You need more exposure. You create excellent informative videos and saved me a ton of time setting my 550 back up after years laying dormant. So very much appreciated! Keep on pulling and thank you!
This was an extremely helpful series. I just received all of the parts for my 550C a few days ago. Set everything up today and loaded 25 rounds. Made a quick run to the range to test them out and then loaded another 200 rounds. Everything worked fine. THEN I came back into the house and found your series...and learned some valuable tips that I wished I had known earlier!
I was in a similar situation as Metal1 - hadn't used my 550 for several years and needed a refresher. Excellent video and exposed a couple of things I needed to recheck in my setup. Great work on clear and concise videos! Thanks so much!
Great video I use my progressive press a little different I don’t do all the task on it but when I use it to finish up the rest of the task it goes fast thanks for sharing
I got a 550 press 3 years ago and I'm just now starting to reload using single stage Lee and RCB ! Not knowing any thing about reloading I loaded 45 ACP's and they wouldn't load into my pistol ! Now I know that I've got to crimp the 45 cases! So I'm going to single stage load 9 mm by hand and start low and work my way up checking each load until I find the load that is the most accurate ! And keep a journal on my loads and put that on each batch I load ! Thanks for the Gerat series! I need to but a couple more things to complete my tools !
Hey Squatch, after all this time I thought I was subbed, am know. Just want to say after watching the series it's one of the best on RUclips. Very thorough and in video tips are excellent. Thanks again...GGW
Yes he does.. This is a great channel. I really like it. Id previously watched his Wet tumbling. I'm new to reloading so I need all the info I can get.
Fantastic videos. I have always used a single stage press and have been reloading for a while. Before my father passed this summer, he gave me his Dillon 550 with upgrades (he said it was basically a 650). So, after bringing all his reloading equipment home, I really hadn't had the time or the desire to go through his stuff for a few months. He had several tool heads all set up for different calibers. I am finally getting it all put together and there is a bit of a learning curve for the Dillon. Your videos were a great help in answering some detailed questions I had. Thanks to your videos I am almost ready to verify the settings for 9mm. Now I know what I need to do to get the Dillon set up, I am confident in using it. Thanks for the videos.
Just wanted to thank you for posting, used your series to set up my Dillon 550b step - by - Step..... had a range trip today to shoot my first set of rounds, they shot far superior to the factory loads. Thanks!!!!!!
I recently added the 45 brass to my followers as well. Work great. I’m gonna try that “shake it” tip for the flip tray. I always hate when those last few primers are so close. I use a little RCBS plastic flip tray. I need to just break down and buy a primer filler.
Thanks for a great series..Just bought a used 550 and moving from single stage to this is a sizeable adjustment,. Would like to see something on the adjustment of the powder dispenser gates and distribution hardware if you have it available
I suppose if you case gage 100% it would be handy. I have found ammo not fitting a case gage is a result of the follow: - missed operation - using a combo seat/crimp die - Dillon die hour glass shape - crimp die too tight - too much pre flare prior to bullet seat Eliminate the above and you will see significantly less rounds not pass a case gage. Detecting an issue vs preventing an issue.
If I loaded more pistol rounds I would think about the 750. Still using the Rock Chucker from many years ago. I'm retired, so time isn't an issue. Good video.
I have been reviewing Hornady, Dylan now, Tyman, redding. I think the 550 is going to become my first progressive press. Thanks! Great videos & GodBless
I wet tumble. I make my own case lube with Lanolin and Heat in the red bottle. After loading I dry tumble to remove the case lube. Don't need to tumble very long. Works great.
great great videos. i just purchased a 550c and have a friend helping me set it up. your video helped alot. tomorrow i have to turn the powder measure rod to the opposite side!!! lol ooops and tighten it to half business card. so without your automatic case feeder you have to put in a case by hand and set a bullet on top the case also for 1/3 stations? so hand is kinda busy
Best video. I’m looking to start with at 115 grain 9mm recast bullets from Missouri bullet or blue bullet. How would I know powder weight and final bullet length for measurements? Thanks!
