Redding also has a Micro Adjuster seating stem.

Everything that he said... but this is the main reason why I got it. I've been loading 147gr MGs, but I've got some BBI moly's I plan on loading, as well as some Speer Gold Dots. The "setting" for the OAL for each one is going to change, with that micrometer you can record where it is and more quickly go back to the *exact* setting you used previously.

If you're ALWAYS loading the same bullet, the other features might not be worth the $70 price tag... Yes, it's pricey.

 

The Redding seating die also well let you. The bullet that you use most often, zero it out. Then if you use other bullets you just write down what the setting was. So you can go back too that setting. And you just go back too zero for the bullet you use most often. It is a lot simpler than what it sounds. I use them on everything I load except when I use lead bullets. Then I use the Dillon seating die.

 

It is the way to go but not required. What Dillon should do is add $25 to the price & just change all their machines over to the roller handle.

 

It is the way to go but not required. What Dillon should do is add $25 to the price & just change all their machines over to the roller handle.

Read my post #25.

 

Read my post #25.

I think Gary's answer at Dillon stinks.

 

I think Gary's answer at Dillon stinks.

Just a way to milk you for $45-$50. Many people have been willing to pay $45 for the roller handle, so why should they toss it in the box at a discount?

 

I think Gary's answer at Dillon stinks.

Okay you come up with a way too use the same size box. Rearrange the stuff in the box for the roller handle too fit. Then pay for the retooling of the Styrofoam. Then submit it too Dillon. That is just part of the reasons why. At least Dillon has a roller handle that is an option. Also not everyone wants the roller handle. So now you have two sets of styrofoam.

 

Okay you come up with a way too use the same size box. Rearrange the stuff in the box for the roller handle too fit. Then pay for the retooling of the Styrofoam. Then submit it too Dillon. That is just part of the reasons why. At least Dillon has a roller handle that is an option. Also not everyone wants the roller handle. So now you have two sets of styrofoam.

Ahhhh... you could drive to Scottsdale and pick it up, that would save on shipping and redesigning the styrofoam. See, wasn't that easy.

Want me to start working on a solution for that oil spill thingy?

Jack

 

From a marketing point of view adding more content to the already expensive 550 is just silly. What they need to do is delete the low primer alarm and charge less for the machine not add a roller and charge more. Almost no one when they price shop the LnL/Dillon says "well the Dillon has a low primer alarm so thats worth more to me" basically, it's wasted content. LnL doesn't have it and you don't see them complaining about it. They could delete the Large Powder Bar at the same time. It will force a small % to add it later but that would just make them more money rather then just giving away stuff a good % don't even use.

 

Maybe its because I use my right arm a lot for other things but I don't think the roller handle is any better than the ball. I might sell mine because I don't think its worth the money.

 

From a marketing point of view adding more content to the already expensive 550 is just silly. What they need to do is delete the low primer alarm and charge less for the machine not add a roller and charge more. Almost no one when they price shop the LnL/Dillon says "well the Dillon has a low primer alarm so thats worth more to me" basically, it's wasted content. LnL doesn't have it and you don't see them complaining about it. They could delete the Large Powder Bar at the same time. It will force a small % to add it later but that would just make them more money rather then just giving away stuff a good % don't even use.

I love the primer alarm....Im glad it came with it

 

Read my post #25.

Oops, missed that. I doubt it's a packaging issue. More like, we can charge you an extra issue. The roller handle would fit into the 550B box w/ little modification to the packaging. Then they wouldn't have an extra to sell you.:dunno:

I love the primer alarm....Im glad it came with it

Very useful, as you can NOT see how many primers you have left. I know guys buying them for thier LNL or the identical RCBS unit.

 

Maybe its because I use my right arm a lot for other things but I don't think the roller handle is any better than the ball. I might sell mine because I don't think its worth the money.

Get a girlfriend... save your arm strength for loading. :whistling:

Jack

 

I like the primer alarm as well. It's just that most companies try to get rid of items that consumers don't value while they are making the decision to purchase. You kinda got to give Dillon credit for not deleting these items which add value that a lot of new buyers don't appreciate till after they get the machine.

 

The primer alarm is the only thing that wakes me up from my reloading trance.

 

Get a girlfriend... save your arm strength for loading. :whistling:

Jack

My wife might not like that.:supergrin:

 

Several reasons to add/not add a roller handle at the factory are presented here. I will leave that to Dillon. They are smart folks. I am sure they are trying to keep their price point down, as a lot of reloaders that have never used a progressive will not understand all of the differences between a Dillon, Hornady, RCBS, etc., but these same reloaders will be looking at how much it is going to cost them to get one brand or the other. You can always add goodies later after you figure out exactly what you want.

