Unlocking Maximum Precision on the Dillon 550 Reloading Press

A quick share of how I've been doing my 600-1000yd match loading on a Dillon 550 progressive press. Do it right and you just might be amazed with the results.
Correction: in the video I say AT-550 but it’s actually a BL-550. DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
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[@rifleman1873]

Thanks for sharing this. A bid reason I watch loading videos is to help sort out the important functions from the less important. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

[@jturner5227]

Did you drop powder on the second round?

[@FClassJohn]

Nope. 🤪

[@FClassJohn]

I use the Hornady bullet puller and I don’t care if they aren’t perfect when I’m done because I put them aside and only use them for fouling shots anyways.

[@kellyreid8230]

Excellent information,thank you.

[@HPAcustomriflesandcerakote]

If you were getting run out with wilson chamber type seating die then i would send it bsck or check the bullets. I never get run out with le wilson chamber dies but i also use custom bullets that are perfectly made. I use the arbor press for both benchrifles also so i can seperate by seating force

[@JacksonMalcolm]

At this stage in life my time is getting more and more valuable. I'm not shooting F class so for steel out to and past 1k this sounds ideal. More shooting with the family and less time at the bench. Sounds like there are a lot of ideas and opinions on how to utilize the 550/750 the best. These videos have sent me on a 2 week rabbit hole (so far) doing research. Lubing sounds like a pain. And deciding the order of operations seems like a quality challenge. I've got a RCBS with the inline case ejector so sizing on that without the expander (not sure on decapping) may be an effective step before cleaning and hitting the progressive. I see a lot of testing in my future.

[@jturner5227]

This is the third video or article I've seen in the last couple weeks that talk about doing precision reloading on a 550. If time wasn't a factor in your life, would you prefer the 550 or a single stage press.

[@FClassJohn]

That’s a really hard question. I guess if I was really just looking for all out consistency I’d still prefer an arbor and single stage press. But the reality is that on any given day at 1000yds any one wind call I make is more likely to impact my score that the difference in group size created between these two methods. There’s a certain relaxation I always found using the arbor that isn’t there with the Dillon but my scores are almost identical using either method so my time wins now.

[@Sparky-ee2fr]

What's the difference if there's a little play in the Dillon standard tool head instead of buying other die lock rings that jiggle around anyway? Wouldn't they both do the same self centering the bullets? Why spend extra money for something that you already had in the factory tool head? Just curious if I'm missing something. Thanks for the video.

[@pablomoca]

Great video. I'd love to see more with this press and what other tools you use. What's the first die you're using? What primer do you use? Thanks for the great info. Also you forgot to add powder to that second round.

[@FClassJohn]

Thank you. I’m working on some more videos in the next few weeks showing how I load on this. And yeah, I caught that second round right after I finished shooting the video (oops).

[@pablomoca]

@@FClassJohn can't wait for the videos. Thanks for the reply and glad you caught that one.

[@FClassJohn]

As a rule I never use anything I make videos with just because of stuff like that. I pulled all those rounds anyway. You asked about the first die. It’s my expander die. It’s a Hornady bullet puller with a gage pin in it. For the Dillon I had to build a custom die body to get it elevated enough.

[@ironbomb6753]

@@FClassJohn ive learned something similar, using the Lee Universal expander die in that first position on my 550, to give a tiniest of bell on my -06 rounds when i load flat base bullets. Obviously I'm not a competitive shooter, i reload for enjoyment and pleasure. I feel like I'mm loading the best ammo of my life. So much fun 👍 . Thanks for your videos and tips and techniques, this is great stuff.

[@FClassJohn]

@@ironbomb6753 My pleasure and glad you like the videos.

[@JamesSmith-zk7ck]

Squib load on 2. Are you still using the 550? I need a press, but I am undecided with which one to get.

[@FClassJohn]

Yes thank you, I caught the squib round right after I did it. I currently use a 750 but the 550 is still the best overall choice for most people.

[@JamesSmith-zk7ck]

Thank's John. Still up in the air on what I want to get. My rock chucker was my father's and it's wore out and well over 30 years old. Getting ready to start loading 6 bra, along with my 6 creed, 308, 223 22-250 and 300 black out that I have been doing for years.

[@FClassJohn]

@@JamesSmith-zk7ck It's often said that the more calibers you load, the better the 550 is for you. The larger each Dillon Press gets the more expensive each caliber gets and also the time and effort to change over.

