BL550 vs. RL550B Question
Quote from Reloader on June 9, 2012, 7:10 pmI reviewed the BL550 and RL550B owners manuals and I can't figure out why the BL550 does not illustrate the use of the press in a progressive mode. The BL550 manual only depicts "turret" mode operation whereas the RL550B directions demonstrate progressive operation.
If the BL550 is a subset of the RL550B package, why is there this difference in the manuals? As far as I can tell, as long as the user manually places the primer in the primer cup and manually charges the case with powder at the bottom of each operating handle stroke, full progressive operation should be possible with the BL550. One loaded cartridge would be produced with each cycling of the BL550 handle (once the "pipeline" is full). Is this correct?
In evaluating the cost of caliber conversions, the cost of shell plates (vs. inexpensive shell holders) seems like a big downside of the BL550, if it cannot be operated in a full progressive mode. On the other hand, if it can be used as a progressive press by completing all the manual steps (case placement, bullet placement, powder charging, primer placement, assembled case removal, indexing, and repeat) then it seems like a good deal. (Did I miss any of the manual steps?) I'm not keen on powder measures or primer feeders anyway.
Thanks for any insight,
-Cal
I reviewed the BL550 and RL550B owners manuals and I can't figure out why the BL550 does not illustrate the use of the press in a progressive mode. The BL550 manual only depicts "turret" mode operation whereas the RL550B directions demonstrate progressive operation.
If the BL550 is a subset of the RL550B package, why is there this difference in the manuals? As far as I can tell, as long as the user manually places the primer in the primer cup and manually charges the case with powder at the bottom of each operating handle stroke, full progressive operation should be possible with the BL550. One loaded cartridge would be produced with each cycling of the BL550 handle (once the "pipeline" is full). Is this correct?
In evaluating the cost of caliber conversions, the cost of shell plates (vs. inexpensive shell holders) seems like a big downside of the BL550, if it cannot be operated in a full progressive mode. On the other hand, if it can be used as a progressive press by completing all the manual steps (case placement, bullet placement, powder charging, primer placement, assembled case removal, indexing, and repeat) then it seems like a good deal. (Did I miss any of the manual steps?) I'm not keen on powder measures or primer feeders anyway.
Thanks for any insight,
-Cal
Quote from Reloader on June 11, 2012, 2:20 pmThe BL550 can be used in a progressive manner with no problems at all. It adds the steps of manually dumping a powder charge and setting a primer in the cup; otherwise it is as progressive as the RL550B.
The BL550 can be used in a progressive manner with no problems at all. It adds the steps of manually dumping a powder charge and setting a primer in the cup; otherwise it is as progressive as the RL550B.
Quote from Reloader on July 7, 2013, 10:41 pmYep, I'm in line to buy one this week as well and was searching reviews online when i came across your question here re the progressive q.
Dillon explained it to my satisfaction aside from the following.
In the next product improvement meeting you may want to address the op's question and amend your manual and customer outreach re this press. I almost bought a competitors (albeit friendly competitor (Redding) )
Turret Press.The only reason I came across the possibility of using the BL550 is in reading the Blue Press from cover to back page for the first time.
My use for it will be in loading up 308 ammo using a Milsurp identical to IMR 4064. My XL650 and all of the powder droppers out there hate this powder. A very long extruded stick powder.
I've also concluded that the 550 will be great for processing 223 brass as well.
It will take a place of honor on my bench. The Co-Ax will be moved to the 50 BMG Bench or sold if I find the 550 can take over it's work load, which I believe it can.
Yep, I'm in line to buy one this week as well and was searching reviews online when i came across your question here re the progressive q.
Dillon explained it to my satisfaction aside from the following.
In the next product improvement meeting you may want to address the op's question and amend your manual and customer outreach re this press. I almost bought a competitors (albeit friendly competitor (Redding) )
Turret Press.
The only reason I came across the possibility of using the BL550 is in reading the Blue Press from cover to back page for the first time.
My use for it will be in loading up 308 ammo using a Milsurp identical to IMR 4064. My XL650 and all of the powder droppers out there hate this powder. A very long extruded stick powder.
I've also concluded that the 550 will be great for processing 223 brass as well.
It will take a place of honor on my bench. The Co-Ax will be moved to the 50 BMG Bench or sold if I find the 550 can take over it's work load, which I believe it can.