Dillon 550b and two calibers

[txgolfer45]

I'm looking at getting into reloading and plan to reload 9mm and .45ACP initially. A buddy recommends the Dillon 550B. I understand when you order, you can specify one caliber and they will set up for that. But, if I want another caliber, what do I need besides dies and recipes to do another caliber?

 

[hydraulicman]

tool head

caliber conversion

 

[rfwobbly]

Golfer -
Yes, it can be confusing....

• Dillon Caliber Conversion Kit
• 2nd set of reloading dies

It really is very nice to have a second tool head.

The press does not come with calipers or a powder scale which you'll have to have.

That's it!

 

[45ACPUSER]

The 550 does not come set up with anything set up caliber specific. The large primer system is standard, so you would have to swap that out to small when needed. You have to install the conversion kit, set up dies, powder measure, and mount the press.

You need a reloading manual long before you load a single round. You need to read and reread it. I suggest ABC's of Reloading.

Mechanical Scale get the Dillon, best scale on the market that is priced right!
Primer Flip Tray
Calipers
550 with one conversion
Caliber Specific Die Set

To do another caliber
you would need die set
caliber conversion

and I suggest a second tool head and powder die so you can leave the dies set up so you swap the PM.

 

[txgolfer45]

I may just start with .45ACP and get the conversion kit and dies for 9mm later.

 

[Cascades]

It sounds more difficult than it is.

Get in touch with Brian Enos through the internet, and he will set you up with everything you need.

You'll reload one cartridge batch--1000? Then switch out parts for the other 1000.

You won't believe how easy it is to load these two calibers.

 

[loadedround]

The Dillon 550B comes with both the large and small primer feeds and you select which one you want when setting up your press. You do have to change over when changing primer size...a 5 minute easy job.

 

[Paints]

How often are you going to be switching back and forth between 9 and 45?

If (a big "if") you are only going to be loading those two calibers and if you will switch back and forth a lot, you might consider a pair of Square Deal presses, one dedicated to each caliber. I haven't looked at prices in a long time, but I seem to remember that a pair of Square Deals were in the same price range as a 550 with a complete two caliber setup.

Myself, I've had a 550B for over a dozen years. I normally load at least a thousand rounds of one caliber before switching. I have the complete tool head set ups including powder measure for each caliber.

Ken

 

[Big Wes]

Spend the $$$ and buy a tool head and the dies you need, set it up and then your done. Changing calibers is a 5 min task after that. Also buy the 550you might want to load rifle cal. later on down the road. That way you won't be spending money twice.

 

[wworker]

The other guys advice is right on. Unless you are on a tight budget, I would recommend the same. Get all of the stuff now and save on shipping, that is, not having to pay for separate shipping charges the next time you want to place an order.

The Dillon 550B press is an excellent choice. You'll be glad you spent a little more for a quality progressive press.

 

[dr.bear]

I have had my 650xl for many years now. When I placed my first order, I was very conservative on getting only what I needed to start reloading 45acp. I wanted to load other calibers but at that time I didn't want to figure out all the accessories needed to change calibers. I even skimped on the casefeeder.

After setting up the loader, I quickly felt the need to buy the casefeeder. Then later on I decided to get caliber conversions for 40, 44mag, 357mag and 223. I can only imagine the total $$$ I spent on shipping and handling charges placing multiple orders.

Obviously if I had to start over again, I would have spent more time doing my research and would've bought everything at one time. If you're heart is set on loading 9 and 45 then definitely get everything now as others have said, otherwise you will get the other caliber eventually.

 

[billybob44]

I'm looking at getting into reloading and plan to reload 9mm and .45ACP initially. A buddy recommends the Dillon 550B. I understand when you order, you can specify one caliber and they will set up for that. But, if I want another caliber, what do I need besides dies and recipes to do another caliber?

Buy the 550 set up with the cal. you shoot most, for now. Add on the extras as noted in the other posts. I would also add the Dillon Case Guages for those two calibers. The case guage makes it easy to spot a "Glocked" round, before it goes into your magazine...

 

[rfwobbly]

Get all of the stuff now and save on shipping,

Exactly. Dillon has great prices on accessories... which I always notice the day AFTER placing an order!! They have very nice ammo boxes, cartridge gauges, I even like the 1" lock rings. I think you can even get the Lyman books from them.

There are no discounts on Dillon presses, so most everyone selling them simply has Dillon ship them to you from AZ. But Brian Enos throws in some extras I believe. I've read numerous happy reports saying to place your order through Enos.

Hope this helps!