Floppy_D
Member In Memoriam
Has anyone had favorable experience with a 450? What would you pay for a used one?
Dillon 450
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dmftoy1
Member
They work just fine. Typically they go for a bit less than it would cost you to upgrade the press to a 550. (They have upgrade kits) They're a great bargain if you don't really are whether you have the removable toolheads or not.
Just my .02
Regards,
Dave
Just my .02
Regards,
Dave
Floppy_D
Member In Memoriam
The one I'm looking has all of the upgrades, so the only downside is the toolhead issue. I'm not real worried, as I typically load 1k rounds at a time. This should make things a lot easier than working on my single-stage lee cast press. 
rodinal220
Member
I have been using my RL450 since 1984 when Dillon went factory direct.I paid $185.00 freight paid to the door.It has been a GREAT reloading press and I still use it to this day.I have yet to have any issues and NO parts breakage.
The removable tool head is a nice option(RL550/B) if you reload many different cartridges.I have both presses so I dont have to change primer set ups.If you find a RL450 for a good price I would snag it.Enjoy!!
The removable tool head is a nice option(RL550/B) if you reload many different cartridges.I have both presses so I dont have to change primer set ups.If you find a RL450 for a good price I would snag it.Enjoy!!
Mike Kerr
Member
I have one. Formerly had two. I put mine on a Strong Mount and upgraded the priming, and powder systems. Strong as a rock. Works great. The only problem is that they have become so popular for "budget upgrading" that the total cost of mine including all upgrades is almost that of my 550.
The second one I had was only for limited speed reloading and I kept the manual powder measure and manual primer slide/knob. Worked just fine. If you can get it cheap enough it is a real value.
regards,
The second one I had was only for limited speed reloading and I kept the manual powder measure and manual primer slide/knob. Worked just fine. If you can get it cheap enough it is a real value.
regards,
Floppy_D
Member In Memoriam
I'm getting a pretty good deal, so I'll be jumping on it. Thx!
redneck2
Member
If you can get it for cheap, go for it. I had a 450. You can't believe what a PITA changing calibers is compared to a 550 with the tool heads. 20-30 minutes of pure frustration (on a good day) versus 2 minutes. If you can dedicate it to one caliber, do that. If not, get the conversion that's listed in the Dillon catalog. You can make the 450 into a 550. Trust me on this.
For multiple calibers....if I could get the 450 free or pay retail for the 550, I'd take the 550 hands down.
You said you load 1k at a time. Once you understand what a progressive will do, 1k is nothing. Sometimes I go to the garage/ reloading room when I'm bored. You can sit down and knock out 2-300 in less than an hour and go on to something else.
For multiple calibers....if I could get the 450 free or pay retail for the 550, I'd take the 550 hands down.
You said you load 1k at a time. Once you understand what a progressive will do, 1k is nothing. Sometimes I go to the garage/ reloading room when I'm bored. You can sit down and knock out 2-300 in less than an hour and go on to something else.
Chief-7700
Member
Started out with a 450 a few light years ago, when upgraded to the 550B. Got out of reloading and shooting for awhile. Now that I'm back the better half bought a LX-650 with a casefeed for my birthday. Loaded 1K of .45ACP in about
hour and 10 minutes.
Chief-7700
hour and 10 minutes.
Chief-7700
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