Best entry level Dillon press

[CZbob9]

I've been using the same-ol RCBS rock chucker. You know the old ones that are a light green and blue. I picked it up a long time ago when I got into reloading. It still works as good as the day I got it but I figured I could maybe treat myself to a Dillon, always wanted one. What is the entry level Dillon?

[jakharath]

The 550 is the most cost effective if you are going to reload for several calibers. The 550 and the 450 use the same caliber conversions (Shellplate, Powder Funnel, Locator Pins). So used parts are plentiful.

Also, once you get a few caliber conversions, you don't have to purchase full conversions for similar cartridges. If you have a 45 ACP conversion, you can buy a 308 Powder funnel and not have to purchase a full 308 conversion to load 308 because it uses the same shellplate and Locator Pins.

Caliber conversion chart: https://brianenos.com/dillon-rl-550b-caliber-conversion-cross-reference-chart/

There's not much plastic to wear on on a 550. Lube the shaft with motor oil. The presses last a long time.


If you are going to only load for one caliber, a Square Deal will be cheaper.

[sigep1764]

I started on a Square Deal B because I thought I was only ever gonna load 9mm. Then I got a single stage to load 270 and 223 with and lost my mind with how slow going it was. My SDB conveniently had a part failure, told SWMBO that it was gonna be down for too long, and that I could sell the SDB after it was fixed to cover 75% of the new 550C I wanted(and had already ordered before telling her all this). So now I have a 550C with 4 caliber conversions and I need 2 more conversions. I should have started on the 550

[Finster101]

Just some food for thought. I have never been unhappy by buying a better or bigger tool than I thought I needed. Infact, it has saved me much money and aggravation over the years.

[wv109323]

It depemds on what you are loading. If one or two pistol calibers the SDB may be the way to go. IIRC the sdb will not handle rifle calibers.The deluxe route would be the 750.
For versatility and several calibers the 550 is the way to go. Beware that caliber conversions will some add up to the price of the press.

[CZbob9]

It depemds on what you are loading. If one or two pistol calibers the SDB may be the way to go. IIRC the sdb will not handle rifle calibers.The deluxe route would be the 750.
For versatility and several calibers the 550 is the way to go. Beware that caliber conversions will some add up to the price of the press.

I got a soft spot for 38 caliber. I do a lot of 9mm/38/357 but here soon I hope I will be reloading some 45/70 for a 1895 Marlin. What I want to know is since that cartridge length is long will I be able to use it or will I need to do the 45/70 on the single stage? Never have dealt with that caliber before but I have done some 308 and 30-30 on the single stage

[1006]

Dillon sells a 45-70 kit for the Dillon 550. So, it will handle them. I went from a 550 to a 650 and immediately missed the simplicity of the 550 for doing a few rounds at a time for many different calibers.

The 650 has more leverage than the 550, and is easier to operate for sizing large rifle cases.

I think to use a 550 for the 45-70 you will need the optional/sold separately Magnum Powder Bar for the powder dispenser.

[dverna]

Even when I had 5 Dillon’s, I loaded rifle ammunition on a single stage. Unless you shoot a lot of rifle rounds, moving them to a progressive may not make sense. I can see .223 on a progressive, but little else...ar least for me.

I suggest the 550. It was my first Dillon and will be my last. I put out about 300 rounds an hour on it but I am not very fast. If you want greater productivity, the 750 should get you to 550 or so, and the 1050 to about 600-700....all numbers based on loading pistol ammunition. Others reportedly can run faster than that.

BTW, do not buy the case feeder for the 550. If you want a case feeder, step up.

Good luck

[CZbob9]

Even when I had 5 Dillon’s, I loaded rifle ammunition on a single stage. Unless you shoot a lot of rifle rounds, moving them to a progressive may not make sense. I can see .223 on a progressive, but little else...ar least for me.

I suggest the 550. It was my first Dillon and will be my last. I put out about 300 rounds an hour on it but I am not very fast. If you want greater productivity, the 750 should get you to 550 or so, and the 1050 to about 600-700....all numbers based on loading pistol ammunition. Others reportedly can run faster than that.

BTW, do not buy the case feeder for the 550. If you want a case feeder, step up.

Good luck

I don't shoot much rifle and I you make a good point. It seems like the 550 is the way to go but which one?

