550B - should I?

[FJC]

Ok everyone - I've been reloading on single-stage presses for 15 or so years. It's worked for me. I generally batch up the process (deprime a whole mess of cases, then flare 'em, then prime them all with a hand primer, etc).

In the past I've reloaded more in the winter, stocking up for my summer shooting.

Lately, though, I've joined some leagues and now I'm shooting 1-2 times per week, plus practicing. I'm tossing about 300 or so rounds downrange per week. I'm finding it harder to keep up with the reloading, not only because I'm shooting more but because I have fewer free nights to reload.

One thing I've always really liked with the single-stage process is that I've been able to super careful about powder charges and such.

So, is it time for me to get a Dillon 550B setup?

If so, mind if I ask some questions?

1) I hear it's cheaper through Brianenos.com, but it appears they are the same price there as they are direct from Dillion ($329.95).

2) I'll be starting out with a .45 ACP setup - how hard is it to change powders? I usually use Clays for my regular loads, but N320 for my bowling pin loads. Is there something that would make it quicker/easier to switch powders without having to recalibrate the powder measure?

3) I think I just need the basic 550B, plus all the items in the Brian Enos "as it should be" upgrade. I have RCBS dies and a Lee factory crimp die already - anything else I should be looking at?

Basically I think I just need a slight push to do this.

 

[45Badger]

Buy it, but buy it used- Ebay, whatever. You'll save a ton.

Also, I found it much easier to use the dillon carbide dies. They match the progress of the round through the press.

decap and size
powder dump
seat
crimp

enjoy!

 

[HankB]

The 550B is a fine machine. If you want to skip readjusting for different powders, you can get another powder measure (or even an entire setup with different die holder) and swap it out for the existing one in a couple of minutes.

I have a Square Deal B which I load .45's on. I actually prefer the SDB because it automatically indexes the shell plate - on the 550B you have to manually turn it. The SDB will - comfortably - turn out a box of 50 in under six minutes, for a loading rate of better than 500 per hour. On the other hand, if you include refilling powder, loading primer tubes, etc., the sustained rate is probably half that. Which is still a WHOLE lot better than on a single stage.

On the other hand, the 550 is more versatile - it doesn't use proprietary dies like the SDB, and it will do rifle cartridges as well.

Honestly, if I had it all to do over again, I'd look REAL hard at Dillon's 650. With things like powder check and shell feed available, there's a clear upgrade path if you start with the "basic" machine. The 650 wasn't available when I bought my SDB, and I don't have one now, as the SDB has the virtue of already being paid for . . .

 

[MoNsTeR]

15 years on a single stage? Jeez man, you owe yourself a Super 1050

 

[Ktulu]

DO IT! Check out Brian Enos' website. I think he gives a 10% (or something like that) discount on Dillon products.

 

[FJC]

Thanks for the encouragement!

Another question...

If I have a few hundred already prepped/deprimed/resized/reprimed/flared cases, can I still use them in the 550b? Would I just put them in one of the later stations and start them from there?

 

[30Cal]

Yep. I use mine as a single stage press for sizing rifle cases, then use the progressive features for the rest of the process.

 

[DWS1117]

Don't wait! Go for it now! Head on over to Brian Enos and hit the buy button. I did and I haven't regretted doing it. Best money I ever spent. As a matter of fact I just waked in from the garage where I just finished loading 300 rounds in an hour. That includes taking a couple of smoke breaks (yes away from the reloading area) and loading 2 primer tubes.

Dillon's customer service was first rate. They helped me while I was getting the machine set up and didn't treat me like an idiot.

Do your self a favor and get the extra parts kit. It came in handy as I botched a couple of small parts while getting used to the machine.

For what its worth, I didn't spend the extra on the bullet tray or the roller handle. Many say that both are must haves, but I have made out just fine with out them.

Also if you want to use it like a single stage then the 550b will work for that since it doesn't have auto indexing.

 

[FJC]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I just went crazy and ordered a ton of stuff.

