Upgrading .45 ACP dies on Dillon 550B

[straightShot]

I've started to have some issues with my Lee seating die on my Dillon 550B. Cleaning hasn't helped. It's been years since I started using the set that I have mounted right now. Rust has not been my friend at all in the garage, the dies also show wear and tear, and this may be right time to upgrade the whole set.

On the 550B, does anyone have experience with the Dillon .45 ACP pistol dies? Hornady? Others? Which tend to rust the least and function the best? I have a few 5 gallon buckets full of brass that need to be reloaded again, and this is probably a good time to do it right since I could only load 89 rounds loaded this morning.

Thanks!

 

[LiveLife]

I load 45ACP on Dillon 650 with Dillon dies but have loaded 45ACP for decades using Lee dies (Still do and have a dedicated Pro 1000 setup for 45ACP).

I found tumbling my dies in fine grit walnut media treated with NuFinish polish removes surface rust (I clean inside of dies with Hoppes #9) and residual polymer on surface prevents rusting for several months.

If your Lee dies are beyond cleaning, you could always contact Lee customer service and invoke the Lee Guarantee (Most THR members report very happy customer service/warranty experience) - http://leeprecision.com/satisfaction-guaranteed.html

Lee Reloading Products are guaranteed not to wear out or break from normal use for two full years or they will be repaired or replaced at no charge if returned to the factory. Any Lee product of current manufacture, regardless of age or condition, will be reconditioned to new, including a new guarantee, if returned to the factory with payment equal to half the current retail price!

 

[Blue68f100]

I use the Hornady's dies and have had no rust problem. Hornady dies are deigned to work on a AP. I like the drop down alignment sleeve on their seating die. The TiNi sizing die is very slick and will reduce the required force for sizing.

When I had my setup in the garage in DFW area I had no problems with rust. But moving to east Texas where the humidity averages 60+% has been a problem. Everything started rusting. Use paste wax will goes a long way as well as keeping things covered in light oil. I enclosed a room in my shop, added AC and dehumidifier to correct the problem.

 

[medalguy]

I have Dillon dies in .45 and 9mm. My experience has been that the Dillon dies tend to run a tad on the small size which can be a good thing, at least for me since I shoot the same ammo in a number of different guns. I've had no problems at all, but rather have been very pleased with the dies. Bullets seat nice and snug and the loaded ammo fits anything.

 

[Jim Watson]

I have Dillon dies for 9mm and .45 except that I use Hornady Microjust seaters.
My .38 head has a mixture of dies, Lyman and CH. Only the CH show rust.

 

[Laphroaig]

I use RCBS dies with a FCD in station 4 because that's what I had when I got my press.

But if I was starting over I'd bite the bullet and get a set of Dillons.

Laphroaig

 

[straightShot]

I have Dillon dies in .45 and 9mm. My experience has been that the Dillon dies tend to run a tad on the small size which can be a good thing, at least for me since I shoot the same ammo in a number of different guns. I've had no problems at all, but rather have been very pleased with the dies. Bullets seat nice and snug and the loaded ammo fits anything.

medalguy:

What do you mean when you say that "Dillon dies tend to run a tad on the small size"?

 

[rodinal220]

I use the Dillon dies with no issues.My 45acp Dillon dies are the first generation that are more like traditional dies(no quick disassembly).Dillon dies are designed for progressive presses and are well made.

 

[medalguy]

Dillon dies size the brass down a tad more than say RCBS dies. At least mine did, and the Dillon rep on the phone said that yes their dies were a bit smaller than most others. With pistol brass as cheap as it is I'm not worried about over working brass at all.

 

[Jim Watson]

The Dillon sizing die has a generous radius at the mouth, though.
I keep an EGW/Lee "U" die with smaller ID and less radius for specialty loads.

 

[greyling22]

You could spray paint the dies. I did it to a pair of pliers in my garage that was rusting. Works pretty well this far.