Buying a dillon

HonestFool03 · Jul 11, 2020

As title states. With all the nics check crap getting pushed thru various state legislators, the constant ammo shortage, and frankly I've been back and forth on starting reloading for a few years now..looking at buying a Dillon 550.

Anyhow, a good friend of mine has a father that has a TON of reloading stuff that was either barely used or is brand new, including a Dillon 550 and dies for a few calibers, brass, bullets, primers, powder, etc.

I hadn't planned to get a Dillon initially, was looking for a single stage as it was more cost effective, but kind of fell ass backwards into this Dillon deal.

Enough of my rambling/backstory... I have a general idea of what I'd need to set up a 550 from doing research on my own, but seeing as I've never reloaded a single round or watched someone do it in person. I was hoping an experienced guy on here wouldn't mind me pm them a spreadsheet of the stuff my buddy's dad is trying to offload and see what I *need* to get vs what would be convenient, etc.

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Pinecone · Jul 11, 2020

I will take a look at the list.

teratos · Jul 11, 2020

I’m too new to give advice, but I will encourage the purpose. I bought and learned on a Dillon 550. Don’t let people tell you that you need to learn on a single stage. You’ll be up and running in no time.

vipor5 · Jul 11, 2020

You will enjoy the 550, though I also have a 650 and 1050 i do most of my pistol reloading on a 550. fairly simple process. getting your powder dispensing process consistent is probably the hardest part and check for consistency on a regular basis. you will enjoy a bullet feeder as I hope it has a case feeder and not just a case tube. You will love it.

Suggestion, Mount it securely to a very solid bench. Watch for over travel on the shell plate I often drag my finger to prevent over rotation once I get really cranking them out.

Congrats, You would also enjoy a single stage press if one should become available at a good price. Even the Lee hand press has many uses if even just de-capping during your Favorite old western movie.

Congrats! on a quality product.

Huckleberry · Jul 11, 2020

Call Dillon. Their CS will send you any instructions on 550. Probably will send you the DVD or direct you to where you can watch or stream it.

Even with buying used, there lifetime no BS warranty still applies to you. If you're missing a spring or detent ball, they'll probably send you one for free. You just have to give them call.

tomcat7 · Jul 11, 2020

Yeah I have 550B and haven't used it in a long time but used to have others reload without issue on it. Very easy to use and understand. Simple and reliable operation

Traveler · Jul 11, 2020

I like my RL550B, it can be run as a single stage.

Todd S · Jul 11, 2020

I would suggest getting a reloading manual. Read it, then read it again. Kabooming a firearm is bad.

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HonestFool03 · Jul 11, 2020

Yeah thanks for the advice of reading about how to make an explosive that I'm about to put in my hand, before I actually make it. (

) Lol

I've done a good bit of research over the years in regard to this. Merely wanted a second set of experienced eyes to give it a look over. Once I get everything I'm going to have someone walk me through the process to make sure what I think I know is actually what I should know.

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Shamr0ck · Jul 11, 2020

the D550 is the perfect balance between a single stage and progressive. Run it as a single stage whilst learning and then move to progressive.

outrider58 · Jul 11, 2020

Shamr0ck said:
the D550 is the perfect balance between a single stage and progressive. Run it as a single stage whilst learning and then move to progressive.

Yes yes and yes!

HonestFool03 · Jul 11, 2020

Shamr0ck said:
the D550 is the perfect balance between a single stage and progressive. Run it as a single stage whilst learning and then move to progressive.

That's the plan.

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Topher · Jul 11, 2020

I started with a Dillon SDB for all my pistol ammo.
Love that press. I have loaded 10's of thousands of rounds on it.
I got a Lee Single Stage for all my rifle rounds. I don't shoot a lot of rifle and when I do, it is for accuracy. So I went single stage there...
Found a deal on a 650 and added all the bells and whistles. Case feeder, Mini Mr. Bullet Feeder, upgrade kits for smoother operation and I can honestly say... Every nickel was worth it.
Reloading is fun easy and fast.

You will not regret it if you get a Dillon. If anything ever happens... Customer service is "no questions asked" boom... Here is a new one.

PowPow · Jul 11, 2020

My 550B started life as a 450 that I won in a raffle. I upgraded it to a 550B with the frame change kit and other upgrades. From time to time I lust after higher throughput Dillons for .45acp & .223/5.56, e.g. 650. 750, 1050, 1100, but at no time am I thinking of not using my 550B. It gives me the control and flexibility that I prefer, and I can reload every variety of centerfire cartridge on it that I shoot.

GunBum · Jul 12, 2020

I like the RL550B so much, I recently got a 2nd one (Used). Now I don’t have to swap primer bars when going back and forth between large and small.

DaemonAssassin · Jul 12, 2020

HonestFool03 said:
As title states. With all the nics check crap getting pushed thru various state legislators, the constant ammo shortage, and frankly I've been back and forth on starting reloading for a few years now..looking at buying a Dillon 550.

Anyhow, a good friend of mine has a father that has a TON of reloading stuff that was either barely used or is brand new, including a Dillon 550 and dies for a few calibers, brass, bullets, primers, powder, etc.

I hadn't planned to get a Dillon initially, was looking for a single stage as it was more cost effective, but kind of fell ass backwards into this Dillon deal.

Enough of my rambling/backstory... I have a general idea of what I'd need to set up a 550 from doing research on my own, but seeing as I've never reloaded a single round or watched someone do it in person. I was hoping an experienced guy on here wouldn't mind me pm them a spreadsheet of the stuff my buddy's dad is trying to offload and see what I *need* to get vs what would be convenient, etc.

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I'll help you out. Send me a PM.

Todd S · Jul 12, 2020

DaemonAssassin said:
I'll help you out. Send me a PM.

DA, that’s a fine offer! Thanks for helping out a new reloader!

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DaemonAssassin · Jul 12, 2020

Todd S said:
DA, that’s a fine offer! Thanks for helping out a new reloader!

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I just happened to hop on today and saw that somebody wanted help. Community helps community.

Traveler · Jul 12, 2020

Just be careful if DA cuddles up while you bend over the press. There have been rumors .... :lol2:

Just messing. Good man DA.

Rockzilla · Jul 12, 2020

Dillon manuals online:
550 Here:
https://dilloncdn.com/manuals/dillon-rl550b-manual-english.pdf
Other manuals here:
https://www.dillonprecision.com/manuals.html

If You want "shoot" me the list.

-Rock

Buying a dillon

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