What are the "locator buttons" in Dillon 550b conversion kit used for?
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alfack
Member
And keep the cases lined up under the dies.
Nowhere Man
Member
YUP.
loadedround
Member
All of the above! 
dmazur
Member
"rod" = powder funnel?
The locator buttons are part of the solution to the problem of a varying cartridge head diameter. The shellplate "cutouts" are the other part. Together, these two minimize any side motion in the brass that might cause misalignment when the ram is lifted toward the dies in the toolhead.
If you look closely, you can see a number stambed on each locator button. That number is supposed to match the number of the shellplate in use.
(While they're a little bit expensive, Dillon sells toolhead stands that have three holes and a slot to store the shellplate and locator buttons that match the extra toolhead you can set up for each cartridge you load...)
The locator buttons are part of the solution to the problem of a varying cartridge head diameter. The shellplate "cutouts" are the other part. Together, these two minimize any side motion in the brass that might cause misalignment when the ram is lifted toward the dies in the toolhead.
If you look closely, you can see a number stambed on each locator button. That number is supposed to match the number of the shellplate in use.
(While they're a little bit expensive, Dillon sells toolhead stands that have three holes and a slot to store the shellplate and locator buttons that match the extra toolhead you can set up for each cartridge you load...)
"If you look closely, you can see a number stambed on each locator button. That number is supposed to match the number of the shellplate in use."
Not quite right. I go from 9mm to .40 by switching the buttons. The shell plate is the same.The complete listing of shell plate and locator buttons is at the end of the 550 manual under caliber conversion kits.
Fred
Not quite right. I go from 9mm to .40 by switching the buttons. The shell plate is the same.The complete listing of shell plate and locator buttons is at the end of the 550 manual under caliber conversion kits.
Fred
dmazur
Member
Oops.
Well, you know what happens when you assume...
I have this really large collection of shellplates and buttons ( ) for .45 ACP, .243 Win, .30-06 Sprg and .44 Mag. They first three use shellplate 1, locator buttons 1, and .44 Mag uses shellplate 4, locator buttons 4. So I assumed they were numbered to match.
I looked at the complete listing...wow! There are lots of combinations. Apparently you have to refer to this table to keep everything straight, if you reload a lot of different cartridges. Either that or just keep the shellplates and buttons together on toolhead stands and don't mix them up.
Well, you know what happens when you assume...
I have this really large collection of shellplates and buttons (
) for .45 ACP, .243 Win, .30-06 Sprg and .44 Mag. They first three use shellplate 1, locator buttons 1, and .44 Mag uses shellplate 4, locator buttons 4. So I assumed they were numbered to match.I looked at the complete listing...wow! There are lots of combinations. Apparently you have to refer to this table to keep everything straight, if you reload a lot of different cartridges. Either that or just keep the shellplates and buttons together on toolhead stands and don't mix them up.
tjj
Member
Also allows you to remove a cartridge at the charge or seating station when you have an upset in the cycle.
billybob44
Contributing Member
Loadedround, can you tell me if I can use my Dillon 9mm conversion plate/kit on .380 loads? I haven't tried, just thought you might know.All of the above!
Sport45
Member
Sport45
Member
The manual linked above has a listing of shell plates, locator buttons, and powder funnels for the different conversion kits. The .380 and 9mm use different plates, but the same locator buttons and powder funnel. All you need to buy is a shell plate (# 13684) to be able to reload both cartridges.
rfwobbly
Member
There's another use for locator buttons that hasn't been mentioned.
When you set something down on your reloading bench and can't find it 3 minutes later, if you'll just press one of those buttons. A very polite, well dressed young woman in a black form fitting dress and a Kimber (finger off the trigger) will step out of the Dillon calendar and help you locate it.
Just don't get over zealous, throw 3 primers on the floor, and then press the locator button. She already wised up to that one. She mentioned something about crawling around on RC's floor for an hour one afternoon.
Nice Kimber, though.
When you set something down on your reloading bench and can't find it 3 minutes later, if you'll just press one of those buttons. A very polite, well dressed young woman in a black form fitting dress and a Kimber (finger off the trigger) will step out of the Dillon calendar and help you locate it.
Just don't get over zealous, throw 3 primers on the floor, and then press the locator button. She already wised up to that one. She mentioned something about crawling around on RC's floor for an hour one afternoon.
Nice Kimber, though.
dmazur
Member
I knew there was another reason to like my Dillon press, besides reliability and ease of use. I'd heard of their outstanding customer support, and this proves it!
...just where in the manual does it describe how to use these locator buttons again?
weeniewawa
Member
you mean her?
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