Dillon RL550 v. Dillon Rl550b

[patent]

I found a used Dillon RL 550 for sale. I've been searching around to find out what the differences are between the 550 and the current 550B, but have had no luck.

Can anyone offer advice on the differences, and how much they would matter to a reloader? Can I use the same shell plates, etc? Also wondering when they switched to the 550B so I can guess at how old the 550 is likely to be.

I'll be reloading both rifle and pistol calibers on it. At current I am not a heavy volume user compared to many of you. I'll probably load around 1000 every couple months in 2-3 calibers at a time.

Thanks in advance.

patent

 

[Citadel99]

I think they are one in the same.

Mark

 

[1911user]

I think there were slight differences like no low-primer alarm on the 550 and the powder measure would certainly be the older style that used return springs (not a bad thing, some people are converting the new style back to the old). The powder measure change was a newer thing so the 550B almost certainly had both flavors. Don't make a big deal of this, either style works well when properly adjusted. Dillon tech help is a phone call away if you have questions or concerns (and they are very knowledgable, nice people).

If it looks in decent condition, is complete, and the price is right, buy it. If it's missing a few parts and the price isn't an obvious steal, price them (call Dillon) before buying if possible. The shellplates, toolheads, powder dies, and other conversion parts are the same for both.

It's a very solid and versatile press.

 

[Citadel99]

I stand corrected!

Mark

 

[Sheldon]

There is not a big difference. The low primer sensor is one of the differences. I don't even use mine for the most part....you can feel the primer seater stick some to the primer pocket when you're out of primers. I think the powder measure safety return rod (probably not what Dillon calls it) and the guide bar for it (screwed into the ram) is also part of the "B" modification. I like the older spring return powder measures better myself. The newer system uses some different linkage to the powder measure and a different shaped return rod as well. Dillon would probably give you the updated linkage for the powder measure and you might have to buy the bottom bracket (or you could make one I suppose). I don't feel the primer alarm is worth the hassle, but the powder measure rod and the bracket that goes with it is worth having in case the powder measure slide bar sticks.

Other than that it uses all the same stuff as the 550B.

 

[patent]

Thanks for your responses guys, appreciate it.

patent

 

[Gewehr98]

If you can get the 550 for a reasonable price, go for it.

I picked up a sad-looking RL-450 sitting on a card table at a divorce sale, for next to nothing. (Isn't that always the case with divorce sales?) I learned that Dillon could rebuild it into a hybrid 450/550/550B after I sent it to them for a refurb. Now I have this funny blue hybrid, that for all practical purposes is a 550B sans quick-change toolhead, which is no big deal in my book anyway.

It's become the centerpiece of my reloading bench:

 

[Tang]

Dillon 550 Vs. 550B

I believe sheldon hit the nail on the head. I will add my two cents on this one, I was having problem with 550B, I email Dillon regarding problem, Dillon in return ask for my customer number and address. Email from Dillon yesterday, parts on the way, I did not pay. They back their no BS Warranty.

I say buy.