[gifbohane]

Bear in mind that if you buy a Dillon AND you prime off press AND/OR you swage the pockets you will be taking the cart on and off the press defeating the purpose and rapidity. Also if you trim (like rifle carts) off press it will be even worse....

[sigep1764]

There's only one model of 550 available, the 550C. Only thing you need to decide is which cartridge conversion you want included.

[megasupermagnum]

Bear in mind that if you buy a Dillon AND you prime off press AND/OR you swage the pockets you will be taking the cart on and off the press defeating the purpose and rapidity. Also if you trim (like rifle carts) off press it will be even worse....

You can trim during loading, but it's going to be less hassle not to. Say what you will, but I can promise you you will be WAY faster by doing processing, and loading in two steps, rather than just doing everything on a single stage. On a single stage, I really doubt a person can honestly do more than 100 in an hour start to finish from dirty brass to loaded ammo. Your hand will be sore for sure, even with a case kicker. 50 would be more realistic. That's if you don't clean the cases at all. You are way better off running brass first through for sizing, then trim, and / or swage primers on a Lee APP. Then clean, and proceed to load on a progressive. There's no way you are getting a single round done this way in an hour, but if you skip cleaning, you could have 500+ done in about 3 hours.

Bottle neck cases are a PITA, no way around it. I'm not one to skip case trimming, mine grow too much to risk it.

[15meter]

I got a soft spot for 38 caliber. I do a lot of 9mm/38/357 but here soon I hope I will be reloading some 45/70 for a 1895 Marlin. What I want to know is since that cartridge length is long will I be able to use it or will I need to do the 45/70 on the single stage? Never have dealt with that caliber before but I have done some 308 and 30-30 on the single stage

Sounds like a large percentage of the ammo you reload is pistol calibers. If that's the case I'd look at the SDB. It does pistol calibers well. If the rifle is only a couple hundred a year stick with the Rockchucker.

I have both a SDB and a 550. All the pistol goes across the SDB. High volume rifle, 30 carbine, 30-06 on the 550.

I load about 50 different rifle calibers, all low volume. 50 to 100 at a time. Those all go across either the Rockchucker or the T-Mag. (T-Mag has a skoose more room for the silly tall ones).

Not worth setting up the 550 for low volume runs.

Works for me.

[CZbob9]

Sounds like a large percentage of the ammo you reload is pistol calibers. If that's the case I'd look at the SDB. It does pistol calibers well. If the rifle is only a couple hundred a year stick with the Rockchucker.

I have both a SDB and a 550. All the pistol goes across the SDB. High volume rifle, 30 carbine, 30-06 on the 550.

I load about 50 different rifle calibers, all low volume. 50 to 100 at a time. Those all go across either the Rockchucker or the T-Mag. (T-Mag has a skoose more room for the silly tall ones).

Not worth setting up the 550 for low volume runs.

Works for me.

What is SBD

[Finster101]

Square deal B. For what you have mentioned, I would go the 550 route. With it, if you are able to shoot more in the future you have a machine capable of keeping up with demand.

[jakharath]

Another positive with the 550 is that it is manual indexing. So, you can also use it as a single stage.

[CZbob9]

Who is the best place to buy a 550 from? Planning on getting it on the way today.

[kayala]

I've started with 550 and absolutely love it. I've added a 650 later on but still keep 550. I've bought both my presses directly from Dillon.

[243winxb]

Old Dillon RL-450 in use here.
Go with a 550C . The best part is time to change to a different cartridge. The 550 has the removable tool head.
I should upgrade or buy a 550C.

[dverna]

Who is the best place to buy a 550 from? Planning on getting it on the way today.

I have bought new presses from Dillon and used ones on this forum. Even got a decent deal on one on eBay years ago.

[country gent]

I load rifle ammo 223, 22-250,243, 308,0-06 on a dillion 650. 223,243,308 were across the coarse high power ammo. I also load 380, 38spl, 357, 40 s&w, 10mm, 44 sol, 44 mag on a second 650. 357 herret, wild cats get loaded on a single stage. I load 45-70, 45-90, 40-65, 38-55 on the single stage as they are black powder ammo and loaded in lower quantities. But the 650 would do them fine.

I have all my dies in tool heads and the only thing to add is the measure. the lower end isnt bad to change over.

In Dillons publication The Blue Press is a section listing all the presses their capabilities and information. Be honest estimate the ammo needed quantities and uses then look in this section and see what meets your needs.

