Identify old Dillon 550

[Out of Ammo]

My neighbor called me over to show me the old Dillon press he had recently acquired. I didn't have the linkage for the powder measure, but had a pivot hindge to move the powder bar. Does anyone know how old this press might be? The primer operated like the current one, but did not have the shim.

[9x45]

Like this one?

[Out of Ammo]

Exactly, how old is it? Anything he should know about it? Is it a 550?

Edited February 26, 2016 by Out of Ammo

[9x45]

It's the old 550, not 550B, you don't need the positive drop linkage, but Dillon will upgrade it for free. I have never had an issue with mine since day one. It doesn't have the drop chute either, that's what the plastic funnel is for....

Edited February 26, 2016 by 9x45

[Out of Ammo]

I appreciate that and will pass along the information to my neighbor. Thank you.

[45 Raven]

Both my 550's are like that. The older one came that way. I removed the linkage from the caliber conversion kits and run my new one like the old one. I hate the linkage. Dillon gave me about two lifetime supplies of the springs to run the powder bars.

[derekmelton]

I have one like this and it's from the late 1980s still going strong

[9x45]

Both my 550's are like that. The older one came that way. I removed the linkage from the caliber conversion kits and run my new one like the old one. I hate the linkage. Dillon gave me about two lifetime supplies of the springs to run the powder bars.

Yup, I hate the linkage too. Good thing Dillon has a lifetime supply of those garter springs, very difficult to find at that size, .125" OD by 5.080" long, most likely a custom order of 10,000 way back in the way back.

[dillon]

Pre-1990 RL-550, at least judging by the powder measure.