Thoughts on the Dillion 550

[Remmy83]

I'm planning on up grading to a Dillion 550 and wanted some first hand feedback on the pros and cons of this machine. I've been reloading on a single stage for a few years now, simply looking to increase my volume. I plan on using it to load 223, 40, and, 45. Any advice, tips, tricks, or techniques would be greatly appreciated.

 

[NWSharpshooter]

Love my 550. Load 45 ACP on the 550 and 9mm on a square deal b. Load 5.56 single stage as I still do for all my rifle reloads

 

[Remmy83]

Is there a particular reason you choose to load 5.56 single stage? Quantity vs quality? I'm going to continue loading for accuracy on the single stage.

 

[NWSharpshooter]

Don't trust myself on a progressive when I load rifle. I manually measure every charge on rifle so the progressive just doesn't help me.

 

[wwboater]

I have the 550 and a 650. I use the 550 for 308, 223, and 300BLK. I use the 650 for my pistol cals. The 650 will crank out some serious volume and the quality is top notch. The 550 is awesome for rifle cals. I can load one round at a time if I want or I can go all out and load some serious ammo. I find that if you choose the right powder for rifle then you get VERY good quality...... Big long rods of powder do not measure very well on any progressive. Use a smaller/finer powder like True Blue and life is good....

 

[Tomthumb]

Look into a Hornady Lock-N-Load before you decide. It is heaver and stronger. AND it's a 5 holer. You can load one ctg at a time or go for the speed. I used a 550 for 40 years, like my LNL versitility much better. Have fun!!!

 

[wynnjammer]

love my 550 & 650

 

[jglenn]

one thing to consider about any Dillon product is their 100% no bull warranty.. they really do back their products up Dillion is family run by a bunch of shooters. Had the pleasure to meet Mike Dillion a few years back and tour the factory in Phoenix...lot more going on there than reloaders......I've owned a 550 for years and it's a great unit for what you want...

 

[jglenn]

oh yeah their calendars are bad either .........

 

[Atom242]

I have used a lot of presses from RCBS, Lee, Hornady, and Dillon. I have to be honest, it is worth going with the Dillon just for the customer service. Their 550B is a phenominal press. The one downside to it would have to be that it does'nt auto index, but that is not a big deal. Like almost everyone I still reload some rifle on single stage for accuracy but I reload everything from 9mm,10mm, 223, 308 on my Dillon and get great results. Buy the 550 with confidence!!!!!!!!!