Your five videos on putting the 550C were excellent! Two request if you haven't already done so. How would someone switch from a 9mm to a 45 ACP? The channels I see have the 550C going from a small caliber reload to a rifle reload.
Thank you. The process of switch calibers is the same regardless of which caliber for the most part. Going from 9 to 45 would be a change of shell plate, index pins, dies, powder funnel and primer size depending if you are loading small primer 45 or large.
Love your video and like to purchase the 550C model just wondering how is the case feeder working for you I saw your video that you have some casing upside down does that happen to you often?
Good job, I watched Dillon's video yours was much better. Did I miss the primer feed set up in the first video? Gauge change video would be good small to large primers.
Great Video, just picked up a 550 last night, I watched all your 9mm set-up videos. They were a big help. I was wondering if you'd be interested in doing a vid on your case feeder. I'm looking at picking one up for my 550
Your led lights rock. I always have a hard time seeing if my poder charge has dropped I now use an old desk lamp that clamps on to the Square Deal I have been using for 10 years. if Dillon offered Auto indexing on the 550 would you go for it?
I like the 550 as is. It is by far my favorite all around Dillon Press I would change a thing. When auto indexing is in the picture the 5 station really adds a lot of possibilities.
Very nice series. This will help me greatly when setting up my first run of 9mm which will be my first attempt at reloading. I am sure it will transition over to my xl750 which is currently in transit. I also ordered the case feeder. I will make sure to be careful and pay attention to the spacers under the case plate. ;-) Thank you for pointing that out in a previous video I watched. Also check out this link I found from another RUclipsr I found. It's the same function as the factor toolhead just more custom. www.joferusa.com/?wpsc-product=dillon-xl650-style-billet-cnc-made-toolhead-custom-engraved
Great video. Does the One Shot lube leave any residue inside the case feeder, on the case feeder plate or inside the case feeder drop tube assembly? I have avoided the issue by fully prepping, sizing, decapping, etc, all of my brass before it is placed on the progressive press and maybe using One Shot resolves the issue. Also, what are your thoughts on the 550 case feeder. Thanks
I haven’t noticed any residual lube in the casefeeder using one shot. I really think it is perfect for pistol cartridges and does make the press run silky smooth.
@@SquatchReloaded do you like the one shot for all straight wall cases (45-70)? Or just pistol cases? What would you reccommend on a 550c for rifle (308, 6.5, 223 etc) case lube? Dillon lube? Also I really enjoy your videos. Well and clearly spoken and to the point. Very helpful. Thank you.
Dillon case lube works very well on those cartridges. I would probably mix red heet and peg 75 lanolin to a 10:1 ration and make my own or get Dillon lube.
I took one of my 125grain cast rejects smashed it with hammer and stuffed it in there. No science just a total swag and it works great. Your mileage may very
Loaded about 1500 .45acp casings with no problems. Changed over to 9mm and swapped the large primer slide and tube out for the small version for this caliber and am having problems with the primer feed. I have removed and checked the slide multiple times to insure proper installation and cannot figure out why the primers are not always being inserted into the primer cup from the feeder tube. The slide appears to be going all the way back when the handle is pulled down. I have found that a slight tap with my hand when the slide is all the way back generally (but not always) results with a primer in the cup. I cannot see any adjustment that will help this, but there must be one. Help!!
I also own the Dillon 550 and wondered how you would compare your 550 with case feeder to the 650 with case feeder. Does the case feeder make the 550 a better press? Thanks
The 550 on its own is pretty much bullet proof. The casefeeder adds a little bit of quirkiness to it. My only reason of adding the casefeeder was I wasn’t a fan of the 650 continuous priming system. I also didn’t quite need the production at the time of the 650. The casefeeder does increase the amount of rounds per hour. The main question as to if it is worth it? I would say if you want to increase 20% or so without upgrading to a 750 then probably yes.
