Understanding the Dillon 550 Reloading Press
Overview of the Dillon RL550 Press
The Dillon RL550 press is a mainstay in reloading setups worldwide, praised for its sturdiness, velocity, and user-friendliness. Its design embodies progressive reloading ideas, permitting a number of phases of the reloading course of to happen concurrently with every stroke of the deal with. This streamlined workflow considerably boosts effectivity in comparison with single-stage presses, making it ultimate for individuals who shoot regularly.
The core of the Dillon 550’s operation hinges on its ingenious indexing system. This technique routinely rotates the shell plate, advancing every cartridge case by the assorted stations. This progressive motion contains the preliminary sizing and priming of the brass, powder allotting, bullet seating, and the crimping phases.
The press’s body is constructed from rugged supplies, constructed to face up to the trials of repeated use. Its strong development contributes to the Dillon 550’s stability, guaranteeing correct and constant reloading. The press’s design can also be intentionally made to be simple to keep up, a function that contributes to its lengthy lifespan.
One of many key options of the Dillon 550 is its modularity. It’s designed to be simply tailored for various calibers, a functionality that’s considerably enhanced by way of conversion kits.
What’s a Dillon 550 Conversion Package?
Defining the Conversion Package
The time period “conversion equipment” within the context of the Dillon 550 describes a set of components particularly designed to allow the press to deal with totally different cartridge case shapes and sizes. If you determine to reload a unique caliber, you’re not merely altering one factor; you are adjusting the scale of the components that maintain, dimension, and form the brass instances and apply the bullets. That is the place the conversion equipment is available in.
Key Elements
A Dillon 550 conversion equipment usually consists of three major elements. The shell plate is essentially the most visually noticeable change. That is the round metallic plate that holds the cartridge case, and its design varies in accordance with the rim and base diameter of the cartridge. The shell plate securely holds the case because it progresses by the totally different stations of the reloading course of.
The second vital element is the powder funnel. This piece suits into the powder measure and exactly directs the measured quantity of powder into the case mouth. Completely different calibers typically require totally different powder funnel profiles to accommodate the various neck diameters of the instances. This ensures that the powder is allotted accurately and prevents spillage.
Lastly, sure conversion kits embrace a case feed tube. Although not all the time required, a case feed tube simplifies the method of feeding instances into the press. This addition is often seen in kits for pistol calibers and helps enhance the loading velocity.
These elements, meticulously engineered and tailored, work collectively to make sure the reloading course of is profitable and exact, permitting you to load totally different calibers rapidly and reliably.
Advantages of Utilizing Dillon 550 Conversion Kits
Enhanced Versatility
The flexibility to reload a broad spectrum of calibers with a single press is the standout profit. Whether or not you’re trying to load .223 Remington to your AR-15, 9mm to your pistol, or one thing solely totally different, the suitable conversion equipment facilitates the method. This flexibility eliminates the necessity to buy and retailer a number of presses, every devoted to a selected cartridge. It simplifies your reloading bench and streamlines the general course of.
Value-Effectiveness
Shopping for a single Dillon 550 press and numerous conversion kits is commonly significantly cheaper than investing in a number of specialised presses. This price financial savings are significantly interesting for reloaders who plan to load quite a lot of calibers, because it minimizes the monetary funding.
Ease of Use
Dillon understands that reloaders worth effectivity. Altering calibers with the conversion kits is designed to be an easy course of. The elements are usually put in with none advanced instruments, and the change will be accomplished in a matter of minutes. This swift caliber change considerably reduces downtime and makes reloading classes extra productive.
Dillon’s Status
Dillon Precision has constructed a repute for manufacturing high-quality, reliable reloading tools. Dillon conversion kits are designed and manufactured to the identical exacting requirements. This ensures a product that’s constructed to face up to constant use and supply the efficiency and longevity that reloaders demand. The Dillon assure and availability of substitute components additional improve the worth.
Selecting the Proper Conversion Package
Figuring out Your Calibers
First, outline the calibers you plan to reload. Create a listing of the cartridges you intend to load, whether or not it is pistol cartridges, rifle cartridges, or a mix of each. That is the muse to your choice.
Understanding Compatibility
Analysis the cartridge compatibility to your Dillon 550 press. The knowledge on Dillon’s web site or of their product manuals is the definitive information. This chart is a useful useful resource, outlining which conversion kits are required for numerous calibers and figuring out any further elements that is perhaps wanted.
