Dillon reloader ?

meat hunter

New Member
Jan 23, 2015
43
0
east central mn
Does anyone have any experience with the Dillon RL 550b or the XL 650. With a spare toolhead switching calibers would seem easy. I am looking for a new loading setup. Thanks in advance...
 

roknHS

Member
Sep 25, 2014
135
0
North Idaho, Tick Fever Country
These are production machines. If you load hundreds of rounds in a session this is the way to go. If you load a couple boxes of rifle ammo (40 rnds or so) in a session, the Dillons might be overkill. Google Dillon reloading videos and you'll see what I mean.
 

AKaviator

Veteran member
Jul 26, 2012
1,819
1,084
I had one, 550b for many years and regret selling it. I have a Hornaday progressive and would not recommend it.
 

Colorado Cowboy

Super Moderator
Jun 8, 2011
8,377
4,777
83
Dolores, Colorado
I think the 550b uses dies that will only fit this tool. If you want to change calibers, dies MUST come from Dillon.

I use exclusively RCBS. I use a Rock Chuker for all my rifle loading. I use a RCBS Turret for my Cowboy Action and pistol loading. I have different turret plates set up and just change plates when I change calibers.
 

jlmoeller

Member
Nov 10, 2012
75
0
Iowa
Meat Hunter, the Dillon 550 uses standard 7/8" reloading dies. Changing calibers is relatively easy. With practice you can do it in 15-20 minutes including adjusting the powder measure. I can load 300 rds per hour of 45 acp at a leisurely pace to keep an eye on everything. The dillons work great for pistol ammo, and good for rifle ammo. There is a small sacrifice in accuracy when loading rifle ammo on any progressive press. Most of this can be overcome with attention to detail. The Dillon is a great machine and worth the money if you want to load lots of ammo.

Jason Moeller
 

pre6422hornet

New Member
Nov 16, 2014
27
0
I have the Dillon SDB ( Square Deal B) and if you are only looking to load handgun, this is the way to go. I purchased it new in 1998 and it just plain works.

Dillon has the No BS warranty and they are very good about it. I broke a shell plate bolt. I called Dillon and told them I broke it. I told them it was my fault and I WANTED to pay for it. They would not allow me to pay for it. They actually shipped me 2 bolts that way I had one spare. No Charge. now that is customer experience.