Dillon 550

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pwl44m
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Dillon 550

Post by pwl44m »

Rode My Bicycle down to My Brothers today (about 1/3 mile) My knees were weak when I got there. I was looking to see what He had in casting and sizing stuff, very little. But what I did find was a Dillon 550 that We went in together on about 25 years ago still set up on a very heavy metal table. We bought it as a standard machine then upgraded to semi progressive, automatic primer and powder feed. It is manual indexing and I doubt this machine has loaded 2000 rounds. I loaded very few, I don't think He has loaded any and a Friend loaded more than Us put together. So the machine is basically New. I have looked at it several times when I would go to His garage but just didn't have a desire to mess with it. I noticed before that the ram showed some surface rust and thought it would need to be totally dismantled and cleaned up. I gave it another look today and started playing with it. It was very stiff at first and there was a can of Break Free there so I squirted some on the ram and tried again with less resistance and the more I worked it the smoother it got. Next the automatic primer wasn't returning so it got some BF also till it started working then the Powder Measure go the same treatment till it operated smoothly. The tool head had 44mag dies in it and there happened to be a box of fired brass sitting there. So I popped one in to see what it would do, a little stiff so more BF until it was punching primers like it is supposed to. Of course those cases weren't lubed so I didn't run too many. Now I am excited to get it running for some of My pet calibers - 45 colt,38wcf,44-40, 38-55 - U know , the Lever calibers not that 44mag isn't.
I started digging through Bins and boxes and found 3 more tool heads, 1 had 357mag dies in it. These are almost as easy to swap out as Lee tool heads. He has a bunch of dies that He has collected over the years, some of which We don't even shoot. More digging turned up more brass and loaded rounds than U can shake a stick at. The press is mounted on a rock solid sturdy bench but I like working in My own element so I will see if I can bring it to My place and use it here and keep it here for the next 25 years. :lol: Turn about is fair play right ? There would be No prob with Me going there every day and He doesn't have to be Home, We have that Bond that if U want it U can "probably" :wink: have it. He has given Me so much ammo I can't even count it.
Anyhow that is My story for today and I will end with a question to You Dillon Guys. Can this Press be upgraded to Auto indexing with bullet and case feed ? That would make it sweet.
Perry
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Re: Dillon 550

Post by Griff »

It can be upgraded to have a case feeder. However, I don't know that it can be auto-indexing. At least I've never read of one. I kinda like the fact that it's manual indexing. The machine can't get ahead of me... I think you need the 5 stations of the mdl 650 to get a bullet feed. Since I don't load all the time, the manual nature of the 550 is great... but instead of only ¼ of a loaded round like on a single stage, I get a completed cartridge with each pull of the handle!
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Ray Newman
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Re: Dillon 550

Post by Ray Newman »

Perry: 'dunno' about the Auto Index upgrade.

I have been reloading pistol ammunition with a Dillon since 1989. I do not use it for any rifle ammunition. For me it is far easier to load 500 rounds of a specific caliber at one sitting, then change to another caliber if needed. Once you 'get the knack of it,' it is very easy and quick to crank out the rounds.

I opted for the low primer warning system. In my opinion, it is very worthwhile and useful. You just need to get into the routine of firmly setting the primer with the ram.

I wore out the original powder measure and Dillon replaced it. Those measures are surprisingly accurate.

Good luck....
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pwl44m
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Re: Dillon 550

Post by pwl44m »

Thx Griff and Ray for the info. I couldn't see how it would be made to auto index and didn't even think about another station for bullets but a case feeder would be nice. I will play with this thing some more and make some ammo.
Perry
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Re: Dillon 550

Post by M. M. Wright »

My 550 started life as a 450, before the interchangeable tool heads. Upgraded several times to auto powder and auto primer but that has been fast enough for me. Let's see, I've been using it since the early 80s when I was shooting IPSC and shooting at least 500 rounds a week for practice.
It has been a wonderful loader. Broke the piece that the lever fastens to and a small piece on the powder measure. Of course Dillon replaced both right away.
Lube that powder measure slide with powdered graphite. I have both slides for it, one is full thickness and throws enough powder for magnum rifle cases. I mostly use it for black powder though I still use the old manual powder measure that came with the 450 fro most of my black powder stuff since I made a powder hopper for it from a length of exhaust pipe.
I have used it for 308, 30-06 and 223 but mostly for 45 ACP and 44-40 but then there at least 10 sets of dies on tool heads here for it.
Yeah, you need to get it home and try to wear it out. It will make you shoot more which is a good thing.
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Re: Dillon 550

Post by Model 52B »

No auto indexing on the 550/550B, but as with the comment above, I prefer the manual index feature.

