RL 550C 2017.

qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 1

Dillon RL 550C
Instruction Manual
May 2017

Manufacturers of
The World's Finest
Loading Equipment
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 2

RL 550C Parts List

Part # Description 13951 Powder Bar Post, Small
13149 Instruction Manual 13957 Magazine Shield Cap
13409 Crank 13958 Powder Bar Bolt Washer
13581 Grease Fitting 13961 Slide Pickup Adjustment Screw
13583 Link Arm, Left 13964 Retain Spring Screw
13644 Powder Bar Spacer 13966 Shellplate Platform Bolt
13650 Spent Primer Cup 13967 Primer Seating Punch, Large
13691 Powder Measure Tube 13968 Toolhead
13700 Link Arm Pin 13979 Primer Retain Pin Spring
13704 Handle Washer 13996 Primer Punch Set Screw
13707 Follower Rod 13997 Index Ball Spring
13719 Cartridge Spring Retainer Screw 13998 Spent Primer Catcher Pin
13720 Index Sprocket 13999 Primer Pickup Tip, Yellow, Small
13747 Link Arm, Right w/Hook 14001 Roller Pin
13757 Primer Seating Punch, Small 14003 Flexible Orifice, Red, Large
13765 Roller 14008 Toolhead Pin
13775 Main Shaft 14010 Primer Pickup Tip, Green, Large
13781 Shellplate Platform 14013 Roller Bracket Screw
13789 1/4-2/8 Set Screw 14014 Primer Housing Screw
13793 Roller 14015 Primer Track Bearing
13794 Shellplate Bolt 14023 8-32x3/4 BH Screw
13799 Stripper Wing Nut 14024 Flexible Orifice, Blue, Small
13801 Tinnerman Nut Insert 14025 Primer Slide Return Spring Retainer
13803 Ejected Cartridge Chute Bracket 14033 Spring
13824 Primer Seating Cup, Large 14037 Clamp/Bracket Screw
13825 Primer Seating Cup, Small 14040 Retaining Clip
13830 Main Shaft Pivot Pin 14051 Primer Retaining Pin
13839 Cartridge Collection Bin 14067 Die Lock Ring
13841 Nylock Nut 14202 Powder Measure Tube Screw
13845 Collar Sleeve 14280 Roller Bracket Shell Platform
13848 Bellcrank Bushing 14281 Primer Slide Assembly, Large
13850 Operating Handle Knob 14282 Primer Slide Assembly, Small
13857 Battery Cover 16813 Failsafe Rod Assembly
13864 Switch Lever 17085 Dispensing Tip, Large
13869 Operating Rod 17086 Dispensing Tip, Small
13871 Bellcrank Cube 18086 Failsafe Bushing
13882 Powder Measure Lid 20062 Powder Bar Assembly, Small
13885 Return Bracket 20063 Powder Bar Assembly, Large
13887 Operating Rod Bracket 20064 Powder Die
13889 Primer Slide Roller * 20093 Shellplate
13890 Spring Washer 20094 Frame Assembly
13891 Index Ball 20263 Primer Feed Body w/ Shield
13893 Powder Bar Post, Large 20302 Primer Early Warning System
13898 Primer Slide Stop Nut 20303 Powder Measure Failsafe Kit
13899 Spent Primer Catcher Chute 20636 Operating Handle Assembly
13904 Bellcrank Bolt, New Style 20782 Powder Measure System
13917 Roller Clip 21275 Connector Body Collar
13919 Slide Roller Post 22028 Primer Pickup Tube, Yellow, Small
13920 Primer Slide 22029 Primer Pickup Tube, Green, Large
13921 Powder Bar Spacer Plug 22030 Primer Magazine, Blue, Small
13923 Brass Tip Set Screw 22031 Primer Magazine, Red, Large
13924 Slide Post 22273 Powder Body w/ Drop Tube
13925 Ejector Wire 62286 Threaded Link Arm Pin
13926 Cartridge Spring 97000 Failsafe Rod
13928 Primer Slide Return Spring * Indicates caliber-specific parts. See the caliber conversion chart
13939 Body Collar Clamp
for the correct part number for the caliber you are loading.
13940 Body Collar - Part Some items listed are not shown in schematic illustration.
13943 Powder Bar Bolt

