Is there a die set to reload 12ga. for the Dillon 550b? Can't find it on Dillon site.

[Doc Rizzi]

I was wondering if there are any dies for the 550b that could be used for shotshell reloading. It looks like I would need to buy the Dillon press for that and they are around 900.00. I have the Lee load all but my crimps do not stay closed. Anyone able to use their 550 for this?

 

[bfalcon00]

I run a 650 but I've never heard of anyone doing that on a 550.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have never heard of shot shell dies for the Dillon 550.

At one time, you could get shot shell dies that could be used on a single stage press, but that is a deep, dark, old memory so I forget any details.

Just get a 12 ga MEC 600jr. Includes everything you need to load shot shells and infinitely better than the Lee Load All. Used one's pop up frequently if new is too pricey for you.

 

[Swampman]

Crimps not staying closed is more likely the fault of your components and how they fit together, not the machine they're loaded on.

 

[Maj Dad]

Crimps are a function of the components - powder, wad, and shot, and the height of the column. Too high & the crimps won't stay, too low & the crimp collapses. You have to use the exact components listed in the load manuals, and you will find that there are some cases that do better than others, and/or are more consistent. Some crimps are 6-point, some 8-point, they are not all the same. There are umpteen tutorials on the internet, and a zillion books and pamphlets available. I started out doing things half-fast and quickly learned that the pathway to success is follow the manual! It's easy, fun, and saves money, and I enjoy it almost as much as shooting the finished product. cfullgraf's recommendation of the MEC 600 Jr is spot on. I have 3 in different gauges, and they're like a hammer - reliable, easy to use, and durable.

 

[ClarkEMyers]

Is there a die set to do 12 gauge with 7/8-14 threads? No there is not. 7/8-14 threads don't work for 12 gauge dies. Hollywood once offered 12 gauge dies for their big turrets with big threads to match.

There are issues of wad column and the condition of the hull that may lead to issues with your components. Maybe different components would do better for you maybe more wad pressure or lighter loads or what have you would work. The cheapest MEC is cheap enough and does a fine job. A Ponsness 375 will do a fine, slow, job with worn hulls that nothing else in the price range will handle. Mostly good hulls (Winchester are not so good as they once were try Remington Peters) hulls, proper components and enough wad pressure will work.

 

[hamp sandwich]

Another vote for MEC, but I think the Lee is not a lost cause. It's probably worth troubleshooting. The MEC progressive is great if you're looking to go the progressive route. I have a friend that has one set up for about every gauge.

 

[HexHead]

Just get a MEC for a couple hundred bucks and do it right. No need to reinvent the wheel.

 

[PapaG]

I still have dies for an old Lyman All American turret press which, at one time, came with one large hole for them. Way too big for any 7/8-14 threaded presses. I remember the loading process as being quite slow. Back then, it was all paper shells, card and fiber wads, etc. I think there are both 12 and 20 gauge dies.
Wow, got through that one without any autocorrect changes.

 

[FROGO207]

FYI RCBS currently makes a set of 12 GA dies for use with brass shotshells commonly used for CAS black powder reloading. I have a set. BUT they will not work with a standard 7/8-14 press. The Rock Chucker I have has a removable collet that you take out to use when working with 12 GA or 50 BMG. I also own several MEC's as changing gauges is a PITA. Nothing wrong with the Lee Loader either, have a friend that uses his with excellent results. Your problem is with incorrectly matched load components as already mentioned. I have best luck loading the green Remington hulls. YMMV