Speed is all relative, you may be abel to crank out 1000 rounds an hour on a 650 if you work it hard, but you can knock out 400-500 rounds an hour on a 550B without generating any sweat. And if you do make a mistake, it's easy to fix on a non-auto indexing press.

The other advantage with the 550B is the wider array of rifle calibers and the lower cost of caliber conversion kits.

I load pretty much everything on my Dillon except precision hand weighed loads for a .308, a .243, a .22 Hornet and my .45-70 Sharps, which are all done on a single stage press. My 550B has loaded probably 25,000 rounds of .223 alone over the years, along with several thousand rounds of 9mm, .45 ACP and .380 ACP, as well as .30 Carbine, .45 Colt, .375 Winchester, .38-55, and .30-30.

----

I would not recommend using any oil on a primer feed system as oil is probably the ultimate primer killer. If the primer feed gets stick, just wipe off any dust or accumulated gunk and if needed use some dry graphite lube on it.

I also recommend adding an LED light strip inside the frame to illuminate the cases being worked, and in particular the just charged case. With 4 positions, you can use a powder level warning system, or a separate crimping die for straight wall cartridges, but not both. It's not a major limitation, and a light lets you comfortably skip the powder warning system and lets you continue feeding bullets from the left side.

I'll also second the value of the automatic primer warning system. I place the cardboard cover from the primer package over the primer feed tubes and in turn on the primer feed system itself to ensure that I never get confused about what primers are loaded, even if I walk away and leave the press for weeks between reloading sessions.

I also mark the exposed face of the tool head with the caliber as well as with the load it's set up for so I know what bullet the seating and crimping dies (if I'm using one) are set for.

I generally use the $104 quick change kits that include the powder measure for the more commonly loaded calibers. I keep the dies for the less commonly loaded calibers on plain tool heads stored underneath in rubber main tubs. Most of those are rifle calibers where I will often use a manually operated Redding BR-30 powder measure anyway (stored in a holder on the top shelf) and use a 3/4" powder measure adapter to attach it to the powder dies on the tool head. I'll leave a business card or piece of a primer box cover with the powder and load data in the powder measure hoppers so that I'll know what it was set up for the next time I use it.

_____

Since you may be moving it and be in need of bench ideas, I'll post a picture of my set up. A friend and I made a pair of these from 2 sheets of 1" ply and a sheet of wafer board. It uses 1" ply for the sides and back with a doubled piece (2") for the main deck. The top and the internal shelves are made from wafer board. It also has 2x4s around the inside of the base as well as under the middle shelf. It's free standing and easy to move, and has stood up well to three permanent changes of station over the last decade and takes up very little space.

The idea is to use a heavy and strong box construction as well as the weight from bullets (bottom shelf), primers (in a .50 cal ammo can on the bottom shelf), powder, (middle shelf) and extra tool heads, dies and less frequently used tool (middle shelf) to add additional weight and stability. Stability is important on a Dillon as the powder measures are very accurate - provided the press is mounted on a stable platform. The more frequently used tools, loading manuals, etc go on top under the top shelf and the caliber quick change kits and stands go on the upper shelf. Primer tubes are kept in a piece of PVC pipe capped on the bottom and screwed to the side.

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Re: Dillon 550

Post by AJMD429 »

You may prefer the manual-indexing, like several have noted; I do. That's why I also like my Lee 4-hole Turret press.

I would recommend getting two accessories for the Dillon:

1. the 'Micrometer charge bar' kit - makes re-setting the measure to an EXACT previously-set-up charge a piece of cake. UniqueTek makes them - http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1231

2. the 'Toolhead de-wobbler' kit - takes out that slight slop/lift of the toolhead when you push the cases up into the dies. UniqueTek makes them too - http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1230

The Dillons are nice... 8)
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Re: Dillon 550

Post by Old Savage »

I have had manual and auto indexing and I far prefer the manual for the approx 25,000 rds I have loaded.
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Re: Dillon 550

Post by Griff »

AJMD429 wrote:You may prefer the manual-indexing, like several have noted; I do. That's why I also like my Lee 4-hole Turret press.
I would recommend getting two accessories for the Dillon:
1. the 'Micrometer charge bar' kit - makes re-setting the measure to an EXACT previously-set-up charge a piece of cake. UniqueTek makes them - http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1231
2. the 'Toolhead de-wobbler' kit - takes out that slight slop/lift of the toolhead when you push the cases up into the dies. UniqueTek makes them too - http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1230
The Dillons are nice... 8)
Cheaper and just as easy to use... epoxy it on and adjustments are a breeze:
Image
$1.61 @ Home Depot... (picture contains the link) You gotta adjust the thing every time you change loads... I never trust any of my micrometer powder measures between one reloading session and the next... Heck, I don't trust them between the beginning and end of a session... I'll stop and weigh powder charges several times during a session...
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COSteve
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Re: Dillon 550

