Dillon 550c?

[JJE]

Just picked up my first Dillon, question about the dies? Obviously the carbide dies are great for pistol, any reason to go with all Dillon for rifle dies if I already have some that I like. Also any suggestions on which powder funnel for 300 blackout? Saw a couple people say the AK one works better. Thanks in advance!

 

[vegas]

The Dillon rifle dies are nice for the stuck case function. As for the 300 powder funnel, I have both. 30 carbine that I use to bell the case when loading cast or flat base: and AK for boat tail bullets.

 

[Ray123]

I use 7/8X14 dies from most common die manufacturers, more often mixed manufacturers in the tool head, but only 2 Dillion dies I don't use..
as others siut my needs better...also don't use their powder measures for anything but pistol calibers where they work great...and make all my own powder actuating bushings, rifle and pistol, so I need only a few shell plates to do most calibers....one 223 shell plate does all 223case heads 17 Rem, 20 cals, 222, 380 acp, etc like 19 cartridges with one shell plate...no other expense except off the shelf dies, if you learn to make powder drop bushings for pistols, Dillion measures, and for rifles Hornady measures.

 

[Hoser]

I load 300 Whisper/Blackout on my 550 and 1100s.

The best powder funnel is the 30 Carbine funnel and then the Lee collet crimp to remove any bell.

 

[Doug Casner]

Ive got 223 carbide dies on my 550. I just give it a shot of hornady spray lube every once in a while and they work fine. Doug

 

[JJE]

I plan on doing my rifle sizing on a single stage still. Will size pistol on it though.

 

[Hoser]

No reason to not use your 550 to load normally. I load everything from 17 Mach IV to 338 Lapua on mine.

I dont use the Dillon powder measure for long range ammo though.

The ammo in this picture was loaded on this 550 and went on to win an ELR match in Raton NM a few days later.

 

[JJE]

No reason to not use your 550 to load normally. I load everything from 17 Mach IV to 338 Lapua on mine.

I dont use the Dillon powder measure for long range ammo though.

The ammo in this picture was loaded on this 550 and went on to win an ELR match in Raton NM a few days later.

Do you not use a crimp die with rifle cases?

 

[rwj]

Do you not use a crimp die with rifle cases?

Only if the bullet has a cannelure ring and engagement is necessary to ensure it doesn’t move…

 

[Hoser]

Do you not use a crimp die with rifle cases?

Not for precision rifle ammo.

Handgun calibers, yes.

 

[Twdmar]

I plan on doing my rifle sizing on a single stage still. Will size pistol on it though.

I use a separate sizing tool head with a universal decap first, sizer and if I want grim die. Then tumble off all the lube and load on a separate tool head.
I use a crimp die for 223/308. Use any brand you want. I don't actually use any dillon dies.
You can tune the powder measure some and it will work well for most things if you don't use too bulky of a powder.

 

[jepp2]

The ammo in this picture was loaded on this 550 and went on to win an ELR match in Raton NM a few days later.

GREAT pics