First time Dillon 550b buyer...what all should I buy?

[Dentite]

Hey gang,

I've been reloading on a Rockchucker single stage for a few years now and I've reloaded 5 handgun and 5 rifle cartridges on my Rockchucker and have decided it's time to bite the bullet and get a progressive.

I've decided on the Dillon 550b. I'll initially get it set up in 9mm and will want a caliber conversion for .45 ACP as well. I also load .40, .38special, and .380 auto but I'll worry about those later.

This is what I am thinking I need so far:

Press obviously.
Strong mount
Roller handle (I have an Inline Fabrication roller handle on my Rockchucker and like it).

I figure I'll add the spare parts kit.

Now to switch calibers from 9mm to .45 ACP I would need at the minimum a "caliber conversion" like this, and would then change the powder drop settings, etc: http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/23598/catid/2/RL_550B_Caliber_Conversion_Kit

Or an easier way to go would be to get something like this where I just leave it set up and leave it. Seems like it would be worth the extra money in the long run: http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/23602/catid/2/RL_550B_Deluxe_Quick_Change_Assembly

What other things are must have items for the Dillon 550B?

I think I'll hold off on buying any shell/bullet feeders for now.

What about dies? I currently use RCBS carbide three die sets for handgun cartridges. I understand there is some advantage to buying Dillon dies in that they have a bit more flare to the mouths to be more forgiving with the indexing. Is it worth spending the money on Dillon dies or should I just try it with the RCBS dies first and see how it goes?

I'll probably continue to load all my rifle ammo on my Rockchucker with the exception of possibly some .223.

I live in the Phoenix area so unless I can save money buying online, I'll probably just go buy it right there at Dillon in person. I've been over there once to buy a Super Swager. I wasn't overly impressed by the woman running the counter but that was the only time I was there.

Any 550B pros out there willing to give some advice to a future Dillon owner?

 

[Terlingueno]

I was using a Rockchucker as well until December, got the 550b, strong mount, roller handle, spare parts kit and bought the Dillon dies even though I had Hornady in my RC. Also got the bullet tray and empty case bracket since my bench space is very limited. I added a Skylight from Inline Fabrication and a BobChute spent primer thingy from UniqueTek. 5000 rounds of 9mm later, all is good.

 

[Ccctennis]

I bought my 550b about 6 months ago. Do not waste money on the quick change. Just get the different conversion kits u need. Also do not buy dillon dies. Too expensive. All you really need is a couple of the die lock nuts that dillon sells. They are very thin and make adjustments easy. They sent me 8 with my Dillon. The roller handle is nice. I didn't get strong mount as it too is a waste especially if mounting on a really nice wood bench like mine. I have 8 conversion kits. Only one powder measure. It only takes me 5 minutes to switch everything out. I did buy extra primer tubes but that was a waste on my part. I never load more than 100 at a time. I like the dillon speed so much I must whip a box of 100 out every day before I go to the range. Good luck. Any other questions let me know.

 

[roval]

bullet tray I think is a must. tool set that mounts in the rear of the press is very handy too. the Dillon die for 45 acp would be advantageous in that the seating die has an insert that's designed for both round and swc bullets.

 

[Dentite]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

After checking out the Dillon stuff on the Inline Fabrication website, I'll think I'll buy the Inline ultramount, case holder bin, bullet holder bin, skylight, and ergo roller handle.

I'll get the Bob Chute as well...looks like a nice product. I hate when my Rockchucker spits primers on the floor.

Keep the recommendations coming.

Thanks.

 

[kansas45]

You are buying all of the right stuff. I would add the quick change kit if you are going to reload multiple cartridges. It is faster to change, and makes storage a breeze.

 

[ulflyer]

I recently changed mine over to 9mm and went with Lee 4 die set. Obviously the powder die isn't used on a 550 but I wanted the FCD die and like it as a finishing touch. These are the first Lee dies I've ever used and like them as well as the RCBS and Dillons I've used in the past. I'm thinking of trying some 380's eventually and will get Lee brand for these.

 

[iShoot17]

The 550B is a great press and is wonderful as it comes from Dillon, without anything additional. With that said, I do believe some things make it even more enjoyable to run.

Strong Mount: get it if your bench is not at a comfortable height, or if you want to add things like the bullet tray. This is not absolutely needed though. Mounting directly to the bench and pulling bullets out of a box or brass off the bench is not all that different (as compared to the case bin and bullet tray) and will save you some money.

Roller Handles: I do not see the need on a 550. A lot of people swear by them and can't deal without them, but I will never have one on my 550. I understand some people simply like the feel, I just find it harder to get in a rhythm. My hand comes off the press entirely with ever press stroke, so the time saving that the roller handle is supposed to aid with is diminished.

