I've been using the 550b since 1981 . At the time i was living in New Orleans and on Aug 29 2005 hurricane Katrina took the press and everything I own ( house and all of my belongings ).I no longer live in New Orleans but I did buy another 550 b . I love your video , it's very informative but I'm going to stick with my 550b seems like a lot of labor just to up grade one or two parts . Plus I'm an old fart . LOL
Excellent job! Great sequencing and flow of task to be completed with an explanation of each before it was embarked upon. The discussion of tools required at the beginning and the laying out of the tools (instruments), was reminiscent of a surgeon preparing for a delicate operation and very helpful. I appreciate your high degree of precision and the detail you went through to ensure everything was competed as close to perfection as possible. The video was of high quality, great angles and you spoke in a clear and relaxed manner that was easily understood. I will be doing an upgrade to my 550B in the near term and your video will no doubt serve as the foundation for obtaining a successful outcome. I would like to thank you for your great video and let you know how much I admire your skills and precision!
Top notch video! My father was a machinist so I started running metal-working machines and assembling mechanisms when I was very young. Early on, I was taught: If things don't fit together easily, something is wrong. A lot of the "how to" videos make me cringe. Yours, on the other hand was absolutely refreshing. Thanks for the fine work.
This was a well made video with clear, simple to follow instructions. That being said, there is zero reason to "upgrade" as the cost far outweighs the negligible benefits. I've loaded for years on two 550b's for 10's of thousands of rounds and had no issue with yearly maintenance. If Dillon was giving this kit away, it would go on the shelf until the next time I broke my machines down. Once gain though, great video.
A. Grayman, totally agree, I’ve been using my 550b for over 25 years and if I knew to clean and lube it way back when I would never have had any issues. That being said I sent it back to Dillion and they fixed it up better than new free of cost, their service is the best!
You are so very right . Ive have a 550b for 12 year's now this is my second 550b only because I lost my first one in a flood in 2005. And that one I bought in 1985.I take them down for general maint. about every two years and it works just fine . Too much work and expense just to replace one part . As my dad always said " If it ain't broke don't fix it " .
Thank you for the thorough video! I recently replaced a 550b that I damaged due to being inattentive with a 550C. I've kept all of the parts from the 550B with the intention of "upgrading" the damaged 550B. Your video cleared up some confusion/questions I had. Thank you, for putting in the time and effort to share you knowledge and experience.
Excellent video Sir! I would never trust my memory to take something apart and put it back together again. Even with instructions. I always start by taking plenty of photos before disassembly. It may have been mentioned already, but thought I might suggest it as a time saving tip. Thanks again.
This guy is good! One of the best how-to videos I've seen. The detail is fantastic. I'd now like to upgrade just to tune-up my machine. I'll have this video by my side when I do.
Thank you Sir. I was about to buy a 550 b. There for I have to go to Argentina, in my country they don't sell presses. So this press has to last. I will go for a 550 c. And now disasambly won't get a prob, just in case, thanks to your video. Saludos cordiales de South America
After coming across you video and watching it, I ordered and installed the upgrade just for the ease of maintenance. Thank you for the video as it saved me time and frustration knowing what to do and about the washers on the crank. Again had no problems with the install thanks to you.
Chuck, glad it was helpful. Took me a while to figure out the washers were the source of my issue. It would have been nice if Dillon would have at least included a Tip sheet. Dillon including the instructions of a factory built 550C with the upgrade kit was no help to me at all.
Excellent video! I've been having some issues with my 550b and I've found some of the pins have some galling. I've got an even older press than yours and there are no grease fittings so I guess they got dry. I think I will go ahead and upgrade to the 550c with this kit, but I'll also have to order some new pins.
I assume you mean a new 550C. Yes, one could by a new 550C and then sell their old 550B. Easier, but maybe not cheaper. Kind of like electrical and plumbing work. Hiring a trades person to do every bit of electrical or plumbing work in your home/shop would be easier, but not necessarily the most cost effective.
The upgrade is about the same effort as the disassembly, cleaning, relubing and reassembly. So when the 550B press is old enough to need it, that's the time to do the upgrade, or I guess just buy a new press every time it needs a cleaning and lubrication. :)
Great video. The current instructions recommend blue thread locker on the "threaded link arm pin" threads. Do you think this is important or advisable?
