Author Topic: Dillon 550B (again!) (Read 683 times)

Dusty Miller · « **on:** May 07, 2005, 03:19:14 PM »

I'd like to get a feel for just how much trouble it is to change calibers on the 550B. Are there separate die plates so all the dies of one caliber can just be left on a plate and then a caliber change amounts to just changing the plate?

Dand · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2005, 10:51:48 PM »

Read the Dillon web site about the 550 carefully.

Yes they have tool heads to hold dies for a particular cartridge.

I'm not a Dillon user but I've considered becoming one.

If you really have questions call Dillon. Their customer service is legend.

here's the link:

http://dillonprecision.com/template/p.cfm?maj=12&dyn=1&cookieClean=1

here's the link showing tool heads:
http://dillonprecision.com/template/p.cfm?maj=13&min=5&dyn=1&

Questor · « **Reply #2 on:** May 08, 2005, 02:19:03 AM »

The most time consuming part is changing from small primers to large primers. There's more stuff to do.

Flash · « **Reply #3 on:** May 08, 2005, 02:40:07 AM »

The shell plate is just like a conventional shell holder. If it is for the 308 Winchester, just think about how many cartirdges share that base diameter. Handgun caliber shell plates will me more caliber specific. The tool heads will hold your dies in the adjustment position for the next reloading session so you'll need a few. Once you set the 550 up, you'll love it providing you use it for volume reloading.

myronman3 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 08, 2005, 02:58:22 AM »

if you are loading rounds that use the same primer size (large pistol and large rifle, or small pistol and small rifle) there isnt much to it at all. but if going from large pistol to small rifle primers, one must change the primer feeding tube and the primer seating piece. it isnt all that hard to do. hell, even i did it without having to swear.

Throckmorton · « **Reply #5 on:** May 08, 2005, 05:03:55 AM »

The changeover time on a 550B is measured in minutes,so it's not as bad as some people make it sound.
tool head and shell plate: maybe a minute if they're kept handy on a shelf.
primer setup: maybe two minutes.
Powder bar if switching from large to small powder bar: a few minutes including setting the correct charge....guessing five minutes tops.
the time you save over using a single stage is MORE than made up for now matter how long the change-over takes..

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #6 on:** May 08, 2005, 06:59:19 AM »

Well, if its a simple as that I'll go ahead and order the Dillon after procrastinating for months over it (working 60 & 70 hours a week doesen't help either!). I'd sorta wanted to get the RCBS press but YIKES! the price difference is quite a bit. I'll probably end up with tons of ammo loaded and no time to go to the range! Actually, I've got a weeks vacation in June and that'll give me lots of time to get it set up and start pump'n out some loads. Thanks for the info, guys.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #7 on:** May 08, 2005, 12:46:50 PM »

And now I've just got back from the Brion Enos website and it looks like this thing is going to end up costing me an arm and a leg after all the extras get paid for. ACK!! It just galls the hell out of me that the die holder costs $38, I just feel like that's a real big time gouge. Geeze, I wish I had a friend who owned one so I could actually see what I'm getting for my money. I've just got the nagging feeling that when I get into this thing I'm just gonna end up kick'n myself in the backside and wishing I'd gotten a turret press instead but even THOSE cost a bunch for the die plates. RATS!!

I can't believe what a wuss I've become over this project!! The conversion kit thing is throwing me for a loop. Do the conversion kits include a die holder plate so I can just pull one set of dies and pop in another? If that is not part of the program then I ain't gitt'n no progressive press because the time involved in setting up another set of dies is a big issue with me. From what I'm reading this is not the case and the mousy side of me is coming out big time!! Can I change the name of this topic to "Big Sissy Can't Decide on Dillon Press Purchase"?!!

Flash · « **Reply #8 on:** May 08, 2005, 01:21:08 PM »

The tool heads hold the dies and are separate from the conversion kits. The tool heads can be found on Ebay as can other parts. I bought 5 tool heads in the package off of Ebay a few years back for $8 a piece. Bought two conversion kits for $15 a piece. Shop the auction sites for Dillon parts before paying retail prices.

Rum River · « **Reply #9 on:** May 09, 2005, 04:32:43 AM »

Dusty,

As Flash said, the $38.95 is for the conversion kit. This consists of the shell plate, (the equivalent of the shell holder on a single stage press) 4 locator buttons and the appropriate powder funnel. Check the cartridge drawings in your reloading manual to see which shell plates can load multiple calibers. My .30-40 Krag uses the .44 magnum shellplate, the .45 auto serves the whole .30-06 family, the belted magnum plate works with similar belted magnums, etc.

If you can share shell plates between calibers, all you would need to buy separately is the correct powder funnel. This powder funnel reciprocates inside the powder measure assembly, actuating the measure itself, and providing the case mouth flare, so you need the correct one.

The tool heads go for $13.95, and the powder die for each is $7.95. The powder die is what the powder measure mounts to on the tool head. The powder die adjustment is what sets the correct amount of flaring on the case mouth.

All of this sounds more complicated than it really is. When changing calibers, the thing that takes me the most time is re-adjusting my powder measure, and it still only takes 5-10 minutes for that part of it.

Once you have learned the new equipment, and gotten comfortable with it, you can load 400 handgun rounds in an hour. Whatever time taken for the caliber change is easy to make up.

John R. · « **Reply #10 on:** May 09, 2005, 04:50:12 AM »

Go ahead and get the Dillon,you will love it. I load for seven different calibers and changing between them is a breeze. If I'm set up on the large primers,then I try to load all of those calibers before swapping to small primer calibers. Even if you have to change the primer setup it still doesn't take but a few minutes. If you shoot any amount at all you will pay for the machine and accesories in no time. Good luck and good shooting. :grin:

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #11 on:** May 10, 2005, 12:28:44 AM »

I agree go and buy the thing. You wont be sorry. I do most of my loading on square deals now because i have them set up in just about every caliber i use alot but i use the 550 for the odd stuff and everytime i use it it impresses me it a much more solid feeling press then a square deal. About the only thing on the market that compares is the hornady progressive and its a fine press too. But with ive had such wonderfull service from dillon its the only way id go.

Quote from: John R.

Go ahead and get the Dillon,you will love it. I load for seven different calibers and changing between them is a breeze. If I'm set up on the large primers,then I try to load all of those calibers before swapping to small primer calibers. Even if you have to change the primer setup it still doesn't take but a few minutes. If you shoot any amount at all you will pay for the machine and accesories in no time. Good luck and good shooting. :grin: