Took a sip of the Blue Kool-Aid yesterday

[JLarsson]

My brother, who is apparently on a mission to "evangelize" me until I'm blue in the press, "made" me run about 30 rounds through his Dillon 550 yesterday. I currently have a LoadMaster set up (and working, btw) for a bunch of different handgun cartridges and am experimenting with .223's.

For the Dillon catechism, the selected round was 45 ACP, Clays powder, and some kind of MG flat-point bullet. At first (for the first 5 rounds or so) it was pretty alien to me. Pushing forward at what used to be the end of the stroke in order to seat the primer was just too weird. But I REALLY appreciated the "feel" of seating the primer vs. the LM's "well, the primer didn't ignite so that's good".

Another thing I never considered before but can see the benefit of was the ability to deprime a case, remove the primer crimp via whatever method you prefer, and then reinsert it into the load sequence. You can do that on a LM but it's not as straightforward. Also, this means that you can cycle primed cases through the sequence without having to remove the priming system or the primers from the press. Neato! Also, it means that you can use the press to deprime brass like a single stage if you want to deprime and tumble, f'rinstance. Cool!

So all that said, I was still a little more than apprehensive about not having a casefeeder. On the LM, I grab a bullet, set it on the case (after checking the powder visually, of course) and crank the handle. The casefeeder keeps me going a bit faster. But once one becomes familiar with the 550, it's pretty easy to grab a bullet AND an empty case, place them both more or less simultaneously, and crank the handle. So there's not much lost time there. I still like the auto-indexing of the LM but I found the manual advance of the 550 very easy to adjust to.

Did I mention I really like the Dillon powder measure? The whole operation of the press was much smoother than I anticipated. All you blue guys can smile knowingly at this point. :)

Initial investment, particularly to load everything that I'm loading now, is still a real inhibitor to me in terms of converting. Gotta' "count the cost" y'might say. :) Seriously, though, I'm MUCH closer than I was before, and anyone considering a progressive would be well-served to at least operate a Dillon before making a final decision. If I were starting from scratch I would probably go the 550 route.

[freakshow10mm]

I wish I started with a 550 from the get go. The price isn't really all that bad. Now I load everything on it from 32 H&R to 375 H&H Mag and 45/70.

[Phunahm]

LM to 550B here and happy with it...It does take some getting use to but its only a short duration to acclimate......... :thumbsup:

[creophus]

You know, you can use both. Go with the 550 when you find a good price on a setup that you want and keep using the Loadmaster for other calibers. As good deals show up, get more conversions for the Dillon and migrate gradually.

I converted from a LCCTP. I just might use it again for some rifle loading though.

[Pitmaster]

I'm keeping an eye out for a deal on ebay, other sites, and locally for a Dillon.

[ustate]

One of these days I'll make the jump from my Lee Turret to either the Dillon or Hornady LNL. I figure I'll let the points on my Cabelas card keep ticking up until I can get the LNL with the points or wait to see if a co-worder sells his Dillon that he doesn't use anymore to me. Though he does say that talking about reloading with me has made him consider taking it back up. But one of these days I'll make the jump to a progressive.

[JLarsson]

You know, you can use both. Go with the 550 when you find a good price on a setup that you want and keep using the Loadmaster for other calibers. As good deals show up, get more conversions for the Dillon and migrate gradually.

I converted from a LCCTP. I just might use it again for some rifle loading though.

Excellent advice. I had been starting to think this direction, but your post is more coherent/concise than my thoughts had been thus far. :thumbsup:

I know the consensus is "You'll never regret buying a Dillon": Now, I know a bit better about "why" that is so. :)

[Phunahm]

Tell ya what even LM brings a decent price on Ebay I sold mine for 300 bux with a couple extras....... enough to by extra Dillon goodies..:patriot:

[DssG19]

I love my new 550. In fact the LnL AP might be up for sale soon. :thumbsup:

[colorado4wheel]

But I REALLY appreciated the "feel" of seating the primer vs. the LM's "well, the primer didn't ignite so that's good".


