Dillon 450

[JO JO]

is the dillon 450 worth buying or is it outdated ?
a guy is selling one new in box unused $250 I know its an old unit would I be better off saving a bit more for a 550 ?
never used a dillon I have a lee classic turret and a redding big boss on the bench now or maybe just
keep what i have for a while

 

[243winxb]

Changing the dies is the main problem. Every time you change cartridges, screw out 3 or 4 dies. Then the new dies , all have to be adjusted, set up again.

Bought mine new years ago to load M16. Now its only used for 45 acp

Dillon will convert the RL 450 for a price.

Instructions and photos at link.

http://s338.photobucket.com/user/joe1944usa/library/Firearms and Reloading/Dillon RL-450 Manual

 

[25-5]

I've been using the 450 for close to forty years. Did a lot of upgrades over that time, so it's close to the 550. But no tool head. I would like that.
I load five rifle and six pistol calibers and it has served me well. But, that is over many years and some money. If you can afford a 550 (it will last forever) get it. If you can't the 450 is a better deal than the square deal. 450 parts are non existent. A small part on my powder dispenser broke a few months ago and I had to upgrade to the 550 powder system instead of replacing the $2.00 part.

 

[rfwobbly]

IMHO, the 450 is not outdated and would be very useful... with these caveats....

• Due to the lack of a quick change tool head, a deciding factor would be the number of calibers you would consider reloading on a progressive.

• In order to do quick die changes, you'd have to fit all your dies for the 450 with something like the Hornady lock rings so that your die settings wouldn't be lost on every die removal.

• You'd want at least some of the updates offered by Dillon, especially the updated safety powder measure.


Another Option to Consider
If you like the flexibility of the 550, but are sensitive to the lower entry price of the 450 you've been offered, then maybe consider buying the BL550 and building it out over the next several years. The BL550 is in the same price range, but offers the distinct advantages of the quick change tool head. I imagine you already own Lee dies and Lee powder measure, and those could be adapted directly to the BL550, thus leaving only the auto primer feed system before you had, in effect, a full-blown RL550.

Hope this helps !

 

[Dog Soldier]

I have a 450 that I bought in 1978. It has been up graded many times. I have a new 550 and a Square D. Changing die sets in the 450 is not a big problem.

 

[Master Blaster]

If you can get it with a powder measure and the primer set up it will work fine. Changing the dies without losing your settings just requires the lock rings that come with most dies other than the Dillon dies made for progressive presses with toolheads. you could also buy lock rings for the Dillon dies as they are a standard size. You could also use it as a dedicated press for 1 calliber and not change it over. If you have to buy the dies caliber conversion and a powder measure then you are better off saving for a RL 550.