I'm 70 and started reloading in 1976. I've have a 550C for about 3 year. I also have 2 RCBS Rock chucker, a lee pro 1000, and a lee load master. The 550 is the most versatile Press I have. I have every setup I need, and changing calibers is so simple. I've started my Grandson reloading. I greatly appreciate your video's
I'm 72 and started reloading back in 1973, so I'm not a reloading rookie, Well, today (12/3/23) i bought a 550C. before today I used the red press (Hornady) both single and the auto-indexing progressive presses. I brother-in-law uses a 550B and when I saw it work, I realized it was easier to use than my Hornady's. I liked the powder charge being able to flare the case mouth. thanks for the video. I'm looking forward to getting the 550C..
I bought a used 550 in 1987 and loaded on it til it began having issues. Dillon sent upgrade parts free of charge and got it going again. I eventually stumbled across an incomplete 550B at a garage sale and paid $75 for it. I transferred the missing parts over from my original 550 and it’s still going strong. I have been making the common accuracy modifications and have been impressed with the increased consistency.
I started with Dillon back in 1982 when I bought a used RL450 off of a buddy. Although I had been loading off a single stage press for years up to that point, and the progressive was a new move for me...I blindly made a good choice. There wasn't the internet to speak of, and there wasn't a lot of information on Dillon's out there as his company was fairly new back then. Here I am in 2021 and I upgraded that old "solid head" 450 with the 550B upgrade kit probably 15 or 20 years ago, traded a gun for another 550B, and purchased a new SDB with all the added accessories. That initial 450B I traded for almost 40 years ago now was the best move I ever made. Regardless of buying it new from Dillon, trading for it, or buying it used, etc......Dillon follows the machine, not the purchaser. They have treated me excellently.......even when I admittedly screw up. They'll get my business till I can no longer pull a handle. Although I have over a half a dozen single stage presses, the Dillon's crank out the majority of my ammo......
I've been loading on a Dillon 550 and (2) Square Deal B's since 92'. I started using them while shooting IPSC but quickly learned that the quality of the ammo that they put out is just as good as the quantity. The SDB's both have well over 300k rounds thru them and the 550b is probably closer to the 500k mark. If you do the prep work for rifle reloading (resize, trim, etc.) in batches and then set aside, it's very quick to load very accurate match quality ammo. As far as customer service goes there is no other company I'd rather deal with, when they mean no BS warranty it's for real. For the money you can't beat a 550 IMO.
You are spot on, in my experience. I have the Dillon RL550B, also purchased around 1992. I can and do get match quality rounds when prepped properly. I've had a few friends say "no way", until we sat down and actually measured the results of completed rounds, including dumping & weighing powder drops, measuring primer depth, concentricity, case length, OAL, and actually taking turns shooting rounds in "friendly" competition. They're so good, my Rock Chucker is getting desperate for attention.
Likewise I have a 550 nearly 20 years old. One thing I havent seen mentioned is the warranty. I have broken a couple of Accessory parts on tue press over the years because they just wore out. In one case I dropped the primer slide and it broke off a part. I all cases Dillon replaced the parts! Who else does that!
I have the Dillon square Deal B for 45acp. It’s for pistol loads only as far as I know I’ve been told I can’t load riffle cartridges. Anyone know if that’s true?
I am so new to reloading, that I haven’t even started yet. Your videos have shortened the learning curve, for me, in a way I would not have thought to be possible. I feel “l can do this!” Thank you for such well thought out videos.
Been running a RL550B for almost 3 decades. It still delivers. It will outlast me. I truly appreciate the easy change tool heads. It's a little work to change over from rifle to pistol, but I have a regular system. One day I prep all my pistol cases, and load only various pistol rounds, the next week or 2 I'll prep all my rifle rounds & change over. I try to reverse the order, rifle then pistol, the next sessions. Not that the others are poor, but it's rare to have a product that lasts this long, performing this well.
