.380 on a Dillon RL550B

[Virginia John]

I am not sure if this is the correct forum for my question but if it is not the moderator can place it where it needs to be. I am loading .380 ACP on a Dillon RL550B and according to Dillon's chart I should use a #3 shell plate and #3 pins, which I am doing. However, this just doesn't seem right. The .380 cases seem loose and want to jump out. Is anyone else loading .380 on a Dillon and what are you using for a shell plate and pin? Thanks,

[SWANEEDB]

We do the 380's, no problem, #3's are the right ones, just make sure your shell plate is way down with just enough space to turn it.

[spfd1903]

We do the 380's, no problem, #3's are the right ones, just make sure your shell plate is way down with just enough space to turn it.

Absolutely agree. Try putting an empty case in each slot of the shell plate and then tighten. When you reach the right degree of tightness, the cases should snap into plumb. Then check for smooth turning.

[Dan Cash]

You may be having a problem with brass dimensions. I don't load for .380 at present but do for .30 Mauser, 9mm and .223. I don't recall off hand which one of the plates is supposed to be smaller but some of my .30 Mauser brass works better with either a 9mm or .223 shell plate.

[USMC87]

I load 380's all the time with no problem on 550b, The above posts are exactly right.

[Virginia John]

Thanks guys.

[georgerkahn]

As we speak, so to speak :), I am in process of reloading a batch of 500 .380ACP cases on, yes, a Dillon 550b -- using shell plate and pins marked #3. My only real challenge is the diminutive .380ACP case size vs. my fat fingers. What can I add vis my post? Less than two years ago I had a problems loading 10mm Auto on my Dillon, and milli-seconds ("frustration?") before switching to another (Lyman All-American) press, I dialed Dillon's toll-free number. A SUPER nice gent spent a good fifteen minutes on 'phone with me -- the end being my 550b was turning out such marvelous rounds, had I the $$$, I'd have bought a 2nd Dillon for other calibers :) not wishing to mess with perfection. I'd suggest you ring Dillon -- perhaps, I hope, you'll be as lucky as I was.
Good luck!
geo