Dillon RL550B? The Blue Kool-Aid

I own 2 Dillon 550's. Bought the first in the early 80's and the 2'nd around 2000. If I was starting over, I might consider going with the 650's, but I'm not sure.

I have loaded tens of thousands of rounds on the 550's and never even came close to a double charge due to not advancing. I personally like the manual index feature and it give me a lot of flexibility. I'm not sure the 5'th position would be of great value to me. I love my 550's and keep one with the large primer set up and one for small primers.

And just for a comparison, I have been using a Pacific 366 press for my shotshell loading. Started using it in the early 80's. I have 8 things happening at once, 3 of which don't always occur correctly, and clearing problems with the auto index feature is more hassle than I prefer. Can be done, but always takes some thought.

So I am not auto index. The 550 operation is just so simple and straightforward.
 
Jeep2, I will not load on a progressive press without a lock out die. I understand Dillon recommends crimping with a separate die. When I purchased my 550B I explained to them I could not use there press if I had to start over on dies. They suggested it was OK if I used my dies and their press.

F. Guffey
 
Jeep2, I will not load on a progressive press without a lock out die.
Click to expand...

Great for you! I can visually verify every case has the correct powder level when I load (and I do this as part of my loading process). My light down the center opening in the tool head lights up everything.

How does that lockout die work on bottle neck cartridges?
 
go Hornady again mate if it worked for you. They are fine presses particularly when you strip down and put back with Bill Morgans videos on you tube. I never get problems that are not operator error. Hornady and Dillon are like Smith and Colt, different but the same:)

thewelshm
 
SNUFFY:
Thanks! That has possibilities for the #55 as well.
(Image (c) Wogpotter 2014)
DSCF0916_zpsdtpnoyo7.jpg
 
I have separate powder measure dies for each cartridge that I load on my AP. That means all that is needed when switching over is to move the powder measure over to the other die.
 
I'm with Mr. Cigar on this one.

I have a "quick change powder die" for each cartridge that I load on the LNL-AP. I have one powder measure that I move over when I change calibers.

Another feature of the Hornady powder measure is that you can change the powder measure insert at the push of a button. I bought several of the standard pistol measure inserts so that I can leave one set to throw my favorite load for each cartridge-I keep them in the appropriate die box.

One of the reasons I chose the LNL-AP was that caliber changeovers are less expensive and pretty convenient.
 
I started handloading with a Dillon 550B and loved it. However, 4½ years, 6 calibers, and 70,000+ rds later I grew tired of hand inserting brass into the machine. Hand indexing wasn't an issue as your left hand is right there anyway to set a bullet. Dropping the handle to pick up a case then re-grabbing it to cycle the press is what slows you down.

Anyway, I sold my 550B and upgraded to a Dillon XL650 with casefeeder, added 10 more calibers (now 9 rifle and 7 pistol), have run 100,000 rds through it in 10+ yrs, and I couldn't be happier. Yes, my handloading space is limited and my bench is only 6' x 2'. Yes, I keep it cleaned up as below all the time. But an organized area and the right equipment make for a great job.

I load high volume as well as precision, long range loads on it and I couldn't be happier with it's performance and ease of use. I'll gladly spend a bit more to make for a smooth, effortless handloading experience.

I have something like 13 toolheads and lots of equipment including Dillon's Trimmer and Super Swage as well as all the other miscellaneous items one collects, but it makes for an enjoyable handloading experience and I wouldn't choose another approach for half the price.

IMG_6641_zpsdb975d30.jpg
 
I have a tool head, powder die and powder measure for every caliber I load on my XL650. Very convenient and no settings to mess with.
 
I have one for most. Most of the toolheads w/o Quick Change kits are necked rifle case prep toolheads with Dillon Trim Dies on them, however, I do have a couple of toolheads for little used calibers that I don't have a Quick Change kit for and trim them by hand.
 
550B Double Charge

Yes. It is possible to double charge with a Dillon 550B. I did it. It was an OPERATOR error. I was loading target loads for 38 Special using W231. I have loaded many rounds on a 550B previously and on several types of progressive Lees. I think I did it when I was interrupted by "Com-Soap-Suds". Of course I did not notice at the time. Luckily it was a S&W Model 640 .357. It went bang, bang, B-OOO--M! Swelled a chamber in the cylinder. Glad is was not my Rossi .38. I have since added better lighting to the reloading bench. I think the addition of the new LEDs under the turret top will be a true asset. The S&W repair bill was a little under $225. Oh, I still recommend the Dillon Press. But, as has been said, if starting from scratch (with the wisdom of hindsight) I would skip the Lee's (which are good products) skip the Dillon 550B and go DIRECTLY to the 650. I am in to deep now to make a change. Load safe; all.
 
I do not reload on a progressive press without a lock out die for pistol or a powder die for bottle neck cases.

Then there is that thing about knowing the weight of the components. I know the weight of the components, the last opportunity I have to find a mistake is before I get to the range. There is nothing entertaining about pulling the trigger and not knowing what is going to happen when the hammer falls.

F. Guffey
 
To the OP, just get a 550. I know you will be happy with it once you get it set up. All those concerns you have are actually minor which you will realize once you start loading on it. As far as the powder measure, I don't like the Dillon but most do. The good thing is you have the option to set it up however you want.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top