Dillon 550 question.....

[Hilltop123]

I'm in the market for a new press and leaning in the direction of a Dillon 550. But I have some questions, it is stated, on other sites, that dies other than Dillon dies, will work with this press?  Now you folks that own a 550, is this a true statement for all four stations of the press? The reason I'm asking, is because I will be loading four different calibers and want conversion between calibers to be smooth, simple and economical. I already own dies for three calibers, I don't wish to re-tool with new dies if I don't need to.

[Bill W]

are you planning on loading rifle AND pistol or just pistol?   You will need the Dillon powder/neck expander die.  My preference even though I have other dies is the Dillon carbide dies for handgun.

[Hilltop123]

are you planning on loading rifle AND pistol or just pistol?   You will need the Dillon powder/neck expander die.  My preference even though I have other dies is the Dillon carbide dies for handgun.

Strictly, pistol with this press.  The expander/powder station, is exactly what I had concerns about.  Do you know if Dillon, sales just the one die or do you have to buy the set? Off to Dillon, to find out. Thanks

[Jim the Plumber]

Standard dies work in the 550.
A powder/ expander die comes with your caliber conversion and one will come with the press when ordered in the specific cartridge you order.

[Hilltop123]

Thanks guys, for the input.......think I have it figured out now......Look's like I need the 550 press with conversion kit in .40 S&W, installed, because that is the die set I don't currently have....then the 3 other conversion kits for the other calibers, I do have dies for.... .am I missing something?

[Jim the Plumber]

That will get you there.
You will eventually want to get separate tool heads and powder dispensers for each cartridge also.

[300rum]

You may want to think about a 550 a bit if you are strictly loading pistol ammo.  A 550 is a squib/double charge making machine if you aren't paying real close attention.  You will only have 4 stations which won't allow you to seat/crimp in two different steps which is important also (especially in .40).  You won't be able to put in an RCBS Lockout die which is the Gold Standard in making sure you don't miss powder or double up in one of your cartridges. 

For a bit more you can go to a 650 and you won't be disappointed.  You could leave off the case feeder and then add it latter too.   

[actionshooter]

You may want to think about a 550 a bit if you are strictly loading pistol ammo.  A 550 is a squib/double charge making machine if you aren't paying real close attention.  You will only have 4 stations which won't allow you to seat/crimp in two different steps which is important also (especially in .40).  You won't be able to put in an RCBS Lockout die which is the Gold Standard in making sure you don't miss powder or double up in one of your cartridges. 

For a bit more you can go to a 650 and you won't be disappointed.  You could leave off the case feeder and then add it latter too.   

Going with a 650 is good advice, add the casefeed later and the price isn't all that much more for what you get.

[Jim the Plumber]

You may want to think about a 550 a bit if you are strictly loading pistol ammo.  A 550 is a squib/double charge making machine if you aren't paying real close attention.  You will only have 4 stations which won't allow you to seat/crimp in two different steps which is important also (especially in .40).  You won't be able to put in an RCBS Lockout die which is the Gold Standard in making sure you don't miss powder or double up in one of your cartridges. 

For a bit more you can go to a 650 and you won't be disappointed.  You could leave off the case feeder and then add it latter too.   

I'm confused. ALL my pistol ammo loaded on my Dillon 550's have a seat die and a separate crimp die.
With well over 50,000 rounds loaded on Dillon 550's over the years, I've never had a double charge. Ever.

[300rum]

Then you are paying "real close attention".  For a bit extra he will be able to auto index, add a lockout die and be able to add a casefeeder down the road.  If all a person is doing is loading pistol ammo then I would suggest a 650.  I have seen doubles and squibs that came from 550's.  It's not the presses fault but all it takes is one time not paying attention to have a KB.

The good thing about going with a 550 is that when you sell it to buy the 650 (or 1050) you will be able to get most of your money back out.   

[Jim the Plumber]

If people are having double charges and squib loads, maybe crocheting is a better hobby for them.
http://www.beginnercrocheting.com/

[300rum]

I wasn't trying to hurt your feelings about your 550, I am sorry.  Don't worry though, it is a great loader.  I just thought the op should consider another option if all he is doing is loading pistol.  You are right, the manual operation of the 550 shouldn't be a problem but unfortunately it is for some people,  especially with reloading becoming so big in the last couple of years.

You should try a 1050 sometime.  That's were I save all kinds of time so I can crochet more.   

[Jim the Plumber]

I have a 1050 Super, and my shop has a 650, along with my 2- 550's.  And a couple of single stage presses as well. Got all the bases covered 
I'll have to admit tho, this being the internet and all, my feelings will be just fine, but thanks for your concern!

[Special T]

If you were going to do pistol and some high volume rifle like .223, 7.62x39  what would you guys use?

[300rum]

A 650 or even a LNL will do well for pistol and .223.  The case feeder is nice.  A 1050 is nice because it swages while loading but the conversions are expensive and take some time to switch.

I don't know enough about 7.62 to help you out there.