RL550B

[mrgaf]

Well, retired my cast Lee Turret press. It served me without problem and always produced excellent and accurate ammo. I decided that since I am shooting so much 45 ACP, 9MM, .223 and 6.8 SPC and my Dillon SDB could only load pistol, I needed to upgrade to one press that could "do it all" and ordered a Dillon RL550B. Maybe not an auto indexing progressive but a good friend of mine gave me some practice time on his. Even though it is a manual index and only capable of 3 dies (4 when you count the powder die) he showed me a way to use an RCBS powder check die with rifle and pistol if you are willing to accept bullet seating and crimping in one step. Like him, I'll be using my Lee dies and should have no probs with the crimp since Lee taper crimps in their 45ACP and 9MM dies. Pretty excited.

 

[mattsbox99]

Dillons are good presses, I just got another SDB since I like being able to set one up and leave it alone.

I was really thinking about the Hornady, but I couldn't get all the pieces to make it run without sitting on backorder for 4-6 weeks for the shell plates.

 

[mrgaf]

Used to have a Hornady Lock-N-Load that had the "wire" ejector. It was troublesome, even with Hornady dies and it kept flipping primers over. I'm sure they worked out the primer bug and know they changed the finished round ejector. Almost ordered one this time but decided on "blue". Both are great presses with an outstanding warranty and service policy.

 

[clevor362]

I have a Dillon 450, two 550Bs and a Square Deal B. Both 550s have been updated with parts from Dillon and both are still not to be trusted when it comes to transfering and seating primers. I have had zero problems with the 450 because it is all manual. Likewise no problems with the Square Deal but I've only loaded a couple thousand rounds with it so far. I still use the 550s for 45 ACP and 44 Magnum but I visually verify each primer transfer and often have to manually assist the primer transfer bar to effect it's ability to pickup a new primer from the tube. Otherwise, for me, they work fine. In case you are wondering both were like new when I got them and I've made a lot of good ammo on them but I'll never really trust the primer mechanism. Yes Dillon has great customer service. Yes I called them multiple times. No, I don't bother to call anymore. FWIW I also load on two Lyman turret presses and a RCBS Rockchuck press.

 

[Ratster]

I have a Dillon 450, two 550Bs and a Square Deal B. Both 550s have been updated with parts from Dillon and both are still not to be trusted when it comes to transfering and seating primers...

Have found this to be an issue with the 550B as well. Just figured it was something I was doing wrong since I'm new at this and learning everything the hard way.

All I do is check every one to make sure they are properly seated and move on. Since the press, dies, and all the other equipment didn't cost me a dime, I figure I can deal with it.

 

[contender]

While I don't have a 550, I do have 2 SDB's and a 650. ZERO issues now. The first SDB was a "gift" and in pieces in a box. It was missing stuff, and other stuff was unservicable. Well, a few phone calls, and missing parts replaced, along with the unservicable ones. Then the primer assist thing was an issue. Another phone call, a good discussion, and more parts. Still not right. So, I called again, and then sent them the press. Guess what, they worked it over & it now runs flawlessly.
They mean it when they say; "Lifetime guarantee." None better in my book.

 

[eric conrad]

I used to have problems seating cci primers. We (dillon& me) got that fixed. I still use mostly Fed. and Win.
Dillons service is TOPS and fast :)
Eric

 

[alank2]

I love my Dillon 550, it does all I ask of it! I came up with the idea of the Press Monitor because I wanted something to make sure I didn't forget to index it. Check it out at www.pressmonitordevice.com

As soon as I get a conversion kit and some dies, I'm going to be loading 44 magnum on it again!

Thanks,

Alan

 

[scramjet]

I have a Lyman turret press that I use for individual magnum loads, a Lee single press for push through sizing, and a RL550B press for mostly everything. It has been a learning experience using the Dillion although once understood is great to work with! My only complaint with the Dillon is the powder bar adjustment screw (it moves unless taped in place).

I have seen advertised a micrometer powder bar adjustment kit for Dillion presses from UniqueTec.com which looks like they should work real nice although are rather expensive ($89.00 per small,large, and mag bar).

Funny enough I was looking at their powder measure hopper which has a real nice adjustable baffel. I e-mailed them asking why they don't advertise the adjustable baffel it's a great idea.

The response was great idea we will use that for our ads! I then asked if possible could I get some kind of deal on three (small,medium,large) micrometer powder bar kits.

I have yet to get any response which was three months ago......I don't think I will be buying anything from them with that kind of customer care!(rather disappointed)

Thanks,
Tom