Dillon 550B Questions?

Mount it so the handle moves toward you.





Seriously, looks like a nice setup you have there. You're well ahead of me. I'm just collecting components at this point. Hopefully have a press for Christmas.

Jake,
nice setup.
Just mount it to the left of center opening. The box that your completed rounds drop into extends about 6" to the right of the machine. I forgot about that when I first mounted mine.

Enjoy!!!

FWIW

I might even consider mounting on the left end of the bench. That way neither process will interfere with the other.
I think you have plenty of room to do that, I would also use a steel backing plate on the bottom of the benchtop or some big fender washers when you bolt it down..

When you want to change the shell plate, don't forget about the little hex head screw on the ram, under the base.

Not about the press, but the balance. I found that mounting it higher (up on the wall), will make the gradations easier to see. Mine is at eye level.

Get your self a Strong mount from dillon for it! I love mine moves it up a little so you can see things a little better plus you can mount it a few inchs back of the edge it seems better for me Have fun that blue koolaid is great

I would recommend mounting it to a short piece of 2x6 or 2x8. Then you can C clamp it to the workbench, and move it if you want to. I have had mine set up like that for many years and it's never moved or had a problem. Also, the C clamp will hold the edge or the loaded round holder and keep it from "walking" off the support.

If you can spring for another $24, buy an RCBS powder measure stand. Then mount it directly behind the Rock Chucker. That position works perfect for loading single stage, where you can charge, inspect and seat in one 3 motion step. Product at this Midway link:
Then mount the Dillon on the left corner, and you'll have plenty of room between for scale and/or trimming. Powder measure position works perfect for me.

Since I currently run two 550B's and don't use or need the Strong Mounts, I would suggest you try to leave at least an 8 or 10'' of bench space to the left of your press for an area to hold a box or tray for the new bullet heads since you will be loading them with your left hand. Make it convenient for yourself.

Remember, this press does NOT auto index. The potential for a double charge is very good unless you watch it like a hawk. A little paranoia in this regard is a good thing! Outside of that, I'm love'n my digitial powder scale to check charge weights, get one if you can. Enjoy your new press.

The main thing you'll need is some rust preventative on that RCBS press!

I mounted mine near the right end of the table and the tray hangs off the end of the table. Be sure to leave room to the left of the press, as mentioned, to place your box of bullets. By the way you can also get the trays in longer sizes to hold more ammo before you need to empty them. Don't go too big or they'll bend and break.

I didn't go for the strong mount, don't really need it.

For years I had a 550 mounted on a shop welded tripod, that was when I was moving quite often. Now I have 2, one small primer the other large. ( after a few yrs. and thousands of rds you will understand)
I have built a metal track to slide plates that are bolted to the 550 bases so I can change them out on my bench.
Try different things, drill different holes nothing is permanent till you find what fits you.
I think you might also find a wheeled cart handy around your reloading area.

I love the strong mount! Well worth the money. You should have plenty of room on your bench. Enjoy the press. You will fall in love with it.

Congratulations. The only thing I can offer is to leave more than just enough room for the ejected round tray. I don't use one. I eject my rounds into a .50 cal ammo can. It really looks like you have everything you need. The only thing might be the strong mounts, but that depends on how high your bench is. The strong mounts can be a back saver. My bench top is 33" off of the floor and I couldn't imagine loading without the strong mounts. I'm only 5'2" tall and I'd have to stoop to drop the handle all the way without them.

The last thing is if you didn't get the roller handle, get one. I know it's stupid expensive, but it makes a big difference on the long loading sessions. A lot less fatigue with the roller. Other than that, get yourself a spare parts kit, in case you drop a spring or clip. I've had my machine for over 20 years and have only had to replace parts that I lost, not because they broke.

Jake,
I had an issue with my bench in that the back mounting screws were situated over the front 2x6 support under the bench proper. Rather than drill & use lag screws, I mounted the 550 on a rectangular piece of 3/4" plywood with the rear mounting (I used carriage) bolts placed head down & threads pointed up for the press to mount on, then drilled holes behind that & bolted the plywood base to the bench. The front mount holes on the press were beyond the 2x6 over the front edge of the bench & I drilled & bolted in the "normal way," head up & threads down. If you get to looking & think you might be facing the same situation, let me know & I will post some pics. Simple, really, if confusing by my lame description...

My tip goes hand in hand with Alfack, when setting bullet depth make certain that you have cases in the other positions on the shell holder. I burnt some hours trying to figure out why I was getting COL variance between setup rounds and cycled rounds. (I am not bright so i rode that wheel for awhile before the ahhh moment kicked in)

If it were me? I would move the powder dropper from the left. Use a strong mount and leave yourself just a little room on the left of it to set stuff down.


WB

Dillon Information

Hi,

Go to the forum on Brian Enos site, ther you can find all the information and help for any Dillon .

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?act=idx

You will love your Dillon RL 550 !

gtz.

G. Rollen

For FLRSing a bottle neck case like 223 Rem., buy a case gage. If you screw the die down to contact the shell plate, its possible to push the shoulder back to far if the shell plate is out of spec.