Hello Alan. Glad to hear they finally came out with instructions. Using blue thread lock on the new threaded link arm pins/pivot pins would be a benefit. But for it to work, it would be important not to get grease on the threads.
Thanks for the video. I'm going to order my upgrade now. Reading the comments below you have sold a lot of upgrades. Dillon should send you a tee-shirt or something. lol
When I first got my upgrade kit and opened it, I saw this many-paged document and I thought 'I am glad they included instructions'. Then I looked at the instructions and realized it was nothing more than the standard instruction book to the 550C. There was nothing in that booklet about converting a B to a C. So I decided to document and record my steps as I went. It was a process figuring out how to do it and I created the video to hopefully save others some time.
Short answer: Different parts require different lubricates. Long answer: You may wish to refer to the following video from Dillon Precision. While their video is about the 550B, it does show the type of lubricate to be used for certain parts, especially at times 2:50, 5:03 and 5:27. ruclips.net/video/cJuMsTIKsaU/видео.html Also, the new threaded pivot pins/link arm pins have grease needle fittings, which are meant for the application of grease, not oil.
Very informative video.. Thanks for sharing Question..my 550b does not have the shaft with the zerk fitting attached? Does Dillon make that part and is it recommended upgrade?
They do have kits to upgrade. It's called a "550 Grease Fitting Upgrade". Includes a new blue crank and the new pin/washers/nuts with zerk fitting. This is separate from the "550C Frame Kit Assembly" that takes a 550B frame with hammer driven pins to a 550C frame with threaded pins. As to whether it is recommended, it boils down to whether you like to take the press apart with a hammer and fight with C clips every N years for disassembly, cleaning and lubrication, or whether you would rather be able to lube in place and be able to disassemble (less often) with wrenches instead of a hammer and safety glasses. Perhaps wait until it needs a disassembly and then update it at the same time..
SUPERB video sir! Very informative. Would you know if I can convert a 550 (no 'B') as you demonstrated, in addition the zerc'd long pin on the very bottom linkage next to where the handle screws in?
Dave, if I understand your question, it sounds like the crank (the piece that connects the two link arms at the bottom next to where the handle screws in) does not use/have a lower link arm pin that is fitted with a zerk grease fitting. If correct, you may also need to get new link arms. new lower link arm pin, a new crank and possibly some other parts. I would recommend you contact Dillon support. Dillon has both a toll free phone number and live chat. I have been successful using both their toll free number and live chat.
Seems to me that it would be wiser to get a BL-550, and transfer all the parts over, then sell the 550B press fully functioning. After all, with Dillon’s warranty, what use is the old frame? Third strike: no instructions for the conversation...REALLY!?
If you transfer over the automatic powder measure and/or the priming system and/or the low primer alarm (which is standard equipment on a RL 550), then you no longer have a fully functional RL 550B. That is correct. The kit does NOT come with any instructions. The ‘instructions’ that came with my kit were the standard instructions Dillon ships with any factory-built RL 550C. There is nothing in those instructions on how to upgrade a 550B to a 550C.
@@scpvrr Ok, now I understand your suggestion. Since a new BL550C is $300 + ~22.5 shipping (w/o tax) and the frame upgrade kit is $121 plus ~ 17 shipping (w/o tax), then if the person could sell the old style BL 550B for at least $184.5, then they should be able to break even. If they could sell it for more than $184.5, then they would have spent less that straight buying the kit.
B Berthold, I am not familiar with it but when I read its description, I speculated what it was, so I contacted Dillon, twice, to confirm my thoughts. It has been over a month and not a word from Dillon. But I suspect that if you have a really old 550, that the crank does not have a zerk fitting on it’s left side. You can see this zerk fitting at time mark 26:49. So if your 550 crank has this zerk fitting on the crank, you should not need part 18275.
@@knowledge2you I did buy this part. It replaces the bottom part of the press and it has a grease fitting. Thank you for your time and effort. I did message them that it needs a better description and picture. It also came with a link arm punch and alignment tool.
Thanks for making this video, very helpful! I noticed that you have a plate on top of your Strong Mount. Is that from Dillon, or did you fabricate it? I bought my Strong Mount back in 1999. It does not have a top plate.
Dillon does not make a top plate for their Strong Mount. I purchased the top plate from inlinefabrication dot com. On their web site, in the upper left, click Search and search for ‘Intermediate plate for Dillon 550 strongmounts’. This is the same company from which I purchased the LED lighting kit for my 550s.