@@SquatchReloaded Can you please please please do a video about the 550 case feeder? There is almost no videos about how the 550 version operates and any quirks they might have. I'm interested in purchasing one since I only load pistol ammo on my 550.
Personal preference I find that when full length sizing it doesn’t provide enough lubrication. I have seen some variation in head spacing as well that was eliminated with a lanolin based case lube. It may be fine for neck sizing but I haven’t tried it. I think it’s a good compliment to carbide pistol dies however I have migrated away from it there as well.
Great Job!! I do have a question. I'm reloading 9mm 115g RN practice ammo. My brass pass the case gauge test after stage 1 and 2 but fail 3. I get a slight bell at the base after seating the bullet. The case does pass a barrel check. Increasing the bell made the base bell greater and the crimp die changed nothing.
Thanks so much! It was driving me nuts. I had unpacked my reloader from 13 yrs storage and started again. I had no videos to follow and RUclips was nonexistent. I can’t begin to tell you how much time and effort you saved me not to mention mistakes I made the the first time. Keep up the excellent work.
Really depends on what your budget allows and how much you are going to reload. I would not steer anyone away from a 750 however I think a single stage really teaches the art of die setup quicker.
You can adjust how far back the slide bar goes with the small set screw under the spring steel flap, confirm you have the correct primer cup, confirm you have the correct plastic insert at the bottom of the primer magazine.
Squatch Reloading I got it figured out I feel like a idiot ha my primer cup was too high but I got the strong mount and and the slide for the bullets to go into the bin is rubbing on the mount when I go to prime and I can’t figure it out now.
I am in Ohio just north of Dayton and haven't found Dillon passes close by. Are you getting your Dillons at a local Ohio shop or are you getting direct from Dillon?
this is by far the best series of videos for a newbie here so clear and precise
Thank you
You need more exposure. You create excellent informative videos and saved me a ton of time setting my 550 back up after years laying dormant. So very much appreciated! Keep on pulling and thank you!
Thanks for the kind words
Thank you so very much! The best series of videos on reloading I’m yet to see.
Thank you for the great series! Very helpful in setting up my 550B that was new in the box.
Excellent series for 9mm reloading 👍
I have got some much information from these 5 videos plus many more of yours.You have been so helpful.
I like the 45 caliber shell casing on the primer rod! Great idea! I just did the exact same thing to mine.
Great series. Subscribed.
Great series...enjoyed
This was an extremely helpful series. I just received all of the parts for my 550C a few days ago. Set everything up today and loaded 25 rounds. Made a quick run to the range to test them out and then loaded another 200 rounds. Everything worked fine. THEN I came back into the house and found your series...and learned some valuable tips that I wished I had known earlier!
Awesome thanks
Great setup videos thanks for the info my 550 should be arriving soon just need to find some primers and powder
I was in a similar situation as Metal1 - hadn't used my 550 for several years and needed a refresher. Excellent video and exposed a couple of things I needed to recheck in my setup. Great work on clear and concise videos! Thanks so much!
Another good one in the series bud.
Very good series! Just getting back into loading. Have only loaded on a 550 and have never loaded any handgun calibers. Thank you for the education!!
Great video I use my progressive press a little different I don’t do all the task on it but when I use it to finish up the rest of the task it goes fast thanks for sharing
Hornady one shot gang checking in. Keep your dies clean and it works like a champ.
Your video's were extremely helpful! I can't wait to get my Dillon 550C up and running!
I got a 550 press 3 years ago and I'm just now starting to reload using single stage Lee and RCB ! Not knowing any thing about reloading I loaded 45 ACP's and they wouldn't load into my pistol ! Now I know that I've got to crimp the 45 cases! So I'm going to single stage load 9 mm by hand and start low and work my way up checking each load until I find the load that is the most accurate ! And keep a journal on my loads and put that on each batch I load ! Thanks for the Gerat series! I need to but a couple more things to complete my tools !