2
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 3


RL 550C Schematic

$66(0





$66(0

,),&
&$/,%(563(&


$66(0  



  $66(0





$66(0


 



 /
$66(0
$66(0 60
$66(0

 

 
52'21/<


 





  


 
 






 $66(0

3
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 4

RL 550B Automatic Powder System

13921
13426 * Powder Funnel, .45 cal Pistol
13644 Powder Bar Spacer 13882 13644 20780
13691 Powder Measure Tube Only spacer 13951 extra small
13782 * Powder Funnel, .22 cal Rifle
13848 Bellcrank Bushing
13871 Bellcrank Cube
13882 Powder Measure Lid
13893 Powder Bar Post, Large
13904 Bellcrank Screw 20062
13921 Plastic Plug small
13943 Powder Bar Bolt
13893
13951 Powder Bar Post, Small
13958 Powder Bar Bolt Washer
(not shown) 21353
magnum
14041 Bowed Washer
14067 Die Lock Ring
14202 Powder Measure Tube Screws
13691
16340 10-32 Nylon Lock Nut 20063
20062 Powder Bar Assembly, Small large
20063 Powder Bar Assembly, Large
20064 Powder Die - small
20780 Powder Bar Assembly, Extra Small 13871
21253 Powder Die - large (not shown) 22273
21275 Connector Body Collar - Complete
21353 Powder Bar Assembly, Magnum 14202 97034
22273 Powder Measure, Part
97034 Slotted Bellcrank 13848
16813 Failsafe Rod Assembly
13799 Stripper Wing Nut
13801 Tinnerman Nut Insert
14033 Rod Spring
18086 Shoulder Washer 14041
97000 Failsafe Rod 14202 13904
21275 Connector Body Collar Assembly 16340
13939 Body Collar Clamp
13940 Body Collar - Part
13793 Roller 13940
14808 Collar Roller Bushing
14023 8-32x3/4 BH Screw 13939 13793
97000
13845 Collar Sleeve
14037 Clamp/Bracket Screw
14808
* Indicates caliber specific parts – see the caliber 14023
conversion chart for the correct part number for
the caliber you are loading for. 14037
*13426 13845
WARNING
This powder measure drops a full charge of pow-
der each time the operating handle is cycled. If,
for any reason, you believe that more than a single
measure of powder was dropped or you think that 18086
you may have cycled the handle more than once
on a single case, you need to empty the case and 14033
start over.
A double charged case can result in bodily injury 13799
20064
or a damaged firearm. 13801
*13782
14067

4
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 5

RL 550C Automatic Primer System

13707 17085 (large)
13757 Primer Seating Punch, Small
or
13824 Primer Seating Cup, Large
17086 (small)
13825 Primer Seating Cup, Small
13869 Operating Rod 13864 14040
13887 Operating Rod Bracket
13889 Large Roller
13898 Primer Slide Stop Nut 20302
13917 Roller Clip
13919 Roller Pin 13672
13920 Primer Slide 13748
13924 Primer Slide Return Spring Post
13957 Primer Shield Cap
13961 Slide Pickup Adjustment Screw
13964 Primer Feed Stop Spring Screw
13967 Primer Seating Punch, Large
13979 Primer Feed Stop Spring
13996 Primer Punch Set Screw 13957
14033 Primer Seating Cup Spring
14037 Clamp/Bracket Screw 22030
14051 Primer Feed Stop Pin 13857 (Small)
22031 22028
20263 Primer Housing and Shield (Small)
(Large)
22028 Small Primer Pickup Tube Assembly 22029
13999 Pickup Tube Tip Small (Large)
14040 Retaining Clip 13887
17086 Dispensing Tip, Small 13869
22029 Large Primer Pickup Tube Assembly
14010 Pickup Tube Tip Large
14037
14040 Retaining Clip
17085 Dispensing Tip, Large
22030 Small Primer Magazine Tube Assembly
14024 Flexible Orifice Small 13999
(Small)
22031 Large Primer Magazine Tube Assembly 14010
14003 Flexible Orifice Large (Large)
20302 Primer Early Warning System
13707 Follower Rod 14024
13857 Battery Cover 20263 (Small)
13864 Switch Lever 14003
14280 Roller Bracket Assembly (Large)
14051
13719 Cartridge Spring Retaining Screw 13979
13765 Roller
13899 Spent Primer Catcher Chute 13964
13926 Cartridge Spring 13967
13998 Spent Primer Catcher Pin 13719
14001 Roller Pin 13926
13961
14530 Roller Bracket Screw(s)
Complete Primer Slide Assemblies 13898
13824 14280
14281 Primer Slide Assembly, Large 13924 14037
14282 Primer Slide Assembly, Small 13996
14033 13917 13889

