I am looking at a 550 on eBay and it says it's a 1st gen. What is the diff from the new ones?
Im just guessing, but here it goes: (This is the main differences in the 550 and the 550B)
The 550 did not have the low primer alarm, and the powder system was spring return.
I believe you can add or convert.
The 550 did not have the low primer alarm, and the powder system was spring return.
I believe you can add or convert.
Well I think I will wait for a 550b to show up on eBay then
I wouldnt take those as reasons NOT to get the 550 (if priced appropriately). The low primer alarm is handy, but not a neccessity. The old style powder systems arent bad either. In fact, I think you can still get the old style powder systems for the 550b (cause some people prefer it).
If it's a good price buy it. Dillon will take care of anything it may need.
Make sure it has automatic powder and automatic primer dispensing.
I have seen (and ultimately purchased) what I would call an RL450B labeled as an RL550. Those had the removable toolhead but manual powder and manual primer dispensing. Part of the confusion was the RL450B had flat links connecting the handle to the frame that said "RL550" on them. FYI the original RL450 did not have a removable toolhead (die threads were part of the frame) along with manual powder and primer dispensing.
You need to see pictures of the actual press for sale with everything it comes with. If not in the pics, assume it is missing or lost.
I have seen (and ultimately purchased) what I would call an RL450B labeled as an RL550. Those had the removable toolhead but manual powder and manual primer dispensing. Part of the confusion was the RL450B had flat links connecting the handle to the frame that said "RL550" on them. FYI the original RL450 did not have a removable toolhead (die threads were part of the frame) along with manual powder and primer dispensing.
You need to see pictures of the actual press for sale with everything it comes with. If not in the pics, assume it is missing or lost.
They will fix you up, but don't assume it'll be for free.
Damaged parts are replaced for free.
Missing parts are sold at list price.
Yup!
Early 550's will not have the lubrication holes in the ram arm system. These early units are harder to lube well because of the lack of these holes. My early unit seized up one fine day and had to go back to Dillon for this problem. They fixed it NC since it was definitely "broken".
The spring-style powder return works fine enough. It is important to keep the powder safety bell crank properly adjusted.
the 450 550 mixup may have been someone that had done a frame upgrade. they were an option at one time. the manual priming and powder are not really a problem. simpler to set and maintain. or an older machine can get converted to auto prime and powder too. low powder and primer can be added. but if someone needs all that they should be looking at a 650.....
stay away from used Dillon, unless you know seller and he will guarantee ALL parts are there.
Dillons have a steep learning curve, odds are you will need tech support to get going ..
best to buy directly from Dillon or Brian Enoes.
don't make the same mistake I did... purchased a used Dillon 550B for $400 on OSA classifies ... then spent another $225 (got receipts to prove it) buying missing components to make it functional.
Dillon will help on minor items, but will charge for missing components + shipping. newbies to Dillon will also have a difficult time figuring out what exactly is missing.
Dillons have a steep learning curve, odds are you will need tech support to get going ..
best to buy directly from Dillon or Brian Enoes.
don't make the same mistake I did... purchased a used Dillon 550B for $400 on OSA classifies ... then spent another $225 (got receipts to prove it) buying missing components to make it functional.
Dillon will help on minor items, but will charge for missing components + shipping. newbies to Dillon will also have a difficult time figuring out what exactly is missing.
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