Hey Squatch, after all this time I thought I was subbed, am know. Just want to say after watching the series it's one of the best on RUclips. Very thorough and in video tips are excellent. Thanks again...GGW
Thanks brother
Holy crap, Dude. Awesome production value and information for such a small channel. You deserve more subs!
Pat RMG Thanks man. Just out here doing my thing.
Yes he does.. This is a great channel. I really like it. Id previously watched his Wet tumbling. I'm new to reloading so I need all the info I can get.
Great video Sir! Thank you for posting this! Subbed to your channel!
Thanks so much for the info. I just bought a used 550 and was looking for guidance to set it up.
Fantastic videos. I have always used a single stage press and have been reloading for a while. Before my father passed this summer, he gave me his Dillon 550 with upgrades (he said it was basically a 650). So, after bringing all his reloading equipment home, I really hadn't had the time or the desire to go through his stuff for a few months. He had several tool heads all set up for different calibers. I am finally getting it all put together and there is a bit of a learning curve for the Dillon. Your videos were a great help in answering some detailed questions I had. Thanks to your videos I am almost ready to verify the settings for 9mm. Now I know what I need to do to get the Dillon set up, I am confident in using it. Thanks for the videos.
Exactly why I do these vids thanks
You’re my hero Squatch!
Lol
Just wanted to thank you for posting, used your series to set up my Dillon 550b step - by - Step..... had a range trip today to shoot my first set of rounds, they shot far superior to the factory loads. Thanks!!!!!!
This comment just made my day. I am so glad that the series helped you get going. This is exactly why I started doing this.
I recently added the 45 brass to my followers as well. Work great. I’m gonna try that “shake it” tip for the flip tray. I always hate when those last few primers are so close. I use a little RCBS plastic flip tray. I need to just break down and buy a primer filler.
I also put a fishing sinker under the cartridge to add a little bit more weight. If you run large primers too they need a little bit ooomf
Thanks for a great series..Just bought a used 550 and moving from single stage to this is a sizeable adjustment,. Would like to see something on the adjustment of the powder dispenser gates and distribution hardware if you have it available
super informative thanks, wish you had a video series for the new 750
Check out the 10mm series I feature the 750 after the load development
Great video I just started wet tumbling so now my process is just like yours without the the case feeder !!
Chris 338 The casefeeder is nice but I am still not sure about it on the 550.
@@SquatchReloaded I don't want one I'm happy doing the ole case bullet pull!!!! LOL
Armanov case gauge tray is game changer. Improves quality assurance by 1000%.
I suppose if you case gage 100% it would be handy. I have found ammo not fitting a case gage is a result of the follow:
- missed operation
- using a combo seat/crimp die
- Dillon die hour glass shape
- crimp die too tight
- too much pre flare prior to bullet seat
Eliminate the above and you will see significantly less rounds not pass a case gage. Detecting an issue vs preventing an issue.
AWESOME!!!
If I loaded more pistol rounds I would think about the 750. Still using the Rock Chucker from many years ago. I'm retired, so time isn't an issue. Good video.
Nothing wrong that sir. I have a Rock Chucker as well and it’s hard to beat.
I have been reviewing Hornady, Dylan now, Tyman, redding. I think the 550 is going to become my first progressive press. Thanks! Great videos & GodBless
You will not regret getting the 550. Hands down my favorite progressive loader
I wet tumble. I make my own case lube with Lanolin and Heat in the red bottle. After loading I dry tumble to remove the case lube. Don't need to tumble very long. Works great.
great great videos. i just purchased a 550c and have a friend helping me set it up. your video helped alot. tomorrow i have to turn the powder measure rod to the opposite side!!! lol ooops and tighten it to half business card. so without your automatic case feeder you have to put in a case by hand and set a bullet on top the case also for 1/3 stations? so hand is kinda busy
Great wrap up in the series on the 550!
Any videos on your Redding T7, use, setup etc?
Thanks!
Bill Austin I am going to be working on some load series on the T7 very soon. It will be either 10mm or 9mm.
