New to reloading help with Dillon 550

[CSACANNONEER]

Get the Lyman manual and read it. That will answer 90% of your questions about the reloading process and what is needed. It has good data also.
Get a brass cleaner and separator. I use the vibrator type and a Midway separator.

Waldog---Try RCBS spray lube and you will change your statement about spray lubes. I tried Hornady and just got stuck cases. Just toss the brass into a metal baking pan, spray, shake a bit, spray again and size. I do 204Ruger and up to 50bmg and do not get stuck cases. This include brass fired out of a full-auto weapon which are the hardest to size.

I agree with getting a Lyman manual and tumbler. I find that Hornady One Shot works great if you apply it properly. But, for 50BMG, I prefer Imperial sizing wax.

[Germz]

fsh4bass, you do not need a reloading manual (all load data is online at the powder manufacturer's website)...

Im going to have to disagree. With all the information out right now on the internet, one can get by without a manual.

Although its suggested you don't NEED a manual to start reloading.

I love these posts. lets just blindly trust the internet.

[JMP]

You have you remember a few things:

1. A manual is a professionally written and verified source. the internet is...well...the internet.

2. New reloaders don't have the ability to sort out BS on the internet.

3. Eyes, ears, fingers, etc. are worth a $30 investment.

You have to remember a few things:
1. Many here struggle with reading
2. There are many professionals here, even NRA Certified Instructors
3. At the rate they make new equipment and bullets, written manuals quickly become obsolete

Oh yeah, to the OP, I wouldn't do 30-06 on a progressive unless you aren't concerned with accuracy.

[CSACANNONEER]

You have to remember a few things:
1. Many here struggle with reading
2. There are many professionals here, even NRA Certified Instructors
3. At the rate they make new equipment and bullets, written manuals quickly become obsolete

Oh yeah, to the OP, I wouldn't do 30-06 on a progressive unless you aren't concerned with accuracy.

As a 550 owner, NRA instructor and precision shooter, I don't have any problems loading rifle rounds on a progressive. It does take prepping brass and then running it through the 550. It's not a one step process but, they shoot better than most factory rounds. But, for match shooting I do weigh every round and tend to use single stage presses to load for matches.

[Leethe4th]

I love these posts. lets just blindly trust the internet.
]

Are you reading comprehension challeged? What I said WAS you do not need a reloading manual (all load data is online at the powder manufacturer's website).

Germz, You think you can fun of me because I am a new member? That would be a mistake as I have been relaoding for over 25 years.

So if your manual says 4.5 grains of TiteGroup and the HODGDON webiste says 3.8 grains, WHICH one will you choose? I mean why would you go with the manufacturers load data, after all they ONLY MAKE THE POWDER@!

[CSACANNONEER]

Are you reading comprehension challeged? What I said WAS you do not need a reloading manual (all load data is online at the powder manufacturer's website).

Germz, You think you can fun of me because I am a new member? That would be a mistake as I have been relaoding for over 25 years.

So if your manual says 4.5 grains of TiteGroup and the HODGDON webiste says 3.8 grains, WHICH one will you choose? I mean why would you go with the manufacturers load data, after all they ONLY MAKE THE POWDER@!

That's why every reloader needs multiple sources. One manual/source isn't enough for me. Misprints happen in print whether on paper on digital. Just because a powder manufacturer gives a max load, it doesn't mean it is the safe max load for every bullet that weight or every gun. I like powder manufactures' data but, it isn't enough for me. I actually prefer the bullet manufacturer's data over a powder manufacturer's data which is using a generic bullet and an unknown test gun. After all, they only make and test their bullets with the same canister grade powder that one can buy retail. In the end, I don't trust any published max loads (the only thing you'll see published by most powder manufacturers). I start low and work my way up until I get the results I want or start getting pressure signs.

[madjack956]

Read a manual, don't buy a progressive as your first press.

Why would you suggest this... A lot of people bought a progressive as their first press and you know what happened?

They didn't have to buy another press later.

