Dillon 550... WOW !

[area51]

Finally broke down and I purchased a hardly used older model 550 from a local seller. Came with one tool head and 2 conv kits and 2 sets dillon dies in 9mm and 38spcl/357mag. I am in love with this machine. Should of purchased one a long long time ago. Smooth like butter. I really like those Dillon dies as well. easy to setup. Pretty ingenious design i must admit. Especially with that clamp on top of the die.

 

[EddieNFL]

Pretty ingenious design i must admit.

And to quote Jim Croce, "Stronger than a country hoss."

Especially with that clamp on top of the die.

Expound, please. Not sure mine has that feature.

 

[Walkalong]

Clip on?

I forget what that kind of clip/fastener is called.

 

[LiveLife]

You mean the quick release clip that allow you to clean the inside of the die without removing the die body from the tool head? http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/24469/catid/4/Dillon_Seating_Dies

Our new quick-disassembly seat die allows the user to disassemble and clean the seat die without losing adjustment. In this manner, bullet lube and shavings can be quickly removed from the die, thereby guaranteeing a constant seating depth. We've incorporated a "flip-flop" seating stem and a clip that enables you to remove the die insert and change the seating stem from round nose to semi-wadcutter without unscrewing a seating stem out of the die body. We've always included both types of seating stems, but the new double-ended design makes it a simple matter to remove a pin, reverse the seating stem, make any minor seating depth adjustments that may be necessary and go on loading in a fraction of the time it used to take.

 

[Canuc Shooter]

Welcome aboard the Dillon train

 

[EddieNFL]

You mean the quick release clip that allow you to clean the inside of the die without removing the die body from the tool head? http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/24469/catid/4/Dillon_Seating_Dies

 

[Hammerdown77]

Yep, I would have saved more money in the long run buying a 550b right off the bat.

Then again I could have spent all that money on a Dillon right at first and then decided reloading wasn't for me, and taken up golf instead....

 

[Uniquedot]

Then again I could have spent all that money on a Dillon right at first and then decided reloading wasn't for me, and taken up golf instead.

If you can afford to play golf you could probably afford to spend money on a lot of things just to find out it's not your cup of tea.

 

[gahunter12]

Welcome to the Blue side! I absolutely LOVE my RL550b! Dillon dies are also great. I have dillon dies in every caliber I load. When I started loading 38spl I purchased Lee dies. After the first 200 rnds with my Lee die set I sold them for Dillon dies. Not only are they easy to clean, but they have nice smooth funnel transition in to the die. This transition allows for smoother operation.

 

[hentown]

I gleefully load on a 650, but don't own any Dillon dies, except their powder dies. I've found that Lee dies work great in my Dillon press!

 

[RevDerb]

I have a 550 as well and could not be more pleased. Having dedicated stands for each caliber really saves setup time as well.

 

[coalman]

Blue is the way to go. Anything else is press envy.

 

[jmorris]

Then again I could have spent all that money on a Dillon right at first and then decided reloading wasn't for me, and taken up golf instead....

You would loose about 20% unless you held onto it until Dillon raised their prices. Could have even made money if you sold it on ebay, I have seen used machines sell for more than new prices there, one born every minute.

 

[loadedround]

Way to go Area51! You have discovered what I did 25 years ago and now have two 550's and one 650 presses. One 550 press is set up for large primers and the second for small primers. It's probably me, but changing primer sizes is a royal PIA for me since I have dedicated dies w/powder measure already set up in Dillon die heads. My 650 is dedicated to loading 45 ACP ammo only.

 

[Slamfire]

I bought my Dillion 550B back in the 80's or early 90's.

It has worked well for me in all my pistol calibers and for rifles I dump the powder and seat the bullets for my match ammunition.

It has been a very useful press.

 

[Snag]

Glad you like your 550 area51. I know I love my 650, and yes the extra features Dillon dies have make the whole setup even sweeter.

 

[Kingcreek]

I loaded on a 450 until the 550 came out. still works great, later upgraded it to "B". I bought a Square Deal the first time I saw them debut in the Blue Press and it has loaded many thousands of .45acp. Both well used machines are worth considerably more than I paid for them.
and yes folks, the Dillon No BS warranty is for real.

 

[area51]

Way to go Area51! You have discovered what I did 25 years ago and now have two 550's and one 650 presses. One 550 press is set up for large primers and the second for small primers. It's probably me, but changing primer sizes is a royal PIA for me since I have dedicated dies w/powder measure already set up in Dillon die heads. My 650 is dedicated to loading 45 ACP ammo only.

I like this one so much, I am on the lookout for another 550 so I could set it up for large primers only...

You mean the quick release clip that allow you to clean the inside of the die without removing the die body from the tool head? http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/con...n_Seating_Dies
Quote:
Our new quick-disassembly seat die allows the user to disassemble and clean the seat die without losing adjustment. In this manner, bullet lube and shavings can be quickly removed from the die, thereby guaranteeing a constant seating depth. We've incorporated a "flip-flop" seating stem and a clip that enables you to remove the die insert and change the seating stem from round nose to semi-wadcutter without unscrewing a seating stem out of the die body. We've always included both types of seating stems, but the new double-ended design makes it a simple matter to remove a pin, reverse the seating stem, make any minor seating depth adjustments that may be necessary and go on loading in a fraction of the time it used to take.

Thats what I meant by "clip"

My lee turret press will be sold soon.. But I am going to hang on to my RC...

 

[Scuba_Steve]

I'm ready to take the leap and buy a 650. I've got the money stashed away, but need to get my workshop setup for reloading first. I am looking forward to a new hobby, especially in the winter.

 

[jdownj]

The problem with dillons is that I never find em for sale used

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

even if you find them used, they're only ~$20 less than new unless you just get lucky and find someone who doesn't know what they've got (estate sales and such)

 

[jdownj]

That says a lot about them in itself... But I won't be owning one unless I get a big raise or I find one of those mythical deals;D

 

[sellersm]

I want a 550 as well, but all I can see right now is this big pile of medical bills...

Though I must say the Lee Classic Cast Turret sure makes some good ammo!

 

[wmurphy]

Just wait until you have to deal with Dillon's fantastic support

 

[jdownj]

Not to get off on a tangent, but Lee support has a very good rep as well and my dealings with them confirm that...