Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: Hilltop123 on January 12, 2014, 10:37:44 AM

Title: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: Hilltop123 on January 12, 2014, 10:37:44 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: Bill W on January 12, 2014, 10:40:50 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: Hilltop123 on January 12, 2014, 10:56:46 AM: Quote from: Bill W on January 12, 2014, 10:40:50 AM
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
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: Jim the Plumber on January 12, 2014, 12:42:34 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: Hilltop123 on January 12, 2014, 04:01:16 PM: 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?
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: Jim the Plumber on January 12, 2014, 08:57:17 PM: That will get you there.
You will eventually want to get separate tool heads and powder dispensers for each cartridge also.
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: 300rum on January 13, 2014, 01:57:14 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: actionshooter on January 13, 2014, 05:35:34 PM: Quote from: 300rum on January 13, 2014, 01:57:14 PM
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.
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: Jim the Plumber on January 13, 2014, 05:41:57 PM: Quote from: 300rum on January 13, 2014, 01:57:14 PM
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.
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: 300rum on January 13, 2014, 06:24:59 PM: 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. :)
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: Jim the Plumber on January 13, 2014, 09:05:55 PM: If people are having double charges and squib loads, maybe crocheting is a better hobby for them.
http://www.beginnercrocheting.com/ (http://www.beginnercrocheting.com/)
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: 300rum on January 14, 2014, 04:34:48 PM: 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. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: Jim the Plumber on January 14, 2014, 05:58:31 PM: 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 :hello:
I'll have to admit tho, this being the internet and all, my feelings will be just fine, but thanks for your concern! 8)
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: Special T on January 14, 2014, 06:00:30 PM: If you were going to do pistol and some high volume rifle like .223, 7.62x39 what would you guys use?
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: 300rum on January 14, 2014, 07:11:58 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: h20hunter on January 14, 2014, 07:15:34 PM: I would and do use my 550.
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: Jim the Plumber on January 14, 2014, 08:25:44 PM: Quote from: Special T on January 14, 2014, 06:00:30 PM
If you were going to do pistol and some high volume rifle like .223, 7.62x39 what would you guys use?
What would 'I 'use? What I have.
If you were looking at only 1 press it would be a Dillon 550.
A case feeder is available for the 550 as well.
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: Special T on January 15, 2014, 09:15:10 AM: Thx my brother n law and I were looking at going In On a press together.
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: h20hunter on January 15, 2014, 09:23:05 AM: A 550 will do everything you need. My last two runs of ammo were .30-30, 300ct, .40 700ct, and .223, 1k. Like anything....the devil is in the details, paying attention, and being smooth and consistent in your loading practices. Dillon has a "no b.s." warranty and they back it up.
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: Hilltop123 on January 15, 2014, 09:28:10 AM: Thanks guys.....I was not looking, to cause any friction with the original post. But that seems to happen alot on this forum.....thanks again
Title: Re: Dillon 550 question.....
Post by: h20hunter on January 15, 2014, 09:41:18 AM: I think presses are a lot like ford/chevy......you like what you like. I have no doubt that there are good presses other than the Dillon...no doubt at all. I think some are more finiky than others and that can vary further with caliper, necked or not, auto index, manual this and that....get what you want, learn to use it and go from there.