You Were All Right (About the Dillon RL-550B)

[ezypikns]

Just set it up and loaded about 125 rds of 45 Colt. This has got to be the smoothest running press made. Maybe not the fastest (fast enough for me anyway) but it was so easy. Thanks to everyone who talked me into drinking the Blue Kool-Aid.

 

[Numinous]

Which other progressive/ semi-progressive presses have you used that you are comparing it to?

 

[trickyasafox]

im not a blue drinker, but glad to hear it went well! as long as your rollin' your own, it was worth it

 

[g56]

I've been loading on a Dillon 550 for over 20 years, IMHO there isn't any other brand that compares to the Dillon!

 

[loadedround]

Ezy, That's what all us happy Dillon owners tell anyone who will listen to us...they are great reloaders. Lots of luck with yours!

 

[P0832177]

The 550 is plenty fast, and as you become a skilled operator your production rate will increase. Another key is to have the extra primer pick up tubes!

Now, I owe Goalie a few kudos for talking me into getting the strong mount!, and then having the roller handle has been a god send for ease of operation! I have had 450/550 for over 20 years. You can easily knock off 500 rds of hand gun ammo an hour!

 

[CB900F]

Ezy;

Sorry, I don't remember if I replied to your thread asking opinions on what to buy or not. But, I'm another 20 year or so vet of the 550B & I'll recommend it to anybody.

Glad you're happy with it, but honestly that's sort of a 'gimmie' with Dillon. Not to say that there aren't a few out there who revel in sour grapes, but they are in the exceedingly small minority.

If there's anything you want to know about your machine, problems, procedures, or suggestions, the first place to go is Dillon's help line. They truly enjoy helping folks out. But you could kinda keep us in mind here at THR too.

900F

 

[jjohnson]

Dillon 550

Mine just rocks. I load probably 10,000 rounds a year, a dozen calibers, have loaded 35 years or so using everybody's equipment. Dillon's probably the best in the industry. If not, they're the "Ruger" class of stuff - solid, good design, priced right, efficient at what they were made for, and extremely good service.

I'm not saying everything else is junk - Dillon doesn't market everything I need like oddball dies and so forth - but with my 550B I got way more than what I'd expect for the money, and it's stood the test of 75 - 100 thousand rounds... I'm happy and not going anywhere else.

 

[usedjean]

Dillon 550

I've had mine since 1987, Dillon has replaced or upgraded any part I have worn out, I stress worn out. I have reloaded more 45 and 223 than you can count. They even pay the shipping . I would recommend a strong mount and roller handle also. You don't need it but a bullet tray but, it is also a welcomed addition. I guess that makes mine almost 24 years old!!!!!!

 

[billybob44]

Dillon 550...

I have+enjoy a Dillon RL550 also, but what's up with digging up a 4 1/2 year old thread to describe your likes??

 

[LiveLife]

what's up with digging up a 4 1/2 year old thread to describe your likes??

Done all the time ... search feature is used and the last post date is not checked.

Coming from a long-time Lee user, yes the Dillon 550 sure is smooth.

 

[Messenger Guard]

LOL! Well it's dug up now so lets run with it. I have a 450 so I've got 100 less better than you guys. Dillon is the standard by which all should be judged when it comes to customer service.

 

[joed]

I started out with a 550, it is a good press. I was quite happy with mine for 4 years until I picked up a used 1050. After 2 weeks with the 1050 I sold the 550 and moved up to a 650.

As far as I'm concerned the 550 has one flaw, it needs a powder check station. Mine was flawless at first but the powder measure had trouble throwing charges of Unique. On the good side I never had a double charge but it gave me 3 squibs. Seemed that I was the only one having the problem, others told me they never had a problem with Unique. I looked at adding a RCBS powder cop die but with 4 stations that meant I would have to combine bullet seating and crimping into 1 step.