Author Topic: Confused about Dillon 550B pricing.  (Read 550 times)

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Offline Dusty Miller

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Confused about Dillon 550B pricing.
« on: March 25, 2005, 07:38:31 PM »
The press and setup to load one caliber is priced at $349.  Aside from the cost of the dies, what will I pay for whatever it takes to load another caliber.
When seconds mean life or death, the police are only minutes away!

Offline Throckmorton

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Confused about Dillon 550B pricing.
« Reply #1 on: March 25, 2005, 08:19:01 PM »
you'll need a 'conversion kit',which consists of a powder funnel,shellplate,and locator pins.And dies of course.And maybe a toohead to put the dies in so yo don't have to switch them out at caliber-change time.
some folks buy an extra powder measure and just leave each caliber fully set up on a tool head stand.Too spendy for me. :?

Offline hardertr

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Confused about Dillon 550B pricing.
« Reply #2 on: March 26, 2005, 03:54:52 AM »
If you're not in a hurry...watch E-bay.  It took me a little over a month to FINALLY win an auction, but I got the 550 with 5 conversion kits, 5 toolheads, strong mount and an extra powder measure for a little over $400.

If you go this route, be ready to get frustrated.  A LOT of guys wait until the last minute to bid, then the press ends up go for more than a new one.

Another tip:  Make sure you look at the caliber conversion chart!  Figure out which calibers you want to reload, then which parts you need.  MANY of the same parts are used for multiple calibers.  (If you need help figuring out which parts/conversions to get, let me know)
http://www.brianenos.com/pages/dillon/cal.conv.chart.html

Good luck!
Terry
The problem with troubleshooting is....sometimes it shoots back!

Offline s09

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Confused about Dillon 550B pricing.
« Reply #3 on: March 27, 2005, 05:39:21 AM »
New

RL 550B 349.95
     (with one conversion kit)

Conversion Kit 38.95
    Shellplate 24.95
    Powder Funnel 8.95
    Locator Buttons 0.95

Toolheads 13.95

Deluxe Caliber Quick Change 76.95
     (Toolhead, Powder Measure, Powder Die, and Toolhead Stand)

Strong Mount  37.95

Don't forget shipping costs.

Ebay might save a few bucks but it takes time and more than a few people bid items over what they'd cost new. Again don't forget shipping sometimes what was saved bidding is taken by shipping.

Private sellers and used items (estate, garage, ads, ebay) will probably be the only place you'll save money since buying Dillon from storefronts became like buying Nintendo, there's a base price no matter what store you buy from.

http://dillonprecision.com/default.cfm?dyn=1&

http://www.brianenos.com/pages/dillon.html

Offline Catfish

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Confused about Dillon 550B pricing.
« Reply #4 on: March 27, 2005, 02:15:23 PM »
Setting up the Dillon 550 for several different round can vary in price quite abit depending on the rounds you chose. For the .222, .223 and the .222 mag. you can use the same cartridge converstion includeing powder funnel. In fact you need only 1 cartridge conevesion for all rounds that have the same size casr head. ie. If you get a cartridge conversion for a .30-06 it will work with the .243, .257, .270 .308, .22-250, .35 Whelen ect. You will need to buy a powder funnel for each different cal. and if the rounds are of the same cal. but one is real long and the other very short you may need 2 different lenths of powder funnels for the same cal. You only need 1 tool head if you want to change your dies all the time, but everyone I know get a seperate tool head and powder die  for each round they load, this way you never have to set your dies but once. I have well over $1000 invested in my 550, but I load for 6 different wildcat rounds and most common factory rounds, in rifle, plus I load several different handgun rounds. Some rounds I have 2 different tool heads for. 1 set-up for FL resizeing and 1 for neck size only. I also have extra powder measures. I got my Dillon in the late 1970`s and have been adding thing ever since. Once you load on one you`ll never want anything else.  :wink:

Offline Doctor Sam

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« Reply #5 on: March 29, 2005, 07:39:40 PM »
I am finding that set up is expensive.  And since Dillon is the sole source he has you over a barrel if you need it now.  They recently sent me a new powder measure body and tube after the black loctite gave out on the original but failed to include the new hardware.  Also, a new powder slide is needed for anything less than 3g.  So here we go again: $22.95 for a powder slide plus 9 bucks + for shipping which is excessive.  My Model 52 likes the standard 2.7g of Bullseye.  
Anyone know of another pistol die maker that will decap and size at station one as Dillon's does?  He advertises that anyone's dies will work.  If you only need a sizing die it is $23 from Dillon.  May as well watch Ebay for a complete set.  
Perhaps when I get this going I will change my attitude.  Right now, with an inoperative press I am not too happy waiting on them to ship parts that I should have had.  Leaves a bitter taste in my mouth and a large hole in my wallet.
Dr. Sam

Offline Dusty Miller

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Confused about Dillon 550B pricing.
« Reply #6 on: March 31, 2005, 01:14:27 AM »
Well hell, I just get the RCBS and be done with it!!
When seconds mean life or death, the police are only minutes away!

Offline John R.

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Confused about Dillon 550B pricing.
« Reply #7 on: March 31, 2005, 02:55:43 AM »
I've never had any problems with Dillon> They have shipped me free parts even though it was my fault I lost it. I load for seven different calibers and I'm here to tell you, if you shoot much at all those dies will pay for themselves in no time. Plus they have the best warrenty in the business.  :grin:

Offline myronman3

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Confused about Dillon 550B pricing.
« Reply #8 on: March 31, 2005, 12:23:20 PM »
yeah, initial cost is a bear.  but... once your set up,  reloading is ten times as fun.  and you get alot more practice shooting.   buy one caliber conversion a year,  and have a list of parts ready when birthdays or christmas gets near and someone asks for ideas.  
   having had two dillons, i think they are worth every penny.  everyone who has used mine now owns one, despite the cost.  that says alot to me.