I inherited a RL 550b years ago. I went ahead and got 4 quick change tool heads and stands complete with powder hopper and all parts for 9mm, 45acp, 223, 308. Changing calibers is so quick. Recently the plastic body of the low primer buzzer cracked due to its age/transport usage. I explained to dillon customer service I needed to buy the part, they asked for my address and sent me a new body- no charge. I highly recommend Dillon.
Mike Dillon founded a great company back around the mid 1980s and they are located in Scottsdale, Arizona, just a short drive from my house, he went home to be with the Lord on November 7th, 2016, or as Dillon Precision's tribute to Mike worded it: "Mike Dillon has left the range". :-)
I have a 550B here in Brazil and recharge the following caliber: 32SWL, 38SPL, 357Mag, 40 S&W, 9mm Luger and 5.56 NATO. She is fixed to a Strong Mount and my workbench is heavy wood. The 550B does not move a millimeter when in use. It also has a flat bearing on the shellplate axis, polvorimeter with micrometric adjustment, side tray for projectiles and support for tools. I love this press.
I started on my 550 from advice from a friend so I could go at a slow steady pace and watch each step. Started with 9mm, then .40, now 45acp. I like that I can get a complete toolhead, powdercharge, dies for each caliber for about $250, which makes caliber change a 10 min operation. Very happy with the 550.
It is almost ASMR watching and listening to you load that ammo. When the 550rl came out I wanted one right then and there. Never could afford it back then, but I might be able to do it soon. Costs are still higher than others but the quality is the deciding factor and ease of use too.
When Dillon first started in the 80's I had a 450, sold that got the 550 up graded to the 550B. In all these years must have better then 600,000 rds through it all 45acp. Had to send it back twice over the years always fixed it. it's as good as my star lube sizer from 1978.
I just got my first Dillon RL550C I have not set it up yet because I have hart problems so I've not yet set it up but I will going to do that in a few days thanks for a great video.
I have a new RL-550C still in the box. Really liked this video covering its setup and use. I will be viewing this again when setting up my system. Thanks.
I used a Dillon 550 to reload 300 rounds of .45 (for my Dad) and 300 of .40 (for me) every week for years. I was sixteen back then (1996) and never had any issues (never applied a double charge for instance) after reloading tens of thousands of rounds.
Just getting into reloading and finished setting up my new 550C and thought I should check out You Tube to see if I could find some videos to see if I had missed anything. Yours was the first one I have watched and it was so helpful! I just subscribed so I can watch and learn some more. Thanks for the help.
Love my Dillon! I’ve had it since the mid 80’s and the company is absolutely the best! They have always stood by their products, replacing parts as they have worn out repeatedly.
Really enjoyed your video, thank you. I have owned my 550 (upgraded to a 550C) for seven years, have 50k or more rounds loaded with it. I also own a 750 but, I prefer the 550; most likely because I load about 100 rounds at a time. I continually experiment with different ways to use the 550 and by far the greatest advancement came when I began decapping and resizing on a separate single stage press and then swaged, trimmed, and wet tumble cleaned to generate brand new used. brass for the 550. My 550 station #1 has a neck expander and flaring die (or mandrel). These simple modifications to the process made a huge difference in the quality and consistency of the finished product. The 550 manual indexing is a significant advantage as compared to auto indexing unless, you truly need bulk ammo production and then auto indexing and a case feeder adds value. If you generally load 100 rounds at a time then the 550 is a better choice even if both the 550/750 were the same cost. I much prefer seating and crimping as separate tasks, much more than a powder cop. I tried a powder cop on my 750 for a short period of time and then removed it and have not used it since. I realize that I am a relative newcomer compared to many more experience old timers (I am a not as experienced old timer) and given the option I am not sure I would listen to me. Once again, thanks for the informative and entertaining video.
I have used a 550B for over 10 years, uspsa to long range comps where I use a charge master for single hole shooting... GREAT press.. if you want full auto bullet and brass for pistols it wont do... but I dont mind with out it.
