Dillon BL-550 Basic Loader: Unboxing, Setup, Loading 308 Winchester

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Here at Ultimate Reloader I've shown a lot of Dillon presses including the XL-750, RL-550C, and RL 1100! In this video I'll show you Dillon's BL-550 basic loader. We'll start with unboxing, and end with loading 308 Winchester. Let's get to it!
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Ultimate Reloader LLC / gavintoobe Material Connection Notice:
The following Ultimate Reloader partners are featured in this video:
- Dillon Precision
Ultimate Reloader partnerships involve one or more of the following:
Product supplied for evaluation + testing + features in videos/articles, paid advertising and promotions, engineering and product development services, scientific testing and evaluation, external media production and related marketing services.
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[@suzukisux]

I'm glad I use an RL550. This looks painful to use instead

[@ironmonkey1512]

This is how I started out, definitely get the primer loader it is very hard to develop a rhythm without it and you will make mistakes.

[@armandoarambula958]

A+++, I like your video format. Short and to the point. Thank you for your hard work.

[@TheMrmmkkpro]

I just came into possession of a RL550, has a lot of extra accessories, no paperwork. I bought it from my neighbors friend who's dad used to reload. I got 3 different presses, 6 boxes full of everything from powder to brass and many dies. I paid 150.00 for it all. Setting it up now, had been using a RCBS Rock chucker, good press. Can't wait to get this beast rockin. Thanks for the video, very helpful. 👍👍

[@briancowan4318]

For precision semi-automatic reloading this would be great. Even with my full progressive press, I do case prep and priming long before I bringing other components together. So for possible neck bump (or sizing), precision powder drop, bullet seat and crimp this would be great. The only thing I'd miss is the case ejector, but then, you just spent all that time to get MATCH grade ammo, better not knock it around. For Ergonomics, I'd place empty cases and completed round box on right hand side and powder and bullets on the left. This would eliminate cross press movement and make muscle memory easier to set.

[@texpatriot8462]

Thanks for the review. I have been thinking about getting a Dillon, but this won’t be the model. Between the handling of the primer, the bullet and the powder, I think the opportunity for a mental mistake is too great for me. At the very least, I would want to have the primers fed automatically.

[@timandrews4722]

I use the 550B for 308. Single stage for FL resizing, then use the press with a RCBS Chargemaster for powder.

[@erikjensen6503]

Go with at least the 550. If you start basic auto primer feed, manual brass and Bullet feed and Mark indeed. Once you get in a routine it processes rounds fast. Later upgrade to Bullet and case feeder if that's what you're after.

[@erikjensen6503]

Are always great review! I love my 550b! Probably over 20 years old and works like a champ!

[@mario3804]

BL550 is awesome I own the 550c and is an awesome press, if I didn’t have so much money invested in my Lee Classic turret I would probably buy another one. I’m glad you made this video.

[@DanielBoone337]

I just recently bought the Dillon 550C but coming from a single stage press it's a touch on the advanced side for me... I'm slowly but surely figuring it out but this would've probably been a better choice for me to get for my first progressive press. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!

[@jasonsimes3333]

This is a great setup for processing brass. I use my 550c stripped down in this fashion for my F-Class completion loads. I use a bench priming tool and charge with an auto trickler, and seat long with the press. I seat to final length at the match with an arbor press. Nice thing is I can convert back to the 550c configuration for my bulk pistol or 223 ammo as necessary.

[@Greenwithao]

i would definitely get the primer feeder. Too many things manually a person would never get into the swing of things and miss a step.

[@RyanMcIntyre]

Single Stage Loaders have entered the chat.

[@rossvanderpoel3907]

After owning a 650 for 7 years, watching this is triggering me. Lol

[@twwtb]

I bought a BL550 back when I was shooting a weekly pistol event. I use it with the Dillon strong mount. I also added a thrust bearing under the rotating star and threaded inserts on the tool heads with screws to keep them from moving. I don't know of those made a big difference. I put a RCBS powder measure on the powder die with an adapter sleeve. You definitely have to slow down and get a rhythm since powder and primer, etc. are not automated like on the RL series. I inquired at Dillon about purchasing their powder measure for the press, but they are out of stock.

