First loads on my Dillion 550B

[Eb1]

I could not wait for the rest of the order to come in. I had everything here to load .223 including 500 primed and sized cases.

I was waiting on the strong mount and aluminum handle along with some other caliber conversions.

I ended up just mounting it to the bench, and using the handle that came with it. Switched to the small primer and large powder drop. Loaded all the Lee Dies, but left off the sizing die, setup the powder drop and funnel along with the shell plate, and bingo...Off to loading.

I used RL15 for the powder. I threw 30 charges or so before starting to load. I wanted 23.5 grains, and most of the time it was right on, or it was between .1 to .3 over. Not a big deal. All loads were 23.5 to 23.8 grains with a 75 grain HPBT, and OAL was 2.55" to 2.60". I have seen Factory Match ammo with the same variance.

I love the press. I have a USB light that plugs into a USB port on my notebook for looking at books and such. It is very flexible. This light with an Apple USB charger for an iPod Touch makes for a great press light.

I am going to try some H335 for the next batch. I don't know how to empty the measure except to detach the tool head and dump the powder. Then run the ram a few times. Anyone got a better way to remove powder?

I will be shooting these in a PSA Dissipator clone with a 1:7 twist barrel. I will run them over a Chrony to see what they are doing and report back.

Just wanted to let everyone know that the Dillion 550B was a breeze to setup, and I am super glad I got it. I think I will be putting the strong mount, bullet tray and aluminum handle on ebay when they come in. I don't think I will need them.

P.S. Love the sound of a 550B. It sounds like a sweet Harley idling to me.

 

[Hartebreak]

Congrats man, I still am in awe how fast you got your press. I ordered mine on 1/21 so I hope to be in your shoes soon.

 

[Eb1]

I don't think I will have the other goodies for sometime. That is why I went ahead and mounted the press.

 

[bobinoregon]

If you look at the bottom of the powder holder you see two allen screws and a clamp, just back out the the two screws and you can lift it off to dump it. Move the handle a little to get slack in the the failsafe rod and you are off.

 

[Eb1]

Makes sense. Thanks. I guess it would not spill if the drop wasn't over the funnel.

 

[Robert]

The 550 is an outstanding press. I love mine. I loaded 500 .223 rounds Saturday night. Congrats!

 

[Eb1]

Just finished up a 1 lbs container of RL 15 in about an hour and a half. I can see now that the component stock pile has to go up from when I was loading with a single stage. I find that RL 15 loads really well in the power hopper. Once I got about 50 rounds made, the variance went way down. It was either spot on or within .3 grains.

 

[MRH]

Put something on your shopping list for the next time you're in Home Depot or ACE. Get a little plastic knob to fit over the nut on the powder measure adjustment. I can't think what they're called. Maybe someone can help out here. They're located in different sections in each store.

Makes adjusting the measure much easier.

Mike

 

[mtrmn]

Easiest way to dump powder is to raise the ram a bit and unsnap the plastic bushing that attaches the rod to the ram plate. Then pull 2 pins from the toolhead and remove the whole toolhead. turn the powder measure up into a funnel, dumping the powder back into the container. Then hold the powder measure upright over the funnel and work the powder measure a couple of times. Takes less time to do it than to read this. I think you were doing it correctly from your description. Removing the allen screws is more aggravating IMO.