Die questions for a RL550B

[BHFG]

I have given up waiting for a Hornay Lock-n-Load AP to get in stock somewhere (anywhere) , so I am going to order a Dillon RL550B from Brian Eneros. I am trying to read and understand dies and there is a lot of conflicting info (shock!), so I thought I would go to the "experts". The Dillon dies are pretty pricey, so I thought I woudl learn about the alternatives before buying anything.

I plan to reload .32, .38 spl, 9 mm, .45 ACP, and .223 to start with. All are for semi auto's except the .38 spl. which is a revolver. I plan to full length size the .223 brass since most of it will be range-recovered brass (at least at first).

Some of my quesions are:
- Should I use a factory crimp die on all the cartirdges, or just the .223?
- Does the powder-through expander die normally come with a set, or is this a separate purchase?
- Are there any known problems with one brand over another for the 550B?
- What else should I be asking that I am still too dumb to realize?


My first thought was to use Lee Pacesetter Dies for the handgun loads and the Lee Deluxe Rifle set for the .223. I hear Dies are really good but that they will not work with the Dillon powder measure and potentially some issue working with the powder funnel in the Dillon caliber conversion kits. So what extra do I have to buy to use these?

My second thought was to use either RCBS or Hornady dies. Both have good reps and sounds like many folks use these on their presses. But I don't clearly understand the difference in the various models and choices they offer. Any advice is appreciated.

I have no problem mixing brands of dies if that is the best choice. But if someone has specific recommendations or can point me to some trustworthy articles on die selection, that would be great!

Tnx!

 

[DILLONHELP]

You may use most other brands of dies on the Dillon RL550B, as long as the dies deprime in the sizing die. You won't use their expander die, as our powder measure performs this function. For the initial caliber one powder die and the appropriate powder funnel are included. For subsequent calibers, if you desire to leave the dies preset and adjusted, then order a separate toolhead, powder die and caliber conversion kit for each additional caliber you wish to load for. The caliber conversion kit includes the shellplate, brass locator pins and powder funnel appropriate to a specific cartridge.

 

[SASS#23149]

general info;
I always use a seperate crimping die for all my rounds,as 2 dies(seating,crimping) are much easier to adjust than 2.
If you are going to be using just one tool head for now,to save money,use lock rings other than Dillon's as they do not lock onto the dies,and you wll be going through the whole setup routine every time.I like the 'friction' lock rings that come with Lee dies..no allen wrench needed.
pistol calibers are far easier to reload than rifle,so starting with those would be a good idea.
YOu'll like your 550,I"ve had mine for years.

 

[rfwobbly]

BHFG -

I also have a 550B which I love, so I'm sure you're going to love yours.

• Crimp dies are optional on the 223. Users here are about evenly split on their use. I reload 223 and do not use one for general plinking.

• For 9mm and 45ACP, use the extra taper crimp die in the 4th position. I like the Lee TCD more than the Dillon, but either is good. Some die sets taper crimp in the 3rd position, but I prefer the independent adjustment a 4th dies gives me. The 550 will walk your cartridge to the 4th position every time whether there is a die in that position of not... so why not use it?

• 38/375 uses a "roll crimp" which is usually built into the 3rd (seating) die. I believe you can get these as an optional 4th die too. Either way, it's a completely different crimp from the 9mm and 45ACP.

• Expansion and belling is done at the Dillon powder drop. The expander may be supplied with the "caliber conversion kit". You'll can get 1 CCK with the press, the others are ordered separately. More below.

• Order 1 caliber with your press and save some dollars. For each additional caliber order a) the Caliber Conversion Kit (pins, shell plate, and powder drop/expander), b) a 550B Tool Head, c) Dillon powder drop tube, and d) (obviously) reloading dies of most any common brand.

You'll also need a Lyman manual, calipers, trimmer (for 223), and scale. The Strong Mount is optional based on your bench height. I did not need it on my 36" high bench.

Hope this helps and happy reloading!

 

[rfwobbly]

Also consider....

Dillon plastic boxes and very nice and an excellent buy. Consider ordering with the machine so that you pay no freight.

 

[rfwobbly]

I heart 550

Also consider the Dillon set of 10 small hex locknuts.

 

[rfwobbly]

Whoops

 

[38 Super Auto]

Dillon plastic boxes and very nice and an excellent buy. Consider ordering with the machine so that you pay no freight.

I have found better price and selection on the ackro bins at home improvement stores like Menards, Home Despot, and sLowe's.

rob

 

[Chief-7700]

Also get the aluminum roller handle.
Chief

 

[BHFG]

Thanks, guys. I am especially impressed to see Dillon support reading and responding to posts here.

I am planning to order a toolhead, powder drop and conversion kit for each caliber when I order the press. That way I will have them on hand and save on shipping too.

Is there an advantage to seating and crimping in separate steps?

 

[redneck2]

Yep....I find it simpler and easier to control with better results.

+1 on the roller handle for larger (over maybe 200 per sitting) quantities

As for the local source of Akro bins...I also got mine locally at Home Depot. They have various colors and sizes, and come with wall mount racks. You can pick a color for your calibers.

I'd also suggest one of those little free standing drawer units that has dividers for the drawers. I use mine for all kinds of small parts. Makes it handy if you have a good label maker and mark everything.

For your first 50-100 rounds for each caliber, I'd load one round at a time start to finish. Trust me on this. I still load rifle one at a time.

Cycle the press empty at least 50-100 times. Gets everything flowing smoothly.

Before you try to adjust the primer slide with the factory tool, post here again. Their way is not so good and quite frustrating. We can have you going in a few minutes.
HTH