Dillon machines...

Any differences between an 80's dillon 550 and a newer version ? Are the newer versions better/improved than earlier version ?

Call Dillon and ask (and then post up what you find out).

The Dillons now have a Fail Safe system and the powder measures no longer have the return springs.
I personally prefer the older measures. Either way, Dillon will upgrade and update any older 550 so the differences are more or less meaningless.

Call Dillon and ask (and then post up what you find out).

If you have nothing meaningful to add to this thread please keep your comments to yourself.

Thanks Otto. You've been very helpful.

:)
I guess you're unfamiliar with Dillon Precision.

Otto,
Can you give a little more info please. I've noticed some Dillons have a spring at the rear of the powder bar. Mine does not have this spring, but it looks like it's equiped for it. Just wondering.
Thanks!

MtnCreek: You have one of the new powder measures that did away with the spring(s). That was a weak point in the older measures and they wouldn't work on the 650 and 900 presses that came thru with the newer system. I've converted all my old measures to the new style since I run both a 550 and 650 press.

Search here and google Dillon powder measure old vs new. The measure seems to be the biggest difference between old and new. Many, many threads discussing the different versions.

Here's one thread for example, http://www.dillonprecision.com/PreFail_safe_return_rod_powder_-98-10-1057.htm

As atblis was trying to say, the updates have ranged from minor to meaningful. For instance, the latest presses have grease nipples, which my 5 yo press does not. Is that kind of new feature worth anything to you? Only you can say. Some of those upgrades/ improvements are free while others carry a minor charge. You really do have to call Dillon to get the full list and understand the associated costs.

In the end, you may simply decide upon a factory rebuild which has a set price and covers most of the important new features.

Thanks for all the information.

That was a weak point in the older measures and they wouldn't work on the 650 and 900 presses that came thru with the newer system. I've converted all my old measures to the new style since I run both a 550 and 650 press.

What was the problem with the 650? The reason I ask is I have four measures, two old style, two new. I modified the new ones and added the springs. The only issue I've experienced is the bar will start to hang up if I don't clean the measure every year or so (25K - 30K).

Lube fitting was added. http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n420/joe1944usa/Firearms%20%20and%20%20Reloading/th_Dillon.jpg (http://s338.photobucket.com/albums/n420/joe1944usa/Firearms%20%20and%20%20Reloading/?action=view&current=Dillon.jpg)

the late 80s 550 I was going to get sold before I was able to get it. :fire: I guess my Lee turret ( which I don't mind will have to do for the time being. I was trying to speed up the reloading process a little by getting the Dillon :D

So, you have your answer. If the older one can be bought at a significant savings, go for it and upgrade at your leisure.
I have had one pre-grease-fitting 550 and a post-grease-fitting 550.
One had the external spring on the powder meaure and one had the "Fail-Safe".

In my experience, there wasn't a dime's worth of functional difference between them.

My bride bought me the new one for about $450, and I picked the older one up at a gun show for about $250 (although it was missing a "few things" which ended up costing me more than a few bucks. I also added the strong Mount and the roller handle, as i had on my newer 500, so they were equal in that regard.

I set the new one set up for large primers, and the older one for small primers.

When a good friend wanted to get into handloading, I sold him the older 550 for what I had in it (still significantly less than a new one would cost). I didn't really need two 550s, and he is happy, and I'm happy for him.