@@knowledge2you Thanks, I have several of their products, but I never noticed that upgrade. I wish I had bought their mount for my 550, but I don't think they were around in the 90's when I started reloading.
Yes it does. With the upgrade, no more having to remove the pins to grease them. The new pins are now much easier to lubricate with their grease needle openings.
By general definition, an upgrade is taking something that works and making it better/more up to date by adding or replacing parts. For example, I upgraded my computer, which was running Windows 8, by installing Windows 10. i.e. I replaced Windows 8 with Windows 10. In this video, I upgraded my press by replacing a part. I did not replace my press. If it matters, Dillon’s name for part number 20094 is Upgrade Frame Change Kit.
I bet some clever machinist could come up with some way to add a real upgrade kit to this to convert the pins for quicker disassembly. but honesty if you use quality grease you dont need to take it down all that often.
How often it has to have a major cleaning is more a function of how much reloading you do. I have no set guidelines. For me, it is when the machine begins to feel sluggish. When the upgrade kit, I now just have to use a grease gun instead of taking it down.
Not sure it would work Chris. I still have my 550B frame and compared it to the 550C. The sides of the frame where the pivot pins are inserted are thicker on the 550C than the sides on the 550B.
Perhaps I've missed something but why should I upgrade to version C? In one of the first slides you've said that no higher quality ammo will come out of this. Is the answer to my question that easy? Only for maintenance and cleaning purposes? Is that more comfort worthing that?
Christian, the first ‘slide’ after the title slide is intentional. Upfront, I wanted people to understand what the upgrade offers and what it doesn’t so they can decide for themselves and not have to watch 49 minutes of video before deciding. I know of no other benefit other than what I put on that slide. Whether or not the upgrade is worth it to you depends on how much you use the press, and, therefore, how much you have to preform a major cleaning. As a competitive shooter, I reload a lot. Therefore, I perform major cleaning and maintenance a lot. Thus, it is worth it to me.
Thanks for the clear and open hearted answer. Most others would write monologues as a kind advert. You didn’t. You spoke clear out that this upgrade might not be for everyone. Coming to the point: I don’t use it regularly here in Germany. I’ve got a used one and do not already own my permission for reloading which I must have to start. So not yet competing but still to come. I’ll give it a try! Thanks again!
Christian, hello from the USA. I hope you get the proper permits soon. Since you purchased it used, it might be a good idea to perform a major cleaning and lubricating. In that way, you know you are starting with a properly lubricated machine. On the following web page on the Dillon web site, you can find a couple of videos on major cleaning and lubricating of the 550. These videos do NOT assume you have upgraded to the 550C. Basically, Dillon puts grease on pins and openings and oil on the shaft/ram. Do not put grease on the shaft/ram. It will make the machine sluggish. I wish you well. www.dillonprecision.com/dillonvideos.html
Christian, sounds like a good plan. Before you actually disassemble it, I would suggest you watch the Dillon videos in their entirety first. You may find you will need a Standard Powder Measure die (part 20064) and a RL550 platform alignment tool (part 13713) to put it back together. Best of luck.
It is the Yost 750-DI 5”. Originally, I was going to get the Yost 750-E, which is a somewhat smaller and less expensive vise, but at the time, the 750-DI was on sale and the 750-E was not so I was able to get the 750-DI for close to the same price as a 750-E. I also purchased the Yost MU360 universal jaw cover (6") and the Yost UP360 universal prism jaw cover (6”) and the Yost MR-350 magnetic aluminum jaw cap with rubber surface (5”). I got mine on Amazon but other retailers sell them also. I shopped around for price and that including shipping charge since a vise is heavy.
There were none in the instructions. In fact, the instructions that came with the upgrade kit were just the standard 550C instructions that come with a factory built 550C. The instructions do not show or explain how to upgrade a 550B to a 550C. If you call or chat with Dillon, they may provide torque specs.
How to convert your 55b to a 550c: Get a 55C Frame and....uh...strip the parts from the B and place them in the frame of the C...and ...uh...screw it. Just go buy the 550C. Save the time.
