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Dillon 550 Powder Die Options

1K views 24 replies 9 participants last post by  sciolist 
#1 ·
I'm going to set up a spare tool head for 40 S&W instead of adjusting my 10mm dies. The powder funnel is the same for both. Is the Dillon powder die required to use their funnel? I need to purchase this die & a crimp die. Any suggestions or favorites? Thx!
 
#4 ·
Like jeep, I just switch the powder funnel between the 40 & 10. Same for 9mm & 357sig too.
 
#6 ·
One funnel and two Dillon powder dies. The Dillon powder dies hold the powder funnel and actuate the Dillon powder measure. Set the powder dies as needed for the caliber, then swap the single powder funnel between the two. All the 10mm dies I know of also do 40 S&W. To keep from having to adjust you'll need a sizer and crimp die. You'll also use the same locator pins for 10mm and 40S&W.

At this moment, Midway has Hornady dies on sale. When you factor in the free box of bullets Hornady rebate, your set of dies will cost you about $10. A pretty good deal.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/46...-dimension-nitride-3-die-set-with-taper-crimp
 
#13 ·
I seat and crimp in two steps. Makes changing bullets easier. I just adjust the seating die, and leave the crimp die along. I normally use a Hornady seating die (it can crimp as well; but I don't set it down far enough to crimp), and a Lee Carbide Crimp die doing the crimping. I like the Hornady inline seater, and the stem is easy to remove for cleaning without disturbing the adjustments

One other thing to order from Dillon, would be their lock rings. Space on the 550b toolhead is at a premium, and the Dillon lock rings are smaller and easier to set.
 
#16 ·
I can't stand the Lee lock rings, if I don't have an extra non Lee lock nut I turn them over to lock them down solid vs the o-ring.
My exact feeling too. The o ring has let the settings walk on me. I don't trust them. Plus if using a single stage, the lack of a set screw means that you'll likely be re-setting the die when returning it to the press.

I have Lee, Hornady, Lyman, and RCBS taper crimp dies. The Lee is poorest quality. Rough machining etches and drags the case mouths (what do you expect for $13?). The RCBS have the best finish with Hdy and Lyman in between. I'm sure that Dillon and Redding are top quality.
 
#17 ·
Wow I always thought the fatter & smoother Lee locking nut was a +. Most of my dies are the other manufactures you listed. Do you both agree that I should turn the ring upside down? I thought utilizing the internal stem, once the ring was tightened, was the best design.
 
#18 ·
If your happy, I wouldn't change a thing.

On my progressive presses I prefer the Dillon nuts because of the small diameter and I only need one size wrench in the drawer.

On the presses where I will be removing and replacing dies often I prefer the style that are made like a single split set collar.

As your adjustment is locked in place and there is no set screw to mess up the threads on the die if you need to adjust it later.

 
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