[@bruscifer]

This is a neat set up. I have a 550L and when I was loading my hunting rifle rounds I basically ran it like a single stage press because I didn’t trust the progressive to make the rounds as accurate as I wanted. This would have been a good set up for that. What did you say that adapter for the funnel is called and where did you get it? Thanks for the video.

[@wayne9903]

Just bought a hydraulic press scale with a gauge that determines seating pressure. Ouch! $$ This mod for a 550 is interesting - is it a NEW 500 since it is called a BT-550? or is an old dillon 550 upgradeable? And where would I get parts? Thanks for a great serises of videos on the Autotrickler V4!

[@FClassJohn]

It's the BL-550 and can be found here www.dillonprecision.com/s000227

[@davidhutchinson6108]

Hi John. I noticed you have since transitioned from the 550C to the XL750. Was that primarily to just save more time? Also, how did your runout and tolerances compare between the two? Thank you for your time.

[@FClassJohn]

Yeah it was so I could add the Autodrive for brass prep as well as case feeding for loading and prep. I haven’t noticed any variation between the 550 and the 750 when compared.

[@davidhutchinson6108]

@@FClassJohn Thank you.

[@lifesfordeath]

John I'm getting ready to order one, why don't you FL size on this setup as well with the funnel and seater and expander?

[@FClassJohn]

I prefer to keep the two processes separate for a couple reasons. Mostly because I want all the prep to be on one toolhead and a second tooldhead for powder and seating. Just keeps things simpler and more consistent.

[@Hickamfield]

i use the same set up but i use the dillon for setting primers as well

[@FClassJohn]

As do I but my frustration is that they castrated the 750 in a way that doesn't allow for any adjustment either legit or cheated like the 550 and 650 did.

[@Hickamfield]

@@FClassJohn i did not know that as i do not have a 750 just two 550's

[@fenomeno71]

@@FClassJohn "legit or cheated like the 550 and 650 did," Can you please explain? Thanks

[@FClassJohn]

@@fenomeno71 On the 550 and the 650 you could file down a couple pieces in the primer stem assembly to get a deeper and more consistent primer depth. Here’s a great article that helps explain it in detail. www.dropbox.com/s/fp72h0e4awobo65/6_19_Dillon-Prometheus-Article_v1.2.pdf?dl=0

[@MrTrollHunter]

wow, you produced a aquib load right there on the video..

[@graysontaylor6673]

If using the same collet/pin gage setup on a single stage, would you still free float that or lock it down?

[@edyoung6264]

Wow, thanks for your video. You're reloading your precision rounds exactly what I plan to do in order to save time. This idea popped into my head when I realized how much time it was taking me to reload my 6.5 CM rounds on a Hornady Iron Press. (I use a 650 press for my non-precision calibers I reload.) I also use in combination with a Fx120i with Auto Trickler/Throw. Couple of questions: 1) what's the blue extension installed below the Area 419 powder extension? 2) Is your press the BL550 (as opposed to 550C)? And 3) Will the Dillon tool heads work the just as well as the Whidden tool heads? Thanks in advance. Look forward to more videos on this system.

[@FClassJohn]

So the blue on the powder tube is just painters tape. I was using it to fit the Area419 powder drop into the powder die nice and tight. I don't do it that way any more. Area419 now makes an actual adapter for their drop tubes that fits the normal 550 powder die really well although I still run a small piece of tape just to snug it up a little more. As for the press, yes it's a BL550. It's cheaper and only what I need to do what I'm doing. The toolhead question is a little trickier. In the general sense NO, the normal toolhead won't work to give you the best accuracy. You really need the floating die rings and the ability to lock the toolhead into the press in order to make it work the best. There are ways to make your own floating rings but it's not without its own potential issues. Widden ones are the bomb and work amazingly well but very pricey for what they are.

[@FClassJohn]

Also, if you look at some of my other videos you'll see one showing the updated powder drop tube. Hope that helps.

[@leadmonkey]

Great video, binge watching all you videos. Question: The Area 419 funnel adapter says it is made for the “Dillon powder die Dillon Part #20064” but that is the autothrow powder die, I see you have either the Dillon AT 450 powder die or the Dillon AT 500 powder die, both have the set screw for the powder funnel, not sure which one is compatible or if their are any dimensional differences? Also why don’t you use the powder die for the autothrow? Is it necessary to lock on the powder funnel and if so how is that adjusted properly? Thanks!

[@FClassJohn]

I don't use the 550 anymore but it was a BL550 and that die didn't work with the powder die that comes with it so I bought the 550b powder die so the funnel fit correctly.