I don’t understand your point. If you own a 550B and wish to convert it to a 550C, then when you buy Dillon’s upgrade kit, you are buying a 550C frame and in the video you see how to remove the other parts from the 550B and install on the 550C (not all parts convert over) and align the shell plate to the new frame (a necessary step). If you currently do not own either, and you buy from Dillon, you will be getting the 550C. About the only way to buy a 550B now is on the used market.
I see that You miss something very important on RL 550B about pivot pins. You don't have to remove anything to lubricate pivot pins. I believe that You didn't see six small pin holes for lubricate pivot pins.
I kept my old 550B frame and as I show in the video, the link arms and crank from the 550B are reused when upgrading to the 550C. There are no small pin holes on the frame. Each link arm has one small hole and the crank has one small hole. For a total of three holes. These holes act as a grease pressure relief hole. To properly lubricate the old-style pivot pins, they have to be removed. As show in this Dillon Precision published video starting at 2 minutes, 18 seconds. ruclips.net/video/cJuMsTIKsaU/видео.html If you look at some really old 550 machines, they don’t even have the hole in the link arm that mine do and don't have a Zerk fitted pin in the crank.
@@Subject76 The post you are referring to is 2008. The video I am referring to is 2015. The older machine shown in the post has two small holes in each link arm and two small holes in the crank. For a total of six holes. They have not put those six holes in a 550 for a long time. Just look at the link arms and crank on a 550 on the Dillon web site or in the Dillon video I referenced above. Years back they switched to one hole in each link arm and one hole in the crank. And they put a Zerk fitting on the lower link arm pin and did away with the clips and lock nuts on the upper link arm pins and changed their lubrication recommendations. So as much as you want me to be wrong, I am not.
The price as of this writing of the RL 550C Upgrade Frame Change Kit (stock number 20094) is 110.95 USD. The price does not include shipping nor does it include tax. The kit includes a new frame, two upper link arm threaded pins, toolhead, toolhead pins, primer slide return spring and pin (the spring (part 13928) and pin (14025) are preinstalled in the frame), primer track bearing plate (14015), platform alignment tool and punch (that looks like a large nail with the point cut off) for removing the old-style pressed-on upper link arm pins. It also includes an instruction manual that does NOT tell you how to upgrade a 550B to a 550C. The kit does not include, but you will need, a standard powder measure die (20064) and a die lock ring. If you do not have a spare standard powder measure die, you could always remove your automatic powder system (if you have one) from the die on one of your current toolheads, unscrew the die from your current toolhead and use it. But then you will have to reinstall everything. Or you could borrow a standard powder measure die or you could buy one when you buy the upgrade kit. As of this writing, a standard powder measure die costs 13.45 USD.
If you want to go that route, get the 550C Basic Loader for $289.95 USD (which is $179.00 more than the upgrade kit) knowing that the remaining parts of the 550C BL are parts that generally do not wear out and that the 550C BL does not come with a platform alignment tool. It also does not come with the punch for removing the old style link arm pivot pins, but if you already own a long punch set, you can use your own punch instead.
I've been using the 550b since 1981 . At the time i was living in New Orleans and on Aug 29 2005 hurricane Katrina took the press and everything I own ( house and all of my belongings ).I no longer live in New Orleans but I did buy another 550 b . I love your video , it's very informative but I'm going to stick with my 550b seems like a lot of labor just to up grade one or two parts . Plus I'm an old fart . LOL
Excellent job! Great sequencing and flow of task to be completed with an explanation of each before it was embarked upon. The discussion of tools required at the beginning and the laying out of the tools (instruments), was reminiscent of a surgeon preparing for a delicate operation and very helpful. I appreciate your high degree of precision and the detail you went through to ensure everything was competed as close to perfection as possible. The video was of high quality, great angles and you spoke in a clear and relaxed manner that was easily understood. I will be doing an upgrade to my 550B in the near term and your video will no doubt serve as the foundation for obtaining a successful outcome. I would like to thank you for your great video and let you know how much I admire your skills and precision!
I sincerely appreciate your comment William and I am glad you found it useful.
Top notch video! My father was a machinist so I started running metal-working machines and assembling mechanisms when I was very young. Early on, I was taught: If things don't fit together easily, something is wrong. A lot of the "how to" videos make me cringe. Yours, on the other hand was absolutely refreshing. Thanks for the fine work.