13824
14530 13765
13920 14033 1.215” to 13919 14001
13967 13899
1.220” 13920
13998
13996

5
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 6

Introduction
First of all, the Dillon RL 550C is a remarkably simple
machine – a little care and thought while setting up will save
you time and give you thousands of trouble-free rounds.
Suggested Minimum Equipment:
1) Loading Manual 2) Powder Scale
3) Safety Glasses 4) Primer Flip Tray *
5) Dial Caliper * (* Indicates items that are not ab-
solutely essential, but are pretty darned handy!)
Mounting the RL 550C to your bench.
Place your RL 550C on the edge of sturdy bench or table.
Give yourself about 12 inches of work space on each side of
the machine to allow room for components.

Fig. 3 – The cartridge collection bin (#13839) simply slides onto

the bracket and will be in the proper position.
Using the machine itself as a template, mark and drill
four one-quarter inch holes in your bench and bolt your RL
550C securely to it, Fig. 1. Next, mount the cartridge collec-
tion bin bracket (#13803) onto your bench, Fig. 2, allowing
approximately one-eighth inch clearance between the plat-
form (#13781) and the ejected cartridge chute. Using two
screws or bolts, secure the bracket to your bench. The car-
tridge collection bin (#13839) simply slides on the bracket,
Fig. 3, and will be in the proper position to catch ejected
loaded rounds. Bolt the operating handle in place as shown
in the schematic.
Safety Points to Know Before You Begin
Reloading ammunition involves the use of highly explosive
primers and powder. Handling these materials is inherently
dangerous. You should recognize this danger and take certain
minimum precautions to lessen your exposure to injury.
Always wear ear and eye protection when you’re operating
the machine. Call our customer service department at 800-
Fig. 1 – Using the machine as a template, mark and drill four 1/4
inch holes allowing 12 inches on each side for your work area. 223-4570 for information on the wide variety of
shooting/safety glasses and hearing protection that Dillon has
to offer.
• PAY ATTENTION: Load only when you can give your com-
plete attention to the loading process. Don’t watch television
or try to carry on a conversation and load at the same time.
Watch the automatic systems operate and make sure they are
functioning properly. If you are interrupted or must leave and
come back to your loading, always inspect the cases at every
station to insure that the proper operations have been accom-
plished.
• SMOKING: Do not smoke while reloading or allow anyone
else to smoke in your reloading area. Do not allow open
flames in reloading area.
• SAFETY DEVICES: Do not remove any safety devices from
your machine or modify your machine in any way.
• MODIFICATIONS: Any modifications performed to your
machine, or the addition of any unapproved equipment, in-
cluding automated or mechanical add-ons from other manu-
Fig. 2 – This photograph shows the correct mounting position of facturers, is expressly not recommended and will void the
the cartridge collection bin bracket in relation to the machine. Dillon warranty.

