dillon 550B question
- Thread starter Ed
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SDC
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On the 550B, you need a "conversion kit" for each calibre you're planning to load, plus the dies you're going to use. The dies screw into a removable toolhead that you can swap out for another when you want to load another calibre, and the "conversion kit" consists of a powder die (that bells the case mouth as the powder charge is being dropped), a shell plate (a round plate with cut-outs to hold 4 cases as they're being carried from station to station), and 3 "locator pins" (that keep the cases in the shell plate while the shell plate is being rotated). HTH
You can use the same conversion kit for many different calibers as long as the base is the same size. I never use the powder drop for rifle reloading, so the powder bushing doesn't matter. When I do handgun reloading I buy the kit for the caliber specifically. For example I use the 300 Winchester magnum for 30-06 300 win, 300 ultra, 300wsm....ect the dies are always per caliber but the shell plate and locator pins stay the same. One set for 9 or 10 calibers. I reload around 30 different calibers and have 12 conversion kits.
Sheldon
Member
They list the presses with different stock numbers to indicate the specific caliber you are ordering it setup for. The 550B comes with one caliber conversion kit, but no dies. Just order the press setup for whatever caliber you like and order a set of dies as well and you are set as far as a press and dies go.
So, I will be reloading for, 30'06,30-30,22-250,45acp,45 colt,44 mag,45-70. Since I'm not the best at figuring these things out, which take the same conversion? What do I get the most bang for my buck with ? I know that some use the same base, like 45 acp and 30'06 I think, but not sure about the rest. thanks.
SDC
Member
This table ( http://www.dillonhelp.com/rl550benglish/cal_conv_chart.htm ) will tell you which shellplates, locator pins, and powder funnels are needed for each calibre; so, yes, you can use the same locator pins and shellplate for .45 Auto and .30-06, but you'd need a separate powder funnel for each.
Another option is to call Dillon and ask them to give you a list of everything you'd need. In my experience, they're not there to sell you stuff, they're there to help you and won't steer you wrong.
Top-notch company with top-notch people.
Top-notch company with top-notch people.
I wish every company had a service dept. like Dillon. They have never let me down. I have reloaded thousands upon thousands of rounds over the years, if I ever have a problem they send the parts no questions asked, overnite. I had a powder dump problem, I did not know it but a bug had crawled up in there and died. I sent it back to dillon rather than mess with it. They sent back the latest improved model the next day! There was nothing wrong with the original but they updated my rig anyway, no charge. Buy a Buy a Dillon you wont be sorry.
gobabygo
Member
Hey, the www.dillonhelp.com website is an excellent resource! I never knew about that. Thanks for the tip SDC!
rayra
member
9mm / .223 use the same baseplate as well.
Everything else is pretty much covered by other posts.
I've used a 550B for ~15yrs, somewhere around 80,000 rounds in many diff. rifle and pistol calibers. Works fine for me
Everything else is pretty much covered by other posts.
I've used a 550B for ~15yrs, somewhere around 80,000 rounds in many diff. rifle and pistol calibers. Works fine for me
Prodigalshooter
Member
I'm new to reloading and the Dillon people have been great with me. I started with the AT 500 and quickly decided to upgrade (can you say sloooowww ) to the 550. Now I'm able to pop out a couple hundred whenever I want. Be sure to get the roller handle, by the way, it really makes a big difference.
) to the 550. Now I'm able to pop out a couple hundred whenever I want. Be sure to get the roller handle, by the way, it really makes a big difference.Stainz
Member
I never touched a reloader press before unpacking mine before last Christmas. That 550B is great - and backed by great folks. They don't even pressure you into using their dies - I bought all Lee dies - I load .38/.357; .44Russian/Special/Mag; .45ACP/Auto Rim; and, the very round I bought it for, .45 Colt. They told me all I needed to add .45 Auto Rim to my .45 ACP's was to add the shellplate, not the entire conversion kit. I have one powder dispenser - but separate toolheads and powder dies - they have a quantity price, take advantage of it!
Stainz
Stainz
Get Dillon.
In fact, I just called Dillon and ordered a FREE replacement part for my 550B.
Seeing this thread remided me.
If you need a new part, they send you one, no questions asked.
They are a little more expensive than other brands, but worth every penny.
hillbilly
In fact, I just called Dillon and ordered a FREE replacement part for my 550B.
Seeing this thread remided me.
If you need a new part, they send you one, no questions asked.
They are a little more expensive than other brands, but worth every penny.
hillbilly
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