Dillon adjustable Toolhead.

[BigHoss74]

Has anyone here used the Dillon adjustable toolhead by Doug Williams?

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=D8RV9PSuKTI&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DD8RV9PSuKTI

http://ultimatereloader.com/2011/10/12/dillon-xl-650-quick-switch-kit-magnumspecial/

[imashooter2]

Seems like you wouldn't get full length sizing on the magnums. Seating and crimp would work OK.

[Rockchucker]

My son and I both use Dillon 550b's and loan tool heads set up back and forth, I notice when I get the toolhead back from him it still needs some minor adjusting of the dies when they go back in my press. The difference in the two machines tolerances is small but it's still there. So I'm wondering how much adjusting there would be using the adjustable toolhead to switch back and forth. I've found it just easier to set up two tool heads say for the 38's and 357's and the same for the 44/44mag. I would surely like to hear some of the reviews on the new tool head though.

[BigHoss74]

Seems like you wouldn't get full length sizing on the magnums. Seating and crimp would work OK.

They did say that you would have to adjust the sizing die when you switch out the calibers. I would like to get some reviews from anyone here if they have used them.

[HATCH]

I have them for the 550b.
One for 38sp/357mag and one for 40sw/10mm
I have set both of them up and used them but I have only switched from 40sw to 10mm. I have not loaded 357 mag yet.

I can tell you that it works perfect 40/10mm
What you have to do is readjust your size die each time you switch. Just your size die. Nothing else.
the powder die was perfect, the seating depth (OAL) was perfect and the crimp was perfect.
The only thing that SUCKED between 40sw and 10mm was that 40sw is small primers and 10mm is large but that isn't the fault of the toolhead.

[DCM]

Very interesting!
Personally I would set up the sizing die to "neck size" the magnum brass and leave it set that way if it is used in a revolver, rather than sizing the whole case unnecessarily.

[BigHoss74]

Thanks for the feedback HATCH i'm going to puchase both of them. Doug has them on sale for 100 for the pair and free shipping right now.

[grampa243]

any updated opinions about these tool heads.

[HATCH]

Mine is the same but I have used the 357/38 setup and it works as good as the 40/10

[HATCH]

Has anyone bought anything from Doug recently??

[dudel]

Save yourself some $$$.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/312274/redding-die-spacer-135-height-38-special-357-magnum?cm_vc=ProductFinding for less than $5.

a locking die ring for under $5 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/402579/lyman-split-lock-die-locking-ring-7-8-14-thread?cm_vc=ProductFinding


These lock rings fit better on a 650 (more space) than on a 550 tool head. Once the lock rings are set, then use the washer as needed.

IIRC, they also have them for 40/10.


I'd worry about the thinner flange on the tool head handling stress.

[HATCH]

couple problems with them.

I would need 3 spacers that would be $20.

Every time you unscrew a die even with a lock nut on it, you are making minor adjustments to the dies OAL. Now your going to argue with me but how are you sure that the torque that you applied to the lock ring is the same every time. Over time the threads wear in which means the OAL changes. Yes I know I am being anal about having to deal with 1/100th of a inch of possible play but I like consistency.

on my 550 there isn't any real stress difference between the tool head with spacer compared to the tool head along.

And lastly - I want 40sw/10mm also

[jmorris]

If you have a lathe or know someone that does they could just part you off a few spacers.

[HATCH]

Yeah I am gonna do that if I can't locate what I need.

[dudel]

Yes I know I am being anal about having to deal with 1/100th of a inch of possible play but I like consistency.



I guess you also trim your pistol brass?:bigsmyl2:

Skip's (not offered by Midway) really lets you set the spacing in very fine increments.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/reloading-dies/replacement-parts-upgrades/skip-s-die-shim-kit-7-8-14--prod33197.aspx

I suspect the set would let you do 40/10 as well. I'm not sure it would handle what I need (38 Spl, 357Mag and 357Max) so I just adjust dies.

[AllanD]

I don't know about the rest of the Dillon 550 owners but I have
separate toolheads for 38spl & 357Mag and also 44spl and 44Mag

I have not set up for 40S&W and 10mm YET, but I will be doing so just as soon as I have
the money saved up for the additional bits (powder dies and toolheads as well as the shell holder plate)

I bought my 550 in an "Estate sale" deal and got it already setup for 9mm, 38spl, 357Mag, 44Spl, 44Mag & 45ACP.
(as well as a copious supply of brass and bullets for each)
I picked up a used conversion plate for 223Rem ($10 at the Kittery trading Post), but have never used it.

It came with the shell plate conversion for 41Mag, but no brass, bullets or dies for that cartridge....

It seems to me that this adjustable tool-head might save you the cost of a die-set IF you were just setting up to reload, but if you are already a long time reloader and have extra die-sets laying around it is a solution to a non-existant problem...

[HATCH]

Well the most cost effective solution is the adjustable tool head.
But after sending two emails from two different accounts and using eBay to contact seller , I am giving up.

Guess I will be getting another set of 40 cal dies

[HATCH]

Doug is alive. He was just really busy. Still waiting on 40/10 tool head for 650 but he had the 38/357 tool head