6
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 7

• LEAD WARNING: Be sure to have proper ventilation while • BE PATIENT: Our loading equipment is conservatively rated
handling lead components or when shooting lead bullets. and you should have no trouble achieving the published rates
Lead is known to cause birth defects, other reproductive harm with a smooth, steady hand. If something doesn’t seem right,
and cancer. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any- stop, look and listen. If the problem or the solution isn’t obvi-
thing made of lead. ous, call us. The reloading bench is no place to get into a
• LOADS AND LENGTHS: Avoid maximum loads and pres- hurry.
sures at all times. Use only recommended loads from manuals We have done everything we know how to make your ma-
and information supplied by reliable component manufactur- chine as safe as possible. We cannot, however, guarantee your
ers and suppliers. Since Dillon Precision has no control over complete safety. To minimize your risk, use common sense
the components which may be used on their equipment, no when reloading and follow these basic rules.
responsibility is implied or assumed for results obtained • REMEMBER: If your machine does not perform to your ex-
through the use of any such components. pectations, or if you are having technical difficulties, give us a
Seat bullets as close to maximum cartridge length as possi- call.
ble. Under some conditions, seating bullets excessively deep TO BEGIN LOADING
can raise pressures to unsafe levels. Refer to a reliable loading
manual for overall length (OAL).
• QUALITY CHECKS: Every 50-100 rounds, perform periodic
quality control checks on the ammunition being produced.
Check the amount of powder being dropped and primer sup-
ply.
• RELOADING AREA: Keep your components safely stored.
Clear your work area of loose powder, primers and other flam-
mables before loading.
• COMPONENTS: Never have more than one type of powder
in your reloading area at a time. The risk of a mix-up is too
great. Keep powder containers closed.
Be sure to inspect brass prior to reloading for flaws, cracks,
splits or defects. Throw these cases away.
Keep components and ammunition out of reach of chil-
dren.
• BLACK POWDER: Do not use black powder or black pow-
Fig. 4 – This photo shows a complete caliber conversion;
der substitutes in any Dillon powder measure. Loading black the powder funnel, shellplate and locator buttons.
powder cartridges requires specialized loading equipment and
techniques. Failure to do so can result in severe injury or Now that everything is bolted down and you understand
death. the safety precautions, you can proceed.
• PRIMERS: Never force primers. If they get stuck in the oper- First, decide what caliber you want to reload and take the
ation of the machine, disassemble it and gently remove the shellplate (*#20079) from the caliber conversion box, Fig. 4.
obstruction. Now, in your parts box, find a bag containing; index ball
(#13891), shellplate bolt (#13794), index ball spring
Never attempt to clear primers that are stuck in either the
(#13997), set screw (#13923), and index sprocket (#13720).
primer pickup tube or the primer magazine tube. Never,
under any circumstances, insert any type of rod to attempt to Insert the index ball spring (#13781) in the platform as
force stuck primers out of these tubes. Trying to force primers shown in Fig. 5. Next set the index ball on top of the index
out of the tube will cause the primers to explode causing seri- ball spring. Now place the shellplate (number up) over the
ous injury or even death. index ball spring and index ball, Fig. 6.
If primers get stuck in a primer magazine or pickup tube Place the index sprocket on top of the shellplate (making
flood the tube with a penetrating oil (WD-40), throw the tube sure the locator posts go into the corresponding holes in the
in the garbage and call us for a free replacement. shellplate, see Fig. 7).
Never attempt to deprime live primers – eventually one Next, insert the shellplate bolt through the sprocket and
will go off. When it does it will detonate the others in the plate and into the center hole of the platform, Fig. 8. Tighten
spent primer cup. Depriming live primers is the single most with the supplied Allen wrench to the point where you are
dangerous thing you can do in reloading and can cause grave unable to turn the sprocket by hand. Now, back off the bolt
injury or death. slightly, allowing you to push the sprocket easily with your
thumb, Fig. 9. There should be no looseness or slop at this
• LOADED AMMUNITION: Properly label all of your loaded
point and when you rotate the plate, you should be able to
ammunition (Date, Type of Bullet, Primer, Powder, Powder
feel and hear the index ball “click” into place under the
Charge, etc.).
shellplate.

7
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 8

Fig. 5 – This photo shows the index ball spring and index ball Fig. 8 – Inserting the shellplate bolt, first through the index
being placed in the platform. sprocket then the shellplate.

