Setting up Dillon 550B for .223 ?

[hoz53]

I am going to set up a 550B to load 223 varmint loads for my ar-15s. I am wondering the best way to set up the sizing operation. By this I mean die to use and how to lube the cases so the lubing process doesn't slow you down much. I know dillon makes solid carbide dies. Would they help? How do remanufacters like black hills do it? I think I need a factory tour. How does the dillon 1050 do it? Just wondering how others have approached this ? I am thinking of making 100 round loading blocks and using One Shot. I know I can lube every other one or so but wonder if I should do that? Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[tomj44]

I do all my case prep before loading on my Dillon 550B for .223. All cases are sized, trimmed, uniform primer pockets, deburr flash holes, and tumbled clean to remove case lube.
Station 1, is a universal decap die to insure flash hole is clear. And seat primer.
Station 2, charge case.
Station 3, powder check die.
Station 4, seat bullet.

I learned this method from the Highpower guys. It works good for me.

Tom

 

[ebb]

Ive always asked Dillon when I had a problem with there stuff. They answered me once at 3 on a Saturday afternoon. And who ever answers will know what he/she is talking about.

 

[Duster_360]

I've reloaded 223 in my 550b two ways - one like mentioned above with the case prep already done before starting to reload. In station one - I raised the die and removed the decapping rod so the case would center in the station while the primer was inserted. Worked fine, but is a lot of extra work.

The other way I've reloaded 223s in the 550b was to start with clean cases from the tumbler after they have been lubed - I lube all the cases. With bottle neck cases and a carbide size die, you still need to use case lube - at least occasionally or you'll wind up with a stuck case. When the rounds are finished, I wipe the cases off individually with a rag lightly dampened with solvent (which solvent depends on what case lube I used). This also gives me a chance to inspect every round and be 100% sure every round was powder charged.

I've heard of some using a vibratory type tumbler to clean the loaded rounds after loading, but I'm not sure I'd be comfortable doing that.

 

[Cort]

I follow a 2 stage process that sizes and primes in 1 stage and completes the reloading process in the second.

1. clean my cases in a vibrator.
2. lube, size and prime all the cases. I use a tool head with only the sizing die inserted.
3. clean the lube off of all the cases.
4. complete the loading process. I use a second tool head with all of the dies but the sizing die.

This process works for me.

Cort

 

[chuckbuster243]

I do all my case prep before loading on my Dillon 550B for .223. All cases are sized, trimmed, uniform primer pockets, deburr flash holes, and tumbled clean to remove case lube.
Station 1, is a universal decap die to insure flash hole is clear. And seat primer.
Station 2, charge case.
Station 3, powder check die.
Station 4, seat bullet.

I learned this method from the Highpower guys. It works good for me.

Tom

This is the same way I do it. Most of the 223 I load needs trimming and other prep. Its allot easier to do the sizing and prep on a single stage. Then just prime, powder and bullet on the dillon. The only exception is if I am just neck sizing. In that case I load all on the dillon. Matt

 

[hoz53]

Tomj. That sounds like a good way to do it. Thanks

Ebb Yeah that's definately worth a try. I will call them and see what they say thanks

Duster okay that helps as I was wondering about getting the lube off. Thanks

Matt ok thanks. That is probably the way I will start.

 

[jelrod1]

I do all my case prep before loading on my Dillon 550B for .223. All cases are sized, trimmed, uniform primer pockets, deburr flash holes, and tumbled clean to remove case lube.
Station 1, is a universal decap die to insure flash hole is clear. And seat primer.
Station 2, charge case.
Station 3, powder check die.
Station 4, seat bullet.

I learned this method from the Highpower guys. It works good for me.

Tom

This is the same as I do for .308 semi auto. Never found a better way on the 550. On a 650 or 1050 with extra stations you can use Dillons trimmer. If you use the Lee lube that's not supposed to harm the powder/primer, and trust it that could be an option. Personally I prep a lot of brass ahead of time and when it's time to load I just follow the procedure above.