I just ordered a 550b + Dies--now what?

Greg Bell · September 8, 2002, 02:49 PM

Guys,

I just ordered my 550b and dies from Dillion$. I'm setting it up so my 400 round a week 357 Sig habit can become a 800 round habit

.
What other goodies do I need? I have a bullet pulling hammer and a primer pocket tool (and a caliper). That is it. I guess I should get a vibratory case cleaner and what not. What do you fellows reccomend?

GHB

1goodshot · September 8, 2002, 02:59 PM

A good scale and a couple of reloading books would be a good start.Get a good solid bench to mount it on,and give yourself some room to grow. you will soon have lots of brass,powder,bullets and other things that need a home.

tawakoni · September 8, 2002, 04:32 PM

What 1goodshot said. You MUST have a scale. Digital is nice, balance beam is just fine (I've been using the same one for 40 years). And after you have read the books, read them again. Don't hesitate to call Dillon if you have problems and come here for answers to any questions you may have.

Best

tawakoni

P.S. Search the TFL Archives for getting started in reloading. Lots of good info there.

September 8, 2002, 06:29 PM

Safety glasses. Just in case a primer does not go where it is supposed to, and gets crushed.

Lee

Dogjaw · September 10, 2002, 06:21 AM

Don't forget the tumbler to polish brass. I have an Lyman. They all work fine. Use ground walnut instead of corn cob. It works a lot better. I have a 550B. Take your time and read the Dillon manual step by step. It's a good press. One thing to do is check the powder charge several times after each adjustment to make sure it's consistant and correct. I always start a little heavy and turn the cap screw in to make sure the threads are back seated. Your dealing with so little powder, the clearance in the threads will vary the powder by .1 grain.

Mikul · September 10, 2002, 09:32 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong, guys, but won't he need a trimmer for the bottle necked .357 Sig cartridge? I have always been under the impression that all bottle necked cartridges need to be trimmer regardless of whether they're rifle or pistol.

September 8, 2002, 02:49 PM	#1
Greg Bell Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 2,053	I just ordered a 550b + Dies--now what? Guys, I just ordered my 550b and dies from Dillion$. I'm setting it up so my 400 round a week 357 Sig habit can become a 800 round habit . What other goodies do I need? I have a bullet pulling hammer and a primer pocket tool (and a caliper). That is it. I guess I should get a vibratory case cleaner and what not. What do you fellows reccomend? GHB __________________ Correct anwers to gun questions to save time... Carry: j-frame Home/combat: Hk P30 or Beretta 92G Doomsday: Colt 6920 with Aimpoint t-2

September 10, 2002, 06:21 AM	#5
Dogjaw Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2001 Location: S.W. Michigan Posts: 560	Don't forget the tumbler to polish brass. I have an Lyman. They all work fine. Use ground walnut instead of corn cob. It works a lot better. I have a 550B. Take your time and read the Dillon manual step by step. It's a good press. One thing to do is check the powder charge several times after each adjustment to make sure it's consistant and correct. I always start a little heavy and turn the cap screw in to make sure the threads are back seated. Your dealing with so little powder, the clearance in the threads will vary the powder by .1 grain. __________________ There are three kinds of men: 1) The ones that learn by reading. 2) The few who learn by observation. 3) The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves..........

September 10, 2002, 09:32 AM	#6
Mikul Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2000 Posts: 1,396	Correct me if I'm wrong, guys, but won't he need a trimmer for the bottle necked .357 Sig cartridge? I have always been under the impression that all bottle necked cartridges need to be trimmer regardless of whether they're rifle or pistol. __________________ There are two types of men: those with guns, and those at their mercy.

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September 8, 2002, 02:59 PM	#2
1goodshot Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2001 Location: chandler,az Posts: 929	A good scale and a couple of reloading books would be a good start.Get a good solid bench to mount it on,and give yourself some room to grow. you will soon have lots of brass,powder,bullets and other things that need a home.

September 8, 2002, 04:32 PM	#3
tawakoni Member Join Date: November 22, 2000 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 68	What 1goodshot said. You MUST have a scale. Digital is nice, balance beam is just fine (I've been using the same one for 40 years). And after you have read the books, read them again. Don't hesitate to call Dillon if you have problems and come here for answers to any questions you may have. Best tawakoni P.S. Search the TFL Archives for getting started in reloading. Lots of good info there.

September 8, 2002, 06:29 PM	#4
Lmccrock Guest Posts: n/a	Safety glasses. Just in case a primer does not go where it is supposed to, and gets crushed. Lee