Thanks
This was a well made video with clear, simple to follow instructions. That being said, there is zero reason to "upgrade" as the cost far outweighs the negligible benefits. I've loaded for years on two 550b's for 10's of thousands of rounds and had no issue with yearly maintenance. If Dillon was giving this kit away, it would go on the shelf until the next time I broke my machines down. Once gain though, great video.
A. Grayman, totally agree, I’ve been using my 550b for over 25 years and if I knew to clean and lube it way back when I would never have had any issues. That being said I sent it back to Dillion and they fixed it up better than new free of cost, their service is the best!
You are so very right . Ive have a 550b for 12 year's now this is my second 550b only because I lost my first one in a flood in 2005. And that one I bought in 1985.I take them down for general maint. about every two years and it works just fine . Too much work and expense just to replace one part . As my dad always said " If it ain't broke don't fix it " .
Thank you for the thorough video! I recently replaced a 550b that I damaged due to being inattentive with a 550C.
I've kept all of the parts from the 550B with the intention of "upgrading" the damaged 550B. Your video cleared up some confusion/questions I had.
Thank you, for putting in the time and effort to share you knowledge and experience.
I am glad you found it useful.
Excellent video Sir! I would never trust my memory to take something apart and put it back together again. Even with instructions. I always start by taking plenty of photos before disassembly. It may have been mentioned already, but thought I might suggest it as a time saving tip. Thanks again.
Agreed. Pre disassembly photos can be a big help.
One of the best Dillon 550 videos on YT I have found of this procedure. Thank you.
Thank you Denny.
This guy is good! One of the best how-to videos I've seen. The detail is fantastic. I'd now like to upgrade just to tune-up my machine. I'll have this video by my side when I do.
Good luck Benny on the upgrade.
I just watched this for the 2nd time and ordered my kit from Dillon about 30 mins ago. Thanks for the thorough walkthrough.
Derrick, I hope the install goes smooth for you.
Thank you Sir. I was about to buy a 550 b. There for I have to go to Argentina, in my country they don't sell presses.
So this press has to last. I will go for a 550 c. And now disasambly won't get a prob, just in case, thanks to your video.
Saludos cordiales de South America
Renato, I am glad it was helpful to you.
Out Standing video. Thank you for taking the time to make it.
After coming across you video and watching it, I ordered and installed the upgrade just for the ease of maintenance. Thank you for the video as it saved me time and frustration knowing what to do and about the washers on the crank. Again had no problems with the install thanks to you.
Chuck, glad it was helpful. Took me a while to figure out the washers were the source of my issue. It would have been nice if Dillon would have at least included a Tip sheet. Dillon including the instructions of a factory built 550C with the upgrade kit was no help to me at all.
Well done, sir! Thank you for the fine video!
Great video. Thanks! Will probably upgrade now. I have minor scratches on the shaft so I may (or may not) replace the shaft.
Glad it was helpful. Sorry to hear about the scratches.
Excellent video! I've been having some issues with my 550b and I've found some of the pins have some galling. I've got an even older press than yours and there are no grease fittings so I guess they got dry. I think I will go ahead and upgrade to the 550c with this kit, but I'll also have to order some new pins.
My 550 doesn't have any zerk fittings on it, mine I bought almost 40 years ago. Think this upgrade would be worthwhile on mine?
The WHOLE reason why it’d be easier to just go with a new 550B..A LOT easier and less of a headache.
I assume you mean a new 550C. Yes, one could by a new 550C and then sell their old 550B. Easier, but maybe not cheaper. Kind of like electrical and plumbing work. Hiring a trades person to do every bit of electrical or plumbing work in your home/shop would be easier, but not necessarily the most cost effective.
The upgrade is about the same effort as the disassembly, cleaning, relubing and reassembly. So when the 550B press is old enough to need it, that's the time to do the upgrade, or I guess just buy a new press every time it needs a cleaning and lubrication. :)
Great video! Thanks! I bet Dillon isn’t as meticulous when they do a refurbish job! Now, time for me to update my “B” to a “C”..
Glad it was useful to you brctom1.
Great video. The current instructions recommend blue thread locker on the "threaded link arm pin" threads. Do you think this is important or advisable?
Hello Alan. Glad to hear they finally came out with instructions. Using blue thread lock on the new threaded link arm pins/pivot pins would be a benefit. But for it to work, it would be important not to get grease on the threads.
