PanzerVI

Just wanted to circle back and close out this topic with the following data, in case any fellow reloaders run into this same issue. I spent the last month exchanging a pleasant set of emails with RCBS (note--NOT blaming RCBS, they were nice always) and we worked thru a series of steps to determine if there was a problem with the die. They confirmed it was indeed a seater/crimp die and that it did have the crimp ring correctly machined all along. They then asked me to take a series of measurements of the Dillon 550.....after I submitted the data, RCBS stated that the Dillon conversion plate was thicker than their die was capable of handling.....RCBS plate on their machine was thinner. So, in effect, RCBS said I could adjust the die from now till December and it wouldn't crimp given the difference in plate thickness. Note: I do not have an RCBS plate to confirm--just passing along what RCBS stated in case it helps somebody else. I did pick up a Dillon crimp die from Brian and am good to go. Thank you.

YoungEyes...thanks for your suggestion. I just went down and checked and the RCBS box indicates 45 Colt and the individual seater/crimp die is also labeled 45 Colt so I think I have the right die. I am getting no crimp at all....seater plug is completely backed out and the die is screwed down (carefully a bit at a time) into the press to where I can't push down on the handle...its that hard. Yet still not getting any crimp. Thanks again.

Gents, thanks. But prior to posting I had already backed out the seating plug all the way and couldn't seem to get the RCBS seater/crimp die to crimp. And I actually read the RCBS manual several times trying to figure out how to set the crimp. I must be missing something simple. May be time to gather the coins for a dedicated Dillon crimp die then.

Thanks in advance. And I did a search before posting, so sorry if a dupe. But y'all have been helpful before. I am setting up my Dillon 550 for 45 Colt using elements of Dillon and RCBS dies....but clearly the cold weather has made me more stupid than normal. Elements = RCBS 3-Die (decapper, expander, seater) and a single Dillon seater die. Station 1.....RCBS decapper Station 2.....Dillon powder assembly Station 3....Dillon seater Station 4....RCBS seater........but here is the issue.....despite reading and re-reading all manuals and die instructions, I can't seem to figure out how to adjust this RCBS seater die on station 4 to crimp. What blindingly obvious thing am I missing? Stay warm.

Youngeyes, Thanks for your thoughts. Anybody else with thoughts on which way to go vis-a-vis the dies? I've consulted several reloading books and think I have some starter loads for the IMI 240gr and 180gr bullets, anybody have experience with them (Wideners has them for a decent price.)

Experts, I seek your guidance and counsel on several aspects of reloading for the 44 magnum on my Dillon 550B. I've reloaded tens of thousands of 9mm rounds on it, but am new to such a "large" caliber. I have the RCBS 3-die carbide set in 44 mag....is that good to go, or should I get the Dillon sizer die for station 1? If the latter, should I just sell the RCBS set and go with a straight Dillon die set? Is there any real need to trim the 44 magnum cases....I don't plan on reloading to the ragged edge. Crimp....how much? Other suggestions. I plan on using Win 296 and Win 231 behind some IMI 240 gr and 180 gr bullets. Thanks for your time. Michael

To Mr. Enos and the Forum Members, Thank you for generously sharing your time and counsel. Before making such a financial investment, I really wanted to make sure I had my head wrapped around the correct equipment list. Much obliged.

To Mr. Enos and the Forum members, First time poster, but I have read and re-read the data posted in these fora and on Mr. Enos's website. First the kudos. Much obliged to Mr. Enos for taking the time and energy to organize and put such a large amount of information about the Dillon press on the web for reloaders. And to Dillon themselvers....I spent a significant amount of time with them at SHOT show 2010 asking questions and they were very gracious in demonstrating the 550b. So effective that I decided to purchase a press and do so via this site. Now to my question. Background: I am not new to reloading and have a decent set of gear (scales, calipers, dies etc), but have decided to upgrade to allow me to shoot more for the same nickel. Dad always told me to buy the best in optics and reloading and I wouldn't be disappointed....thus a Dillon. So I am concentrating on two calibers (9mm and 45 ACP) initially, and over time will expand to 30 carbine, 5.56mm, 45 Colt and .30-06. But realistically, finances are a factor and per Mr. Enos's note....there are birthdays and Christmas with which to expand my inventory of Dillon products such as spare parts kits etc. Question: Is the following list of gear complete for reloading 9mm and 45 ACP? Am I missing anything major? I don't mind taking a bit of time to change the powder measure etc. Thank you forum members again for your counsel and to Mr. Enos. Dillon 550b CR-Basic Ez Buy "As it should be package" Strong mount Roller handle Bullet tray Empty bin and bracket 9mm Dillon dies 4xExtra primer pickup tubes $528.75 For 45 ACP Extra caliber conversion kit $43.95 Toolhead and powder die package for 45 ACP $31.45 Dies for 45 ACP...I have a 3-DIE, RCBS Carbide set in 45 ACP I plan on using unless told otherwise. S&H Above $400 so free. Total $604.15