Manual to Automated: Dillon 550 Full Upgrade Walkthrough

Published on February 21, 2026
Duration: 35:18

This guide details the process of upgrading a Dillon 550C reloading press to automate priming, powder charging, and case ejection. It covers the installation of the Dillon 'Get Started' reloading kit's automation components, including the priming system with blast shield and alarm, the automated powder measure, and the case ejection chute. The video emphasizes step-by-step instructions for each component, tool requirements, and calibration for accurate powder charges and case flaring.

Quick Summary

Upgrading a Dillon 550C with automation streamlines reloading by automating priming, powder charging, and case ejection. Key components include a blast shield with a low primer alarm, an integrated powder measure for consistent charges, and an ejection chute with a guide wire for efficient case removal.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction to Dillon 550C Upgrade
  2. 00:19Welcome and Previous Video Reference
  3. 01:05Upgrade Goals: Automating Priming & Powder
  4. 01:13Tedious Part: Manual Powder Charging
  5. 01:45Automation Replaces Manual Steps
  6. 01:51Unboxing Components
  7. 02:27Priming System Components
  8. 03:40Powder Measure Components
  9. 04:51Ejection System Components
  10. 05:30Starting with the Priming System Installation
  11. 05:32Tools Needed for Priming System
  12. 06:02Removing Old Priming System
  13. 07:02Clearing the Workspace
  14. 07:11Installing the Roll Pin for Return Spring
  15. 08:31Preparing for Blast Shield Installation
  16. 09:02Placing the Priming System Base
  17. 09:12Pre-installing Primer Assembly
  18. 09:37Installing the Blast Shield
  19. 10:36Attaching the Return Spring
  20. 10:49Installing the Operating Rod
  21. 11:18Testing Priming System Operation
  22. 11:23Installing the Primer Magazine
  23. 12:05Installing the Low Primer Alarm
  24. 12:22Loading Primers into Pickup Tube
  25. 13:15Primer Alarm Installation and Function
  26. 14:34Testing Primer Alarm with Primers
  27. 14:56Adjusting the Primer Arm Assembly
  28. 16:58Preparing for Powder Measure Installation
  29. 17:01Removing Old Powder Funnel Die
  30. 17:27Installing Powder Funnel into New Die
  31. 18:00Installing the Powder Measure Die
  32. 18:32Installing the Return Arm
  33. 19:04Preparing Case for Powder Measure Test
  34. 19:22Adjusting Case Flare
  35. 21:25Securing Powder Measure Die
  36. 21:46Adjusting Powder Bar Return Spring
  37. 22:44Dialing in Powder Charge
  38. 23:48Zeroing Scale and Adjusting Powder Measure
  39. 24:43Testing Powder Charge Consistency
  40. 26:57Finalizing Powder Measure Setup
  41. 27:02Installing the Ejection Chute
  42. 27:39Installing the Ejection Chute Wire
  43. 29:37Mounting the Cartridge Bin

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of upgrading a Dillon 550C with automation?

Upgrading a Dillon 550C with automation significantly speeds up the reloading process by automating priming, powder charging, and case ejection. This reduces manual labor, minimizes errors, and allows for more consistent ammunition production, making it ideal for high-volume reloaders.

How do you install the automated priming system on a Dillon 550C?

Installation involves removing the old priming system, installing a roll pin and return spring, then attaching the blast shield assembly and operating rod. A primer magazine and pickup tube are used for automatic primer feeding, and a low primer alarm is included for notification.

What is involved in setting up the automated powder measure on a Dillon 550C?

Setting up the automated powder measure involves replacing the old powder funnel die with the new powder measure die, installing the return arm, and then adjusting the die height to ensure the powder bar is fully actuated. The powder charge is then dialed in using the adjustment bolt on the back, verified with a scale.

How is the case ejection system installed on the Dillon 550C?

The case ejection system involves installing a wire through small holes on the press frame to guide ejected cases. A cartridge bin is then mounted to collect the ejected rounds. This system ensures cases are cleanly removed from the press after each cycle.

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