LOL

I too switched recently. It took me longer then you to adjust to the 550. Pushing to prime and setting a case manually was the oddest thing. NOW, it's just not a issue. Not wondering if a primer is going to go BANG is worth the price to me. Wish I had never done the LM but I think the Classic Turret is a great press. Once you get used to the 550 it's fast enough. Is it faster then a LM. Not really sure. I used the case feeder. It was great, but I manually put each bullet in the tube. It let me inspect the cases at the same time. I don't care either way. LM was frustrating even when running well. 550 is a pleasure to use.

Edit: And your right the powder measure and the powder die are much better. I use the Lee Dies in my other stations. I just got a Dillon Taper Die and honestly, when I took it out of the box I thought "I paid double the Lee price for THIS?" No adjusting knob on the top. Seems like less of a die for more money. It does come apart for cleaning very easily.

[callahan318]

550B's are great...I am learning and now wondering why I did not get one sooner.

[Shadowdog500]

I recently transitioned to 550 and wound up liking it allot more than I thought I would. You hit on allot of the reasons I like it, but I also like the fact that the systems are extremely straight forward, and don’t seem to rely on any of the other systems. I used to run my Loadmaster without a case feeder, and my production rates on the 550 are about the same. I also get some sort of satisfaction hearing the primer buzzer going off. It tells me I just loaded 100 rounds and keeps me from putting a few through without a primer (which I would occasionally do with the LM from not paying attention) I also like the fact that I can see the primer cup advance with the primer on the down stroke. The press has not had any problems, but seeing that is still reassuring. There is nothing wrong with a loadmaster, and once you figure it out it will run fine. But these few points made me like the 550 more than I thought I would.

Thanks,

Chris

[jawjaboy]

The 550 is a good machine. So is the Classic Cast turret. For workin new loads, I'll always go to the turret first. Much quicker for me to make changes.

Someone who is a Dillon user, here last w/e, said that he would like to have one. And someone who is a die hard Dillon fan here made a statement that his Classic turret got more use last year than his Dillons.

Jes say'n. :sifone:

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g194/jawjaboy/IM000109.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g194/jawjaboy/IM000631.jpg

[KCGunnr]

I musta guzzled the blue koolade.

Dual 550B's here. :sifone:

I got tired of changing the primer setup.

I mostly load .223 and .45acp anyway...

Once you taste the blue stuff, you can't go back.

I do have a Lee :yikes: Classic Cast single stage to work up loads on though.

[JLarsson]

I musta guzzled the blue koolade.

Dual 550B's here. :sifone:

I got tired of changing the primer setup.

I mostly load .223 and .45acp anyway...

Once you taste the blue stuff, you can't go back.

I do have a Lee :yikes: Classic Cast single stage to work up loads on though.

Oh yeah - I got one of those when they first came out. Was like $58 shipped. For single-stage it is a GREAT press.

[JLarsson]

The 550 is a good machine. So is the Classic Cast turret. For workin new loads, I'll always go to the turret first. Much quicker for me to make changes.

Someone who is a Dillon user, here last w/e, said that he would like to have one. And someone who is a die hard Dillon fan here made a statement that his Classic turret got more use last year than his Dillons.

Jes say'n. :sifone:

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g194/jawjaboy/IM000109.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g194/jawjaboy/IM000631.jpg

I always like seein' your pix here, JJB. The word that always comes to mind is "real". As in "For real". :)

It still amazes me that you got all those parts put together into an actual, working 550. I'd still be pickin' parts out of my carpet (yeah - reloading room is carpeted - OLD shag, too, but we didn't have a choice about that) 'cause I spilled the box all over. :rolleyes:

[unclebob]

Before you jump into a 550 try a 650. I think you would really like it. It is closer to a LM but Sooooooo much better.

[cohutt]

JJB, glad to know the old press is getting some use and props.

Right now i load 44 and 45-70 on my original 550. I have a 44mag conversion kit for the 650 too and haven't decided whether to sell it and stay with the 550 or migrate it to the 650. I think i'll keep the 44mag on the 550. Maybe. Decisons.

