Dillon press with other dies?

rayzorloo

rayzorloo

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Hi,

So I found a used Dillon 550 on the EE for a decent price, said all set up for 9mm. But it was actually set up for 45acp, 9mm dies and conversion kits seem to be out of stock. My question is can I use either my Lee, Lyman or Hornady 9mm dies I already have? Can I use them on the tool head that came with? Do I still need to buy the 9mm conversion?

Thanks
 
Hi,

You will need to buy the conversion kit with powder funnel and shell plate and burtons, also, if it is settled with large pistol primers, you must change the primer system to small pistol.

You can use any die set you want as long as it has the same tread pattern - RCBS, LEE, Dillon and many more should be ok.

An extra toolhead should be nice for keeping your dies adjusted and ready to go. Consider that.

Ed
 
Last edited:
rayzorloo said:
Hi,

So I found a used Dillon 550 on the EE for a decent price, said all set up for 9mm. But it was actually set up for 45acp, 9mm dies and conversion kits seem to be out of stock. My question is can I use either my Lee, Lyman or Hornady 9mm dies I already have? Can I use them on the tool head that came with? Do I still need to buy the 9mm conversion?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Dies will work fine, they are standard. - dan
 
The only problem I have with dies of other makers is they may be too short. My crimp die for 38 S W is too short. I have an extra 38 special crimp die that works. Was a Lee die set. 32 acp Lee dies have the lock ring up almost off the threads to work. I have talked to other people that have the same problem. If you already have the dies I would try them on the Dillon to see if they adjust properly.
The 550 is an excellent press once you learn how to use it. You will need the conversion kit. A lot of kits work for other calibers with the same head size. Hopefully the book came with so you can cross reference kits. Buy the tool heads and leave your dies setup and just change the kit out. Dillion will send you the book for free.
I bought mine used and the wrong parts for the powder measure came with it. I emailed Dillon and asked where I could buy the parts I needed. Even thou I bought the press used and the seller gave me the wrong parts Dillon sent me the proper parts for free.
Excellent service in my opinion.
 
Snider shooter said:
The only problem I have with dies of other makers is they may be too short. My crimp die for 38 S W is too short. I have an extra 38 special crimp die that works. Was a Lee die set. 32 acp Lee dies have the lock ring up almost off the threads to work. I have talked to other people that have the same problem. If you already have the dies I would try them on the Dillon to see if they adjust properly.
The 550 is an excellent press once you learn how to use it. You will need the conversion kit. A lot of kits work for other calibers with the same head size. Hopefully the book came with so you can cross reference kits. Buy the tool heads and leave your dies setup and just change the kit out. Dillion will send you the book for free.
I bought mine used and the wrong parts for the powder measure came with it. I emailed Dillon and asked where I could buy the parts I needed. Even thou I bought the press used and the seller gave me the wrong parts Dillon sent me the proper parts for free.
Excellent service in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Excellent..thanks for the tip..buddy had suggested the same, will call Dillon.

PS. Was just in NS visiting my daughter in New Ross and absolutely loved it out east.
 
rayzorloo said:
Hi,

So I found a used Dillon 550 on the EE for a decent price, said all set up for 9mm. But it was actually set up for 45acp, 9mm dies and conversion kits seem to be out of stock. My question is can I use either my Lee, Lyman or Hornady 9mm dies I already have? Can I use them on the tool head that came with? Do I still need to buy the 9mm conversion?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Hi I have a bunch of videos about my DILLON 550
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH4z5klk5mM
 
Snider shooter said:
The only problem I have with dies of other makers is they may be too short. My crimp die for 38 S W is too short. I have an extra 38 special crimp die that works. Was a Lee die set. 32 acp Lee dies have the lock ring up almost off the threads to work. I have talked to other people that have the same problem. If you already have the dies I would try them on the Dillon to see if they adjust properly.
The 550 is an excellent press once you learn how to use it. You will need the conversion kit. A lot of kits work for other calibers with the same head size. Hopefully the book came with so you can cross reference kits. Buy the tool heads and leave your dies setup and just change the kit out. Dillion will send you the book for free.
I bought mine used and the wrong parts for the powder measure came with it. I emailed Dillon and asked where I could buy the parts I needed. Even thou I bought the press used and the seller gave me the wrong parts Dillon sent me the proper parts for free.
Excellent service in my opinion.
Click to expand...

A friend of mine also had an issue with his 550 and short dies. He removed the locking ring, spun the die down to where he needed it and then put the locking ring back on the bottom side. Said it worked fine.

Auggie D.
 
Auggie Doggie said:
A friend of mine also had an issue with his 550 and short dies. He removed the locking ring, spun the die down to where he needed it and then put the locking ring back on the bottom side. Said it worked fine.

Auggie D.
Click to expand...

Was tempted to do that but had extra die sets so thought I would try them first. I had the die in my hand and looking at my lathe. Sometimes it is nice to have a junk box of extra parts.
 
Lee dies in my 750. Not much meat left up top, but all the lock rings are on top.
Dillon dies are probably a little nicer, but the lee are cheaper and at least available…
 
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