Fig. 6 – Showing the shellplate in its proper position: under the Fig. 9 – This photo shows the proper method of indexing the
ejector wire with the shellplate number up. shellplate and the proper installation of the locator buttons.

Fig. 7 – This photo shows the index star in its proper position: Fig. 10 – Insert the brass-tipped set screw (#13923)
the locating tabs centered in the shellplate. and tighten securely.

8
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 9

Take the brass-tipped set screw (#13923) insert and

tighten securely in the tapped hole beneath the platform on This set screw
the left side of the main shaft, Fig. 10. This will keep the (#13961) adjusts
shellplate from tightening as you use the machine. This the outward travel
screw must be loosened when changing calibers, something of the primer slide
that is often forgotten as it’s out of sight. to align the primer
seating cup with the
In your caliber conversion box, you will find three brass
primer magazine.
locator buttons. These simply drop into the three remaining
holes in the platform, Fig. 9. These “buttons” hold the cases
securely in place while you are reloading, but by removing
them, allow you to take out a troublesome case, should that
occur in your reloading process.
How To Change Primer Size
Your RL 550C has been shipped to you with the primer
system installed and correctly adjusted to feed small primers.
If the caliber you have selected to start with requires large
primers, you must change to the large primer slide bar.
Fig. 12 – The operating rod has moved the primer slide into the
primer feed body where it will automatically pick up a primer.

Fig. 11 – This is the proper alignment of the operating rod and the
position of the primer slide fully forward with the primer seating
cup in the lowered platform. Fig. 13 – Removing the primer feed body to change primer slides.
Caution do not over tighten these bolts (#14014).

Observe carefully how the factory-adjusted bar fits, Fig.

11. Raise and lower the platform and notice the alignment of
the primer seating cup (*#13825) as it enters the platform.
This adjustment is made by turning the cap screw (#14037)
on the primer feed body, Fig. 12. Now remove the two
screws from beneath the frame under the primer feed body,
Fig. 13. Unhook the spring and remove the primer slide. To
replace, reverse this procedure.
The operating rod (#13869) must be installed between
the two white rollers before operating the primer slide. Refer Fig. 14 – The machine comes with two primer pickup tubes (#20060
to Fig. 12 for the proper placement of the rod. Unscrew the large, #20059 small) and two primer magazine tubes (#22031 large,
#22030 small). They are color coded for easier identification. See
knurled cap (#13957) and remove the small primer maga-
page 13 for color coding information. The large ones should be used
zine and replace with the large primer magazine tube, Fig. together and the small ones should be used together.
14; the plastic tip should look like the one you just took out.
Replace the knurled cap. ferent colors and have an indexing ridge on the tip. The mag-
azine tips and the primer pick-up tube tips are color coded
Wait until you’ve finished assembly before actually plac- to help identify their size, see page 13 for more information.
ing primers in the magazine. The indexing ridge is to help you place the magazine in its
You will notice that the primer magazine tube tips are dif- proper position in the primer feed body.

9 * Indicates a caliber specific part. See the caliber conversion

chart on page 16 for the caliber you are loading for.
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 10

The Toolhead Carbide Dies?