Also have 308/30-06, 38/357, 45 colt for the 650, plus the dillon die set for 36/357 but don't load for them. What to do about these? Damn decisions.

[MakeMineaP99]

I'm keeping an eye out for a deal on ebay, other sites, and locally for a Dillon.

LNL all the way.

[JLarsson]

Before you jump into a 550 try a 650. I think you would really like it. It is closer to a LM but Sooooooo much better.

My brother has a 650 as well. He mated a Lee casefeeder to it (he hasn't seen this site or GT, far as I know - he doesn't spend much time on forums and doesn't show any interest) and made the remark that "Dillon would be rolling in his grave". I better send my condolences. I didn't know he was dead.

Anyway, he didn't offer that this time and I didn't ask. But the possibility is there....

[layusn1]

Stick with other people's Kool-aid...much cheaper...lol.

[JLarsson]

Stick with other people's Kool-aid...much cheaper...lol.

Ooooh - good idea. I bet he'd let me "borrow" it and then once I get it home - well, we all know about possession being 9/10th's of the law. :supergrin:

[BigDog[RE]]

The 550 is a good machine. So is the Classic Cast turret. For workin new loads, I'll always go to the turret first. Much quicker for me to make changes.

Someone who is a Dillon user, here last w/e, said that he would like to have one. And someone who is a die hard Dillon fan here made a statement that his Classic turret got more use last year than his Dillons.

Jes say'n. :sifone:





Hell, I'm a die hard Dillon fanboy with 2 550s and I'm thinking about picking up a LCT. Slick little press.

[layusn1]

Ooooh - good idea. I bet he'd let me "borrow" it and then once I get it home - well, we all know about possession being 9/10th's of the law. :supergrin:

Just take a six pack with you and go use the press at his house. Or maybe you could buy a die set you both need...share a portion of the equipment cost...

[JLarsson]

Just take a six pack with you and go use the press at his house. Or maybe you could buy a die set you both need...share a portion of the equipment cost...

He'd let me come use it any time I want. I don't mind takin' him a six-pack (Mtn. Dew - I get off cheap 'n easy!) but he wouldn't care either way. I give him a lot of grief sometimes - he's my OLDER brother, doncha' know - but he's VERY generous. He's given me several guns over the years just 'cause.

The downside is I often do my reloading late at night - kids gone to bed, phone isn't ringing off the hook, etc. I can just see myself showing up at midnight, bullets, brass, powder, and primers in hand. lol

[Steve Koski]

The 550 is ok, for a glorified overpriced turret press, but it's no Loadmaster.

[Bush Pilot]

The 550 is ok, for a glorified overpriced turret press, but it's no Loadmaster.

Will it never end with you?

[JLarsson]

You guys crack me up. Like this: :) Or sometimes like this: :supergrin: Or even like this: :rofl:

But then again, with the right meds, maybe even like this: :biggrinjester: :biggrinjester: :biggrinjester:


Seriously, though, I might just keep the LM set up as a dedicated machine for.....don't know yet. Ha - listen to me - talking about "keeping the LM" and there's not even a 550 on the horizon. :rolleyes5:

[layusn1]

Oh come on, you're already used to a progressive...don't buy a couple hundred bullets and spend the extra money for the 650, save up for the case feeder...you'll love yourself for it later...

[JLarsson]

Oh come on, you're already used to a progressive...don't buy a couple hundred bullets and spend the extra money for the 650, save up for the case feeder...you'll love yourself for it later...

I knew this post was a mistake....:rolleyes:

We really need a smiley that's a dollar sign in flames. "Money to burn", right? :supergrin:

[layusn1]

I couldn't resist...somebody was going to say it eventually...I'm just one of the few still awake at this hour.

[jawjaboy]

;10431']Hell, I'm a die hard Dillon fanboy with 2 550s and I'm thinking about picking up a LCT. Slick little press.

See there! :prrr::prrr:

Thanks Big'un! :supergrin:

[AFPD 118]

Get a 550 in the round you load most and use the LM for the others

[copdills]

I'am beginning to feel Blue Blue Blue