[@gebogen1383]

I have an old 450 that I use for the same type of loading because there is zero movement from the tool head. You can get a tool head clamp kit from Whidden Gun Works that will fix the tool heads to the frame for less run out on a 550 but I had the 450. I do run a 550 primer dispenser and I modified the shell plate base so that it kicks the finished rounds into a bin using the inline fab dual acro bin mount. There is definitely less variability in my produced rounds in this set up and it’s a LOT faster than a single stage press. I have a 550 C for hunting rounds and a 750 for pistol cartridges. I would like to see an in depth review on the SL900 to see if I can speed up my shotgun shell production and reduce the amount of space needed for those operations.

[@zazkariafrady9152]

I like mine. But of course I converted mine into a RL 550. I did like how easy/fast it was to swap between lg/sm primers. And think the RL 550 should come with these priming systems as back up.

[@raybates3119]

My first press was an old Dillon 450 bought in 1984ish. It was basically like that without the removable tool head. It had a powder measure that you pulled a handle on to charge the case though and I'm pretty sure it had a primer feed tube so you didn't have to load primers one at a time but that could have been an upgrade I did. Over the years I upgraded it to be basically like a RL 550c without the removable head. I ended up giving it away in the late 90's when I moved into a place with no room for a loading station. Several years back I bought a XL 650 to get back into progressive loading. I load pistol and 5.56 on it and use a single stage press for all of my precision rifle stuff. Still hated to see that old 450 go.

[@joshaudet]

Single stage reloading is so time consuming for local PRS matches. I would like to see what the performance Pro’s and con’s are as things get more automated and faster. Sure the 750 is faster, but how does that affect ES? I would like to see you time yourself to make 100 rounds with the 550BL, 550C, and xl750. Then compare ES and SD, while they’re all shot out of the same rifle. Maybe in a 6 or 6.5 CM.

[@keithcon3505]

I'm all for the blue cool aid, but I would 100% mess the manual index up.

[@tonyzhu403]

That's a lot of Operations. I feel like the chance of me blowing up is high with this press. I bet the muscle memory would help, but still quite a lot to pay attention to.

[@codya5333]

Awesome, I can't quite wrap my head around full progressive presses for precision rifle rounds. I like this so you could do a couple operations here and there such as sizing then expander mandrel, then trim and prime off press, then go back to press for powder drop and bullet seat. I know the pros can do it, but not sure how

[@58harwood]

The washer for the handle goes on top, not on the bottom sandwiched between the nut! I’ll just leave it at that.

[@jscottmarcum9]

If you have to rotate the case through the process, what's the point you might as well have a single stage press.

[@boomerrangerron]

Nice job on this video review as always! I just installed what I think is a BL-550 because I noticed the black funnels included. I purchased this a couple of years ago, used from another fellow KZbinr, and just did the box opening today. I did use the Inline Mount and it looks great. A friend of mine bought me as a gift, both the auto primer feeder and the powder drop systems. Can I make a retrofit and upgrade this to a fully functioning RL-550? I'm going to contact DILLION tomorrow and send pictures as well. I did not get any complete die sets either, just the aluminum holders of which he included two. Oh well, bought sight unseen, and got a great price. Thanks for your help!

[@joelclark2130]

I don't think that press has great value without auto prime and auto powder drop. Great press, could be confusing at times. And there's a lot of guys out there like me who would not be able to grab small rifle primers in a efficient way.. And I agree a charge master would speed up that process so much more. Great video keep up the good work.

[@buhtcheeks]

Thank you...

