take short cuts. cross reference powder weights.

the only tools I need for my Lee press was a 7/16 wrench to mount the press on my bench all dies are finger tight.

 

[mosquito]

I agree, start with a RCBS rock crusher and work up to it.
Dillon is not a cheap date, you have to use ONLY their parts.

WRONG! The only proprietary parts are the dies for a Square Deal B press. All other Dillon presses use standard dies.

OP: I started on a 550, still have it as well as 2 - 1050's. In a lot of respects, the 550 is a better press. I disagree with having to start on a single stage. JMHO!

G

 

[mosquito]

I went thru the same questions about 7 months ago and have been loading on the 550b. I agree the powder sensor is probably not necessary (I have one). The steel roller handle is real nice. I like the strong mount to be able to stand comfortably to reload. I got case gauges. I don't know about the manual balance, I have one but pretty much use the digital one all the time. You need some calipers, they are useful for measuring a lot of things besides bullets. I started out loading 9mm and 45ACP. My brother got some 45LC dies. Just recently got the 38/357 setup. When you get the dies I get the whole die set with the powder feed so things don't need to be adjusted when changing calibers. We have a total of 4 manuals and get on internet to double check data.
It's real nice loading with someone else , I find that two heads are better than one. There is a bit of a learning curve, but if you have reasonable patience and intelligence it really isn't a problem going with this type of press. It is expensive starting out getting the press then getting the components to feed the press(powder, brass, bullets, primers). Plastic boxes to put the rounds in, case bins, etc.... but it sure is a lot of fun. It is my therapy. We have loaded thousands of rounds and really haven't had any problems to speak of, ymmv. Dillon is real good to deal with. Had a few parts break, get bent and they sent out replacements. Another thing get the little repair kit of parts and get the set of allen wrenches than mount to the back of the machine along with the big wrench to take dies on and off with. It's also nice to have the cover to put over the machine to keep it clean. Pay once and cry once....have fun...

Tony

Lol, you sound like me....could not have said it better myself! I agree with everything you said.

OP: The most expensive stuff you will buy is the cheap stuff that you will eventually throw out or stop using.

G

 

[smokindog]

Good price here! I'm thinking of getting my second

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00005095100

Get a Hornady AP works like a charm ..... go Red

thewelshm

 

[Mcwsky09]

I considered getting a Dillon 650 after watching videos but decided for now based on my volume and budget to start with a Lee Classic Turret.
Eventually might get another when I have a location with enough space and ceiling height to do all the bells and whistles. Especially if I were to get into competitive shooting.

 

[smokindog]

BTW, finally found the link to the PDF, didn't want anyone to think I was taking credit for the document

http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf

Good price here! I'm thinking of getting my second

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00005095100