entry level Dillon press

[kbstenberg]

Please don't through stones at me for asking another Dillon question!
I am playing with the idea of moving up from my Lee 1000 to a Dillon. But I have a question for those in the know. I was looking at the BL550 just so I can get started.
Do the Lee powder dispensers with there powder through dies work on the Dillon presses? From how the Dillon brochure describes there press I am assuming they do. So my couple of Lee dispensers will make the new press functional.
On the primming system I was going to order the standard priming system. Because other priming systems are not adaptable.
Are my assumptions correct? Kevin

[Love Life]

My auto disk works on my RL550.

[runfiverun]

the 550B comes with the primer feeder and large and small primer seaters already.
if the lee thingy's are case activated they should work on the press.

the 550B comes with a powder drop too.
I'd get at least one caliber conversion, it will come with the powder funnel/case flair tool for the powder dump.
it's easy to swap the powder measure and die around for another case, you just change out the internal funnel [comes with caliber conversion] and set the height for the amount of case mouth flair you want. [same die]
changing powder weight is a simple matter of turning a bolt on the dump.

[L Erie Caster]

I would just save up and buy the RL550b, as the BL550 and all the upgrades will cost much more in the long run. But whatever you decide Good Luck.

[VHoward]

What L E C said.

[6bg6ga]

Well, your 3/4's of the way there already so just get the 650 and be done with it.

[engineer401]

What L E C said.

Ditto

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

In red in the quote:


Please don't through stones at me for asking another Dillon question! How you going to find out if you don't ask?

I am playing with the idea of moving up from my Lee 1000 to a Dillon. Not a bad idea.

But I have a question for those in the know. I was looking at the BL550 just so I can get started. Another good idea. You can likely pick up used stuff along the way to upgrade it as you go.

Do the Lee powder dispensers with there powder through dies work on the Dillon presses? Yes, any standard die or standard powder measure with the same threading will work, including the Hornady LnL measure (Great for rifle loads.), the RCBS measure and of course, your Lee Pro Auto Disks.

From how the Dillon brochure describes there press I am assuming they do. So my couple of Lee dispensers will make the new press functional. Yes

On the primming system I was going to order the standard priming system. Because other priming systems are not adaptable. Good idea, but talk to Alvarez Kelly and shop used before you do. You can likely save some money buying good used stuff.

Are my assumptions correct? Sounds like it to me, yes.

[W.R.Buchanan]

What Dave said. Call up Kelly as he always has good used stuff for sale at reasonable prices.

The good thing about Dillon equipment is that it seems to get taken care of better than a lot of other stuff, plus it is a good investment as the stuff holds its value well.

Randy

[Walter Laich]

Don't forget the SDB if you are just doing pistol calibers. I've had mine since '72 and it's still working day in and out.
Use single stage press for the very few rifle rounds I load.
....
just saying.....

[Kilroy08]

The Square Deal B takes proprietary dies. Go with the RL550, it will do everything you need it to and takes standard dies.

I checked out the BL550, why not spend the extra money and get it with the auto priming and powder systems?

[Old School Big Bore]

I've had two 450/550 presses for DECADES, one each set up for large primer/small primer so I don't have to switch. Definitely spend a bit more and get the 550, and keep saving - you'll 'need' another one. And remember when you order more tool heads to order more powder drop dies with them.

[gunoil]

i just bought a 816$ rl-550b from dillon and that was without strong mount.

[Alvarez Kelly]

i just bought a 816$ rl-550b from dillon and that was without strong mount.

I predict you will love it. :-)

[Tar Heel]

I would just save up and buy the RL550b, as the BL550 and all the upgrades will cost much more in the long run. But whatever you decide Good Luck.

Bazinga!

[gunoil]

Thanks A Kelly


Heres some pics off al gores worldwide web: KB
BL-550
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/putt2012/null_zps8d4692c7.jpg

RL-550B
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/putt2012/null_zps903cdb81.jpg

550 GSI-bullet feeder w/gen2 collator
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/putt2012/null_zps2087e30b.jpg

Close-up 550
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/putt2012/null_zps8d5cc0b2.jpg

Without case feed:
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/putt2012/null_zps23f3143f.jpg

[ROGER4314]

I must admit that the money that you'd save by buying the basic, no frills loader, doesn't seem like much compared to what the RL 550B can do for you. My first Dillon loaders were RL450's with manual powder & primer feeds. I had THREE of those and loved them! The 550B's have me totally spoiled, now!

There is another option that few know about if you REALLY want to go with the BL model. Dillon has an adapter for less than $20 that adapts to the standard 7/8" thread found on the RCBS and other powder measures. That adapter requires one RL450 powder die to attach the adapter to.

Even better, my favorite, the Lyman 55 powder measure uses a very small spout and Midway USA sells an adapter to bring that Lyman 55 measure to the standard 7/8" thread. Coupled together with that Dillon adapter, the Lyman 55 sits properly on the Dillon press. Remember, though, the adapter requires one RL450 powder die to make it work.

As long as you have something to load on, now, save a little more money and snag the RL 550B. With 13 tool heads and die sets, all I need to do for a changeover is slide the tool holder in, reset the powder measure and change shell plates. I have two of them and wouldn't part with them for any price! One is for large primers and the other for small.

I do NOT use the strong mounts. I mount my presses directly to the table and load while seated.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Good luck and have fun!

Flash

[Lloyd Smale]

got to agree with the others. Use what you have a bit longer and save enough for the complete 550 setup.

[6bg6ga]

Buy once and get what you really want.

[Garyshome]

My lgs is selling 550b's for $300.00!

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

My lgs is selling 550b's for $300.00!
Buy them all and resell them online at a profit.