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Steve
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Re: Dillon 550

Post by Model 52B »

Griff wrote:
AJMD429 wrote:You may prefer the manual-indexing, like several have noted; I do. That's why I also like my Lee 4-hole Turret press.
I would recommend getting two accessories for the Dillon:
1. the 'Micrometer charge bar' kit - makes re-setting the measure to an EXACT previously-set-up charge a piece of cake. UniqueTek makes them - http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1231
2. the 'Toolhead de-wobbler' kit - takes out that slight slop/lift of the toolhead when you push the cases up into the dies. UniqueTek makes them too - http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1230
The Dillons are nice... 8)
Cheaper and just as easy to use... epoxy it on and adjustments are a breeze:
Image
$1.61 @ Home Depot... (picture contains the link) You gotta adjust the thing every time you change loads... I never trust any of my micrometer powder measures between one reloading session and the next... Heck, I don't trust them between the beginning and end of a session... I'll stop and weigh powder charges several times during a session...
Griff's excellent advice is spot on.

Also, for another $17 over the $60 cost of a micrometer charge bar you can buy an entire Dillon measure and not have to change the setting at all. Go cheap, and just add an adjustment knob.
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Re: Dillon 550

Post by Old Savage »

I spoke to Mike Dillon about this years ago and he was against the idea for the reason Griff mentioned. He said he wanted people to have to adjust it each time. Couple of ways to look at that pros and cons - to each his own.
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Re: Dillon 550

Post by Mohillbilly »

I have had my 550b a long time. At first I wanted what you wanted . I have loaded alot since then . If I still wanted those things I would upgrade to a 650 or an 1100 . I do a lot of different cartridges , and cannot justify a more automatic machine. I have learned that simple is better , and the 550b will put out what ever volume I need , and then some . I reload leisurely and enjoy it. I can correct my loading . My rate of loading is about 250 an hour and I am confidant that all is well. I have since gotten into casting and I enjoy it as well . I am pleased that I can control my BOOLITS as well as costs . The less expensive the rounds the more I get to shoot , for the same money amount I spent before reloading/casting . I did NOT save any money , I do have a grin for longer ... I find a brass feeder/boolit feeder unnecessary in that I do some that there is no shell feeder plate made. I do not have to mess with setting those thing up either . On the other hand , if you do .45 Colt ( whatever ) I would get a Dillon four square , or 223/30-06 ect. I would get an 1100 . Decide on what you need . then decide on where you may end up ( I would never image I would load for two dozen chamberings or so . )
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Re: Dillon 550

Post by AJMD429 »

Old Savage wrote:I spoke to Mike Dillon about this years ago and he was against the idea for the reason Griff mentioned. He said he wanted people to have to adjust it each time. Couple of ways to look at that pros and cons - to each his own.
I suppose the 'ideal' would be keep a measure on each toolhead, pre-set for that cartridge, but then it would also have to be specific to bullet and load...
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Re: Dillon 550

Post by Model 52B »

AJMD429 wrote:
Old Savage wrote:I spoke to Mike Dillon about this years ago and he was against the idea for the reason Griff mentioned. He said he wanted people to have to adjust it each time. Couple of ways to look at that pros and cons - to each his own.
I suppose the 'ideal' would be keep a measure on each toolhead, pre-set for that cartridge, but then it would also have to be specific to bullet and load...
It works well. It's $104 for a quick change kit including tool head, powder measure, powder die and stand. You need to caliber conversion kit and dies, but for that extra $104 per caliber, you get really quick caliber changes with no need to re-set the measure (you still need to double check the charge weight before you get cranking) if you're doing the same load. If it's not the same load, it will at least probably be the same small or large charge bar, and all you'll have to do is adjust the measure. I leave the load data (bullet, powder and charge weight) on a card in the hopper for that reason, so that I know what the last load was on that particular toolhead and measure.

The Dillon measure adjusts pretty linearly, so you throw a a charge and measure the weight, open or close it one full turn of the screw and weigh it again. That will give you a pretty good idea of grains per turn and with 6 faces and 6 corners on the screw, you can eye ball 1/12 of a turn pretty accurately. That will get you in the ball park in 3 thrown and weighed charges.

I've noted some very slight back lash in screws on some of the Dillon charge bars so I'll always turn the adjustment screw back counter clockwise a quarter turn or so (reducing the charge weight) then turn it back the other direction to make the needed increase in charge weight to eliminate the back lash that otherwise can make getting that last .1 gr adjustment exactly right something of a problem. A decrease in weight can just be made with a counterclockwise turn on the screw.
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Re: Dillon 550

Post by Chris83716 »

I have 2 of the 550B's. One is permanently set up for small primers and the other for large primers. Same with the powder measures. I second the suggestion for a strong light of some type so you can see into the case to check the powder charge.

Chris
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