Started on a 450 about 30 years ago. 550c about 15 years ago. Thousands of 38spl. 45acp. 357mag. 44mag. 9mm. 45 colt. 7mm TCU. 243win. 300BLk. 30-06. Fantastic press. Will last a lifetime.
Excellent video about an exceptional press. Let me suggest that you consider doing a video on the Dillon powder measure as a central focus. I think it is an achievement of functionality and flexibility that fills the needs for much of the reloading community. It has a surprising number of moving parts and hidden nuances that are fun to discover and then marvel at the ingenuity of the designers. Give it some thought sir. Your videos are so well done and always entertaining. Thank you.
I recently purchased the 550C and it's due Wednesday (24th). I'm Silly excited to get started. I have watched this video a ton of times. Thank you for the info.
I bought a used single stage RCBS Rock Chucker from a guy at work that didn’t want to load anymore. That was my first learning experience. I still have it, but it started a problem. As I researched the loading world I ended buying a Dillon 550B all decked out. Then I bought another 550B. I kept one on a small primer bar and the other on a large primer bar. When I bought my Dillon 600 Swager I knew I didn’t want to swage all that brass...so I bought a Dillon 1050, then O got another 1050 to keep one on a small and the other on a large primer. I remember the day my wife saw the delivery of the last 1050. It was not good for a long time. Then I bought a larger RCBS for my 375 Cheytac dies. It’s been a hoot for sure. I even picked up the Giraud case trimmer and annealer. My wife and daughter actually participate now in the loading process like sorting brass and learning. We all enjoy it and we are very glad we have good quality ammo and plenty of it. I shoot long range precision now. It all started with a box full of unwanted parts and an RCBS that I was not going to buy initially. I’m so glad I did, which is what introduced me to loading.
I have an old 450, pretty much the same press but without the interchangable head plate. I have had it since it was the current model. No real problems, good press.
Can t beat the Dillon No BS Warranty! I picked up a used press that came with a bunch of accessories, but the press was pretty old... I took it in to Dillon for a tune up and they replaced a bunch of parts and cleaned it up like new, and all for the flat $50 tune up charge. I was more than impressed and pleased with how helpful the staff was! You can't beat a company that stands behind their product 'No Matter What'!
Love em ,have a Square Deal since 1984? and a Dillon 550 C mostly for rifle loadings and .40 S&W .Not really had any major problems.Im a very happy camper for me and for you! cheers
I have been using my 550 for over 30 years now. I find if I put 4 pieces of brass in the Shell plate, then tighten the center bolt so it turns with no slop works best for me. I use mine at least once a week if not more during the warm months, and have since it was new. I have never had an issue with it, and if I did I am sure that Dillon would fix it.
Same here! Since 1992 I have loaded everything from .380 to 338 Lapua Magnum. I purchased a toolhead, powder feed and dies for every caliber. Makes everything go quickly and saves setup time. I had to buy a single-stage press for 408 Cheytac and 50 BMG. I really love my Dillon equipment.
I load with a 550B. I watched you put the 6mm Creedmoor bullet on the case by reaching thru the frame. That looked cumbersome to me. While I liked the looks of the powder check die you were using I would not put one on my press. I also use a Lee crimp die and would need to abandoned it if I went with a powder check die. I have loaded thousands of rounds with my press and could not be happier with it. Your suggestion of having a tool head for each caliber is spot on. I even have a powder measure on each of my tool heads.
Roger K Been using a Dillon 550 B since 1986 with no problems I actually wore out a powder bar and Dillon replaced it no charge "No BS warranty" Only way you"ll get this press from me is to steal it.
I own an older 550. I love it. I just did a complete tear down to lubricate the unit. It's operation is smooth as silk... Definitely recommend this for pistol and high volume rifle applications.
