Anybody used a Dillon BL550

[Arkansas Paul]

I always wondered why Dillon didn't venture into the world of single stage loaders until I stumbled onto the BL550 on their site the other day.


http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/25792/catid/1/BL_550_Basic_Loader


Is this basically a turret press the way it is? We've been thinking about a turret press for handgun stuff and it seems like the Dillon would be the cat's meow. Anybody had any dealings with this one? Seems very reasonably priced.

 

[kreidel]

It's a RL550B without the automatic priming and powder systems... not a turret.

 

[fguffey]

In my opinion the BL550 has all the advantages + with the quick change tool head and the manual advance shell plate, if you have a RCBS uniflow powder measure Dillon sells an adapter for most powder measures, it is possible to go with a case activated powder system (later).



Again, the Dillon BL550 is a better choice when the other choice is a turret, I have two turrets, I use the Herters turret when forming cases, I started with the Herters Super 3 and the Turret.



F. Guffey

 

[Arkansas Paul]

It's a RL550B without the automatic priming and powder systems... not a turret.

Right. That's why I was thinking it would be the better option. I realized that I didn't make that clear when I reread my original post. It's just a proggresive without the automatic options, which I like since I measure each charge individually anyway with rifle stuff. I figure it would be quiet a bit faster than a turret, even having to prime seperately.

 

[northark147]

You could also buy the Auto Primer upgrade so you didn't have to prime separately if you desired. Myself I would buy a full on RL550 and just not use the auto parts if I didn't want for a particular cartridge, but they would be there in case you wanted to use them. If you lived closer I would be glad to let you use my 550 to see how you liked it.

 

[kreidel]

The one downfall I feel is that in single stage mode the tolerances wouldn't always be the same. Meaning if you are seating a bullet in station 3 and there is not a case in station one you would get varying depths. I have come to find out the 550 is most accurate with all stations filled. The wiggle room that was built into it by Dillon to let everything sync up all at once is also the variable that hurts it in single stage action.

 

[SASS#23149]

I know they don't come up for sale very often,but a rl550b on the used market would be in that price range by the time u add dies and conversion kit,and things would go a lot faster when u dn't have to prime seperately,especially for mass producing hand gun rounds.
For precison loading this unit would be just fine.
If you build ur bench tall enuff the strong mounts aren't necessary,I"ve done without them for 20 years

 

[Chuck Perry]

I was looking for the same thing as the OP and ended up with the RCBS Pro2000. For me, the decision between the two came down to the fact the RCBS has 5 die positions versus the 550's 4. Plus, the APS priming system is a big advance over the Dillon tube system. To me, the Pro2000 is simply an improved version of the 550.

 

[quartermaster]

Go for the Dillon. Once you get it set up, it works great. They also have great customer service. I will admit that the directions for set up could be a bit more clear, but there are a few you tube videoes which were a great help to me. Once you get the hang of it, it is really quite simple.

 

[RustyFN]

I figure it would be quiet a bit faster than a turret, even having to prime seperately.

I don't see how. I can load close to 200 rounds per hour on a Lee classic turret. That includes priming and powder charge. You won't get close to that priming off the press and weighing every charge.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I wouldn't be priming off the press. I have a Hornady hand priming tool. It may not be as fast even then though.