Author Topic: I could use a little help with my 550B (Read 480 times)

EOD3 · « **on:** October 23, 2003, 09:25:39 AM »

Im in the process of changing over from a single stage RCBS to a Dillon 550B. What Im looking for is a powder funnel that takes the place of the powder measure. Id like to drop weighed charges for my precision rifle loads. Thanks

Iowegan · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2003, 02:22:26 PM »

The part you need is standard equipment on the Dillon AT 500 and will fit your 550 powder die/powder funnel.

Dillon P/N 16617, Plastic funnel; and set screw P/N 13996. Call Dillon at 800-223-4570, they will help you out.

EOD3 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2003, 02:27:25 PM »

Thanks Iowegan. I thought that might be the case but I was looking for a "been there, done that" answer. Thanks again.

redial · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2003, 05:00:04 PM »

EOD3,

I load all my match ammo on a 550 and have for years. I use a lot of extruded powders too. Depending on caliber and particular powder, the Dillon measure MAY work.

Since I've moved away from .30 cal to the less-than-manly .223, I positioned a leftover RCBS Uniflow to the left of my 550 and just throw or weigh charges from that. To use, I remove the primed case from the charging position, dump a charge from the RCBS, weigh it (or not) and charge the case. Put the full case back in the Dillon and proceed as normal. It's still MUCH faster than a single stage and you sacrifice nothing. A big plus is that you avoid the Dillon's unpleasant habit of filling one case half full then trying to dump a charge and a half in the next! Big mess.

HTH

Redial

Iowegan · « **Reply #4 on:** October 24, 2003, 05:00:32 PM »

After reading your post, I got ambitious and made a drop funnel for my 550. I found the Dillon powder funnel (from the caliber conversion kit)must be in place or powder ends up in places other than the case. I took a plastic RCBS funnel and trimmed the diameter of the base until it would fit into the powder die. I then cut a groove in the plastic and installed an "O" ring. I drilled out the hole in the plastic funnel to 1/4" so it will drop faster. The first pull of the handle (with a case in the powder station and a powder funnel installed in the powder die) moved the plastic funnel up to the precise height. The "O" ring holds the funnel firmly in place. With the handle down, I can dump a premeasured charge from the scale pan into the plastic funnel without loosing a single flake of powder. Thanks for the idea. I'm sure I will use this new accessory.

redial · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2003, 06:48:18 PM »

Another way to skin the same cat! Good show!

Problem is, now you've got me thinking.

There's a llooooong winter ahead here in Montana and I have at least 3000 rounds of .223 to load before spring. Hmm. Fidgetfidget.....

Cheers!

Redial