Case preps is easier to do outside the press before hand. uniforming pockets, deburring flash holes, trimming, I your loading military pick up the dillion crimp remover when you buy your press. Another to remember is these machines are lot faster so case cleaning may need to be upgraded also. These machines work best on a solid bench also.

[fourarmed]

Back when a Square Deal cost half as much as a 550, there was reason to go that way, especially if you just wanted to crank out a lot of one load. Nowadays, the difference in price won't buy you one caliber conversion. I retired my sdb's when a friend sold me his 550s, and I can't imagine going back.

[Big Wes]

I started out with a new Dillon 550B back in early 90's since then I've added two SDB and a 650 which I bought used.The last SDB bought a month ago, sent it in to Dillon for a service lube/ etc. and they sent me a new press. Can't beat the Dillon Warranty.

I'd go with the 550c for the fact you can load pistol and rifle with it. You may think you're only going to load pistol, but you'll end up loading rifle eventually! I even bought a new Mec Metallic single stage press a while back and I find it very useful for loading small batches of 223 & 308. When I need to load larger quantities of rifle I use the 650 w/ case feeder.

[Lefty Red]

I never warmed up to the 550s. I know, I’m weird. I like reloading pistol on the SDP, just right! I find the 750 to be too “busy” for me. I like reloading 45/70s or 30/30 or 350 Legend on a turret press.

The Blue Army will tell you have you can just throw ALOT of money at your DILLON and make it do anything you want. And it will, Dillon sells a lot of cool add ons. Just takes alot of money. I don’t have to color coordinate nor empress anyone, so I have a a mix brands in all price levels.

[CZbob9]

I never warmed up to the 550s.

What do you not like about them? I haven't thrown the line out there yet but was looking at scheels

[Lefty Red]

I just always liked the little SDPs. They come with the dies, only a little tweaking needed to start loading. The 550s just seemed to take more time to setup, and as big and bulky as my 750xl without the speed. Sure others will bashed me, but wasn’t my thing. The SDPs just ran. Would have one for each caliber I load, just set it and forget it.

[Lefty Red]

BTW, Scheels is a good place to get them at! I picked up my 550 from there with all the stuff to load four calibers. Got it 10% off during an after Christmas sale.

[Tazman1602]

What are you loading for? If one caliber handgun only then square deal B is only way to go. If you want to switch between handgun cals and rifles then one of the RL550’s. I have both. RL550 is a bit more complicated to setup/change calibers unless you can buy several tool heads and leave them setup then switch between.

I have two SDB’s, 357 & 44 mag. LOVE the auto indexing and those things will pump out some serious volume!

For what it’s worth, I still have my original Rock Chucker almost 40 years old and it still serves its purpose!

Art

[Gofaaast]

I had super deal on a 550 with 5 full conversions offered to me. I had always been patient waiting for something like this. I like you just used the ol rock chucker and a Summit I added a few years back. I added one conversion and I’ve enjoyed using it to speed up loading pistol ammo.

[oley55]

doesn’t the Square Deal require Dillon’s square deal dies? that would be a deal breaker for me if that is the case.

[dverna]

doesn’t the Square Deal require Dillon’s square deal dies? that would be a deal breaker for me if that is the case.

Yes. Selection is limited.

[JimB..]

Yes. Selection is limited.

Yes, a dozen or so pistol calibers, all listed on Dillon’s website.

I started with a SDB and liked it. Got a sweet deal on a Hornady LNL and liked the idea but had issues with the execution. Today I have 3 650xls for pistol and .223 and a forster co-ax for rifle.

[jmorris]

I would say 550. They don’t loose their value, like an RV, boat or motorcycle, just get the one you want to start with. From the bottom to the top, you can still load just one at a time until you are comfortable going “all in”.

[warren5421]

In 1969 or 70 I started loading shotgun. In the late 80’s early 90’s I found SASS and bought a Dillon 550B to load for me and 5 kids. Bought 2 SDB’s for the older kids to help. At that time I found long range SASS so started loading .45-70 on the 550B. Shooting at big steel targets with the .45-70 the ammo worked but when I started shooting for scores I had to improve my loading so went for single stage.

[wrench man]

I have two 550B's, 45-70 is one of the chamberings I load on them, so far the only rifle I haven't loaded for on them is my 416 Rigby, but I have all the conversion to do it, we shall see?

