A Legacy of Reloading Excellence: The Dillon Legacy
Reloading ammunition is a rewarding hobby and a practical skill for shooters. It offers control over the ammunition components and the opportunity to tailor rounds for specific firearms and purposes. At the heart of this process often lies a reloading press, and among the most respected names in the reloading world is Dillon Precision. This article dives into a detailed comparison of two popular models: the Dillon 550b and the more recently released 550c. We’ll explore the features, pros, cons, and suitability of each press to help reloaders choose the best option for their needs.
Dillon Precision has built a strong reputation for its high-quality reloading equipment. Founded on principles of innovation, durability, and customer service, Dillon has become synonymous with robust and reliable reloading presses. Dillon presses are known for their ability to handle a large volume of reloading with consistency.
The core design philosophy behind Dillon presses is straightforward: build equipment that is both efficient and designed for longevity. They utilize high-quality materials and a focus on user-friendliness. The 550 series represents a cornerstone of Dillon’s offerings, representing a balance of features, performance, and value that has attracted reloaders for many years.
The Evolution of the 550 Series: A Steady Progression
The Dillon 550 series has a long and established history in the reloading community. The 550b, launched years ago, quickly became a popular choice. Its rugged construction, ease of use, and reasonable cost made it an accessible option for both beginners and experienced reloaders alike. It demonstrated that you could achieve high-quality reloads without needing a complex, high-volume machine.
The 550c emerged as the successor to the 550b, representing an evolution of the design. While retaining the core principles of the 550b—like its sturdy frame and four-station turret—the 550c brought in certain refinements and improvements intended to improve the reloading experience and enhance safety.
Exploring the Dillon 550b: A Reliable Workhorse
The Dillon 550b is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It features manual indexing, meaning the operator manually rotates the shell plate between each stage of the reloading process. This control gives you a direct feel for each step.
The 550b incorporates a four-station turret head, allowing for the mounting of four reloading dies. This allows for the complete process of resizing, priming, powder charging, and bullet seating/crimping. The sturdy construction ensures reliability, providing the necessary support for consistent reloading.
Advantages of the 550b
Reliability: This press is renowned for its robust build and long lifespan. It’s a machine designed to withstand heavy use over many years.
Simplicity: The manual indexing design reduces the complexity, making the 550b easy to learn and operate. This is especially helpful for new reloaders.
Cost-Effectiveness: The 550b is generally more affordable than the 550c, making it a great option for those on a budget.
Ease of Maintenance: The simple design makes it easy to disassemble, clean, and maintain. Spare parts are readily available.
Aftermarket Support: The 550b has been in production for a long time, leading to extensive aftermarket support, including upgrades and accessories.
Disadvantages of the 550b
Manual Indexing: This can be slower than progressive indexing, particularly for high-volume reloading sessions.
Operator Dependence: The manual indexing requires the operator to pay attention and execute each step correctly. This means the potential for operator error.
Unveiling the Dillon 550c: Refinement and Upgrades
The Dillon 550c shares the same fundamental design as the 550b. It keeps the four-station turret head and the robust construction. The goal was not to overhaul the press, but to enhance certain critical components.
One of the significant upgrades is to the powder system, enhancing powder metering accuracy and consistency. There are improvements to the priming system to improve reliability and safety. The shell plate retention was improved. Overall, the 550c represented a refinement of an already successful design, focused on making reloading more efficient and enjoyable.
Advantages of the 550c
All the 550b strengths: The 550c retains the reliability, ease of use, and build quality that made the 550b popular.
Upgraded Powder Measure: Refined powder metering for more consistent powder charges.
Enhanced Priming System: Improved reliability and safety features related to priming.
Refined Design: Incorporates a few minor upgrades to improve ergonomics and usability.
Disadvantages of the 550c
Higher Price: The 550c is generally more expensive than the 550b.
Learning Curve: New users may need a little more time to get accustomed to the specific changes and improvements.
Putting Them Head-to-Head: A Direct Comparison
Now, let’s directly compare the Dillon 550b and 550c across key areas:
Frame and Build Quality
Both presses utilize the same sturdy frame design. Both machines are built with durable materials, ensuring a long lifespan. The construction is very similar. The 550 series is built to last.
Indexing
The 550b has the operator turning the shell plate by hand between stations. The 550c also uses manual indexing. The key is user feel: the operator is in control of each step.
Powder System
The 550c features an updated powder measure, providing refinements to its metering ability and offering more precise and consistent powder charges. This is important for achieving accuracy.
Primer System
The 550c incorporates improvements to the primer system. This system is crucial for safety.
Shell Plate Retention
The 550c often includes enhancements to shell plate retention to make it secure when cycling.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Both presses share a generally simple and intuitive design, which leads to the ease of use. Learning to load is an easy undertaking. Maintenance is straightforward on both presses, with the 550c building off the 550b’s success.
Reloading Speed
The 550b is able to load a good number of rounds in an hour. The 550c’s refinements may, in some cases, permit slightly faster reloading speeds. Your speed is highly dependent on your individual experience and level of comfort with the reloading process. The number of rounds depends upon the operator, so you’re likely to find similar numbers when comparing each press.
Performance and Accuracy
The quality of the press itself is not the sole factor in reloading accuracy. Both the 550b and 550c, when used correctly, are fully capable of producing extremely accurate ammunition. A careful selection of components, including high-quality bullets, powder, and brass, coupled with meticulous attention to detail during the reloading process, is the key to achieving accurate reloads.
Pricing and Value
The 550b is often available at a lower price point compared to the 550c. The 550c offers a more refined experience. The choice of which press to buy is determined by the shooter’s preference and budget.
Who is Each Press Best Suited For?
The 550b: This press is perfect for beginners who want a robust and reliable press that’s easy to master. It’s also ideal for reloaders on a budget or those who want a straightforward and simple reloading experience.
The 550c: This model is best for experienced reloaders. The 550c will be a great purchase for those who appreciate refinements.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
The Dillon 550b and 550c are outstanding reloading presses that have earned a place in reloading workshops. The 550b represents a value-oriented choice that is very easy to learn. The 550c offers an upgraded design that incorporates refinements to the powder and priming systems.
The key to selecting the right press is to consider the individual’s priorities. If you’re just starting, want the best value, and don’t require the absolute fastest reloading rate, the 550b is an excellent option. If you value the upgrades and prefer the latest version of the Dillon 550, the 550c is a strong contender.
Ultimately, both presses are excellent choices. They provide the user with reliable tools that enable them to create top-quality ammunition. No matter which one you choose, always prioritize safety, follow all instructions, and enjoy the rewarding process of reloading.