Perhaps Dillon could point out that the roller handle is much more ergonomic and let that little tidbit help folks make a decision. As someone has said, they did not like theirs, but they are in the minority. I only wish I had been able to try one 15-20 years ago.

 

I really like the low primer alarm? While I love my roller handle... if I had to *choose*, I'd rather the press come with the low primer alarm than the roller handle.

I managed to load a buttload of ammo without the roller handle, but I wouldn't have wanted to do that without the low primer alarm.

 

From a marketing point of view adding more content to the already expensive 550 is just silly. What they need to do is delete the low primer alarm and charge less for the machine not add a roller and charge more. Almost no one when they price shop the LnL/Dillon says "well the Dillon has a low primer alarm so thats worth more to me" basically, it's wasted content. LnL doesn't have it and you don't see them complaining about it. They could delete the Large Powder Bar at the same time. It will force a small % to add it later but that would just make them more money rather then just giving away stuff a good % don't even use.

+1 For me, the low primer alarm is more a bother than a help. I tend to count out 100 cases (that's what fit in a box). Load up 100 primers. When my cases are out, my primers are out. The buzzer on the last 5 is annoying enough to pull the battery out or the alarm off. Still use the follower though.

As for the roller handle; what ever works for you. I find I prefer the ball. I sit off center from the press, and the ball lets me adjust for where I sit. Not had any problem with the ball rubbing against my hand. The roller handle made me sit more square to the press. To each their own though. If it works for someone great. Reloading should be comfortable.

 

ron59,
If you're planning on upgrading in presses, I suggest you go with a XL650 w/ case feeder instead of a 1050.
Cost of change overs is quite a bit higher with the 1050 & a realistic production rate (NOT what Dillon rates them at) isn't much different; The 650 also has a better waranty.
I have both on the bench & because of the effort involved, I only change calibers on the 1050 about 3 times a year ! 99% of the time, it's in .45ACP, other than that, it's in .44 AutoMag & very rarely in .38 super. I also have a couple more calibers for it, but usually use the XL650 because of ease of use.
Primer change-over on a 1050 series press is a pain in the BUTT ! It involves a total tear down.

uncle albert

 

ron59,
If you're planning on upgrading in presses, I suggest you go with a XL650 w/ case feeder instead of a 1050.
Cost of change overs is quite a bit higher with the 1050 & a realistic production rate (NOT what Dillon rates them at) isn't much different; The 650 also has a better waranty.
I have both on the bench & because of the effort involved, I only change calibers on the 1050 about 3 times a year ! 99% of the time, it's in .45ACP, other than that, it's in .44 AutoMag & very rarely in .38 super. I also have a couple more calibers for it, but usually use the XL650 because of ease of use.
Primer change-over on a 1050 series press is a pain in the BUTT ! It involves a total tear down.

uncle albert

Thanks for the info, but I'm familiar with it. If I went with the 1050, it was for:
1) 9mm only, would not change out anything. If I wanted to reload .45ACP or .40, I'd do it with the 550 (don't reload those yet, currently but can forsee those in my future though).
2) I end up with range brass, and get some with crimped primers (WCC, S&B). I like the swage station the 1050 has... of course not ever having used it not sure it works as advertised but if it did I'd have some more brass I could use.
3) I like the idea of priming on the downstroke, not having to do that lift-up thing. Not that the lift-up thing is a big deal, but it would still save a little time.

 

I would so get a 1050 for a dedicated 9mm machine. That would rock. I would not bother converting it.

 

2) I end up with range brass, and get some with crimped primers (WCC, S&B). I like the swage station the 1050 has... of course not ever having used it not sure it works as advertised but if it did I'd have some more brass I could use.

I have a 1050 dedicated to 223. The primer pocket swage station works exactly like it's supposed to. That was one of the driving reasons for me to get the 1050. I have lots of crimped brass given to me by some local LEO groups. I throw it in and load it, don't have to worry about whether it's crimped or not.

 

I wonder if the handle preference is correlated to how you load?

I prefer the stock handle but I sit at my press.

 

I used to load sitting with the ball and then with the roller. Sitting the roller is a little more difficult to adjust too. I had to tilt it more towards me. Standing it's nearly at a 90degree angle to the press. I do tilt it in towards me a little. Not as much as before.

Kinda suprised no one has mentioned this option.

http://www.glockpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1136