Iv'e had the 550B for five+ years and love it. I use it in conjunction with the Lyman 8 stage for a couple of my rifle configuration as well as the RCBS Chargemaster. I have cranked out 6000 pistol rounds in the last few months. You can't beat Dillon for their qualiry and how they stand by their products.
I am running one of the RL 550's and just started the conversion to the 45 ACP from 9MM one thing I noticed is the larger primer tube needs to be indexed into the slot at the bottom of the primer storage tube, which I think you may have just over looked. You covered a lot of ground on this video. All in all I like the instructional UT video.
I bought a used 550 last year and got some upgrades you recommended. I enjoy the videos. Thanks for the content fellow WA resident. With the current situation it is clear that reloading is a good option to have as long as you were smart and had the materials. I have been saving my brass 😬
Thanks for the great video! I have been loading my own rifle cartridges for 35 years using a Rock Chucker press. Just bought a Dillon 550C so I can start reloading 9mm.
I started reloading back in 1990 I went with the RL550 and loaded mainly .45 ACP with it. I eventually added the 550B upgrade when it was available. I recently added a 550C to my reloading stable and set it up for small primers. Their no BS warranty is for real. The screw holes in the primer tube mount stripped out a few years ago, one call to Dillon and the replacement was on my doorstep in 2 days.
I did 10,000 rounds of .223 on my 550 a couple years ago. It took about a month in my spare time. I first sized and then polished the brass and after that I was off to the races. The press is easy to maintain and customer service is the best. I called in once for a spring that shot off into a dark corner. Dillon sent me 3, no charge, with a note, “I do that all the time”.
I have had a 550B since the 90’s. I load seven calibers of pistol and am very pleased with the results. I also load .223/556 and .308 rounds on it with no issues. My Rock Chucker gets all of my precision reloading. The new Area 419 press looks really interesting but the price tag makes it a dream.
Enjoyed the video. Enjoyed the refresher course on the complete 550 operation. I’ve had a 550B for quite a while. It was out of service for a while. More precisely, I was out of service for a while. Just pulled it out this weekend and set up. Cleaned, lubed. It’s cranking out a bunch of plinking rounds for me and a new-to-shooting buddy for this weekend. This thing goes and goes. At a comfortable steady pace I will have about 500 rounds up and running in no time.
I have had a 550 for 20 years. I have only loaded pistol round so far. I am going to work on some stuff for my ARs now. I use a single stage for most of my rifle stuff but this is eye opening for sure.
I think the 550 is a great press. It’s what me and a few buddy’s use for our USPSA Ammo. I was loading my bulk on a Hornady LNL AP but I just sold it and bought a XL750. Should be here by Thursday, can’t wait!
Great video as usual! I’ve been reloading since 2013 with my Dillon 500B mostly Pistol calibers and .223 I also use a single press RCBS Rock Choker from 1977 to do rifle calibers for precision shooting and two MEC’s for shot shells one set up for slug and the other fir birdshots . Dillon is hand down the top dog, I love it.
I really like my 550 , been using this one for about 7 years . I use the 550 for rifle ammo , and a Dillon square Deal B for my pistol ammo. Costumer service is second to none.
TEST Fifty, I have the Dillon Square Deal B as well came w everything needed to load 45ACP. Do you know if I can load .223 w it as well? Or will I need to purchase the 550. Thanks
@@bobfisher9452 yes the square deal B is only for pistol ammo. You would need a 550 for the 223 . I loaded thousands on the 550 I love it . The 550 I have is setup for 223 and I never mess with it.
I have two RL550B presses. I have one set up for each size of primer so I’m never having to change primer sizes when I change calibers. I have thought about upgrading to a press with more stations but just can’t bring myself to part with the 550s. I like the simplicity of the manual index. Both of my 550s were bought secondhand but they work as well as the day they left the factory.
Thank you for the safety reminder… I have a 550B, however considering upgrading to a 550C.. I’m kicking myself for not doing it sooner due to cost has gone up for the 550C upgrade kit… live and learn excellent video!!