[CZbob9]

Well currently trying to set it up. Do you guys usually use any stands or just mount it directly to the bench? Their instructions do not leave anything to be jealous of

[oldsman]

Well currently trying to set it up. Do you guys usually use any stands or just mount it directly to the bench? Their instructions do not leave anything to be jealous of

this is more of your choice to find to figure out what working height feels the best , do you sit or stand while operating the press.
I stand so mine are mounted on the dillon strong mount . You can start off by clamping the press on the the bench and see how it feels , do not load ammo with the press clamped , just cycle the press empty to get a feel , if you feel press needs more height buy a strong mount or inline manufacturing makes press mounts also

[Lksdmachine]

Through the years I’ve bought 2 SD’s and 2 550’s, one set up for each primer size. The thought of reloading anything is not a chore anymore.

If things are difficult, you will find you just don’t care to do them. Get good tools, cry once and get busy living after that.

[45_Colt]

Well currently trying to set it up. Do you guys usually use any stands or just mount it directly to the bench? Their instructions do not leave anything to be jealous of

I stand while reloading, although a tall(er) stool could be used. The top of the bench is 3ft off the floor. Top is 2x8" wood laid the length of bench. A press needs to be rigidly mounted.

A piece of 3/4" plywood about 12" wide and running from the front edge to the rear edge. This is wood screwed onto the 2x8's with the heads flush with the top of the plywood. Be aware of the press mounting locations and avoid putting the wood screws there (don't ask how I know this...).

Then drilled through and used 1/4" bolts, washers and nuts to mount press. IIRC, a wood screw to hold the completed cartridge bin mount.

Result is a good solid mount for the press. Also, did this on the left corner of the bench. This keeps the press out of the way and places it directly over a bench leg.

45_Colt

[derek45]

I don't recommend the square deal, it takes proprietary dies, and is too small for rifle.

The 550C is probably what would be best for you.

The XL650/750 is what you need if your practicing USPSA/IPSC and shooting matches every weekend.

[sparky45]

I started with the XL650 for a progressive after years with the Lee equipment then acquired a Square Deal; mistake, SD is a dud. Since I've aged (76) my shooting has slowed down so I off loaded all progressive's and am now set up with a couple of RCBS RC's and a Redding T-7. Mainly loading for rifle now.

[kevin c]

Even as I’m slowing down with the years I still put a couple thousand rounds a month down range, sometimes more, so a progressive makes sense.

The SDB I bought late in the last century serves, as I only load pistol rounds, and have small hands that can work in the relative tight spaces the four position shell plate lives in. The production rate suits me (retired with few demands on my time). I did buy an xl750 several weeks ago, but it’s still in pieces and I’m beginning to think it might stay that way.

[W.R.Buchanan]

I had 2 SDB's .40 S&W and .45 ACP. Both worked great and were a joy to use. I consider them to be one of the best designed machines in existence. They are also completely rebuildable for cheap, so even if you wear one out, it can be made right again for a few $

Then a friend gave me a 550B, and as soon as I got it set up for the two pistol rounds I sold the SDB's, I just didn't need them anymore as the 550 B will do anything I could ever want from a Progressive Press. I load .223/5.56, .40 S&W and .45 ACP on it. I could do .308's and .30-06's but I don't shoot enough of them to warrant setting up the 550. All my other rifle rounds are loaded in 50-100 round batches on my Hand Press at the dinner table. I have several other Single Stage Presses, my tool just works better !!! Others think so as well.

Randy

[pelikan800]

I purchased a used SDB (that I sent to Dillon to have them go over) and use it for a number of pistol calibers - 9mm, .38 Spcl, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, .44 Mag. I also load a few rifle rounds and load those on a Lee Classic Cast single stage press - .223, 6mm BR, 45-70. It's a combination that works well for me. 45-70 on a single stage goes pretty quickly as I usually don't need to trim the brass (and chamfer). Let us know what you decide!

p.s. Dillon's customer service is top notch!

[15meter]

Well currently trying to set it up. Do you guys usually use any stands or just mount it directly to the bench? Their instructions do not leave anything to be jealous of

Did you ever get it set up?

I don't use the riser stands, I have a steel plate mortised into the top of my bench, 5"x18"x1/2" with an identical steel plate on the bottom of the bench. I like a secure mounting system.

