Dillon experts?

[Pumpkinheaver]

I picked up a bunch of reloading stuff last night and included where a couple of Dillon presses. One is a square deal B the other is RL 550. My question is what is the difference between a 550 and 550B? Can I upgrade the 550 to B status?

 

[neal7250]

The 550, and the 550 B are basiclly the same machine except for a couple of add on changes. The addition of a primer warning system, and a change on the powder measure fail safe lever. The new powder measure has a spring loaded double lever, and the old powder measure has a single.

Both powder measures work just fine, however, if you use the 550B measure, you must use the 550B fail safe rod. The 550 B fail safe rod will work on the old style measure.

 

[Nowhere Man]

Doesn't Dillon do the upgrade for free?


Dave

 

[Grandpa Shooter]

Call Dillon and ask them. Usually they will do the upgrade if you send the press to them. Could be a nominal fee, but usually not. The low primer warning and low powder warning system are well worth the money spent. It is way too easy to get chugging along and lose track of where you are only to discover you ran out of powder aways back. Then you get the fun of pulling a bunch of bullets apart to see which ones.

 

[neal7250]

There's nothing to add on. The low primer alarm is purchaced from dillon, and the powder measures both work. You will have to use the new style failsafe rod with any new powder measures, and it will also work with the old.

 

[jmt1271]

A bit off topic, but as I am trying to research the art of reloading, the more I read about Dillon, the more convinced I am that they are without a doubt the way to go.

 

[dmftoy1]

FWIW I prefer the "non-B" powder measures.

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[loadedround]

When I updated my first 550 to a 550B I had to purchase the two updates. Dillon considered them accessories and not replacement parts. Now they are part of the the complete Dillon 550B kit.