Thanks for the video. I'm going to order my upgrade now. Reading the comments below you have sold a lot of upgrades. Dillon should send you a tee-shirt or something. lol
When I first got my upgrade kit and opened it, I saw this many-paged document and I thought 'I am glad they included instructions'. Then I looked at the instructions and realized it was nothing more than the standard instruction book to the 550C. There was nothing in that booklet about converting a B to a C. So I decided to document and record my steps as I went. It was a process figuring out how to do it and I created the video to hopefully save others some time.
Very detail you must be retired machinist or engineer thank you for instructions
I am glad you found them useful.
Why you need to put grease through the pins, when Dillon maintenance instruction instructed to use motor oil on the main shaft?
Short answer: Different parts require different lubricates. Long answer: You may wish to refer to the following video from Dillon Precision. While their video is about the 550B, it does show the type of lubricate to be used for certain parts, especially at times 2:50, 5:03 and 5:27.
ruclips.net/video/cJuMsTIKsaU/видео.html
Also, the new threaded pivot pins/link arm pins have grease needle fittings, which are meant for the application of grease, not oil.
Great video, I aleady have a 550C, but your video showed me how ir worked. Wouldn't it be easier to use ratcheting wrenches?
Very informative video..
Thanks for sharing
Question..my 550b does not have the shaft with the zerk fitting attached?
Does Dillon make that part and is it recommended upgrade?
They do have kits to upgrade. It's called a "550 Grease Fitting Upgrade". Includes a new blue crank and the new pin/washers/nuts with zerk fitting. This is separate from the "550C Frame Kit Assembly" that takes a 550B frame with hammer driven pins to a 550C frame with threaded pins. As to whether it is recommended, it boils down to whether you like to take the press apart with a hammer and fight with C clips every N years for disassembly, cleaning and lubrication, or whether you would rather be able to lube in place and be able to disassemble (less often) with wrenches instead of a hammer and safety glasses. Perhaps wait until it needs a disassembly and then update it at the same time..
SUPERB video sir! Very informative. Would you know if I can convert a 550 (no 'B') as you demonstrated, in addition the zerc'd long pin on the very bottom linkage next to where the handle screws in?
Dave, if I understand your question, it sounds like the crank (the piece that connects the two link arms at the bottom next to where the handle screws in) does not use/have a lower link arm pin that is fitted with a zerk grease fitting. If correct, you may also need to get new link arms. new lower link arm pin, a new crank and possibly some other parts. I would recommend you contact Dillon support. Dillon has both a toll free phone number and live chat. I have been successful using both their toll free number and live chat.
@@knowledge2you Good info sir and thank you for your quick response!
@@knowledge2you I didn't think about that, my link arms don't have the grease hole for the dirty grease to escape. I may just buy a new press.
Best of luck to you @@bamabackroads1203
very well done, thank you.
Seems to me that it would be wiser to get a BL-550, and transfer all the parts over, then sell the 550B press fully functioning.
After all, with Dillon’s warranty, what use is the old frame?
Third strike: no instructions for the conversation...REALLY!?
If you transfer over the automatic powder measure and/or the priming system and/or the low primer alarm (which is standard equipment on a RL 550), then you no longer have a fully functional RL 550B.
That is correct. The kit does NOT come with any instructions. The ‘instructions’ that came with my kit were the standard instructions Dillon ships with any factory-built RL 550C. There is nothing in those instructions on how to upgrade a 550B to a 550C.
@@knowledge2you You would have an old style BL 550 fully functioning
@@scpvrr Ok, now I understand your suggestion. Since a new BL550C is $300 + ~22.5 shipping (w/o tax) and the frame upgrade kit is $121 plus ~ 17 shipping (w/o tax), then if the person could sell the old style BL 550B for at least $184.5, then they should be able to break even. If they could sell it for more than $184.5, then they would have spent less that straight buying the kit.
@@knowledge2you Yep. And bless someone else in the process.
Great video. Do you know anything about the part number 18275 crank upgrade kit for the 550?
B Berthold, I am not familiar with it but when I read its description, I speculated what it was, so I contacted Dillon, twice, to confirm my thoughts. It has been over a month and not a word from Dillon. But I suspect that if you have a really old 550, that the crank does not have a zerk fitting on it’s left side. You can see this zerk fitting at time mark 26:49. So if your 550 crank has this zerk fitting on the crank, you should not need part 18275.