[@quiquecruz6203]

The reloadings with Dillon BL 550 have good precision...??? thank you

[@garrytalley8009]

The 550C is a better setup really. It isn't that much more money, and you can set it up the same or you have even more options. You can funnel feed your powder in those instead of using a powder drop. You can actually short stage it and only run as many stations as you want by pulling a pin and even feeding the cartridge in a different station than station one. I do this all the time with mine. I also don't like using a press primer seater so I either use a hand primer or a bench primer set up. Then one asks why do you have a Dillon, because I can leave all my dies set up on a toolhead and have lots of versatility as to what I do with the machine. It is very versatile. I could do all that I do with my 550C on that basic except for the cartridges that I do have Dillon Powder Measures set up to do like for my pistols and .223 as well as one of my magnum rifles. This machine may be a more cost effective option for those wanting a Dillon. It would work for me most of the time. Nice video as all your demos. Would be nice if you tried some of that short cycling with only using the bullet seater and crimp dies. It would open up some peoples minds about how versatile this machine is. It does not need to be used full cycle at all.

[@hansvanrooy6893]

Thank you Gavin for this and all your other videos - I am always on the lookout to see the latest of your very well presented topics. I do not have a Dillon and this video demonstrated to me that I do not need this particular one. I suppose I am use to do loading in "series" and not in "parallel". I do think that it is similar to juggling and you will sooner than later miss the juggle - either on the up or the down stroke-:)) On a general note - to me there will be far more value if I had a way of cutting the time and energy that goes in to prepping rather than the completion of the loading process - the last part is fun, the first part painful. To me anyway. Maybe there is a manufacturer that is paying attention to this - hope so-:))

[@arnoldgallegos6247]

I miss reloading. I can't find any primers and local guns stores are charging a fortune.

[@johnblood3731]

one day i will get a progressive press----when hell freezes over. i prefer doing each step 50 to 500 times and then doing the next step. less chance of making a mistake to me. there are to many things going on at the same time. however this is a great video with plenty of detail.

[@treybadd]

I use a 550 for everything I load.

[@badoldboy5557]

Speechless - "no comment" - but then - what annoys me - it's just paid advertising from Dillon with no real benefit to us. The scale in the video is not used as a control. It costs at least twice as much as the press. Is this supposed to suggest particular accuracy to us? Depending on the type of powder, the powder fluctuation will be approximately 0.3. That's not a problem for me in that case. But what has the press done better than my RCBS RC II (I have four different presses - 2X Dillon). The "commercials" on this channel are slowly annoying me too. Other long-time viewers have already written this before me. At the time I said "what do you expect here - no advertising?" But please don't be so clumsy.

[@tonyzhu403]

I would respectfully disagree. This video showed me that this press is not for me. That's a lot of Operations to Pay Attention to, and I would likely blow myself up using this press. The video showed me how this press operates, which is too complicated for my monkey brain. The video may also help 550BL Owners to improve their process.

[@EdSigman]

Very impressive. However, I know that I would be making mistakes in the flow. I have both the Dillon 750 and 550 RL C and I still prefer loading my rifle cartridges with the exception of the 223 for an AR platform, on a single stage press. In addition, I would not load rifle cases taking over 30 grains of powder with a drop measure. I use both and RCBS Chargemaster Lite and a balance beam scale for every rifle case that I produce for either semi auto or bolt action firearms. There is no quick method for loading quality rifle bullets that would meet my standards.

[@desertratedc9596]

My question that I got to look up is can I get that funnel adapter for my 550B? I have a 550B with all of the basic Dillon add-ons so the ability to be able to pour weighed charges could be a very handy thing indeed.

[@nmhvactech5474]

I’m trying to get back into reloading after my ex wife took all of my guns and equipment in the divorce. Everything is so expensive to replace compared to what I paid. I was using a Dillon RL550b and a RCBS Rock Chucker along with a lot of tools. Now I don’t know where to begin rebuilding my reloading setup, considering components are also overpriced and difficult to obtain. I’ve been looking at a Redding T-7 or a single stage press. But now I’m wondering about the T7 vs the Dillon BL550? Any recommendations for somebody starting from scratch all over again? I will be load 9mm, .40, 223, 6.5c, 300win, 6.8western, and possibly 7-08. Now the T-7 are about $380 vs the Dillon BL-550 are $460 + conversions kits. The RL-550c would cost well over a $1000 to fully setup, for a single caliber!! with What about a tool guide list? Trimmers, hand tools, case prep, powder measures, case cleaning solutions, ect. Thank you, JT

[@DaveWilburn-USAF]

It looks like an awesome place to start. I really like my Dillon presses. I would’ve liked to heard more about the upgradability. Can you essentially build it into a 550 C?

