[funnelcake]

Some time back I bought several boxes of "reloading stuff" from a buddy. Among the loot was a Dillon 450jr press. He mentioned a couple things were missing but could be purchased & it'd been some time since he'd boxed the stuff up and couldn't remember all of it.

Not having reloaded before, I'd also gotten a free Lee Challenger, etc. from another friend. After scratching the noggin and looking at the pile of parts vs. the single-stage...well, yep. Fast-forward several months & I've purchased a few more necessities & niceties and most importantly learned a lot (had some fun too).

With 2 single-stage presses, a Perfect Powder measure, etc. I've pretty much optimized (I think) my single-stage loading. Problems are:

-A bit slow: Both to change calibers, & ammo production
...ok, that's the problem, I'd like to crank out a bit more ammo in a given hour.

I mostly load handgun calibers (all the common stuff + .38 Super), so I started looking at Lee's Turret presses and thought "Hey, I've still got that Dillon stuff". Why not try to get the 450 running instead of shucking out maybe more cash? I'm reasonably mechanically inclined but do have the occasional struggle with assembling things (have to be honest with yourself).

So, I'd appreciate someone familiar with Dillon equipment having a look at the below & telling me what's missing. I'm also going to go & download the instructions, but they normally assume all the parts are there. One last thing: I really like Lee dies; will they work w/ the press in some capacity?

Pictures of press & all parts:
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee29/funnelcake34/450-2.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee29/funnelcake34/450-1.jpg

Thanks...Funnel

[SASS#23149]

contacting Dillon and getting a manual will be waaaay more help than me/us trying to explain all that stuff,imho.
also,Dillon offers an ''upgrade't to turn that presas into a clone of the 550b progressive.Your ammo productin rate will be upped,with the upgrade,as you learn the machine.YOu will still be able to load rounds 1 at a time if you want to.
Your Lee dies should work,but older ones were shorter requiring the lock nut to go UNDER the die plate.

[243winxb]

My RL 450 Dillon is different than you JR. You will need to load each caliber to find out what is missing.

[243winxb]

http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/450-98-10-288.htm On the Dillon Forum another person ask also. Dillon told him to send photos to them for help finding missing parts.

[funnelcake]

Thanks for the info. I've done a bit more reading & apparently the 450jr press is the forerunner to the SquareDeal line? Non-standard dies, etc. & caliber kits are about $80. It came with .380, 9mm, .40, and .38/ .357 kits, but spending $200 or more to get it up & running and for the .45ACP & .38 Super calibers isn't very appealing. I'll call Dillon as soon as I get a chance.

Funnel

[RustyFN]

I would take advantage of the Dillon no BS warranty and send it in. They will upgrade it to a 550 and it will come back assembled and ready to use. From what I have been told it doesn't cost much, mostly you will pay for the missing parts.
Rusty

[DILLONHELP]

Unfortunately, the RL450 Jr cannot be updates into an RL550, as the linkage and shaft are completely different.
.38 Super uses the same shellplate, locator pins and powder funnel as 9mm, so for this cartridge you only need the dies and bullet seat stem.
The only parts I can see might be missing are the primer cup and punch for whatever size of primer is not installed on the machine, and I cannot tell if the ejector is on the shellplate. If present, then the loaded round chute and catchbin are not in the photo.
The 450 Jr is a 200-300 round per hour machine. Enjoy!

[funnelcake]

Thanks all. I need to get that call into Dillon. Do they offer a refurb service on the 450 jr? If I can get the manual & any missing parts ID'd/ ordered, it may be worth pursuing. 200-300rds an hour sounds pretty good.

Funnel

[tlen]

You need to get a hold of Dillon. From What I see the press its self is an old old precurser to the 550 with everything "manual" and no provisions for quickly replacing dies.

[SASS#23149]

FYI
Pay attention to what user 'dillonhelp' tells ya,he works there.:)

[DILLONHELP]

We can refurbish your 450 Jr, but if the handle goes up and down smoothly it probably doesn't need it. If you PM me your name and address, I can mail a manual to you.