Took the plunge into the Dillon Blue Waters

[hoz53]

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Machine Parts | XL750 | Powder Check Assy | Manual Page 65

Individual replacement parts for the XL750 - located on page 65 of the manual. Important Notes: Many or our parts are used across our entire product line. If the part number matches the drawing but the description does not, the part is still the correct part. To order more than one part...

www.dillonprecision.com

i see it on page 33 of my latest blue press- feb 25- doesnt say it will work with 550 though but i think it would if a person wanted to use up a die spot. i dont — for the $ i think id get one of the other ones anyway

 

[J.d. Popkes]

With a bullet feeder, with the 223, 55 gr bulk, no boat tail. Obviously not case mouth expanding like pistol, how’s that little flat based bullet sit on there and stay there as it spins to the next station?

 

[450BM]

I have been reloading for over 20 years, rifle calibers for hunting as well as .223 for AR15's and several handgun calibers, we do a good bit of handgun shooting at home. I am a retired deputy sheriff therefore I have done a lot of handgun and AR15 shooting. Like many of us reloaders my hands hurt and loading 223 and handgun calibers on my Lyman turret press is more of a chore than it once was. I spent the weekend doing research on the machines plus deciding how to responsibly fund the purchase. This morning I made the decision to purchase the Dillon RL550C with DAA mini case feeder, 9mm and 223 caliber conversions plus Quick change assembly. I do hope it pays off in more ammo, less pain and time. We'll see.

I highly recommend a sizing die with a carbide expander ball for the 223. You still have to lube the outside of the case but not the inside eliminating a good bit of work and trouble. And ball powders are your friend in the Dillon powder measure.

I’ve had my 550 for about 37 years and it’s still working fine, Dillon makes good stuff.

 

[74_stingray]

I highly recommend a sizing die with a carbide expander ball for the 223. You still have to lube the outside of the case but not the inside eliminating a good bit of work and trouble. And ball powders are your friend in the Dillon powder measure.

I’ve had my 550 for about 37 years and it’s still working fine, Dillon makes good stuff.

I have had the carbide expander ball installed in my Redding sizing die for many years and I would agree with that.

 

[Doug Casner]

Dont tell Dillon but I think my powder check die is a rcbs. Looks like a sizing die. Screws right in. Doug

 

[FloridaAKM]

I bought a Dillon RL-450 back in 1984 & used it for every caliber I had a firearm for. Then in 1999, I bought a 650 & set it up for 5.56/.223 only. Just this week, I loaded 3400 rounds of that caliber thru the Dillon over a 3 day period. The press was flawless in operation as long as I did my part.

Now comes the bad part of having to replace primers & powder that I used this week, that were purchased back when primers were $1.50 per 100 & powder was $65.00 for an 8# jug.

 

[Carver Speed]

I have to say that is lazy. A two minute change over... That being said I am equally as lazy.. I have two 550's as well for the same reason..

lol, I have four 550’s on my bench so I don’t have to change calibers

 

[74_stingray]

I really want to know what you think about the double alpha case feeder.

I love the Double Alpha case feeder, it works very well and it enables me to keep my right hand on the handle at all time. The case feeder installation was simple.

 

[74_stingray]

Buy the little light that goes into the center of the plate...it helps as you check powder drop. You can also get a Teslong or similar cam and aim it at the opening of the case to view on a computer to see that there is powder. It works, but it slightly slows you down in the name of safety.

I added a light but I have not had issues seeing the case filled with powder. Thanks

 

[74_stingray]

Don't let yourself get frustrated if you can't figure something out when setting it up or getting it adjusted correctly, support is there to help you.

Some time back a hunting partner got one and was kinda stuck on this/that having never used a progressive let alone a Dillon. They walked him through everything and he to this day raves about their excellent support.

Gary, "Dillon's human manual"did a nice job explaining the setup, which is nice as I had no trouble setting the machine up, the RL550C works quite nicely.

 

[74_stingray]

You will like priming on the 550. I do on mine. As far as no extra station for a powder check die I use my left eye. It has been 100% reliable for 10's of thousands of reloads.

Like you, I don't see the need for a powder check die, at least not with handgun cases.