Your new RL 550C has been shipped to you with one re- All Dillon pistol resizing dies are manufactured with a
movable toolhead. Additional toolheads are available from carbide insert. Carbide is one of the world’s hardest materials
the factory. and will last the average reloader a lifetime. It also takes a
high polish and being more dense is smoother than a steel
die. Besides its longevity, it has another advantage. All steel
dies require lubrication of your brass before resizing, but
with a carbide pistol resizing die this is not absolutely neces-
sary. Lubrication will make sizing easier, but with a carbide
pistol die, it is not required.
However, when using carbide rifle dies, your cases must
always be lubricated.
The advantage of carbide rifle dies is their long life and
scratch resistant qualities. If you are a commercial reloader,
you may want to consider them.
Setting your Rifle Dies: See the separate instruction
booklet supplied with the rifle dies.
Setting your Pistol Dies
Before you begin, make sure that the toolhead is secured
by the toolhead pins (#14008).
Fig. 15 – A complete, removable toolhead with all of the dies Station One
adjusted. Toolhead stand optional.
You will notice an adjustable retaining spring at Station
The advantage of this system is simple, once your dies One, Fig. 16. This spring should be adjusted to almost con-
have been adjusted just the way you want them, they can tact the case when it’s placed in the shellplate.
stay that way. Plus, changing to another caliber becomes a
simple matter of pulling two pins and sliding the toolhead
out, Fig. 15.
Choose Your Dies
Your RL 550C will perform well with any manufacturer’s
standard 7/8 x 14 die. However, for ease of use in your RL
550C, the dies should have a radius on the lead-in portion of
the die; that is to say a taper or funnel effect to assist the en-
trance of the case into the die. This is especially recom-
mended on the sizing die.
We also recommend the use of separate bullet seating
and crimp dies for pistol cases. Simultaneous seating and
taper crimping of semi-auto cases is not recommended.
Why?
Two reasons. First, in a combination seating and crimping
die, we have two forces that are opposed to one another.
Fig. 16 – A fully loaded shellplate, directly below the proper
That is, forcing the bullet into the case while trying to simul- dies. Clockwise from Station One, the cartridge at this station is
taneously crimp it in place. A better idea is to seat the bullet resized, deprimed and reprimed. Station Two bells the case
in one die and then crimp it in place in another. mouth (pistol only) and dispenses the powder. Station Three
seats the bullet. Station Four crimps the bullet.
Second, with semi-auto cases (9mm & .45 ACP) you must
use a separate taper crimp die to get reliable ammunition In the first station, Fig. 16, brass is resized, deprimed, and
and function from your semi-automatic pistol. This type of then reprimed.
crimp is necessary to maintain the square shoulder effect Using the die lock rings provided, screw the sizing die
where the brass edge of the case meets the bullet. It is on this into the toolhead. Raise the platform and screw the die down
tiny shoulder that the functioning of your semi-auto pistol until it touches the shellplate. Lower the platform and insert
depends. If this shoulder is rounded or roll-crimped, the car- an empty case into Station One. Raise the platform so the
tridge may enter too far into the chamber and jams will re- case is in the die, tighten the lock ring on the die. This will
sult. On revolver ammunition, where the cartridge keep everything centered. The decap assembly should be
headspaces on the rim of the case, this type of crimp is not screwed fully into the die at all times.
as important, but once again, by using a separate crimp die, A note of caution, never attempt to deprime a live primer.
you will obtain better and more uniform bullet seating. An explosion may result.

10
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 11

Station Two
Here, the powder is dropped and the mouth of the case is
belled. This is where the Automatic Powder System is in-
stalled.
The powder die is located in the automatic powder meas-
ure assembly, you will need to retrieve it before you can
continue. See the schematic on page 4.

Fig. 19 – The powder die can be easily adjusted by turning the die
beneath the toolhead while holding the powder measure securely
from above.
are accomplished with a case in the shellplate and alter-
Fig. 17 – This photo shows the powder die in its correct position nately raising and lowering the operating handle, while ad-
(Station Two) in the toolhead. The powder die may be higher or justing the powder die, Fig. 19. When properly adjusted, the
lower depending on the caliber it is being adjusted for. powder bar will be moved to its full rearward (open) position
by the case, Fig. 20 & 21, while the handle is at the full up
Now, screw the powder die (#20064) into the toolhead,
position. When you have determined that your adjustments
Fig. 17. Next, insert the pistol powder funnel (*#13782) or a
are correct, tighten the die lock ring.
rifle powder funnel (*#13426) with the tapered end down,
Fig. 18. The funnel should move freely in the die.