[@leoburns9674]

John, I must have missed a video. 😟. I just ordered a hydraulic arbor press based on an earlier video... and now I see you’re 100% Dillon. Uhh really? I have a 650 for pistol and was planning to use that for brass prep (decapping, FL sizing, turning mandrel).... with the Whidden floating die set for just “brass prep”.... how might this set up compare? Thanks!

[@FClassJohn]

I can't speak to the 650 however in theory it should operate the same as the 550 as long as you're using the Whidden Floating Toolhead but make sure you buy it from Uniqetek and get the clampdown kit. That's one of the things that makes it work. You also need a turbo bearing. There's other things that go along with the 550 like honing the shell plate which should apply to the 650 as well. Also, I still use arbor presses but for more specialized situations.

[@chrismiller6792]

Did you seat a bullet with no powder mate ? Or did you just bring the rest down but not seat ? I’m brand new to reloading for hunter class and $1500 in not a single round loaded yet lol 😂 close just waiting on dies to come in

[@FClassJohn]

Yeah several people caught the fact that I did see a bullet with no powder but I caught it after I made the video and before I went to the range.

[@ecleveland1]

I hope you reviewed the video before shooting because you seated a bullet on one without any powder.

[@FClassJohn]

Yep I caught it. Thank you.

[@Blackline9114]

I see that this is an older video, do you find that your process got quicker or that you’re getting more accurate rounds now that you’ve gone to the Zero press?

[@FClassJohn]

No, the Dillon was still faster and plenty accurate for what I needed to do. What I got with the Zero was a lot more flexibility and of course a little more precision. Both are great, just depends on your needs. I need to swap stuff out and I'm always playing with new gear and that's not something the Dillon is great at.

[@Blackline9114]

@@FClassJohn that’s good to hear. I had my mind made up on the Forster coax, but I think I’m going to go with a 550 and eventually pick up a Zero as well. That zero is just engineering excellence. I love that thing.

[@BoltActionReloading]

HI John, Loving the videos you are doing. Very informative. What dry bullet lubrication are you using? Is it the redding graphite dry neck lube or something else?

[@FClassJohn]

Thank you for the kind words. As for the lube it’s just the dry graphite lube from Sinclair/Imperial.

[@BoltActionReloading]

@@FClassJohn I hate to be a pest, but I was going to start looking into these. What testing did you do to decide that was something that you wanted to do? Is your primary benefit SD or group size or both? Any incite is appreciated. Seems to be another topic people like to bicker about.

[@FClassJohn]

Looking into what? The lube? If so then yes I use it to help reduce my SD and while I don’t shoot for groups I do shoot for vertical so I am aiming to reduce that as little as possible as well. I’ve done various testing with and without the lube as well as some other tests and I just find it for me it tends to help enough to make it worthwhile. Some guys will use one shot on the inside of their cases instead of the dry graphite as well. I’ve used that method and had success but for whatever reason I tend to gravitate to the dry lube.

[@7400fish]

where did you get the extension for the bullet puller to make it work for pin gauges

[@FClassJohn]

I made it out of a old die I had sitting around and just cut the end off it so I could use both threaded ends.

[@randylankford2454]

Looked like to me you forgot to powder charge that second bullet that you seated?

[@bruceanderson8886]

I have zero experience in reloading but I’m looking at buying my first press, what is your thoughts on the BL550 as a first for a newbie

[@FClassJohn]

It really depends what kind of loading you were going to do. The BL550 Is really aimed at somebody who wants to load like a single stage press but on a Dillon. You may end up regretting not having the priming system and powder measure if you decide to do other loading down the line. Unless you know it is exactly what you need I would recommend getting the standard system to start as you can always remove those items if you need to but it’s more expensive to buy them later.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Nice video, thanks for putting this up. I have been looking at these for years. I talked to Dillon about buying a new 750 for loading rifle ammo and the 550 was their recommendation. I hate being down to 4 die positions tho. I just cant afford a full 1050 setup right now. I may wait a while and continue with my single stage machines. I am hoping they develop something more rifle oriented but its a wishful thinking I bet. Its good to see the better fitting toolheads for these 550s. Who knows I may get fed up and try the 550. Thanks again for your video! Paul

[@FClassJohn]

Glad you like it and thanks for the feedback. Yeah it really comes down to being able to lock the toolhead down and then use floating die rings. I've heard of some guys using a 650/750 for precision but I don't know any top shooters using them. As far as I know, any top F-class guy who uses a Dillon uses a 550.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

@@FClassJohn Thanks ! I really appreciate it .