550B Press w/.45ACP conversion kit
Strong Mount
Aluminum roller handle
4-pack of large primer tubes
Dillon .45ACP resize/deprime die
Spare parts/lube kit
Bullet tray
Dillon lock rings for my other dies
Dillon wrench
Video

I figure my RCBS dies are fine, but I like the idea of the extra radius on the resizing die, so popped for a Dillon die for that. I'll use it with my RCBS seating die and Lee factory crimp die.

Anything I missed?

Oh, the prices were EXACTLY the same directly from Dillon as from Brian Enos - apparently Enos stopped giving a discount recently (perhaps he'll have a discount when Dillon raises their prices this Saturday). So, I ordered it direct from Dillon.

 

[taliv]

Brian Enos is outstanding. very happy with his service.

 

[SASS#23149]

Since you ordered alrready part of my answer is moot.I see no reason for the strong mounts if ur bench is high enough,and the bullet tray is certainly not a necessity,to me anyway.I bought the roller handle years ago but would not do it again.very little gained by it.
OK,ya went and done it.great!!I love my 550,and would buy another in a heartbeat.
one caveat,don't try to set speed records with it.speed will come with time,and you will outrun your single stage after just a few hours 'training'.

Did you forget anything??
YES!!MORE BRASS AND BULLETS.
You'll run out before ya really get warmed up.

 

[taliv]

i agree the bullet tray is totally unnecessary, but since you brought it up, I have to say that it's one of the parts that most impressed me about dillon. i mean, sure the reloader is a quality machine and blah blah blah, but i've pretty much been conditioned to expect crappy, overpriced accessories, and looking at the price of the bullet tray i almost laughed. but i took someone's advice and bought it anyways, and when i got it... holy crap. it's just friggin solid. in fact, i almost strained something the first time i picked it up because i expected it to be a piece of cheap aluminum and weigh a quarter of a pound. it just exudes an aura of stability. it's just pure bullet-holding mojo. dump 20,000 grains of .45 JHPs on it and it doesn't move. it doesn't vibrate. it just sits there.

i wish dillon made furniture.

 

[FJC]

Thanks again, I really appreciate all the advice. I don't plan to set any speed records, I'm just going to be happy to get away from the batch process (multiple nights of only depriming/resizing isn't all that satisfying, no ammo to show for it!).

Quick question on ordering from Dillon - I ordered via their website. Do you normally get an email confirmation immediately? I haven't seen anything yet...

 

[atek3]

buy it. A 550 will last forever, and dillon has great customer service.

atek3

 

[FJC]

Well it all arrived last night! I didn't have time to do more than just look it over and read the manual. Hopefully tonight I'll have enough time to watch the video and get it mounted to my bench.

 

[ponyexpress]

You're making me jealous, I keep looking at Dillon and trying to talk myself into buying one.

 

[FJC]

I set it all up last night. Took me about 2.5 hours to get it all mounted, assembled, and the dies all adjusted, then I cranked out only about 15 completed rounds before it was bedtime. I'm sure I could have set it up quicker, but I took my time to really learn how all the parts interact.

Great machine, it's going to be fun to use! I have no regrets - in fact, I ordered a deluxe quick change kit today for another caliber.

 

[Mike Kerr]

Glad you got your Dillon. Brian Enos is great and his website has more reloading information than anywhere I have seen for a volume reloader.

You sure did the right thing in going Dillon. Do rememeber to check the 550 caliber charts in your paperwork for Shellplate, powder funnel, and locator pins because once you get a couple of calibers set up its amazing how many other calibers you can load part or all of on the 550 with items you already have.

I ended up getting two Dillons. One for large pistol primer calibers and one for small pistol primer calibers. Now I only have to pop my caliber conversions on the correct press and I can take care of my 6 main calibers with ease. Then like you I can prep rifle calibers or seldom loaded calibers at my convenience and a leisurely pace if I want.

If you need specifics PM me and I'll elaborate.

Regards,