[@reefgratos2035]

Im shopping for a first press but most salesmen are telling me that because im not shooting enough, i should stick to single press.. i only shoot 9mm and occasionally 223. But when i look at the dillon 550 bl, it is almost like a single except all dies are set and the base is rotating, which is way more convenient than say hornady lock n load. And the blue is much more calm to look at than the red of hornady/lee and less vintage christmass green than rcbs/redding. But there is one thing i find confusing for a newbie, is how do you install the conversion kit and which die you have to buy. I though dillon has its own proprietary dies.. i have a set 3 rcbs dies for 9mm.. can i use them on the dillon 550 bl? And let say i want to switch from 9mm to 223…. Can i use a different die holder to avoid swapping the dies and losing the settings? And lastly most die set comes with 3 dies.. does it mean we have to buy a forth die for crippling?

[@chethaynes5802]

Great Report Thank You

[@Bourbon-Canted-Ky-Windage]

Gavin, per you single stage shootout, do I want a XL-750, RCBS Summit, or the BL-550.My biggest concern is runout.

[@FullSendPrecision]

Look up "F Class John" for videos on loading precision ammo on a dillon. It can be done.

[@Bourbon-Canted-Ky-Windage]

@@FullSendPrecision Thanks for the response. Yeah, F Class John has a good channel. I really like the one where he moved his press to a new tool box. But that doesn't answer the question. Gavin has all of those presses. He knows which one does the best on run-out. No matter, though. If he hasn't answered by now, I doubt he will. Thanks again. Have a fab weekend!

[@rmatteson3142]

You didnt decap the brass! Where is the deCapping operation?

[@philipscougale2075]

Seems like this would be a good option for someone who has a single stage and an electronic powder dispenser but wants to upgrade to a progressive.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Yes, absolutely!

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

Exactly. Perfect upgrade for my case.

[@jaybailleaux630]

Too busy. Will not work for me. The RL 550C would be great . I would FL resizing decap on a different press . Finish the rest of reloading process on the Dillion.

[@eugenejohnson8635]

How many reloading press do you have now let me have that Forster co-ax press you don’t need it I need It am a poor boy

[@kipkaniper4679]

I have a question about reloading My friend is new and made some 40 calibers that are not extracting We tried several pistols and factory load everything works fine here he followed the instructions to the tea I believe it's .1115 Otherwise good loads a little light very accurate just don't extract any help

[@mmelgoza1983]

I don't see it! Still, Great review as always!!!

[@treybadd]

There is absolutely no reason not to get the auto primer.

[@pisacenere]

Is a good press to start on?

[@Mweaver1993]

I would not. I started with a RCBS single stage press and a hand primer. Ten years later I still use the RCBS and now use a Franklin perfect seat hand primer. If your dies are set, you can keep pace with that Dillon on a single stage.

[@nitemare5030]

Get the RL 550c

[@Mweaver1993]

I would not start with any progressive press as my first venture into reloading. I believe it is more important to learn each step individually and realize how each step impacts the finished round. Understand how to seat primers and how pocket prep works. Measure cases before and after sizing to look at shoulder bump with case comparator and weigh dropped charges to see how much variation you are getting in loads. I have an XL700 for 9mm and 5.56, but if it is super precise I want I would probably never use a progressive.

