Dillon tips, tricks, and mods. Post them here.

I like my Dillons. A lot. There are many cool things guys do to their Dillon presses to improve one aspect or another. I know a few, but would like to hear what you’re favorite mods are.

I’ll start it off with an easy one.

Whidden floating tool heads. Better, more accurate machining is a plus, but I particularly like the ability to float the sizing and seater dies.

http://www.whiddengunworks.com/produ...n-toolheads-2/
http://i64.tinypic.com/34e4w28.jpg

I liked it so much I bought some roll pins at the hardware store and converted all my stock Dillon heads to floaters.

http://i65.tinypic.com/2hx3yqg.jpg

I've just bought a used 550 so I'm definitely following. What is the advantage to having those dies float?

Improved concentricity.

Here is one more. I modified my tool heads so they are bolted to the machine, not just being held in by the pins. Theoretically, this should improve seating depth consistency. I can’t tell the difference, but the thinking is sound.

I used #4-40 helicoils in the heads so I didn’t have to drill the press frame. If I had it to do over, I might tap the heads directly for # 6 screws and open up the holes in the frame to clear them.

http://i64.tinypic.com/2v3imw6.jpg

Yet you have the toolhead secured with the Uniquetek conversion?

I've read the pros & cons of either conversion and decided for my use the uniquetek toolhead conversion was ok.
An old tech tip was to put an o-ring under the (RCBS) decapping pin nut, to allow the pin to float for the 1 in who knows how many slightly offset primer holes.

Those look like something one could do with the hornady lock rings


What ever works.

I want the toolhead solid vertically and I want the dies to float horizontally.

You probably all know this but I'll mention it anyway. Google "Brian Enos" they used to have a 550 tips and tricks section with everything you want to know about the 550. I'm sure it's still there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tim K

If I had it to do over, I might tap the heads directly for # 6 screws and open up the holes in the frame to clear them.

http://i64.tinypic.com/2v3imw6.jpg

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I considered doing that also, till i realized any modification to the frame "might" void the warranty. I do like the UT solid mount for the toolhead..

The Whidden floating die toolhead are awesome. I have them on almost all my 550 caliber conversions.

I am partial to the UniqueTec micrometer powder bars. For small charges the Arredondo bar with the UT micrometer is an excellent addition. Most all the powder bars I use often have them. For a set it and forget it, the stock Dillon is fine.

I need to do a new write up on how to tweak Dillon measures so they throw stick powder better. I have a new measure I need to polish up here in a week or so. I will take some pics.

I'm battling OAL variations on my 550. I've obviously tried hard mounting the toolhead, and I've ordered some new bearings for the shell plate.

Any other ideas?