Is there a parts kit? I need the autoprimer, low primer alarm, and the rod for engaging the powder dispensing mechanism. Has anybody else done this. Should have just bought the 550B from the start this is costing me at least an extra 120$ buying the additional parts.
Loading 300WM, 338 lapua, and 308 match ammo on her.
I have had to bi-pass using station 3 and put my redding competition dies in station 4 do to the height of the micrometer. ANyone else loading these calibres on this machine? Could use all of the tips I can get.
I have a 450 I upgraded a 550 with the auto prime and powder kits. For loading pistol ammo, they were worth it. I passed on the frame upgrade and just use the Hornady locking rings on the dies.
For rifle ammo, I used a 2 pass approach. The first pass used a Lee universal decapper set to stop the press motion before it topped out is station 1 and a full length sizing bushing die in station 3. This gives really consistent shoulder set back. Tumble to remove the lube, trim as required, and finish the cases in another go around through the press. The anal version of the second pass was hand priming the cases before feeding them and dumping trickled powder through the powder die.
You can also use the case trimmer for the first pass. This is what I do now in my 650. The 650 case feeder maxes out with 308 case heads and needs another upgrade to feed magnum cases. The case trimmer die gives just as concentric sized brass as a bushing die. You're stuck with whatever it gives for neck tension though because there is no removable bushing.
I've only loaded 223 and 308 this way. With the charge bar auto feature, you'll probably have to compromise on powder choice. With 223, Benchmark and H335 were no problem. Varget was a hassle. Depending on your charge and powder, 300WM is the outer edge of reality for a single pass of the optional magnum charge bar in the Dillon powder measure. There is also a kit for installing a conventional powder measure. I have the Dillon magnum charge bar, but don't use it to load 300WM.
Lego's or an AR15 are good analogies. Lots of tools to do the job different ways.
The Blue Press is Dillon's monthly advertising rag. It's a mini catalog with a different pretty girl on the front every month and the occasional good article. You can sign up for it on their web page.