Good job as usual! I completely abandoned the priming system on the 550 as I found hand priming to be much faster and gives me better control. I de-prime on a separate RCBS Rockchucker using a Lee universal de-primer die. When doing match ammo I use the Dillon powder measure but weigh each charge. Thanks again.
I love my 550 have been reloading on it for 7 years! Nice video, I enjoy your videos but it would have been nice for the Nubies to pay some attention to powder measure adjustment and Most importantly to perform Quality Control checks on every 5th or 10th filled case by weighing the dispensed powder to insure proper powder weight loaded.
Never reloaded but this is a video that is very convincing and by the looks of it, if attention to detail is given it can be an easy process. Going to look into prices and gauge to what can be possible within my budget. Times like we are experiencing now opens ones eye. Gotta prep better. Thanks for this video.
Very good video. One thing not mentioned is the outstanding no BS warranty policy. About 2 years ago my 1985 version had a problem, called Dillon and they sent me a complete overhaul kit at no charge! I don’t see a problem with having 4 stations. If you get better than 50% loading density on pistol rounds double charging is impossible, same for rifle. As a avid reloader I recommend as a minimum one complete tool head for each rifle and pistol caliber with one pistol and one rifle powder measure. I agree that rifle cases not be resized on the 550. That is best accomplished on a single stage press.
Running two 550 for years. Working with it for precision reloading now. Observations: Dillon resizing/decamping die vs Redding Almost identical measurements (Dillon has more shoulder set back but a half turn out should allow adjustments. If you want to use more processes, get an extra Dillon or UniqTek precision tool head. Pull two pins and switch over. Not as into it yet as some of you but working on it
I have a Dillon 550B and have loaded thousands of pistol rounds with it (9mm, 10mm, .45acp) and it has been flawless. I highly recommend an in-line fabrication “Sky light”. It puts a lot of light down onto the ram surface. It really helps to be able to look into the cases to check for powder before bullet seating.
Great video. I have a original 550 mounted next to a 650xl, The 550 is great for the budget reload-er and the caliber conversations are lower cost as stated. You can change out calibers quickly on the 550. The 650 is a fast machine but you pay for it in complexity and I have added the mods that most users have. The 650 mostly stays set up on a only a couple of different calibers, the 550 can be changed and set up anytime I needed a couple of boxes of whatever i want to shoot that day without thinking much about the setup time. 30yrs ago I had 2 lee pro 1000s mounted next to each other the same way. They required a different set of skills and trick to stay producing as they aged.
I got the new 550C when it came out. Between the 550 and a Redding T-7 Turret, that is where all my precision ammo is done. I use a Hornady 5 station LNL for pistol. A Lee ACP and AMP come in handy for full length sizing, priming and decapping at times. Also bullet sizing for cast lead bullets. They both fit onto a Harbor Freight grinder stand since my bench is getting full.
I understand why you like the strong mounts being able to take your presses off and all, but I can’t stand watching that press shake and flex on the table it drives me nuts
(T)(h)(e)(D)(u)(d)(e) the normal strong mount doe snot flex. I just don’t think it’s a good selling point for those rails for everyone to watch them flex like that
I was trying to figure out why the rifle loading part look awkward - that powder checker die in your rifle tool plate (with the white o-ring at stage three) really messes with the flow of this set up. Having to reach across to the right hand side of the tool plate with your left hand is laborious, you are physically looking around the side of the machine each time, and your hand barely fits through. For most people... visually sighting the powder and seating the bullet in stage 3 will speed the process up and also cut down on redundant movement and neck strain - oh, and you can sit a little more to the left, you will eventually be able to load the brass with your eyes closed so you don't need to see the right hand side of the press at all!
I run my 550 with two complete tool heads one for 9mm the other 223. For my 9mm it’s clean my brass & run with it. My 223 I prepare my brass & prime first then use my 550 for powder, bullet seat, & crimping.
