Using Lee Dies w/ Dillon 550B?

[pca7ggr]

Are there any issues associated with using the Lee Deluxe Carbide 4-Die Sets for reloading 9mm Luger and/or 40S&W pistol rounds for my Beretta 92/96 autos?

I have read the various threads and the Lee dies sets appear to be as good as the more expensive sets from RCBS/Dillon/Redding/others. But, I want to get some more input before I buy. Thanks

[Fjold]

IIRC, You have to use the Dillon powder through expanding die as that's the one that fits the Dillon powder measure. I have a set of Lee dies in my 550 (I think). I have about 6 or 7 different brands of dies and they all interchange so I don't worry about it.

[Ugly Dwarf]

I use Lee dies on my 550B for .45 ACP. They work fine, though I'm not a huge fan of the Lee lock rings.

As Frank noted, you'll skip the Lee expander die in favor of the Dillon powder die / funnel.

[EKIM]

I have lee 9mm dies in my dillion as well, works fine. If you get the conversion kit, it'll come with the powder funnel you can slip it in your existing dillon powder die, or get another so you don't have to switch them out.

[ar15barrels]

Some lee dies won't have threads long enough to properly adjust in a dillon toolhead.
The solution is to install the lock ring on the underside of the toolhead.

[ojisan]

Many brands of dies do not have a champher at the bottom, meaning the cases may not line up with the die and go in easy without jiggling them a little. Most dies will work with a 550, I use a mix of several different brands.

The Dillion dies are what you really want, though.

[pca7ggr]

Thanks for the input. I'd like to go with the Dillon dies. They are costly but might be the way to go in the long run.

[ar15barrels]

I was going to say something like "just because festiva wheels fit on a mustang, that don't mean it's a good idea"...

[pca7ggr]

Randall,

Reminds me of a poster I saw with a heavy set guy shown from the back wearing a pair of speedos. The caption read:

"Just cause it fits doesn't mean it looks good."

With that said, I am going with Dillon die sets. I scored a 40S&W die set today and will continue my hunt for the 9mm Luger set. Thanks all for your input.

[AEC1]

Why would you ruin a great set of dies by mounting them in an over priced, over hyped machine?

[ar15barrels]

Why would you ruin a great set of dies by mounting them in an over priced, over hyped machine?

To test the blade.

[ojisan]

[Bill92869]

AEC1, I was thinking the same thing. Keep the dillon press away from the Lee dies.

[AEC1]

Randall, You and I have been bickering abou this for a long time. I hope you know I am just giving you a hard time. I know that the dillion is a great machine, and worth every penny to those that can afford them. Just as a Ferrari is to those that can. I just cant and my 3 Lees work great for me.

[CSACANNONEER]

I use Dillon dies with my Lee hand press. I use Lee dies with my 550 and 650. The only problem I've ever had with different makes of dies and presses has been with the Lee 50BMG stuff because it uses a propietary thread size instead of the standard one for all other makes of 50BMG dies. But, I knew that going into it and bought the LeE 50BMG pack as a back-up system anyways.