Dillon RL 550B dies...........

[lora84]

Can you use any brand of dies (Lyman, Lee, RCBS) in a Dillon RL 550B or do you have to use Dillon dies? Which do you guys prefer?

[para_org]

I know folks that DO use LEE dies and the LEE powder measures with their Dillons. You can spend more on dies, but you will NOT get better dies than LEE. <- And I am also sure that some people that do pay more will tell you otherwise.

BTW: LEE 4 die pistol die sets have the neccessary features for use on progressive presses like the Dillon 550 series. And their powder measures look flimsy but are VERY accurate and seem to hold up o.k. to the abuse they receive.

[ichy_trigger]

Originally Posted by para_org

I know folks that DO use LEE dies and the LEE powder measures with their Dillons. You can spend more on dies, but you will NOT get better dies than LEE. <- And I am also sure that some people that do pay more will tell you otherwise.

BTW: LEE 4 die pistol die sets have the neccessary features for use on progressive presses like the Dillon 550 series. And their powder measures look flimsy but are VERY accurate and seem to hold up o.k. to the abuse they receive.

How do you and why would you mount a Lee powder measure on a Dillon?

I like Dillon does and use them for my .45. For .40 I use a EGW "U" die and a Lee FC die.

[para_org]

HOW:

Although this is an example of doing so on a RCBS progressive the pictures do a better job than the words to explain how:

< http://prickett.pbwiki.com/Reloading%20Gear >
http://prickett.pbwiki.com/Reloading%20Gear

BUT, please note that while the author clearly shows that the LEE expand/powder drop die has an intermediate " Auto-Disk Riser", he does not illuminate upon this in his written notes.

WHY:

Because it is as accurate as ANY volumetric powder dispenser can be, has all the needed features of the other brands, works very well and consistantly, and it costs less.

[Mercmar]

I use Lee dies, almost exclusively, on my 650, but can't imagine using a cheesy Lee powder measure.

[ichy_trigger]

Originally Posted by para_org

HOW:

Although this is an example of doing so on a RCBS progressive the pictures do a better job than the words to explain how:

< http://prickett.pbwiki.com/Reloading%20Gear >
http://prickett.pbwiki.com/Reloading%20Gear

BUT, please note that while the author clearly shows that the LEE expand/powder drop die has an intermediate " Auto-Disk Riser", he does not illuminate upon this in his written notes.

WHY:

Because it is as accurate as ANY volumetric powder dispenser can be, has all the needed features of the other brands, works very well and consistantly, and it costs less.

Interesting to be honest...
I still dont see why you would put that on a Dillon because the Dillon comes with everything. Im not trying to flame you in any way, I was seriously curious as to how and why.
Thanks

[lora84]

OK, so a LEE 3 die set is perfectly acceptable on a 550?

[R/T Performance]

you really want to get the 4 dies set .I think they call it pace setter or something .That will include the Factory crimp die and a separate seat er.
I use a comb of dies.I have lee with a dillon seat er for 45 acp.(came free with my 550).I have hornaday and a lee crimp die for 40 .RCBS small base 223 dies .
For that matter I would trade a lee 40 3 dies set for a fcd.I thought it include the fcd but was mistaken.

[para_org]

Originally Posted by ichy_trigger

Interesting to be honest...
I still dont see why you would put that on a Dillon because the Dillon comes with everything. Im not trying to flame you in any way, I was seriously curious as to how and why.
Thanks

Because many people, apparently, feel the LEE powder measure works better. Just this past weekend I was told EXACTLY that by a "cowboy shooter" at the local range. He loads about 100,000 plus rounds each year, and this is the setup he settled on. Specifically he feels the powder measure is exceptionally accurate and since he clearly has a choice, as you point out; his input is certainly as valid as any other input on the matter.

As for me, I think most volumetric metering systems have pluses and minuses in how well they can be expected to work. I am also kinda fussy. The LEE Pro Auto Disk measure I am currently using is certainly as good as any I have used, and posssibly much better in how accurate it meters the powders I favor.

Of course your milage may vary, and you might not be as fussy as I am.

[Mercmar]

I too, loaded tens of thousands of rounds on a Lee progressive, using their disk system, with the adjustable charge bar. Just about anybody's cast aluminum or cast iron drum-type powder measures or Dillon's bar-type powder measure is superior to that flimsy Lee piece of plastic.