Newbie reload question about dillion 550

[fishman]

I have read a lot of posts suggesting a single stage press of newbie. but can you set up the progessive dillion 550 for reloading one bullet at a time?

[Blue]

I have read a lot of posts suggesting a single stage press of newbie. but can you set up the progessive dillion 550 for reloading one bullet at a time?

Yea, the 550 doesn't auto index so you can take it one step at a time.

[fishman]

do that mean I can start learning w/ the 550 as a single stage turret press at the beginning and when I get more experience, I can use it as a progressive. So this one press will fit all my need for a while??

[Blue]

do that mean I can start learning w/ the 550 as a single stage turret press at the beginning and when I get more experience, I can use it as a progressive. So this one press will fit all my need for a while??

Yup you'll be set with it.

[mur]

Load only 1 casing at at time, let it go through all the stages then load another

[CSACANNONEER]

do that mean I can start learning w/ the 550 as a single stage turret press at the beginning and when I get more experience, I can use it as a progressive. So this one press will fit all my need for a while??

Yes! you will be able to load all your little common rounds (under 50BMG) with it assuming you can get the correct shell plates. If you plan on loading .25acp or a few other less common calibers, you might not be able to find conversion kits for them. I have a 550 conversion kit for .25 acp but, they were discontinued and are hard to find. Also, if you plan to load 50BMG, 510DTC or other "normal" calibers, you will need a whole different set of tools including a different press. Dillon is in the proccess of designing a way to load 50s with a 550 but, I don't know how well it will work. Also, 550s are not able to load shotgun ammo.

[Blue]

Yes! you will be able to load all your little common rounds (under 50BMG) with it assuming you can get the correct shell plates. If you plan on loading .25acp or a few other less common calibers, you might not be able to find conversion kits for them. I have a 550 conversion kit for .25 acp but, they were discontinued and are hard to find. Also, if you plan to load 50BMG, 510DTC or other "normal" calibers, you will need a whole different set of tools including a different press. Dillon is in the proccess of designing a way to load 50s with a 550 but, I don't know how well it will work. Also, 550s are not able to load shotgun ammo.

There's also a universal shell plate that they have/had. But you're limited to one shell at a time in the press.

[CSACANNONEER]

There's also a universal shell plate that they have/had. But you're limited to one shell at a time in the press.

I assume it would require a special single cavity tool head? If you ever see one for sale, please let me know!

[Blue]

I assume it would require a special single cavity tool head? If you ever see one for sale, please let me know!

No it still rotates just like the rest, it's got a 3 winged divider to keep you from accidentally putting a shell in the wrong spot too. I'll have to dig mine up and take pics sometime.

[mur]

I inquired a few weeks ago
You can order the universal shell plate from dillon for the 550

Part #16610 for $28.89
- Order by phone or fax, parts aren't available on-line

[ChessRatz]

I have read a lot of posts suggesting a single stage press of newbie. but can you set up the progessive dillion 550 for reloading one bullet at a time?

You could do that with a 650 as well. As was mentioned before, it's just a matter of only putting one primer, case and bullet in it at a time.

The very first reloading I ever did was when I bought my 650. I never even handled a single stage press. I did however read a ton of posts about reloading and was lucky enough to have a couple of friends that answered a ton of my questions. One other thing that wouldn't hurt is watching some of the youtube vids (they have everything on that site ). The vids put all that reading into perspective and help you understand it much better.

I also think it helps when you set up your press for yourself. You learn how the press works as well as understand what each die does and how it does it. And just because its a progressive press capable of pumping out 800 rounds per hour, doesn't mean you have to go that fast. My first hundred probably took an hour.

Just like anything else, you will learn what you are doing in due time. In this case, you will learn what "feels" right and wrong. You will also learn what looks right and what looks wrong (like those stupid 380's mixed in with my 9mm ) Take your time, no need to set any speed records. You will find yourself going faster when you feel comfortable with it. I just recently timed myself and did 500 in 50 minutes (including loading up my primer tubes). IMHO, I dont see why I would need to go any faster.

I do understand why people suggest learning on a single stage but that don't mean YOU HAVE to learn on a single stage. They only reason I would suggest learning on a single stage is because the start up costs are very affordable. Just my opinion, hope it helps.

[ar15barrels]

do that mean I can start learning w/ the 550 as a single stage turret press at the beginning and when I get more experience, I can use it as a progressive. So this one press will fit all my need for a while??

That's how I teach people.
The 550 will serve you well for years.

[ar15barrels]

I assume it would require a special single cavity tool head? If you ever see one for sale, please let me know!

It's a 4 station shellplate, but each of the 4 stations has a different shellholder number.
This is the plate that ships with the AT500.
I have one here somewhere because I got an AT500 from a buddy for like $100 and upgraded it to a regular 550.
It also has a different indexing star that covers the 3 un-used stations on the shellplate so you don't get mixed up over which slot you are using on the shellplate.
The AT500 also comes with a powder funnel die that lets you bell cases without a powder measure.
You can weigh charges and drop them in the funnel when the ram is up.

[fishman]

thank for all the replies! look like the 550B is a go. but I also wonder about the 650, did it worth the extra $100? What is the auto index on the 650 mean?

[Blue]

thank for all the replies! look like the 550B is a go. but I also wonder about the 650, did it worth the extra $100? What is the auto index on the 650 mean?

The shell plate automatically rotates to the next station. I don't know if you can disable that for single stage/turret type loading.