New 550B - Maybe

[buckheart]

I have the opportunity to pick up a Dillon 550B new in the box for $300. What am I going to need to get making rounds right out of the box. I have standard RCBS and Lee dies for everything I reload now. I'm thinking it would be nice to move up from my turret to a progressive.

[paul105]

Conversion kit for each caliber (shell plate, locator pins, powder drop). The new in box machine may already come with a conversion kit (or not -- should say on the box). That is basically all you need. Your RCBS/lee dies will work with the 550. You may want to add an additional seat/crimp die if you plan to do these operations separately.

If you really want to speed things up, then you could get tool heads for each caliber (this allows caliber changeout by removing/replacing tool heads with complete die sets that are already adjusted).

This assumes you already have a powder scale which you'll need to adjust the powder bar.

Paul

[randyb]

Toolheads are really what sets the Dillon apart. Once your dies are adjusted, no need to ever change them again.
With regard to caliber conversion kits. Go to this link: dillonprecision.com/docs/caliberconversioncharts/450_and_550_Series_Caliber_Conversion_Charts.pdf.
As you can see, this chart lists the shell plates, locator pins and powder funnels needed for all cartridges. It is much cheaper to buy the individual parts as you need them. With very few shell plates and pins you can reload for nearly every cartridge on the page.
I would recommend separate crimping dies for ease of operation and die adjustment.

Have fun with your new machine! I've been loading on mine since 1993 without a hiccup.

[buckheart]

Thanks for the link. I have been through Brian enos's sight and read his Q&A. Looks like he is out of the retail press business and is referring all that type of business to krackenpop.
This press is at a lumber yard that has a small gun and reloading sales area. He is getting out of the reloading stuff and everything reloading wise is marked down 30%. the 550B is 300 after the markdown. They have a 650 as well. Have to check it out on the way through town this afternoon.

[buckheart]

Stopped into the shop monday afternoon on the way through town and put some dough down on the 550b. Needs to be a cash deal to get the discount so I will stop friday with the rest of the money and pick her up. I'm really looking forward to getting this set up and running.