[223 brass sizing problems]

Smalltruck, probably a typo, but isn't the .223 Remington shoulder datum at the cross-sectional plane where the exterior wall of the case shoulder measures 0.330" in diameter?

[550b getting primers to seat flush or just below]

ToneSurfer, maybe I missed it but do you have something else you can use to prime some of your cases? If all the primers seat fine using an alternative tool then you can focus more of your attention on the press.

Also, I saw the following primer pocket go/no-go guage: http://ballistictools.com/store/swage-gage-small-primer-pocket

I don't have any experience with it and am not endorsing it.

[550 Toolhead room with RT 1200 Trimmer]

I noticed that Dillon is selling the RL550 GSI Trimmer Toolhead (#12256) on their website for $39.99. They're also selling the XL650 GSI Trimmer Toolhead (#12258) for $49.99. Still don't know if they will work with standard Dillon size/trim dies. Check with Dillon or GSI.

[Resizing .223 on a progressive press]

Help me understand the shell plate issue. If I am not mistaken on the 550, the 'force' being applied is from the lower part of the ram. The shell plate only comes under stress when pulling the cart from the die. Of course your shell plate should not be too loose. Think about it, you could actually push brass into a FL sizing die without a shell plat at all. Removing the brass is where the shell plate does the work.

Am I wrong and have missed something?

I agree with what I think rhett45acp is saying. As I see it, the shellplate platform, not the shellplate, presses the cases into the dies via the case heads. The shellplate positions the cases in "approximate" alignment with the dies, moves the cases from station to station when it's indexed, engages the case extraction grooves allowing the cases to be extracted from the dies when the ram/platform is lowered, and limits the vertical movement of the case in the priming station when a case is being primed. Just my 2 cents.

[550b Failsafe Rod Bind]

RDA, it's about 9.75" long. I don't have a 650, but from what I can tell from the pictures in the manual, the rod for the 650 is not straight. but has an offset bend along its length. I'm sure you already know this though.

[Can a Super Swage 600 be used on mil 9mm?]

Try taking a look at this YouTube video at about 3:15:

[OAL VARIANCE=full shell plate/single]

ffgats, do you know where your seating stem contacts the bullet you're using? It's probably not at the bullet tip. Then you would need to consider the bullet to bullet variance from the contact point to the tip.

[550 Toolhead room with RT 1200 Trimmer]

Try taking a look at the new 300 Blackout trim die kit for 550 from GSI International, Inc. (http://www.gsiinternational.com/300-Blackout-for-550_8_4244_8645.html).

Don't know if the toolhead will work with standard Dillon trim dies, but looks like it has an integral vacuum port. Not sold separately though.

[Will a Dillon rust?]

I was wondering if anyone has tried Eezox (http://www.eezox.com/) on their press and dies? I've read on the web that it's synthetic (i.e. not petroleum based), heavier than water and will not harm powder or primers. If applied as directed, would I need to completely remove it from the dies, shellplate & shellplate platform prior to beginning a reloading session? I'm not disagreeing with Dillon's recommendation to use a paste wax, but it's difficult to apply it to small or oddly shaped parts.

[New, Anodized Toolheads]

Do you think Dillon will stop selling the original toolheads at some point in the future?

[550b Failsafe Rod Bind]

Here's a picture of my original 550 failsafe rod and a 1050 failsafe rod. Check with Dillon before modifying or substituting any parts.

[550b Failsafe Rod Bind]

ToneSurfer, I experienced the exact problem you described. I discussed the problem as I saw it with Dillon and they sent me a replacement failsafe rod assembly. The replacement rod was better (workable) but not perfect.

I’m thinking about trying a Super 1050 failsafe rod, if it’s the correct length (don’t know). It has a single 90 degree bend and a clip that secures it to the bellcrank assembly. If it works, it may make it easier to disconnect the failsafe rod from the powder measure when removing the measure or toolhead. I would check with Dillon before proceeding.