Fig. 20 – This photo shows the large powder bar in its closed
position. Note the position of the white bellcrank cube.
Fig. 18 – Drop the powder funnel into the powder die tapered (Primer system removed for clarity.)
end first. The funnel should move freely in the die. On pistol cases, once the powder bar travels fully across
you should continue to adjust the powder die for the desired
Set the powder measure assembly onto the powder die,
amount of bell (turn the powder die 1/8 of a turn at a time).
Fig. 19. The powder measure clamp (#13939) should fit
The desired amount bell is just enough to allow the bullet to
loosely around the die, tighten the screws just a little. This
sit on the case mouth without falling off and to keep the case
will enable you make adjustments to the die easily, Fig. 19.
from shaving lead during the seating process (see “A” FIG
On rifle cases, the die should be adjusted so that the 22).
powder funnel will contact the mouth of the case and then
fully actuate the powder bar, Fig. 20 & 21. These adjustments
11 * Indicates a caliber specific part. See the caliber conversion
chart on page 16 for the caliber you are loading for.
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 12

ger of your right hand, move the lock-link down to align

the hole with the slot on the Powder Measure bellcrank
(#17839). Then insert the rod (#97000) through the two
holes, Fig. 20. Next, lower the operating handle (#20636).
Insert the powder measure rod into the slot in the return
bracket (#13885) press the shoulder washer into the slot from
the bottom. Move the operating handle to the priming posi-
tion, press the operating handle firmly forward. Tighten the
blue wingnut (#13799) until the top of the spring (#14033)
just touches the underside of the return bracket (#13885).
Release the operating handle to the up/rest position. Now,
tighten the screws on the body collar clamp (#13939).
We’ll come back to filling the measure with powder and
adjusting the bar. The purpose of the powder measure fail-
safe rod (#97000) is to return the powder bar to its closed
position.
Station Three
Fig. 21 – This photo shows the large powder bar in its fully open
(rearward) position. Note the position of the white bellcrank cube. In this station the bullet is seated to its proper depth. You
(Primer system removed for clarity.) need to refer to a loading manual for overall length of the
Note: If you screw the die down too far the case will look completed round. Overall length (OAL) may vary up to
like example “C” FIG 22. You must then discard this case, .016”, and this is normal.
back the powder die off, by turning it counter-clockwise, and Put a case into the shellplate at Station Three. Raise the
continue with a new sized case. platform up and screw the die down until it just touches the
shellplate and back it out two turns. Now, back your seating
Fig. 22 stem out.
A
Place a bullet on the case and operate the handle. Using
Correct amount of
a dial caliper or case gage, check for overall length. Keep
bell. screwing the seating stem down in small increments until the
correct overall length is achieved. Once you are satisfied
with the overall length, tighten the lock ring.
Station Four
B The crimping operation is performed at this station.
Not enough bell.
Insert the crimp die and place an empty case in Station
Four. Raise the platform and screw the crimping die down
until it touches the rim of the case. Now lower the platform
and screw the die down an additional one-quarter of a turn.
Place a round in Station Four with a seated bullet and cycle
the operating handle.
C
Too much bell. You will need to refer to a loading manual to get proper
crimp dimensions for the caliber you are loading. A dial
caliper is required to take accurate measurements from your
crimped round.

You’ll soon learn to judge the correct amount of bell by If more crimp is needed, screw the crimp die down in
simply looking at it. In the meantime, you might want to use small increments until you get the desired crimp, now
your dial calipers to check it. Twenty thousandths of an inch tighten the lock ring.
greater (at the mouth of the case) than its original diameter,
should about do it.
Once you’ve achieved the desired amount of bell – with
the case in Station 2, raise the platform. Turn the die lockring
down hand tight.
Be aware that new brass will often “stick” on the powder
funnel or cause resistance on the upstroke. Cleaning the
brass in a tumbler should help.
Next, attach the powder measure fail safe rod assembly
to the bellcrank (#17839). Using your thumb and index fin-

12
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 13

Adjusting the Powder Charge Primer Early Warning System Installation

(See item #20302 on page five for assistance.)
Remove the follower rod (#13707) from the assembly bag
and set it aside. Install the battery and the battery cover
(#13857) in the system’s main body. Slide the Early Warning
System assembly down over the knurled cap on your primer
magazine (#13957) and lightly tighten the clamp screw.
Primer Magazine

