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

[Tim K]

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/


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

[mattiooo]

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

[Tim K]

Improved concentricity.

[Tim K]

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.

[Great-Kazoo]

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.

[Tim K]

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

[Robb]

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.

[Great-Kazoo]

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.

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..

[Hoser]

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.

[Tim K]

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?