Reloading Question

[Thumper]

Hi,

been a lurker for awhile now, just reading and trying to learn more about reloading/firearms in general. I've been reloading for about 5 years now, using a RCBS Rockchucker for 9mm, 40SW, and 300 Winchester Magnum. My boss gave me a Dillon RL450. I don't really have any experience in using a press of this type. I did get everything he had, but I am unsure if I am missing anything. Included were 2 plastic cases with what I am assuming are the parts for 44 mag/special and 45 acp. While I don't have either of these calibers, I am contemplating on getting a 45 in the not so distant future. My question is, how hard is it to set up this Dillon machine versus my Rockchucker? I am fairly comfortable with reloading with that, but this is a whole new dimension for me. I did look at Dillons website, but they dont seem to sell the 450 model anymore.

Thanks for your time and I hope to learn a bunch from you guys.

Jon.

[Revoman]

I would either re-visit the Dillon site and locate the 'set up' page, it has all of their loaders along with the original instruction pamphlet.
You can also call Dillon, I have many times, for the information that you need. I have found them to be extremely helpful, not always super friendly, but always helpful in the past. (I guess that one would get kind of tired answering the same questions day after day.)
Knowing how my Dillon set up, yours should be just as simple.

[rayra]

Dillon has fantastic customer service, even for second-hand owners. Call them, they'll steer you to the info you need, help you check out the parts you've got, and help you get your press set up properly.
And they have a great setup video available if you feel you need more visual feedback / assistance.

It's basically quite similar to any other progressive press, in that there are multiple operations happening with every stroke of the handle.
The setup at each station is really no different that your rockchucker, just that it's all happening at the same time once you are underway.

It takes me about 15mins to change from 9mm to .30-06, the worst-case switchover, in which you have to swap out the primer feed assembly and the powder transfer bar, on top of the usual die toolhead and shell plate swaps.
I generally try to organize my reloading sessions so I'm working on rifle calibers in sequence, or like-sized primers in sequence, so I have less things to swap on the press as I switch from caliber to caliber.

[f4tweet]

I think you could upgrade it to a 550.

[Thumper]

thanks guys, i emailed Dillon this morning. Hopefully they will have something for me one way or the other.

Jon.

[ar15barrels]

The 450 is basically a 550 without removable toolheads.
You setup the dies in each station just like you would in a single stage press.
The 450 lacked the automatatic primer and powder systems.
I would absolutely add those upgrades if the press still has the black pull knobs now.
The biggest change for you will be the automatic powder measure and how it adjusts for case belling.

You will love the 450 for loading your 9mm ammo.

[Thumper]

How is the consistency of the Dillon compared to doing 1 round at a time with the Rockchucker? I like knowing that the first round I do is exactly the same as the 500th round I do.

Didn't see an email from Dillon yet on upgrading the machine yet, so maybe after work today. I do like the idea of doing reloading on a much larger scale to stockpile some ammo and knowing how long it takes me to do 1 at a time this would be a great time saver. But, its something to do during the winter time.

Jon.

[ar15barrels]

How is the consistency of the Dillon compared to doing 1 round at a time with the Rockchucker?

On pistol cartridges, sizing, priming, seating and crimping will all be the same.
Powder charging is different, but depending on how you were doing it before, the Dillon measure will be fine for ball/disc/flake powders.
You would want to weigh charges of stick powder for match rifle loads.

I would continue sizing rifle brass on the single stage.
You can setup the Dillon to prime, charge and seat bullets and it's much faster.

[Thumper]

Thank you for the advice Randall. I am looking forward to using it. Ive got a lot of empty brass sitting waiting to be loaded and i dont think there is enough time to do it singly on the rockchucker.

Jon.

[Thumper]

Decided to call Dillon today. Found out about upgrade/refurbishment etc. Cost is 350$ to upgrade it to a RL550B. Almost as much as a new 550. Not sure if its worth the effort to do this or just buy a new 550 machine. I can send what i have back to Dillon and for 40$~ they will go through it and 'tune it up' as much as they can with what parts they have. What do you guys think? Upgrade, 'tune-up', or just buy a new one?

Jon.

[CSACANNONEER]

Use the 450, as is (or get the couple parts you need from Dillon), for a dedicated on caliber press. By a 550 for everything else. If you are looking at high production reloading a 650 is faster BUT, there are less caliber conversions for a 650 and they cost more than caliber conversions for a 550.

[bohoki]

i say leave it alone and see if you can get it to work with what you have

i would set it up to a caliber you load a lot and leave it i would suggest 45 acp if you have the plate

and buy another if you find you like progressive loading

[ar15barrels]

I would upgrade it to auto prime, auto eject and auto powder, but don't do the frame swap.
The frame swap is the expensive part.