I live in north west Ohio in a little town called Colton population about 50 !
Best video.
I’m looking to start with at 115 grain 9mm recast bullets from Missouri bullet or blue bullet. How would I know powder weight and final bullet length for measurements? Thanks!
Your five videos on putting the 550C were excellent! Two request if you haven't already done so. How would someone switch from a 9mm to a 45 ACP? The channels I see have the 550C going from a small caliber reload to a rifle reload.
Thank you. The process of switch calibers is the same regardless of which caliber for the most part. Going from 9 to 45 would be a change of shell plate, index pins, dies, powder funnel and primer size depending if you are loading small primer 45 or large.
Love your video and like to purchase the 550C model just wondering how is the case feeder working for you I saw your video that you have some casing upside down does that happen to you often?
Good job, I watched Dillon's video yours was much better. Did I miss the primer feed set up in the first video? Gauge change video would be good small to large primers.
Great Video, just picked up a 550 last night, I watched all your 9mm set-up videos. They were a big help. I was wondering if you'd be interested in doing a vid on your case feeder. I'm looking at picking one up for my 550
Nathaniel Davey I can probably do that. Feel free to email me if you need any help or questions with your 550. Squatchreloading@gmail.com
Your led lights rock.
I always have a hard time seeing if my poder charge has dropped
I now use an old desk lamp that clamps on to the Square Deal I have been using for 10 years.
if Dillon offered Auto indexing on the 550 would you go for it?
I like the 550 as is. It is by far my favorite all around Dillon Press I would change a thing. When auto indexing is in the picture the 5 station really adds a lot of possibilities.
Very nice series. This will help me greatly when setting up my first run of 9mm which will be my first attempt at reloading. I am sure it will transition over to my xl750 which is currently in transit. I also ordered the case feeder. I will make sure to be careful and pay attention to the spacers under the case plate. ;-) Thank you for pointing that out in a previous video I watched. Also check out this link I found from another RUclipsr I found. It's the same function as the factor toolhead just more custom. www.joferusa.com/?wpsc-product=dillon-xl650-style-billet-cnc-made-toolhead-custom-engraved
What is that light rig you have installed in the 550 frame. Looks like a small LED ribbon. Is that custom or a kit?
will that case feeder work with 50 beo?
Where did you get the light you are using on the press? Good video!
Amazon... but check out double alpha academy they have a good looking light that appears to be very similar
Can you share name of this spray lube?
Great video. Does the One Shot lube leave any residue inside the case feeder, on the case feeder plate or inside the case feeder drop tube assembly? I have avoided the issue by fully prepping, sizing, decapping, etc, all of my brass before it is placed on the progressive press and maybe using One Shot resolves the issue. Also, what are your thoughts on the 550 case feeder. Thanks
I haven’t noticed any residual lube in the casefeeder using one shot. I really think it is perfect for pistol cartridges and does make the press run silky smooth.
@@SquatchReloaded do you like the one shot for all straight wall cases (45-70)? Or just pistol cases? What would you reccommend on a 550c for rifle (308, 6.5, 223 etc) case lube? Dillon lube? Also I really enjoy your videos. Well and clearly spoken and to the point. Very helpful. Thank you.
Dillon case lube works very well on those cartridges. I would probably mix red heet and peg 75 lanolin to a 10:1 ration and make my own or get Dillon lube.
@@SquatchReloaded thanks for the great info. What weight did you use under the 45 brass on the primer magazine?
I took one of my 125grain cast rejects smashed it with hammer and stuffed it in there. No science just a total swag and it works great. Your mileage may very
Loaded about 1500 .45acp casings with no problems. Changed over to 9mm and swapped the large primer slide and tube out for the small version for this caliber and am having problems with the primer feed. I have removed and checked the slide multiple times to insure proper installation and cannot figure out why the primers are not always being inserted into the primer cup from the feeder tube. The slide appears to be going all the way back when the handle is pulled down. I have found that a slight tap with my hand when the slide is all the way back generally (but not always) results with a primer in the cup. I cannot see any adjustment that will help this, but there must be one. Help!!
