NEW to Reloading 550B

#1 · January 4, 2014, 3:36 am

I am going to pick up a 550B because my uncle will be able to help me when I see him in a few months. What all do I need to get started with this? I am completely new to this, I am sorry if I ask stupid questions.

What all do I need to get started? Other than the obvious primers, powder, etc.

I will be looking to load .223, 9mm, and .40.

I read somewhere that it is easier to get plates so I can easily swap out. Is this the toolhead?

I was told to pick these items up with the purchase of the loader:

Case Tumbler
Powder Scale
Powder Dispenser
Case Trimmer
Caliper
Case Prep Tool
Case Gauges
Loading Block
Case Lube
Case Neck Lube Kit
Primer Pocket Cleaner

My concern is that the person I was talking to DOES NOT have this reloader. Again I apologize for my ignorance. I want to learn as much as possible. I appreciate all of the help!

#2 · January 4, 2014, 4:33 am

Looking into this deeper I am going to just start with 9mm... I will eventually do the .40 and .223. I would like to hit the ground running, but I would just like to get my feet wet with 9mm. So with that said, what is recommended to get started with 9mm and for future reference to make swapping calibers easier from 9 to .40 what would I need? Would I need more powder dyes? I honestly am not sure what exactly those are for. Again I apologize for my lack of knowledge. I am eager to learn!

#3 · January 6, 2014, 5:54 pm

My thoughts on the subject. I went through this same thing ~5 years ago when I started reloading.

Case Tumbler - Yeah you should have one. I have the small Dillon and it works great.

-the Case/Media Separator comes in super handy and goes hand in hand with this.

Powder Dispenser
-This function is built into the dillon. Stage 2 for the calibers you are loading does the powder measuring and dispensing for you. To get started you do NOT need any additional powder dispenser products. When you start loading ultra precision rounds you might look at this again. But for now don't bother.

Case Trimmer - I'd hold off on this now. There are so many options out there that I wouldn't just buy one. You can reload all the calibers listed without trimming (in most cases). You will be fine reloading once fired 223 without trimming. You never (to my knowledge) will need to trim 9mm and 40.

Case Prep Tool - no
Loading Block - no

Case Neck Lube Kit - A good idea for 223. Very inexpensive.
Primer Pocket Cleaner - For reloading once fired military 5.56 brass you'll have to deal with a primer pocket crimp situation. I'd personally just stay away from it for now.

Yes, you need all of these things... Very important.
Powder Scale - I have the Dillon digital and it's well worth the price tag.
Caliper
Case Gauges
Case Lube

Additional recommendations:

You Dillon will come with everything to load a single caliber. But to house your other two calibers (dies) I'd get 2 'quick change sets', Makes switching from one caliber to the toher so quick and easy.
https://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/pid/23602/catid/3/RL_550B_Deluxe_Quick_Change_Assembly

For each additional caliber you also need: https://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/23598/catid/2/RL_550B_Caliber_Conversion_Kit

Hope this helps.
Leif

#4 · January 6, 2014, 7:55 pm

Your best bet is to call the Dillon sales people. They will help you get what you need without having you buy stuff you may never use. I load .38/.357, 9mm and .45 acp. I have tool head for each so I don't have to adjust dies (only between .38 and .357). You will enjoy your machine, good luck.

#5 · January 24, 2014, 12:56 am

Sometimes over looked is the primer tray for getting all the primers aligned facedown before picking them up.