upgrading Dillon RL450 to RL550?

oley55 · December 7, 2014, 08:38 PM

thoughts or observations from those who may have or decided against upgrading their RL450 to RL550.

I've had the same two RL450s since new in mid 1980s, one set up for large primer and one for small primer reloading. I'm thinking about getting a couple of the RL550 frame upgrades. the idea of being able to have a few tool heads sitting there with the dies all set and ready to go seems appealing, but then again I wonder if spending money on an old machine makes sense.

It looks like the new RL550 frames are $94ea and tool heads are $23 (or $30 for the pretty Anodized ones).

Knowing how finicky my powder bar is at times and primer feed for that matter, I don't see myself wanting to upgrade to automatic powder or primer.

9MMand223only · December 7, 2014, 09:40 PM

I see no real downside going to a 550.

A 550 is versatile, and good if you want to load several hundred rounds at once, maybe a few times a month or so.

If your not loading say, 300 rounds a month, or shooting often, the 450 is all you need. All the 550 is going to do for you is make them faster.

Since you already have the dies, etc. I would get a 550, with the trays, its pretty nice.

Vance · December 7, 2014, 11:36 PM

I think Oley55 meant buying a new frame to convert his RL 450's to BL550's. The BL550 does not have auto primer feed or auto powder systems. It is basically a turret, except the shell plate rotates and not the dies.

I say go for it. The tool heads are about $23 each or $21 each if you buy 3 or more at once. New frames and new tool head capability. Get Dillon to replace any worn out bushings or other parts under warranty and you will have almost like new machines. You could call Dillon and ask how much they would charge to do the rebuild. They would only charge for the frame and labor. Any other parts needed would be covered under warranty.

243winxb · December 8, 2014, 01:25 PM

With two RL450s i would just upgrade one for quick change over to other cartridges. The stock 450 would be left to load the cartridge i load the most (45acp).

Its a per$onal choice thing.

condor bravo · December 8, 2014, 01:29 PM

I have done the conversion from 450 to 550 by replacing the frame. Works fine; go ahead and do it. You can't beat just replacing the tool head with dies intact for a caliber conversion.

December 7, 2014, 08:38 PM	#1
oley55 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2013 Location: JAX, FL Posts: 377	upgrading Dillon RL450 to RL550? thoughts or observations from those who may have or decided against upgrading their RL450 to RL550. I've had the same two RL450s since new in mid 1980s, one set up for large primer and one for small primer reloading. I'm thinking about getting a couple of the RL550 frame upgrades. the idea of being able to have a few tool heads sitting there with the dies all set and ready to go seems appealing, but then again I wonder if spending money on an old machine makes sense. It looks like the new RL550 frames are $94ea and tool heads are $23 (or $30 for the pretty Anodized ones). Knowing how finicky my powder bar is at times and primer feed for that matter, I don't see myself wanting to upgrade to automatic powder or primer.

December 7, 2014, 09:40 PM	#2
9MMand223only Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2014 Posts: 283	I see no real downside going to a 550. A 550 is versatile, and good if you want to load several hundred rounds at once, maybe a few times a month or so. If your not loading say, 300 rounds a month, or shooting often, the 450 is all you need. All the 550 is going to do for you is make them faster. Since you already have the dies, etc. I would get a 550, with the trays, its pretty nice.

December 7, 2014, 11:36 PM	#3
Vance Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2011 Location: North Bend, OR Posts: 743	I think Oley55 meant buying a new frame to convert his RL 450's to BL550's. The BL550 does not have auto primer feed or auto powder systems. It is basically a turret, except the shell plate rotates and not the dies. I say go for it. The tool heads are about $23 each or $21 each if you buy 3 or more at once. New frames and new tool head capability. Get Dillon to replace any worn out bushings or other parts under warranty and you will have almost like new machines. You could call Dillon and ask how much they would charge to do the rebuild. They would only charge for the frame and labor. Any other parts needed would be covered under warranty.

December 8, 2014, 01:25 PM	#4
243winxb Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2011 Location: USA Posts: 1,730	With two RL450s i would just upgrade one for quick change over to other cartridges. The stock 450 would be left to load the cartridge i load the most (45acp). Its a per$onal choice thing.

December 8, 2014, 01:29 PM	#5
condor bravo Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2014 Location: Nevada/Ariz/CA Posts: 1,753	I have done the conversion from 450 to 550 by replacing the frame. Works fine; go ahead and do it. You can't beat just replacing the tool head with dies intact for a caliber conversion.