[@riflemanjim]

Turbo bearing upgrade? Where's that available?

[@FClassJohn]

here uniquetek.com/product/T1749 or here amzn.to/39zptOv

[@MT_Pant_Suit]

John... what size o-ring are you running to free float your dies? I have the Forster UM seater in .223 that I'm considering doing that to. I load .223 on a 550B using two toolheads for an AR and it works well. Thanks

[@FClassJohn]

I don't use O-rings. I know people do that but I prefer the Whidden method of using free floating rings. They actually ride about 1/8" above the toolhead. It's a little unsettling to begin but pretty cool once you're used to it.

[@MT_Pant_Suit]

@@FClassJohn ok thanks. I will research the whidden setup.

[@FClassJohn]

Chris L make sure you look at Uniquetek if you’re going that route. They sell the Whidden set up plus a lock down set that allows you to screw down the tool head to the actual press which is critical for the free floating days.

[@MT_Pant_Suit]

@@FClassJohn ok, will do. Thanks!

[@leadmonkey]

I bought ARMANOV toolheads with free floating collars that also have the screws to clamp in the head before reading about the UniqueTek Upgrade, good to know about the Whidden upgrade, you never made a video about that that I could find just ran across it now. Armanov Dillon Precision RL550 Free-Float, Zero-Play Toolhead www.amazon.com/dp/B07MBNSJ98/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_drLLFbVZEYZCR It’s a lot cheaper if ordering from their site directly especially when buying the free-float lock rings: usa-shop.armanov.com/collections/dillon-upgrades-by-armanov

[@williebulletman5217]

You for got to load powder in the second case

[@FClassJohn]

Yeah I know but I caught it later on so everything was safe. Thank you for letting me know.

[@LedGuitar1218]

Still using this? Why or why not? Thanks

[@FClassJohn]

Complicated question. Would I still be using it, yes without hesitation. However at the time I updated to a 750 with the AutoDrive system so I sold it. Then decided to move to a Zero Press and that's what I'm still using. However the benefits of the 550 are unmistakable and I would be able to load competition level ammo no problem on it.

[@LedGuitar1218]

@@FClassJohn thank you! Big fan Trying to make doing things like decapping, sizing and mandrel faster. Probably still doing seating and such in a single stage. Would 750 be a better option for this?

[@FClassJohn]

@@LedGuitar1218 this will help Dillon 750 or 550 press for precision ammo reloading kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGXRn4lvnNqMnZI

[@ErikS308]

Squib on 2.

[@FClassJohn]

Yep it was caught. 👍🏻

[@dangonzalez9116]

Is the AT 550 the same as the BL 550?

[@FClassJohn]

Yep.

[@dangonzalez9116]

@@FClassJohn Thanks John, I believe you just convinced me to get this to save more time. I have a Redding Big Boss 2 and I was looking at turret and progressive presses to speed up reloading but also to be able to not sacrifice the accuracy of my reloads as much. I compete in PPR matches and shoot roughly 250 of 6.5 Creedmoor rounds a month. Thanks for the great content of your videos.

[@FClassJohn]

You’re very welcome and thank you for the kind words. In reality you can do the same thing with a 750 but it does require just a little more work. In either case the Dillon should be able to provide ammo that meets your needs. I will be doing a video on a new company out of Europe that makes some neat accessories that I have switched over to so you may want to wait another week or two before buying any of the tool heads.

[@DimaProk]

RCBS powder drop not reliable? You kidding right? It might not work well with stick powders (but which does?) but it's dead on accurate with smaller grain powders.

[@orBMW]

He’s on a different level then you dude. No offense

[@DimaProk]

@@orBMW How do you know what I got? No offence but its a stupid thing to say what "level" I am on. I had Dillon 550 but I sold it and got Dillon RL1100 instead, I do my pression loads on a single stage. I had Autotrickler v4 on order but decided I don't need it so when my turn came I passed. I DID buy FX-120i and I already have RCBS chargemaster lite, it's accurate enough for the dustances I shoot. Having said that I still think RCBS powder dropper is a good piece of equipment.

[@jtv3062]

John pleass no more vertical video.

[@FClassJohn]

Yeah I’m working on it. Sorry. I’m clearly a better reloaded than I am videographer.

[@nanadams844]

Oh dear God you talk too much