Or get Whiddens floating toolheads for better concentricity .
Dillon 550 vs turret press
- Thread starter sksshooter
- Start date
LVLAaron
Gold $$ Contributor
I own both a T7 and an RL550B. The Dillon is better for loading a lot of ammo in a hurry but I'm not in a hurry. I greatly enjoy loading and have no desire to rush things.
I much prefer the unrestricted view and the accessibility of the loading area of the T7.
I much prefer the unrestricted view and the accessibility of the loading area of the T7.
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powderbrake
Gold $$ Contributor
I keep two Dillons set up, one for small primers, one for large. Have each caliber set up with a complete toolhead with powder measure, so all I have to do is change shellplate and pins.
In the drawer below I have 12 more toolheads all set up.
In the drawer below I have 12 more toolheads all set up.
Or a Lee Update Kit will give you the Lee breech lock bushing.
I have both, each in a Classic Cast, I'm still not decided on which is better.
It's much cooler to run a 550 though.
Get the 550 and a bushing conversion kit for the RC. More is better.
Agree. I got this one and it’s AWESOME.
Forster Co Ax Roller Lever SHORT - Inline Fabrication
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Me, I have two Dillon 550 presses, one for small primers the other for large primers that I load handgun ammo on. I also have a Redding T-7 that I load rifle ammo on.
We do not shoot enough rifle ammo anymore for me to bother loading on the Dillon.
As for changing toolheads it is hard to beat the Dillon. I have two turrets for the T-7, one of which it set up for 30-06, but changing them out is kind of a hassle as the ball detent is not captive, so I just swap out my dies on the extra turret.
We do not shoot enough rifle ammo anymore for me to bother loading on the Dillon.
As for changing toolheads it is hard to beat the Dillon. I have two turrets for the T-7, one of which it set up for 30-06, but changing them out is kind of a hassle as the ball detent is not captive, so I just swap out my dies on the extra turret.
drop_point
Silver $$ Contributor
I really really like my Area 419. Ifs more money than you’ll have in a Dillon but it shoots the gnat’s ass when it comes to quality.
this was interesting video about this subject
Ordered 2 of them a couple days ago, came in the mail today. Nice product, clean machining. Going to order a few more.I never realized the Dillon toolheads were so affordable, here is a site that offers them in different colors and custom engraving. This looks like the setup to have
I run a 550 with a couple upgrades. I keep 2 tool heads for my precision rifle setup. All dies are on Armanov floating tool heads.
1 tool head has my bushing sizing die and a mandrel for sizing brass.
The other I run the mandrel again (have the empty space..why not....and I don't always load the same day I size so maybe helps spring back?) The next is a powder die with an Area 419 funnel. Grab the powder off the fx120 and dump it. Next is my bullet seater.
It works well for me. Sometimes I even prime on it.
I decap on my single stage, run the pocket uniformer to clean the pockets out...that gives me time to handle and inspect each case as I drop it into the tumbler. Out of the tumbler they get sized..then I trim, chamfer and debur and back into the tumbler briefly just to remove lube and brass shavings from trimming.
If I had to do everything single stage, I'd probably give it up. I just simply don't have the time. Every crank of the handle is doing a couple operations and I'm n not handling each case that many times.
I had a buddy measure run out and he said my cases and loaded ammo is about as straight as anything he's seen. My shoulder bump and bullet seating is really consistent.....just works well IMO.
1 tool head has my bushing sizing die and a mandrel for sizing brass.
The other I run the mandrel again (have the empty space..why not....and I don't always load the same day I size so maybe helps spring back?) The next is a powder die with an Area 419 funnel. Grab the powder off the fx120 and dump it. Next is my bullet seater.
It works well for me. Sometimes I even prime on it.
I decap on my single stage, run the pocket uniformer to clean the pockets out...that gives me time to handle and inspect each case as I drop it into the tumbler. Out of the tumbler they get sized..then I trim, chamfer and debur and back into the tumbler briefly just to remove lube and brass shavings from trimming.
If I had to do everything single stage, I'd probably give it up. I just simply don't have the time. Every crank of the handle is doing a couple operations and I'm n not handling each case that many times.
I had a buddy measure run out and he said my cases and loaded ammo is about as straight as anything he's seen. My shoulder bump and bullet seating is really consistent.....just works well IMO.
I put the Hornady conversion bushing in my rock chucker and I can change out dies in seconds without ever having to re-adjust them.
Hoser
Gold $$ Contributor
The Armanov toolheads are better.
Toolhead Zero-Play, Free-Float for Dillon RL550C
Upgrade your reloading setup with Armanov Toolhead! Designed to improve efficiency and precision, shop now and experience the ultimate reloading experience.
How well does the lee turret serve you? Ive been watching some videos on youtube about that one. Really seems like a solid option with having the ability to use it with or without the auto indexing option. Is the leverage sufficient to not work the hell out of you on larger rifle rounds like 300 win or wsm?
I have the hornady bushings but didnt care for them. They move up quite a bit on the upstroke. Just couldnt convince myself that was ok.
Biggest cartridge I load on it is 7mm Rem Mag. The leverage is fine. I took the auto index off mine when I got it as I have no intention of turning it into a progressive press. I really like mine, for the ease in changing dies if nothing else. Runout is nil.
ya need to put a lee universal decapping die in a 550 tool head and deprime there,,,much faster
case in stroke handle, rotate with left, insert case with right.repeat.
i took the bin off and let them drop in a 5 gal bucket
Ive read posts of people who went away from the Hornady quick change bushing system because they were concerned with movement of the bushing. And I get that concern.
But what I have yet to read is any difference in ammo loaded with these bushings comparing ammo loaded with as standard press bushing on the same press.
Has anybody given some concrete data? I mean has anyone really measured variable OAL, shoulder bumps runout etc.?
But what I have yet to read is any difference in ammo loaded with these bushings comparing ammo loaded with as standard press bushing on the same press.
Has anybody given some concrete data? I mean has anyone really measured variable OAL, shoulder bumps runout etc.?
Runout will vary from press to bushing to die. Stacking tolerances. One press might be producing excellent results with Sizing Die A and Bushing B. Swap to seater die A and Bushing C......and things change.
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