 

[74_stingray]

I can load about 400 rounds/hour on my 550. I like the extra control when something goes wrong compared to a press that auto indexes. My previous press did auto index and served me well pack when I was shooting 1000 rounds a month or more. Now a days I don't need that volume. As others mentioned your left eye is staring at the case that just received power. That is my powder check. I only load 9mm, 38 super and 38spl on my Dillon. All of my rifle and large pistol ammo is done on a single stage. Less setup and tear down.
I've been eyeing the case feeder as well. Looking forward to a review.

I love the RL550C, it suits my needs perfectly, just wish I had done this 25 years ago. Yesterday I finished the setup then proceeded to load 9mm, casually getting used to the machine, I loaded 500 rounds that afternoon. In fact I opted to sell my Lyman turret press that I have been using for handgun and 223 for 15 years.

 

[74_stingray]

My wife has a DAA case feeder on her 550. I did the setup, instructions could use some help, but it's doable. We get a case that falls on occasion, she has a lighter touch than I do and can sense when a case has fallen, I usually don't until I crush the case. We (generally she) load 9mm and .357 on the 550 ( if/when we decide to do other small primer calibers they will be done on the 550). I do all large primers on my 650. Changing primers is not a big deal on the 550 like it is on the 650, but it still is another step to go through in making a caliber change.

One other cautionary note on the case feeder, keep an eye on the feeder tube that is doing feeding, with 9mm they each hold 25 cases and they run out very fast, so watch out that you don't run the tube on empty before changing to the next full tube. We have both done that more times than we want to talk about.

Mike

I really enjoyed using the machine with the Double Alpha mechanical case feeder, no doubt it's much more efficient with the feeder. I have a pretty good touch and was able to catch the cases where I induced a double feed and simply plucked the second case off with large tweezers, sticking it right back in the lower (orange) portion of the feeder, it works perfectly if I don't second guess my self about "did I seat the primer" and manipulate the handle.
The video for install is not on par with the Gary from Dillon videos but I had no trouble with the setup.

 

[74_stingray]

I have the 550. Buy the roller handle from these folks: https://www.doublealpha.biz/us/daa-roller-handle. It is very well thought out makes the operation of the machine better.

I bought the Armonov roller bearing version, well pleased with the addition.

 

[74_stingray]

And a primer tube loader. I like the double alpha. Dillon makes a pricey one too.

I opted for the $75 Frankford Armory tool, I thought it worked well, definitely a good idea.

 

[74_stingray]

Frankford Arsenal also makes a nice primer tube loader. Much cheaper.

Took that advice.

 

[74_stingray]

Where my RL550 sits on my bench, the fourescent lighting above shines directly down, and I can plainly see the powder level in the case before it heads to the seating station. Never had a problem, and never have needed additional lighting to see the powder level.

I absolutely LOVE this machine!



I'm now pondering the roller handle......does it really make a difference and worth the cost?

I didn't even try the ball handle, set mine up with the Armonov roller bearing handle, I like it.

 

[74_stingray]

The biggest thing I have to report is I love this machine and WHY didn't I do this 25 years ago!
Thanks to all for your input and suggestions. The Dillon Blue Waters are refreshing.
Eddy

 

[74_stingray]

I did have to install the Dillon on the opposite side of my gunroom due to the ceiling on my bench side, the case feeder needed 7" more room.

 

[625-8]

I got the tool head light from DAA and it is excellent.

Complete Unit - DAA Toolhead LED Lighting System - Dillon 550

This is a complete DAA Toolhead LED Lighting System for Dillon RL550.Enjoy a perfectly lit shell-plate as you reload on your Dillon RL550 with our DAA Toolhead LED Lights. Make your reloading easier and less strenuous on the eyes, while avoiding mistakes in your reloading process.Board:...

www.doublealpha.biz

I like these roller handles

Ergonomic style roller for Dillon RL 550 B & C models - Inline Fabrication

Ergonomic style roller lever for the Dillon RL 550 B & C models. Offers 3.5 inches of back relief....

inlinefabrication.com

The great thing about Dillon machines is the huge aftermarket for parts and things to suit about every situation.