It has been drilled and tapped to mount all the presses and casting equipment that needs to be mounted securely.

5 MEC'S, three RCBS's, Lyman T-Mag, an old Pacific, Dillon 550B and SDB plus RCBS and Lyman Lubrisizers. It looks like swiss cheese but it is rock solid mounting of what ever I put up there. Only 2 presses that don't mount completely to the steel plate is a MEC 9000G in 12 gauge and a .410 Grabber. The 3 650's mount completely to the steel plate.

I usually load sitting down, I have a bar stool height chair that adjust easily for height. It swivels, has a foot rest and a backrest. I can change my seating position depending of what press I have mounted, it helps reduce the fatigue.

Hope you got your press up and running.

[CZbob9]

Did you ever get it set up?

I don't use the riser stands, I have a steel plate mortised into the top of my bench, 5"x18"x1/2" with an identical steel plate on the bottom of the bench. I like a secure mounting system.

It has been drilled and tapped to mount all the presses and casting equipment that needs to be mounted securely.

5 MEC'S, three RCBS's, Lyman T-Mag, an old Pacific, Dillon 550B and SDB plus RCBS and Lyman Lubrisizers. It looks like swiss cheese but it is rock solid mounting of what ever I put up there. Only 2 presses that don't mount completely to the steel plate is a MEC 9000G in 12 gauge and a .410 Grabber. The 3 650's mount completely to the steel plate.

I usually load sitting down, I have a bar stool height chair that adjust easily for height. It swivels, has a foot rest and a backrest. I can change my seating position depending of what press I have mounted, it helps reduce the fatigue.

Hope you got your press up and running.

I got it working good. It wasn't the easiest to setup I will say that much but I got it. I reloaded some 40s&w on it and seems to do pretty good so far. I started to prime on it but the press started sending multiple primers and I couldn't figure out what the issue was so for now I am hand priming in the recliner. I need to look into it

[super6]

Buy direct from Dillon, You will get all the manuals and a caliber head with it.+ tools,+ options ect..ect..

[David2011]

I got it working good. It wasn't the easiest to setup I will say that much but I got it. I reloaded some 40s&w on it and seems to do pretty good so far. I started to prime on it but the press started sending multiple primers and I couldn't figure out what the issue was so for now I am hand priming in the recliner. I need to look into it

Is your bench really, REALLY solid? If the press is vibrating when operated that will cause numerous problems.

[derek45]

I got it working good. It wasn't the easiest to setup I will say that much but I got it. I reloaded some 40s&w on it and seems to do pretty good so far. I started to prime on it but the press started sending multiple primers and I couldn't figure out what the issue was so for now I am hand priming in the recliner. I need to look into it

the 550 should prime reliably
I would call DILLON tech support and get it squared away.

[Tciambotti1]

Do you have pawn shops around you? If so, talk to a few guys there. I got my 650 from a pawn shop for 450 with some extras. I agree with that other guys saying buy once, cry once when it comes to reloading equipment. The 650 is pretty dope.

[Big Wes]

Try changing the tip on the primer tube that goes into the press with a new one, the old one might be worn out causing your problem with multiple primers.

[JimB..]

Try changing the tip on the primer tube that goes into the press with a new one, the old one might be worn out causing your problem with multiple primers.
This is most likely the problem. The press comes with spares. Change this before any other tinkering. BTW, I think they call them “magazine orifices.”

[15meter]

I got it working good. It wasn't the easiest to setup I will say that much but I got it. I reloaded some 40s&w on it and seems to do pretty good so far. I started to prime on it but the press started sending multiple primers and I couldn't figure out what the issue was so for now I am hand priming in the recliner. I need to look into it

My understanding this is a new press right?

If so, the first thing I would check is if you have the right primer tube in the press. It sounds like you have the large tube not the small tube. I think that will do what you are describing.

[oley55]

My understanding this is a new press right?

If so, the first thing I would check is if you have the right primer tube in the press. It sounds like you have the large tube not the small tube. I think that will do what you are describing.

^^^this is a very good likelihood. It shouldn't be that hard to use the right primer tube but on more than one occasion I have had weird primer feeding problems and sure enough I was using the large tube with small primers. I took a blue magic marker and marked the top of my small primer tubes so that they match the blue on the small primer pick-up tubes.