Dillon RL550B reloader advice
Anybody here have a Dillon RL550B progressive reloader? Just wondering what people thought about it and what they paid. I would be a beginner but will have help and doesn't look to be too complicated. I really like how they look and some of the features but have been cautioned that the powder dispenser may not be as accurate as weighing it by using a scale. I'd like to buy this and try it, and decide for myself how accurate the powder is dispenced. If I'm not satisfied with it, would it still be easy to use it without using the dispenser and would it have to be taken off? Probably not but wondering if there would be a problem.
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Hello & welcome to the forums- I have been using the Dillon 550B for awhile. It may take some work, but, once you get the powder charge "right", it doesn't stray too much. Nothing beats a simple check for correct weights every so often. You just remove a pin, and dump the charge into the scale to verify it, and relocate the case after putting the powder back in. I bought the setup used from an auction, and have not regretted the purchase. I paid $275 for the loader w/ three caliber changes, two set of dies and a case cleaner. The reloader easily changes for the next setup of caliber you intend to reload. Additional parts can be added later to even simplify this process futher. It may not be the right piece of equipment for a beginner, but, if it can be bought right, it can't be beat... 0 -
I can't remember what I paid for my used 550, but it was my 3rd reloader & I never felt the need to buy anything better. The previous owner had broken the powder dispenser body, but I phoned Dillon & they shipped me a new --- free! That's the kind of service Dillon is known for, & why used ones sell for so much more than comparable models made by other manufacturers.
Their powder dispenser is as good as anyone's; it should be fine for most shooters. However, if you are the kind of bench rest shooter who weighs & sorts factory bullets, then you should stick to a single station press & weigh your powder with a trickler & electronic scale.
Neal0 -
$500 bought my 550-B including a set of 44 Mag Carbide Dies and everything else except the Powder Scales.
I really like it.Comes with an Instruction Video.I randomly chech powder weights and they always fall within 2/10 Grain.This is with 4 or 5 different types of powder that I have used.
I have loaded maybe 5 or 6 thousand rounds with it.Sure glad I bought it.I don't try to load anymore than 250 rounds per hour.About half of what they claim to be capable.Afraid of making errors.
250 per hour is still a lot in such a short time.
1-Powder
2-Patch
3-Ball
4-Remove the Rod
5-Do Not Forget the Cap.0 -
Own two of Dillon's Square Deal B's. Been grinding on one of them for over ten years. Dillon sends FREE any parts that need replacing. I was sent an UPDATED priming assembly (complete)..even postage, FREE. (believe the powder chargers are the same as the 550) With the ones on mine, once set the charges vary little. Wouldn't bother weighing unless you want VERY high precision loading.
These People's Customer Support is top drawer...BAR NONE! DILLON is #1 for customer service[:)]
....silly donkey!0 -
Thanks for the info. I think I'm sold on it. Great customer service is a HUGE plus. Sounds great. [:)] 0 -
Dillon has customer service? Just kidding. My 550b has reloaded probably 20,000 rounds and has never needed service.
The only problem I have is affording enough powder, primers and bullets to feed it. Get the Dillon.
As far as beginners go, I was a BEGINNER. Went straught from a Lee Loader to the 550b. Follow directions, be careful, no problem.
Like ALL powder measures, theirs meters ball powders very accurately. Long grain powders SLIGHTLY less so. Plenty good for hunting, slightly less so for benchrest shooting. EMJOY...
BTW, if you get to Scottsdale, go to their store. Very friendly bunch of guys working there. Your wife may make you leave your wallet in the car, though. Keep your money folded in your pocket, just in case. LOL
It ain't what you shoot, it's what you hit.0 -
I"'ve had mine for going on ten years and would not get rid of it!
The measure is plenty accurate enough for me,but not for a benchrest shooter most likely.
you'd need to replace the measure with a belling die unless one of the other dies accomplishes the task.
Nice thing is you can run one at a time through while geting used to it then load it up and run 'progressive'......but don't go for speed,you;'ll only scru up and cause yourself problems.A smoothe steady pace will turn out plenty of ammo.....safely loaded ammo.
No matter what you pay it will be worth every penny.
Throckmortons' the alias,cas is the game.0 -
I have a Sq Deal and love it have had it for 12 years now, No problems. I load 357,41,45acp and 44 Mag. Will NEVER load pistol cart. the old way again. 0 -
I loaded with my Rock Chucker for years and bought a 550B several weeks ago. I should have bought it 10 years ago ... 0 -
I have five Dillon presses and a few RCBS as well I use my RCBS (rockchucker) for my .308 win ammo as well as .30-06 and above but my Dillon's do the rest and I would not trade them for the world best damn investment I ever made. The Dillon customer service is second to none.
If it can cut, kill or maim, I want two.0
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