[@nitemare5030]

Idk just my opinion. But why not get the regular 550 and use it’s primer then just take off the powder charge and do same thing. I don’t see the reason to hand pick primers and place them into the cup

[@benbowditch9265]

I'm sorry, if you're New to reloading don't get one of these. Get a Redding T-7 or a Lyman All American 8! At least you'd have the option of having two die setups on one head, just as precise, and honestly probably faster and cheaper in the long run.

[@mapbike]

I'll like the Lee pro 1000 or 4000

[@JayJay3Fifty7]

Is the tool head the same 4 die tool head as the other Dillon reloaders?

[@treybadd]

Always crimp an auto loader. The bullet will move outward after it slams into battery if you don’t.

[@stevest.martin3940]

I need to get a Dillion

[@achav012]

Do you know what the part number is for the funnel and powder die they send with that? I have the RL550 but think it would be beneficial to load with that instead of using the Dillon auto powder drop.

[@SpookyEng1]

AT 500

[@FullSendPrecision]

So it's a RL550 without a primer feeder?

[@DaveSigmon]

This question applies to all progressive presses: I never see users of progressive presses lubricating their cases or removing the lube between stages. Why is that? Because people lube and remove lube sometimes multiple times when reloading on a single stage press.

[@moitoi8300]

Merci pour la video, ça me paraît bien compliqué toutes ces manipulations entre chaque montée et descente de bélier !!! Pas d'amorçage automatique !! Et la distribution de la poudre n'est pas non plus automatique ... Dommage , car pour le prix de cette dillon o pourrait s'attendre à plus de praticité 😖😖

[@JerryinSEMO]

Glad I saw this before buying. Still sticking with my Redding T7 for more precision loads. I just don’t like the flex I’m seeing on this press. Also, wish it ejected the complete round like the 550c. Still another great unboxing/setup video!

[@smolaman83]

h4350 jug then next image cfe223?????

[@joejr9653]

Don't you need to trim rifle brass after full length sizing? How do you do it on a progressive press without trimming?

[@MRPINKWSPHX602]

Where do i buy that tshirt? Must have

[@rs1971camaro]

kzbin.info?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHN2Y2drY3ZsMDBGWmtuZWlmWHJwT0ZVa1MzQXxBQ3Jtc0tsZ0JkRkY1UTdFaUE2TzU3SFQ0Tks0eFVKUW5peXpGN21mRkwtQ2pSVkxuLVltYlBQcDB5eG82MldPYUtKVGpualpfZGRwcHlnZDdzbmVURGc3em5zTTZlREdtYTk3dlJyNTR2anJpaGQ1NC0tVTZSSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2UEAkgW

[@donmarshall4888]

Not efficient and prone to making mistakes.

[@chrisdills5072]

yep my thoughts exactly

[@celticdude4686]

Yes.

[@kdglock4491]

Not worth it. 7 rounds an hr wont cut it lol. Pretty sure i can prep in stages with single stage faster than this press

[@JohnThomas-gj2zg]

I would like to know what the price is on that 550 ??

[@gebogen1383]

$370.00

[@aw738]

That mount has too much flex for me. My presses are mounted with the Lee bench system. Absolutely no movement.

[@Russell-1]

I agree it does move. Most (all?) of these raised mounts seem to deflect & coupled with Gavins bench the press moves even more. A really solid setup isn’t as easy to achieve as it may seem but when right it transforms the feel of any press.

[@eod4usa]

I’d skip this one and do full progressive

[@Rundu1987]

Holy mother of shitake. This thing is a mind-f.ck setting up your next rifle blow-up.

[@saisandoval]

What I want to know is where are you finding small rifle primers

[@Ultimatereloader]

I stocked up before COVID / Floyd / Election

[@frankwrogg2515]

My Scheels has had small rifle primers all along, now 60 dollars per thousand, but they do have them.

[@breakerprepper]

🙌🙌

[@rodneysmith9177]

Way overpriced. Way too many movements. Better off with a turret, especially a LCT.

[@WV591]

Most confusing reloading channel.

[@blairbreland1443]

Zzzzzzzz

[@A.Mad.Lad89]

Ewww looks awful