Used 550

#1 · May 22, 2008, 11:18 pm

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Hello,
I just bought a used 550 on ebay that came in the mail today. I am a brand new to reloading. I have never loaded a single cartridge. The 550 came with supposedly everything except conversion kit and dies. I have ordered these items here in .223 and 9mm as well as the delux quick change assembly and am waiting for them to be delivered. Being as i'm still trying to figure all of this out, and don't have the manual yet. I'm gonna post some pictures of all the parts that came with it. I was hoping someone could let me know if i'm missing anything or if anything seems to be damaged or broken. I realize that dies and conversion kits are missing, they have not arrived from dillon yet. There is also a part that has a little pin that is bent, i'm assuming it's not supposed to be, if someone could comment on that too. Thanks everyone.
Brian

#2 · May 23, 2008, 10:45 pm

It appears everything is present and accounted for. The bent pin is only an attachment point where the primer slide return spring attaches to. It will work fine as is. I recommend against straightening it, as that tip will probably snap off.

#3 · May 23, 2008, 10:56 pm

Thanks for the info. Look forward to getting my dies, conversion kits etc and trying out this loading thing. I'm going to start reloading .223 cartridges first. I see lots of recipes on the internet, but I was wondering if anyone can suggest a nice recipe to fire 55gr or 62gr surplus fmj's. I want something that will be easy on my gun and reliable in my AR rifle and AR pistol. I'm not as concerned with accuracy yet, just want to get some lead slinging without beating up my guns.
Thanks
00juice

#4 · May 24, 2008, 3:24 am

00juice since you said you are brand new to reloading I must caution you about getting loads from the internet unless they are from legitimate companies like Hodgdon or one of the bullet makers for example. I must strongly urge you to buy at least one manual and it's better if you have a few. READ THEM FIRST! Be safe

#5 · May 24, 2008, 12:27 pm

I have been doing alot of reading. I've read the abc's of reloading, and now i'm working on Lyman's Reloading handbook. Thanks for the heads up.
00juice

#6 · June 4, 2008, 6:26 pm

You will also need a good powder scale that is accurate to 0.1 grains. 7000 grains = 1 pound. If you are going to reload 223 you need to lube the cases before resizing them. look at the dillon spray on case lube. They also sell powder scales. You only typicall buy one powder scale in a lifetime so get a good one. Reloading equipment is an investment, get the best - you got a good start with a 550.

#7 · July 12, 2008, 1:55 am

hi, oojuice welcome to the reloading community, i highly recommend getting the 550 video, i to bought a used 550b it came with about 8 different caliber kits, large tumbler,etc..... i've been reloading for 15 years, the dillion 550b is the first proggressive that i will have used. looking at it and all the different adjustments can be a little intimadating. the video helped to clear-up a lot of questions i had. good luck like the others said get a good, no make that get a couple of good reloading manuals and don't have any distractions around like a tv, goodluck be safe.