question about a Dillon 550 & etc.

[snowman]

Just returned from talking at the range with a gentleman who wants to start loading and who was soliciting my advice. He has been told that a Dillon 550 press would be a good choice for him. I'm of the view that it is good for a beginner to load one case at a time until he/she gets used to the equipment and the process. Since I don't own a Dillon, could you fellows who do own one tell me if the 550 (and other progressive Dillon models) will permit the operator to do this? I don't intend to dissuade him from buying a progressive, but at least some of us need to start slowly.

Thanks for your help; I'm sure my new friend will appreciate it also.
Andy

 

[crofoot629]

I've only ever loaded on a 550.
It's not rocket science.
The vast majority of my reloading was in an effort to churn out .45 acp for Steel, IPSC, bowling pins and later some IDPA.

I see no reason to load one case at a time for people like me who don't "enjoy" reloading but need to shoot 10,000'plus rounds a year.

Different strokes for different folks but I'm baffled by people who like reloading. I like shooting.

Emory

 

[quinn]

I've used a Dillong 550B for about 20 years. I used to compete in submachine gun tournaments and needed lots of 45acp and 9amm. The Dillon has swerved me very well. The warranty and service is unbeleivable. It was no problem to run off 500 or a thousnd rounds at a sitting. Caliber changes were a bit slow as I only bought the one powder measure (should have had one for each of my main calibers). She is still going strong...never wore out a part though I did lose a few in moves. So, yes, I am a Dillon fan. For personal use, the 550 is a true workhorse.

 

[chipking]

Yes you can step a single round through on the 550. It is a manual advance you can take your time at each step and the powder measure is case activated so no mess on an empty station.
--- Chip King ---

 

[Hammerless-12]

The Dillon RL550B is the press I would recommend anyone to start with. The old single stage presses are just a waste of time and money. I own both an RL550B and a XL650 from Dillon, and feel that the RL550B is the press to start with. Its very hard to "screw" up with this machine. You can use it as a single stage press. I used to load all my rifle loads on a RCBS Rockchucker or a Pacific single stage press until one day I tried the RL550B and found it to do just as precise work as the old single stage presses. The single stage presses now collect dust in the attic. When I use certain powders I may still use the old Hornady powder drop and top each load off using the scale, but for the most part the RL550B does the mojority of my rifle loads. Great press, very user friendly and hard to screw up loads with. For most people this will be the only press they ever need for handgun and rifle work. When and if you loose the interst in reloading the Dillon will also hold its value much better than some of the other presses on the market, just look on FleaBay and you will see what I mean. Happy Shooting.

 

[Engineer1911]

You cqn learn to reload safely on a Dillon 550 by using 1 case at a time through the entire cycle of 4 stations. This is reloading ammunition, not heart or brain surgery. Read the instructions, set up the dies correctly and you are good to go. Two years from now some one may decide that they want that RCBS or Hornaday single stage press. They won't want a Lee Jr.

 

[LTC]

I started with a used 550b purchased from a fellow club member. I had never reloaded anything previously. He gave me about an hours instruction in his basement and I took it home and set it up. Reasonably simple really.

Take your time, pay attention to what you are doing, read the manual, own several reloading manuals / books, limit distractions and once again take your time.

I also reload to allow myself more ammunition to shoot. I have worked up to reloading all my handgun calibers from 9mm to 45Colt.

I do enjoy the shootn' more than the loadn'.

LTC

 

[Squarebutt]

I bought a 550 second-hand back in the 1980's and it's still going strong. I agree it's a good choice for a beginning reloader, and it's user-friendly. I do keep a couple of old single-stage presses on the bench for loading calibers like .30-40 Krag and .35 Remington rather than invest $100+ in another shellplate, toolhead, etc. for the Dillon just to load a few boxes a year.

 

[jepp2]

I own a variety of reloading presses. Included among them is 2 Dillon RL550B presses. One I have owned for over 20 years. I consider them the best initial choice for beginning reloaders.

Since I load for rifle, shotshell, and handgun in various calibers, I have loading experience with a variety of presses and setups. Of everything I have my old RCBS RockChucker gets used most frequently.

 

[curt solomon sr.]

I've used a Dillong 550B for about 20 years. I used to compete in submachine gun tournaments and needed lots of 45acp and 9amm. The Dillon has swerved me very well. The warranty and service is unbeleivable. It was no problem to run off 500 or a thousnd rounds at a sitting. Caliber changes were a bit slow as I only bought the one powder measure (should have had one for each of my main calibers). She is still going strong...never wore out a part though I did lose a few in moves. So, yes, I am a Dillon fan. For personal use, the 550 is a true workhorse.

I agree fully I use A 550-B for A long time. Bouhgt it used It's hard to beat I think. Can't beat A Dillon

 

[fredj338]

You can load a sinlge round on any progressive, some are easier than others. The 550, IMO, one of the easiest progressives to get up & running & to use as a turret if you will, taking one round thru all stations or as a full on progressive giving you 400-500rs/hr. I love my 650, but with the rotary primer system, it's not single round efficient. The Hornady LNL would be another option.

 

[Moonman]

A single stage is ALWAYS GOOD TO HAVE AROUND.
1) To DEPRIME WITH.
2) To LEARN THE RELOADING PROCESS WITH.
3) To LOAD DEVELOPE.
4) To GET OUT OF RELOADING CHEAPLY, if you do not like it.
5) You can then MOVE ON to a Dillon 550.
6) You can then move to a Dillon 650 or a Hornady LNL full progressives.
7) You can then move to a Dillon 1050 if you become heavily involved in competitive shooting.

NOTE!!!!! The Dillon SQUARE "D" is a Great little press if you
just load a straight wall pistol cartridge, say a 45 ACP.
Some folks have one just for 45 ACP and one for 9MM.

 

[all357mag]

I own a RL550B, best thing I ever bought. You can reload one shell at a time on this machine. That's what I did until I got used to it. Now I'm cranking out the advertised 500+ rds /hr. As for the Dillon Company itself, it is second to none in the service and support dept. Real old school.