Thoughts from experienced reloaders on using a Dillon 550b for magnum calibers. I have fairly good success while reloading for my 308 (powder selection and technique are key), but can someone comment on relaoding the 338 Lapua Magnum?
- Thread starter paindoc
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Re: Reloading magnum calibers on Dillon 550b???
i cant comment on the 338, as i dont load it but i tried loading 300WM in mine and it was very tight for getting the bullet in the case( barely enough heighth room to get the bullet into the case mouth) so i stopped using it and use my turret press for anything that long. the dillon powder measure is ok for throwing imr 4350 but longer grain powders give it a little more variance than i like
i cant comment on the 338, as i dont load it but i tried loading 300WM in mine and it was very tight for getting the bullet in the case( barely enough heighth room to get the bullet into the case mouth) so i stopped using it and use my turret press for anything that long. the dillon powder measure is ok for throwing imr 4350 but longer grain powders give it a little more variance than i like
Re: Reloading magnum calibers on Dillon 550b???
I use the 550 for 338LM. The stroke is long enough but I had my Redding seating die trimmed a few thousands because of the sleeve.
Was there anything specific you were looking into on using this press?
I use the 550 for 338LM. The stroke is long enough but I had my Redding seating die trimmed a few thousands because of the sleeve.
Was there anything specific you were looking into on using this press?
Re: Reloading magnum calibers on Dillon 550b???
Actually I am a bit worried about powder/charge accuracy. ( I have already many excellent forums on this already) as well as the ability for the dillon to even handle the bullet seating.
Actually I am a bit worried about powder/charge accuracy. ( I have already many excellent forums on this already) as well as the ability for the dillon to even handle the bullet seating.
Re: Reloading magnum calibers on Dillon 550b???
I use the RCBS Chargemaster for 338LM because I shoot very hot loads (98grs Retumbo) for 250grs Moly'ed Scenars.
If you polish and clean up the powder measure I can get within +/- 0.1 grns with a good powders and +/- 0.3 grns with extruded (lincoln logs) such as 4064/Varget, that's what I use for 308.
I use the RCBS Chargemaster for 338LM because I shoot very hot loads (98grs Retumbo) for 250grs Moly'ed Scenars.
If you polish and clean up the powder measure I can get within +/- 0.1 grns with a good powders and +/- 0.3 grns with extruded (lincoln logs) such as 4064/Varget, that's what I use for 308.
Re: Reloading magnum calibers on Dillon 550b???
Those are very tight tolerances! Thank you very much! I will polish up the measure!
Those are very tight tolerances! Thank you very much! I will polish up the measure!
Re: Reloading magnum calibers on Dillon 550b???
+1 for polishing the powder bar on the Dillon measure.
An hour making sure all the contact points are butter smooth pays big dividends in getting more accurate throws.
+1 for polishing the powder bar on the Dillon measure.
An hour making sure all the contact points are butter smooth pays big dividends in getting more accurate throws.
