Dillon tools for the 550 reloading press

T

Therion

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Location
Calgary, AB
I have a Dillon 550 press that I want to get up and running.
I see that Dillon makes a 1 inch bench wrench (open end that is used for dies and closed end for the powder bar).
The also have a tool kit that includes the 1 inch bench wrench, several Allan wrenches (L-shaped, with a plastic "handle") and a rack to hold all the wrenches.
I imagine that the bench wrench would be handy for dies, as space between dies is limited.
The Allan wrenches look like they would be handy, too, but I am not sure if they are worth what they cost.

The bench wrench is roughly $25 and the entire set (bench wrench, Allan wrenches and holder) is roughly 3 to 4 times that.

I would appreciate hearing comments and experiences. Are these tools worth buying or does it make more sense to simply get "generic" wrenches?
Thanks.
 
Generic wrenches will work, just fine. Just go down to your local Canadian Tire or hardware store, and purchase a set of adjustable wrenches, from large, to small. Likewise, a set of Standard(non-metric)Allen wrenches.
The Dillon bench wrench is a handy tool. But, you can get along, without it. I do have a bench wrench, but tend to reach for the adjustable, more often. Though space between the dies is limited, nuts can be tightened/loosened, with a little care. As mentioned, you can grind them to fit, if you wish. Though I haven't found it necessary.
It bears mentioning that, 550 tool heads will accept just about any brand of die. If you prefer Lee dies, you may not even need a wrench. The nuts on these dies are easily finger tightened and hold securely.
One gadget you may wish to invest in though, is a platform alignment tool. This comes in very handy for set up and alignment, or re-alignment. Which may become necessary, from time to time.. These are available through any retailer that handles Dillon products.
I would also recommend purchasing an accessory kit. This will contain any number of replaceable parts, ie: primer tube tips, springs, etc. that you may also need to replace.
Should you load multiple calibers, purchasing extra tool heads is also a good idea. Makes caliber changes fast and easy.

Al
Edit: So I never have to search through a set of Allen keys to find the right ones for my Dillon, I simply wrapped a piece of tape around them. Then, mounted them on the bench, near the press. Easy to locate should they get mixed in with others.
 
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The Dillon allen keys come with an aluminium holder that mount to the press. They are organized by size and they are only the one needed on Dillon press. Beat chasing allen keys all the time for the right one. They are right there in the back of the press. It come with the 1 inch wrench that work on Dillon dies ring.

For me it is a no brainer..get the kit and be done with it.
 

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As someone with a decent set of wrenches and Allen keys on a peg board beside my reloading bench I did not have a need for the Dillon tools. The dies are easily set up with box end wrenches and I have yet to readjust anything except for my primer handling equipment which is only meant to be finger tight which I adjust every few hundred rounds or more with a conventional Allen key. If you do not have the tools why not, if you do you should be fine the way you are.
 
I have the set mounted on my 550. It's nice having the right tools mounted to the machine. The Canadian price is considerably higher that what I paid years ago in the US.
 
I have all the tools already, most guys probably do. I expect you could buy these specific tools almost anywhere for less than Dillon charges.
 
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