Case bin: See the ending statements of the strong mount.

Empty Case Bin: See the ending statements of the strong mount.

Spare primer tubes: I'd suggest you get some, but that's just me. I like having the ability to just pickup a new tube and pour in the next set of primers.

Bob Chute: I don't own one, but every time I step on a spent primer below my 550, I sure wish I did! Ha!

Spare Parts Kit: You'll wish you had it when the spring goes flying or that bearing rolls into the carpet black hole.

Case Feeder: In my honest opinion, if you find this a necessary item, step up to the 650. I have never used one on the 550, but, I believe it would be a whole lot of overkill on a 550. It is needed on the 650 in my opinion, but I don't see its place with a 550.

Quick changes: They are certainly nice, but not needed. Working with multiple toolheads set up for their own respective caliber then switching the one powder measure is not all that terrible. It doesn't take all that much time anyways. I say this as reloading is my hobby and I enjoy time at the bench. If your interest is to save as much time as time is money, get the quick changes.

Press lights: I don't have one directly on my 550, but see the benefit. I keep a desk lamp in the center of my bench which I then move to be directly above my Dillon's when in use to check the powder. This is up to you! I like the bench light simply because I can move it all over and it accomplish the same things.

Dillon Dies: If you have the money, they are nice. Otherwise, simply by new lock rings. I find that Dillon dies fit the toolheads better and don't require as much setup/frustration. Dies are dies, they all essentially do the same things. Stick with what you have, in my opinion.

 

[Master Blaster]

The Dillon Dies are worth the money they are vastly superior to Lee and Hornady Lyman and RCBS dies for use in a progressive press.

I know as I own 4 presses and examples of them all. Buy the Dillon Dies you will not regret it.

 

[Bud0505]

I would recommend that you buy a Dillon powder die for set of RCBS dies that you have. Did anyone mention tool heads?

 

[Toprudder]

I would not bother with the quick change kit. Buy the extra tool head and Dillon powder die, that way you only have to swap out the tool head with dies already adjusted. It only takes a few seconds to move the powder measure.

When you start adding more calibers, pay attention to the powder funnels and shell plates included in the caliber conversions, you might be able to save some money. For instance, 9mm and 40 use the same shell plate. When you decide to add 40 to your setup, buy the locator pins and powder funnel instead of the caliber conversion and you will save a few bucks.

Changing between 9mm and 45 will require changing the primer size. There is an easier way to do that than what the manual shows. Search YouTube and find the video I posted there.

I suggest getting the spare parts kit. Also the strong mount, low primer alarm, and rear mounted tool rack.

 

[BCRider]

How much are the Dillon dies compared to another brand where you have to add the 4th factory crimp die?

I've ran into enough little issues with trying to use a three die set where the bullet is seated and crimped all at once to go with separate seating and crimping dies for all my handgun loading. So if you look at the Dillon 4 die set that comes with the proper separate crimp die in that light it may not be such a bad price.

 

[Constrictor]

the Dillon dies are well worth the money. much easier to take apart and clean.

 

[HexHead]

If you're getting the strong mount, definitely get the empty case bin and bullet tray options. Also get the 1" rings and corresponding wrench.

 

[Toprudder]

Here is a link to the primer size swap video I mentioned:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb1CvjA7UmA

 

[basinman]

Wow, that's a very quick way and easy to change the priming size. Thanks

 

[Dentite]

Thanks guys for the info on the dies. I'll probably buy the Dillon dies. I can always sell my RCBS dies to recoup a bit of money.

Top runner, thanks for the video. Looks like a time saver. I think I'm going to go to Dillon at the end of the week and blow some cash.

Keep the recommendations coming.

 

[roc1]

Dillon dies are better for pistol I think have run several brands and they work better on progressive machines. I bought the Uniqetek powder micrometer bars for setting powder lot better easier to set than the Dillon write down number on micrometer for each load turn back to that number. Easy plus I got 2 powder measures one for rifle one for pistol never have to change powder bars. I load only ball powder for rifle on 550. I load all extruded powders with RCBS Chargemaster and Rock Chucker lot better. No powder measure throws extruded very well. Also get a good led lamp to clip on strong mount or beside it lot better light than ceiling kit have all that as well but lam lets me see in every case when it indexes to prevent problems. Bullet trays case bin adapters help speed up things as well. Brian Enos is way to go. Look on his website to see which parts needed to change calibers lot of times all is needed is powder funnel and toolhead. Lot of calibers interchange with each other on shellplate and buttons.
Hope this helps a little.
roc1