Its really not all that difficult. Most of us learned before there was an internet.

We had to read books, or open the instructions.

[CSACANNONEER]

Why would you suggest this... A lot of people bought a progressive as their first press and you know what happened?

They didn't have to buy another press later.

Its really not all that difficult. Most of us learned before there was an internet.

We had to read books, or open the instructions.

LOL. Most people I know who bought a progressive press first (including me) have gone on to buy at least one single stage press. Progressive presses are a lot harder to set up specially if you don't really understand the entire reloading process in the first place.

[dbash]

To the original OP, I started with a 1050. Take a look at your hands and face, want to keep all of them? so did I. The internet will answer specific questions, the Lyman 49th edition and the Ultimate reloading manual for each specific caliber you want to load will teach you things you don't yet know to search for on the internet...... that last statement should sink in, if it did not read it again.....
Take your time, if you don't understand something post a question on here and someone will help just ignore the mean reply's.
Starter Loads are your friend, cross reference a few manuals and online if you wish, find a powder that has a low velocity make sure your powder loads are Consistent before seating any bullets. Resist the urge to load 1,000 rounds prior to shooting the first ten or twenty...... Inspect your spent cartridges carefully and re-read the info in your manuals, you will learn things during this process.... Range Brass is awesome, IF you see it shot out of a factory case until you learn how to identify worn out brass...... I live by this rule, saw it on here months ago and consider it is sound advice.
Congrats on a nice purchase, Be Safe, Have Fun, Don't Hurry...... READ, READ, READ....

[Sunday]

Too late on the second recommendation.

The 550 Dillon is a great press to learn on.

[Waldog]

I concur on the single stage press. Even though you have a 550, you will eventually want a single stage press. ALL my rifle ammo is loaded on a single stage press. But, i usually don't load more than 100 rounds of rifle at a time. If your a AR blaster, 100 rounds probably won't suit you. Your 550 will work fine for massive 223 reloads. Others too, of course. But, I doubt your going to load 500 rounds of 338 Lapua.

[Rac97crawford]

Fsh4brass,
You'll want to start with 45acp before you get into necked calibers. As rounds to reload go, 45 acp is one of the easiest and most forgiving. It's a low pressure round that takes little to no crimp, and you can reload it more times than most other calibers.

I started on a 650 with no experience in reloading cause I didn't want to buy a single then step up. It was a slow process to get started with lots of tinkering and research but It worked out just fine. I've since picked up a 550 for calibers that I won't want to do in bulk. The 550 is a great press too.
I think you'll be fine but as the rest have said, get a couple manuals and Take your time!

[Multra]

Why would you suggest this... A lot of people bought a progressive as their first press and you know what happened?

They didn't have to buy another press later.

Its really not all that difficult. Most of us learned before there was an internet.

We had to read books, or open the instructions.

Because when you are new you are prone to mistakes and it is way easier to make mistakes on a progressive press than it is a single stage. Buying a progressive press as your first one is plain stupid, especially when you come in and go "HOW DO I DO THIS." It's like learning to ride a motorcycle before you learn to ride a bike or drive a car, sure some people can do it and not kill themselves, doesn't mean it was a good idea.

[Rac97crawford]

To help bring this thread back on topic. He is asking what else he needs to get rolling on his new 550 other than what comes in the box. He also stated that he has reloaded shotgun so he's not totally new to reloading. He also didn't come in asking "how do I do this.."
With some back ground in reloading a 550 is a good starter.

[CSACANNONEER]

To help bring this thread back on topic. He is asking what else he needs to get rolling on his new 550 other than what comes in the box. He also stated that he has reloaded shotgun so he's not totally new to reloading. He also didn't come in asking "how do I do this.."
With some back ground in reloading a 550 is a good starter.

OK, some of us have given him lists of things he is going to need. You haven't. Sorry but, I have been reloading shotshells since the '80s. I din't start reloading metallic cartridges until the late 90's. Just like the OP, I started metallic cartridge reloading on a 550. It's no were near the same as reloading shotshells.