Tannert Report post Posted October 31, 2017 Guy at my office bought an RL 550C at a silent auction, long story short I ended up buying it from him with zero reloading knowledge. I am wanting to reload 223 and 9MM. From the little bit I have read it seems this machine can do both. I ordered the scale and thats as far as I have got. My questions are... What else do I need besides brass, powder, primers and bullets? Also, any recommendations on what Brass, powder, primers and bullets to get and from where. I am looking to load plinking ammo. Nothing special. Any input helps. Thanks in advance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muledeerarea33? Report post Posted October 31, 2017 Youll need to set up your heads for both calibers. If your loading bulk plinking ammo, just use whatever brass and bullets. Just make sure and try to stay consistent. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Browns Report post Posted October 31, 2017 Where area you located? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tannert Report post Posted October 31, 2017 Where area you located? I am located in Scottsdale. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Couzer Report post Posted October 31, 2017 Tannery, you could swing by Dillion as well, they are always willing to help and have great customer service 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tannert Report post Posted October 31, 2017 Tannery, you could swing by Dillion as well, they are always willing to help and have great customer service Vowell, Thank you for the recommendation. I will definitely try to do that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AzDiamondHeat Report post Posted October 31, 2017 Buy a copy of "ABC s of reloading". Read it 3 times before you do any reloading. Then read some more. If you have someone knowledgeable and experienced have them show you as much as they are willing to teach. Reloading is simple if done right and insanely intricate and dangerous at the same time. Welcome to the insanity. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WampusCat Report post Posted October 31, 2017 I am not familiar with the setup and adjustment of the 550 but I understand that press is a good one. Once you get it set up its the same process as any other as far as basic reloading stages on a progressive. Size/deprime/prime, case flare/powder drop, bullet seat, case neck crimp (depending on your die choice) Read all you can on the fundamentals of reloading but I would also recommend stopping by Dillon for the set up tips they will offer. My biggest piece of advice would be to fully grasp the concept/fundamentals of the process and work through slowly and strive for consistency. The speed of a progressive will come eventually. Work to create perfect and safe ammo first not lots of ammo. A word of caution for 9mm and other small cases. The difference between starting loads and maximum loads reaching dangerous pressures is not very much. Some cases can be less than .5 gr difference or 1/14,000 of a pound! Be sure your scale is calibrated and you are measuring powder weight as accurately as possible. Lots of info here too. https://www.dillonprecision.com/bl-550-basic-loader_8_1_25792.html http://brianenos.com/pages/dillon 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tac Report post Posted October 31, 2017 That is a great machine I have that machine and load all calibers on it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tannert Report post Posted October 31, 2017 I am not familiar with the setup and adjustment of the 550 but I understand that press is a good one. Once you get it set up its the same process as any other as far as basic reloading stages on a progressive. Size/deprime/prime, case flare/powder drop, bullet seat, case neck crimp (depending on your die choice) Read all you can on the fundamentals of reloading but I would also recommend stopping by Dillon for the set up tips they will offer. My biggest piece of advice would be to fully grasp the concept/fundamentals of the process and work through slowly and strive for consistency. The speed of a progressive will come eventually. Work to create perfect and safe ammo first not lots of ammo. A word of caution for 9mm and other small cases. The difference between starting loads and maximum loads reaching dangerous pressures is not very much. Some cases can be less than .5 gr difference or 1/14,000 of a pound! Be sure your scale is calibrated and you are measuring powder weight as accurately as possible. Lots of info here too. https://www.dillonprecision.com/bl-550-basic-loader_8_1_25792.html http://brianenos.com/pages/dillon Thank you very much for all of this great advice!! This is very very helpful! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
300RUM Report post Posted October 31, 2017 I have one as well and load everything from 9 mm to 300 Ultra on it. It's a very versatile machine. Mine is 30 years old and still going strong . 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MULEPACKHUNTER Report post Posted October 31, 2017 I have the video from Dillon for that press, could send it your way, also I would buy the lumen reloading book and read the front and you should have a good grasp then Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DUG Report post Posted October 31, 2017 If you do call Dillon Customer Service, ask for Lucas. He'll walk you thru everything and answer all your questions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tannert Report post Posted October 31, 2017 I have the video from Dillon for that press, could send it your way, also I would buy the lumen reloading book and read the front and you should have a good grasp then I would be willing to pay for that and shipping! Just let me know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tannert Report post Posted October 31, 2017 If you do call Dillon Customer Service, ask for Lucas. He'll walk you thru everything and answer all your questions. DUG, Thank you! I will do that! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