@@knowledge2you I did buy this part. It replaces the bottom part of the press and it has a grease fitting. Thank you for your time and effort. I did message them that it needs a better description and picture. It also came with a link arm punch and alignment tool.
Great job very informative Thank you
Thanks for making this video, very helpful! I noticed that you have a plate on top of your Strong Mount. Is that from Dillon, or did you fabricate it? I bought my Strong Mount back in 1999. It does not have a top plate.
Dillon does not make a top plate for their Strong Mount. I purchased the top plate from inlinefabrication dot com. On their web site, in the upper left, click Search and search for ‘Intermediate plate for Dillon 550 strongmounts’. This is the same company from which I purchased the LED lighting kit for my 550s.
@@knowledge2you Thanks, I have several of their products, but I never noticed that upgrade. I wish I had bought their mount for my 550, but I don't think they were around in the 90's when I started reloading.
I’ve taken the pins out on my 550B. It takes many whacks wit a hammer.
Yes it does. With the upgrade, no more having to remove the pins to grease them. The new pins are now much easier to lubricate with their grease needle openings.
That's not a upgrade, it's replacing your press....
By general definition, an upgrade is taking something that works and making it better/more up to date by adding or replacing parts. For example, I upgraded my computer, which was running Windows 8, by installing Windows 10. i.e. I replaced Windows 8 with Windows 10. In this video, I upgraded my press by replacing a part. I did not replace my press. If it matters, Dillon’s name for part number 20094 is Upgrade Frame Change Kit.
I bet some clever machinist could come up with some way to add a real upgrade kit to this to convert the pins for quicker disassembly. but honesty if you use quality grease you dont need to take it down all that often.
How often it has to have a major cleaning is more a function of how much reloading you do. I have no set guidelines. For me, it is when the machine begins to feel sluggish. When the upgrade kit, I now just have to use a grease gun instead of taking it down.
seems to me if you could just buy the threaded pins and thread your 550b to accept them
Not sure it would work Chris. I still have my 550B frame and compared it to the 550C. The sides of the frame where the pivot pins are inserted are thicker on the 550C than the sides on the 550B.
Perhaps I've missed something but why should I upgrade to version C? In one of the first slides you've said that no higher quality ammo will come out of this. Is the answer to my question that easy? Only for maintenance and cleaning purposes? Is that more comfort worthing that?
Christian, the first ‘slide’ after the title slide is intentional. Upfront, I wanted people to understand what the upgrade offers and what it doesn’t so they can decide for themselves and not have to watch 49 minutes of video before deciding. I know of no other benefit other than what I put on that slide.
Whether or not the upgrade is worth it to you depends on how much you use the press, and, therefore, how much you have to preform a major cleaning. As a competitive shooter, I reload a lot. Therefore, I perform major cleaning and maintenance a lot. Thus, it is worth it to me.
Thanks for the clear and open hearted answer. Most others would write monologues as a kind advert.
You didn’t. You spoke clear out that this upgrade might not be for everyone.
Coming to the point: I don’t use it regularly here in Germany. I’ve got a used one and do not already own my permission for reloading which I must have to start. So not yet competing but still to come. I’ll give it a try! Thanks again!
Christian, hello from the USA. I hope you get the proper permits soon. Since you purchased it used, it might be a good idea to perform a major cleaning and lubricating. In that way, you know you are starting with a properly lubricated machine. On the following web page on the Dillon web site, you can find a couple of videos on major cleaning and lubricating of the 550. These videos do NOT assume you have upgraded to the 550C. Basically, Dillon puts grease on pins and openings and oil on the shaft/ram. Do not put grease on the shaft/ram. It will make the machine sluggish. I wish you well.
www.dillonprecision.com/dillonvideos.html
Thanks a lot, I’ll start with a major cleanup and hoping to start reloading before summer.
Christian, sounds like a good plan. Before you actually disassemble it, I would suggest you watch the Dillon videos in their entirety first. You may find you will need a Standard Powder Measure die (part 20064) and a RL550 platform alignment tool (part 13713) to put it back together. Best of luck.
What kind of vise and who sells that vise? Nice video Sir.