There is a small set screw on the front of the slide housing try adjusting that a bit.
I also own the Dillon 550 and wondered how you would compare your 550 with case feeder to the 650 with case feeder. Does the case feeder make the 550 a better press? Thanks
The 550 on its own is pretty much bullet proof. The casefeeder adds a little bit of quirkiness to it. My only reason of adding the casefeeder was I wasn’t a fan of the 650 continuous priming system. I also didn’t quite need the production at the time of the 650. The casefeeder does increase the amount of rounds per hour. The main question as to if it is worth it? I would say if you want to increase 20% or so without upgrading to a 750 then probably yes.
@@SquatchReloaded Can you please please please do a video about the 550 case feeder? There is almost no videos about how the 550 version operates and any quirks they might have. I'm interested in purchasing one since I only load pistol ammo on my 550.
On the Dillon 550C do you have to adjust the primer settings?
They are generally preset and don’t need any adjustment with the majority of primers.
Can you comment on why you don’t use the one shot lube for rifle cartridges?
Personal preference I find that when full length sizing it doesn’t provide enough lubrication. I have seen some variation in head spacing as well that was eliminated with a lanolin based case lube. It may be fine for neck sizing but I haven’t tried it. I think it’s a good compliment to carbide pistol dies however I have migrated away from it there as well.
Im hopefully getting a BL550 soon and it seems like there is the auto eject upgrade for it, am i wrong or does this sound right to you?
Yes purchase the eject wire for a 550C
Awesome videos. What kind of work benches are you using?
Currently using 2 inch maple tops in my shop. I think this was an older video and was using some harbor freight work benches.
@@SquatchReloaded how are those table tops holding up on the harbor freight workbench’s?
Great Job!! I do have a question. I'm reloading 9mm 115g RN practice ammo. My brass pass the case gauge test after stage 1 and 2 but fail 3. I get a slight bell at the base after seating the bullet. The case does pass a barrel check. Increasing the bell made the base bell greater and the crimp die changed nothing.
Dillon dies I assume?
Yes
That is typical of Dillon dies.
Thanks so much! It was driving me nuts. I had unpacked my reloader from 13 yrs storage and started again. I had no videos to follow and RUclips was nonexistent. I can’t begin to tell you how much time and effort you saved me not to mention mistakes I made the the first time. Keep up the excellent work.
Hey how well does the case feeder work for the 550? I have heard it is finicky
It is. I would suggest not doing it.
So I was wondering if I am getting into reloading should I go with this a 750 or should I just start with a single stage press?
Really depends on what your budget allows and how much you are going to reload. I would not steer anyone away from a 750 however I think a single stage really teaches the art of die setup quicker.
@@SquatchReloaded i appreciate the reply. I will take your advice and get a single then upgrade
What part of Ohio? Just getting into shooting here and looking at the 550c
Almost dead central ohio
One question, when you lube your brass will some of it get into the brass.If so, is it ok?
As long as it dries prior to filling
Must tell, thank you so much for the videos, they are extremely informative.
I just set up by 550 and it is not picking up a primer at all. Any suggestions?
You can adjust how far back the slide bar goes with the small set screw under the spring steel flap, confirm you have the correct primer cup, confirm you have the correct plastic insert at the bottom of the primer magazine.
Squatch Reloading I got it figured out I feel like a idiot ha my primer cup was too high but I got the strong mount and and the slide for the bullets to go into the bin is rubbing on the mount when I go to prime and I can’t figure it out now.
I am in Ohio just north of Dayton and haven't found Dillon passes close by. Are you getting your Dillons at a local Ohio shop or are you getting direct from Dillon?
I am not aware of any stocking dealers in Ohio. I order generally direct from Dillon as there is no price difference.
@@SquatchReloaded thanks so much, have a great weekend!
I am having trouble seating primers. Do you have any tips?
What caliber and what is happening