Deciding on Kits for Particular Wants
Relying in your taking pictures habits and the calibers you’re loading, you would possibly go for particular kits. For example, when you intend to load a excessive quantity of pistol rounds, a equipment that features a case feed tube is advantageous. Conversely, when you primarily deal with rifle cartridges, a case feed tube may not be as essential. Additionally, take into account the bullet diameters and shapes for every caliber. Make sure that the powder funnel, shell plate, and different elements correctly accommodate these dimensions.
Contemplating Used Kits
Used Dillon 550 conversion kits will be a cost-effective choice. Nonetheless, rigorously examine the elements for any indicators of wear and tear and tear. Make sure the shell plate’s surfaces are in good situation, that the powder funnel is freed from injury, and that every one components are current and practical.
Putting in a Dillon 550 Conversion Package
Removing
Start by eradicating the present shell plate and powder funnel from the press. Seek the advice of your Dillon 550’s handbook for the particular directions for eradicating these components.
Shell Plate Set up
Insert the brand new shell plate into the press, guaranteeing it’s correctly seated and aligned. You might want to make use of the included shell plate retention screw to safe it in place.
Powder Funnel Set up
Set up the powder funnel into the powder measure. Modify the powder measure to dispense the correct quantity of powder to your load.
Changes
After putting in the conversion equipment elements, rigorously alter the opposite station elements to accommodate the particular cartridge you might be reloading.
Ideas for Correct Set up
Double-check the orientation of every element. Confirm that every one screws and fasteners are securely tightened. Observe the producer’s directions for correct setup and adjustment.
Security
At all times take away the primer feeding mechanism earlier than beginning any upkeep or adjustment to forestall unintended discharge.
Working the Dillon 550 with a Conversion Package
Preliminary Setup
The preliminary setup entails fine-tuning the press and powder measure settings to make sure right cartridge dimensions and powder fees. Rigorously observe the reloading handbook’s pointers to your chosen caliber.
Troubleshooting Frequent Points
Reloading can typically current challenges. Case feeding issues can come up if the shell plate is not seated accurately or if the case feed tube (if current) is misaligned. Primer feed points would possibly point out that the primer feed system isn’t accurately arrange, or that the primers usually are not correctly seated. Powder allotting issues can typically be traced to inconsistencies in powder measure settings or static electrical energy. Commonly examine for and tackle points promptly.
Finest Practices
Undertake secure and environment friendly reloading practices. At all times put on security glasses, and punctiliously measure the powder fees, and work in a well-lit and ventilated space. Commonly examine every cartridge throughout the reloading course of.
Upkeep and Care
Cleansing and Lubrication
Clear and lubricate the press and all conversion equipment elements after every reloading session. Use the really useful cleansing and lubrication merchandise from Dillon or one other trusted supply. This prevents corrosion and minimizes friction.
Inspecting for Put on and Tear
Commonly examine all elements of the conversion equipment for any indicators of wear and tear and tear. Pay shut consideration to the shell plate, powder funnel, and different transferring components. Substitute worn-out elements instantly to keep up security and accuracy.
Following Suggestions
Adhere to Dillon’s upkeep pointers, discovered within the handbook to your press. Observe the supplied directions for cleansing, lubrication, and any really useful changes.
Options to Dillon 550 Conversion Kits
Different Progressive Presses
Take into account different progressive presses that use interchangeable shell plates and dies for caliber modifications. Evaluate the worth and ease of use.
Single-Stage Presses
Single-stage presses provide a slower, however extra managed methodology to reload. They’re out there in a variety of costs.
Devoted Presses
Whereas it’s handy to alter calibers utilizing a single press, some severe reloaders choose to personal a number of presses devoted to single calibers. This selection isn’t normally economically sound for the typical reloader.
Conclusion
The Dillon 550, enhanced by the addition of a conversion equipment, is an distinctive reloading device that balances effectivity, high quality, and flexibility. The aptitude of fixing calibers rapidly and successfully permits shooters to reload all kinds of cartridges, making this press a long-term funding. Reloading provides quite a few advantages, from the price financial savings to customization potentialities and the pleasure of a extra profound reference to taking pictures. Utilizing the conversion kits opens the reloading world to new potentialities and lets you load many alternative ammunition sorts safely.
Keep in mind to prioritize security and accountable reloading. Be sure you observe all the protection directions and steerage out there.
Assets and Additional Studying
For extra info, go to:
Dillon Precision’s official web site.
Evaluate the net retailers of reloading provides.
Have a look at reloading boards and on-line communities for added suggestions and insights.
