Author Topic: New Dillon RL 550B user (Read 915 times)

JD HHI 6092® · « **on:** January 04, 2003, 02:55:52 PM »

I just received my new Dillon 550. So far I'm happy with it. Only problem is adjusting the powder measure. Do you guy have any tricks on a quick way to get it close to the charge you what?

I like my Redding because it has a micrometer. I have a chart for each powder I use and can just dial in to the charge. I've used this measure for so long and am very confidant with it.

I know Dillon sells an attachment I can use to use to adapt the Redding on the 550. But if I go that route I'll have to dump the powder manually.

Any tricks from you long time Dillon users?

Thanks :-D

Flash · « **Reply #1 on:** January 04, 2003, 03:27:20 PM »

I turned the adjustment bolt out all the way and weighed a charge for every 360 degree revolution on the way in. I used ball, flake and stick and it took me about an hour after averaging all three. It is a much better starting point than "Hunt and Peck". I only did this for the small charge bar and not the large one. Hope this helps.

Flint · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2003, 09:31:31 AM »

You can try it with the bar set wherever it is and see what the dropped charge is. Then turn it in one turn (CW) (this increases the charge) and weigh it again. That will give you the approximate change per turn. Comparing that to what you dropped, you can estimate the number of turns, in or out to get where you want. Once you are there, mark it. I have a stack of Dillon powder slides, marked with a sharpie marker as to weight of what (like 7.0 unique, or 4.2 231) so I can substitute bars depending on the cartridge I'm loading, and not go through the process every time I change caliber or load. Still want to double check your load with a powder scale every time you start up, especially necessary with a new can of powder, as it may change from lot to lot.

Hcliff · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2003, 12:21:47 PM »

Wow I am learning too :lol: . But here is my trick. Find the load you like with trial and error (As least that is what I have been doing). Then take your caliper and measure from the end of the screw to the machine. Record this infor for X powder, for y grains for that measurement. Then you can dial your pet load in real quick next time. This is repeatable. I always check the weight by scale after. I learned this idea when some one told me to do this with my RCBS measure. It is you micro dial for free!

I do agree that that is the worst part of the Dillion unit that should be changed. I like the marker idea!

Hcliff