Need help w/9mm on a 550B

kv501 · February 28, 2009, 01:48 PM

Hi all, thanks in advance for any help--

Here is my question...I am going to be getting into reloading 9mm, and I would like to possibly use the Lee 3 die carbide set. I have heard good things about it and the price is right. Previously I have always used Dillon dies because I have been too chicken to try another brand--I'm over it.

At the moment I load .357, .44 and 45ACP, all with Dillon dies. The 9MM will be for my brother who is on a tight budget, so there are a couple of things I am wondering about before I buy them:

1. I am not interested in the FCD, so the three die carbide set would be fine because (I think) the 9MM Dillon conversion kit will have my expander plug and I will still be able to use my current powder die. Am I correct?

2. How bad will I fight case alignment? Dillon dies are radiused for this purpose, are the other companies as well? If not, how much of a pain will it be?

I know that some people will post responses telling me to buy the Dillons, but I guess I'd rather hear answers to my questions from people who've used other dies besides Dillon's in a 550. Any other help is welcome and appreciated.

Thanks,

NEH

Sam06 · February 28, 2009, 02:21 PM

I would get the Dillon dies for it. They are made for the press and the progressive operation of the 550B. Thats just my .02 but I am sure there are some guys that will tell you different. I used Lee Carbide dies in my 550B for 41Mag and it was a PITB to make them work. Even when I did get them working good it was still not as smooth as with the Dillon dies.

jtravisbayne · February 28, 2009, 03:34 PM

I load 9mm on a 550B and I tossed the Dillon dies in favor of Lee because Dillon's sizing die was giving me a "Coke Bottle" affect on my finished rounds. I have had zero issues with case alignment when using the Lee dies. I would suggest going with the 4 die set. The factory crimp die is worth the extra $7 (MidwayUSA price). I do not use the powder/flair die from the Lee set, but rather, stick with Dillon's setup.

Also, your press is set up for a 4 die set. The Lee 3 die set seats and crimps in the same die. The Lee 4 die set has separate seating and crimp dies just like the Dillon set. Both the Lee 3 and 4 die sets have the powder through / expander die, which as I mentioned, I do not use in favor of the Dillon setup.

Travis

armedandsafe · February 28, 2009, 04:56 PM

I use the 500 and the Lee dies work just fine. I buy mine from LeePrecision, as it gives me a chance to browse through their site and drool on my keyboard.

Pops

February 28, 2009, 01:48 PM	#1
kv501 Member Join Date: March 9, 2008 Posts: 18	Need help w/9mm on a 550B Hi all, thanks in advance for any help-- Here is my question...I am going to be getting into reloading 9mm, and I would like to possibly use the Lee 3 die carbide set. I have heard good things about it and the price is right. Previously I have always used Dillon dies because I have been too chicken to try another brand--I'm over it. At the moment I load .357, .44 and 45ACP, all with Dillon dies. The 9MM will be for my brother who is on a tight budget, so there are a couple of things I am wondering about before I buy them: 1. I am not interested in the FCD, so the three die carbide set would be fine because (I think) the 9MM Dillon conversion kit will have my expander plug and I will still be able to use my current powder die. Am I correct? 2. How bad will I fight case alignment? Dillon dies are radiused for this purpose, are the other companies as well? If not, how much of a pain will it be? I know that some people will post responses telling me to buy the Dillons, but I guess I'd rather hear answers to my questions from people who've used other dies besides Dillon's in a 550. Any other help is welcome and appreciated. Thanks, NEH

February 28, 2009, 02:21 PM	#2
Sam06 Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: Fayettenam Posts: 1,086	I would get the Dillon dies for it. They are made for the press and the progressive operation of the 550B. Thats just my .02 but I am sure there are some guys that will tell you different. I used Lee Carbide dies in my 550B for 41Mag and it was a PITB to make them work. Even when I did get them working good it was still not as smooth as with the Dillon dies. __________________ The two most abundant elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.

February 28, 2009, 03:34 PM	#3
jtravisbayne Member Join Date: December 27, 2008 Location: Simpsonville, SC Posts: 48	Go With Lee I load 9mm on a 550B and I tossed the Dillon dies in favor of Lee because Dillon's sizing die was giving me a "Coke Bottle" affect on my finished rounds. I have had zero issues with case alignment when using the Lee dies. I would suggest going with the 4 die set. The factory crimp die is worth the extra $7 (MidwayUSA price). I do not use the powder/flair die from the Lee set, but rather, stick with Dillon's setup. Also, your press is set up for a 4 die set. The Lee 3 die set seats and crimps in the same die. The Lee 4 die set has separate seating and crimp dies just like the Dillon set. Both the Lee 3 and 4 die sets have the powder through / expander die, which as I mentioned, I do not use in favor of the Dillon setup. Travis __________________ The power of collecting and disbursing money at pleasure is the most dangerous power that can be entrusted to man. Horatio Bunce *If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there'd be a shortage of sand.* Milton Friedman Last edited by jtravisbayne; February 28, 2009 at 03:48 PM. Reason: Added 2nd Paragraph

February 28, 2009, 04:56 PM	#4
armedandsafe Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2005 Location: Moses Lake WA Posts: 1,001	I use the 500 and the Lee dies work just fine. I buy mine from LeePrecision, as it gives me a chance to browse through their site and drool on my keyboard. Pops __________________ Armed and Safe: Not just a theory If it time to bury them, it is time to dig them up. Remember, "Behind every blade of grass."