Older 550B questions
Quote from Reloader on February 3, 2013, 3:48 amI have ordered a RL 550B from a dealer and they told me if I find one before the ordered one comes in that I can go ahead and cancel the order. There is someone locally that has an older 550B and we talked about making a trade for gun related items. He says that the 550B that he has was barely used BUT he says he has dies in 40cal, 9mm and 45cal along with powder funnels, plates and such, which to me sounds like it has been used a bit. He says that he bought it from someone 5-6 years ago that barely used it. Maybe I should just hold out the 6-8 weeks on a new one.. I don't know.
Is there anything different in todays 550B compared to the 550B of say...7-8 years ago (that's a guess)? Is it the exact same machine and am I right in assuming that the no BS warranty will carry over to me and still be good?
I have ordered a RL 550B from a dealer and they told me if I find one before the ordered one comes in that I can go ahead and cancel the order. There is someone locally that has an older 550B and we talked about making a trade for gun related items. He says that the 550B that he has was barely used BUT he says he has dies in 40cal, 9mm and 45cal along with powder funnels, plates and such, which to me sounds like it has been used a bit. He says that he bought it from someone 5-6 years ago that barely used it. Maybe I should just hold out the 6-8 weeks on a new one.. I don't know.
Is there anything different in todays 550B compared to the 550B of say...7-8 years ago (that's a guess)? Is it the exact same machine and am I right in assuming that the no BS warranty will carry over to me and still be good?
Quote from Reloader on February 4, 2013, 4:11 amHow old? I have a couple of "older" 550B presses that I got used (one five years ago via an acquaintance) and one via a gunsmith estate sale about four years ago). Both have been very satisfactory. I know there have been minor changes, but not sure what. In these forums, I learned that this press did not originally have the thin metal plate under the primer dispenser. Also, there has been a change in the powder funnel mechanism (I have both kinds, but both seem to work fine). Not sure what other changes might have been made.
If I were you, I would buy the older model and get the dies, etc. that go with it, but I would not cancel the new one. If you decide you do not want both of them, sell one on eBay. They are going at a premium right now.
How old? I have a couple of "older" 550B presses that I got used (one five years ago via an acquaintance) and one via a gunsmith estate sale about four years ago). Both have been very satisfactory. I know there have been minor changes, but not sure what. In these forums, I learned that this press did not originally have the thin metal plate under the primer dispenser. Also, there has been a change in the powder funnel mechanism (I have both kinds, but both seem to work fine). Not sure what other changes might have been made.
If I were you, I would buy the older model and get the dies, etc. that go with it, but I would not cancel the new one. If you decide you do not want both of them, sell one on eBay. They are going at a premium right now.
Quote from Reloader on February 4, 2013, 4:48 pmNo changes to worry about on a machine 8-9 years old. It is still under warranty, except any missing parts are of course not replaced under warranty.
No changes to worry about on a machine 8-9 years old. It is still under warranty, except any missing parts are of course not replaced under warranty.
Quote from Reloader on February 5, 2013, 2:34 amI have a 550B which I purchased from Dillon in approximately 1995 along with a mess of shell plates, dies, primer pu tubes, etc. Has there been any serious changes since then? It's been stored since 1997 and I'm just in the process of setting it up again to start cranking out the rounds.
I have a 550B which I purchased from Dillon in approximately 1995 along with a mess of shell plates, dies, primer pu tubes, etc. Has there been any serious changes since then? It's been stored since 1997 and I'm just in the process of setting it up again to start cranking out the rounds.
Quote from Reloader on February 23, 2013, 1:08 amI am still using a 550B that I purchased in 1994. I disassemble it once a year, clean it out and re oil any parts that require oil. I use alcohol on the outside of the machine to get the dirt out of the paint and I have had little to no problems with it and I've loaded tens of thousands of rounds with it. Except for my mess ups like losing a small piece or being a bull in china shop I have had no problems. If you're saving money and it'll get you reloading faster I'd buy the one that comes with extra dies, tool heads and shell plates. I could probably stand to upgrade my powder measures but hey, they're still working.
I am still using a 550B that I purchased in 1994. I disassemble it once a year, clean it out and re oil any parts that require oil. I use alcohol on the outside of the machine to get the dirt out of the paint and I have had little to no problems with it and I've loaded tens of thousands of rounds with it. Except for my mess ups like losing a small piece or being a bull in china shop I have had no problems. If you're saving money and it'll get you reloading faster I'd buy the one that comes with extra dies, tool heads and shell plates. I could probably stand to upgrade my powder measures but hey, they're still working.
Quote from Reloader on April 18, 2013, 1:32 amI would suggest you buy it. most/all parts are the same. If not you could still get them from Dillion. The way Dillon is back ordered, you may never see one or at least a long time. If the price is right .... Go for it!
I would suggest you buy it. most/all parts are the same. If not you could still get them from Dillion. The way Dillon is back ordered, you may never see one or at least a long time. If the price is right .... Go for it!
Quote from Reloader on July 5, 2013, 2:08 pmBuy the "used" 550B. I have been using Dillons for 30+years. I started with a 450 back in olden times, but I have updated it almost to a 550B, retaining the solid frame. Unless the primary shaft #13775 is pitted, rusted or corroded, you should have nothing to worry about. When properly maintained with an annual cleaning and relube, you can't wear out a Dillon.
Buy the "used" 550B. I have been using Dillons for 30+years. I started with a 450 back in olden times, but I have updated it almost to a 550B, retaining the solid frame. Unless the primary shaft #13775 is pitted, rusted or corroded, you should have nothing to worry about. When properly maintained with an annual cleaning and relube, you can't wear out a Dillon.