It is the Yost 750-DI 5”. Originally, I was going to get the Yost 750-E, which is a somewhat smaller and less expensive vise, but at the time, the 750-DI was on sale and the 750-E was not so I was able to get the 750-DI for close to the same price as a 750-E. I also purchased the Yost MU360 universal jaw cover (6") and the Yost UP360 universal prism jaw cover (6”) and the Yost MR-350 magnetic aluminum jaw cap with rubber surface (5”). I got mine on Amazon but other retailers sell them also. I shopped around for price and that including shipping charge since a vise is heavy.
Does Dillon not provide torque specifications?
There were none in the instructions. In fact, the instructions that came with the upgrade kit were just the standard 550C instructions that come with a factory built 550C. The instructions do not show or explain how to upgrade a 550B to a 550C. If you call or chat with Dillon, they may provide torque specs.
How to convert your 55b to a 550c: Get a 55C Frame and....uh...strip the parts from the B and place them in the frame of the C...and ...uh...screw it. Just go buy the 550C. Save the time.
I don’t understand your point. If you own a 550B and wish to convert it to a 550C, then when you buy Dillon’s upgrade kit, you are buying a 550C frame and in the video you see how to remove the other parts from the 550B and install on the 550C (not all parts convert over) and align the shell plate to the new frame (a necessary step). If you currently do not own either, and you buy from Dillon, you will be getting the 550C. About the only way to buy a 550B now is on the used market.
I see that You miss something very important on RL 550B about pivot pins. You don't have to remove anything to lubricate pivot pins. I believe that You didn't see six small pin holes for lubricate pivot pins.
I kept my old 550B frame and as I show in the video, the link arms and crank from the 550B are reused when upgrading to the 550C. There are no small pin holes on the frame. Each link arm has one small hole and the crank has one small hole. For a total of three holes. These holes act as a grease pressure relief hole. To properly lubricate the old-style pivot pins, they have to be removed. As show in this Dillon Precision published video starting at 2 minutes, 18 seconds.
ruclips.net/video/cJuMsTIKsaU/видео.html
If you look at some really old 550 machines, they don’t even have the hole in the link arm that mine do and don't have a Zerk fitted pin in the crank.
You are wrong.
Now read the answer from Dillon Precision.
www.dillonprecision.com/lubrication-points_350_10_109.htm
@@Subject76 The post you are referring to is 2008. The video I am referring to is 2015.
The older machine shown in the post has two small holes in each link arm and two small holes in the crank. For a total of six holes. They have not put those six holes in a 550 for a long time. Just look at the link arms and crank on a 550 on the Dillon web site or in the Dillon video I referenced above. Years back they switched to one hole in each link arm and one hole in the crank. And they put a Zerk fitting on the lower link arm pin and did away with the clips and lock nuts on the upper link arm pins and changed their lubrication recommendations. So as much as you want me to be wrong, I am not.
How much did the upgrade cost you? Thanks
The price as of this writing of the RL 550C Upgrade Frame Change Kit (stock number 20094) is 110.95 USD. The price does not include shipping nor does it include tax.
The kit includes a new frame, two upper link arm threaded pins, toolhead, toolhead pins, primer slide return spring and pin (the spring (part 13928) and pin (14025) are preinstalled in the frame), primer track bearing plate (14015), platform alignment tool and punch (that looks like a large nail with the point cut off) for removing the old-style pressed-on upper link arm pins. It also includes an instruction manual that does NOT tell you how to upgrade a 550B to a 550C.
The kit does not include, but you will need, a standard powder measure die (20064) and a die lock ring. If you do not have a spare standard powder measure die, you could always remove your automatic powder system (if you have one) from the die on one of your current toolheads, unscrew the die from your current toolhead and use it. But then you will have to reinstall everything. Or you could borrow a standard powder measure die or you could buy one when you buy the upgrade kit. As of this writing, a standard powder measure die costs 13.45 USD.
@@knowledge2you Thank you very much for this great review
@@comloz The Price for the Kit as of 7-30-2020 is $120.00 plus shipping and tax if any.
TX for Video
You are welcome. I hope it was useful.
Just get a 550c and keep the parts from your 550b as extra.
If you want to go that route, get the 550C Basic Loader for $289.95 USD (which is $179.00 more than the upgrade kit) knowing that the remaining parts of the 550C BL are parts that generally do not wear out and that the 550C BL does not come with a platform alignment tool. It also does not come with the punch for removing the old style link arm pivot pins, but if you already own a long punch set, you can use your own punch instead.