Fig. 23 – Turning the bolt counterclockwise reduces your powder (Repeat of Fig. 14) – The machine comes with two primer pickup
charge, clockwise increases the charge. tubes (#20060 large, #20059 small) and two primer magazine tubes
(#22031 large, #22030 small). They are color coded for easier iden-
You will notice an adjusting bolt on the back of the pow- tification. See color coding information below. The large ones should
be used together and the small ones should be used together.
der bar, Fig. 23. Turning the bolt counterclockwise reduces
your powder charge, clockwise increases the charge. Your You will notice that the primer magazines and primer
machine comes with two powder bars – one large and one pick-up tubes have different colored tips. They have been
small. color coded to help you identify size more easily.
The color code is as follows:
Blue Small Primer Magazine Orifice
Red Large Primer Magazine Orifice
Yellow Small Primer Pick-up Tube
Green Large Primer Pick-up Tube
Select the proper size pick-up tube and fill it by placing
the plastic expandable tip over loose primers and pressing
down. The shiny sides of the primers need to be facing up,
Fig. 25.

Fig. 24 – After emptying the powder measure, loosen the bell-

crank screw (#13904) sufficiently to allow you to remove the
powder bar. Insert the new powder bar and reverse this proce-
dure.

Rule of thumb: Use the large bar whenever possible – see

page 15. These bars are easily changed, Fig. 24. Use a re-
loading manual to determine how much powder you need
for a particular load and an accurate powder scale to deter-
mine the weight. A high quality precision powder scale is
available from Dillon. You should now fill the powder meas-
ure with your chosen powder. Place an empty case under the
measure and operate the machine's handle. Then, by trial
and error adjustments, determine the correct weight of your
powder charge. You are now ready to fill the primer maga-
zine. Fig. 25 – Use of the primer pickup tube and the Dillon
primer flip tray.
13
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 14

This is most easily accomplished by using a primer flip and smoothly pull the operating handle. This resizes and de-
tray, which will arrange them all for you, Fig. 25. A quality caps this case, at the same time your primer slide should be
cast metal flip tray is available from Dillon and is a better automatically carried back to the primer magazine, where it
choice than the smaller plastic trays which are difficult to use will pick up a primer. Now, raise the handle smoothly. The
and have a tendency to warp. primer slide (#13920) will come forward with a primer and
place it under the deprimed case. If you are using the handle
gently, you will feel the primer contact the primer pocket.
Press forward firmly until the handle stops. Your primer will
now be seated.
Advance the case to the second Station by pressing on
the index sprocket (#13720) with your left thumb. Place an-
other empty case into Station One and pull the operating
handle. Station One will repeat as before. Station number
two will bell the case mouth and dispense the powder.
Again, raise the handle, index with your thumb and place a
bullet on the powder charged case at Station Three with your
left hand, Fig. 7. With your right hand, install a new case at
Station One and pull the handle. Stations one and two will
repeat as before.
Station Three will seat the bullet. Index with your left
thumb and put in a bullet. Put an empty case into Station
One with your right and operate the handle. Stations one,
two and three will repeat: Station Four will have crimped the
bullet. Index again and your first completed round will tum-
ble into the cartridge collection bin. Now just add a bullet
and a case. Each time you operate the handle you’ll get a
loaded round. Works good, right? If not, go back over the
procedure.
Fig. 26 – Drop the primers into the primer magazine.

Once you’ve filled the pick-up tube, make sure the little
retaining clip is in place at the top of the tube. Pivot the
switch lever (#13864) away from the Early Warning System
housing. Invert the pick-up tube over the knurled cap
(#13957) of the primer magazine, Fig. 26. You will notice the
cap has a bevel to help you funnel the primers in. Hold the
tube in place, pull the retaining clip and allow the primers to
drop into the magazine. Pivot the switch lever back over the
Early Warning System housing. Gently slide the follower rod
down into the primer magazine tube until the follower rod
touches the primers.
When you are nearly out of primers (about three left) the
follower rod (#13707) will activate the buzzer.
A word of caution: primers are easily detonated, some-
times by a remarkably light blow. Treat them as if they are as
fragile as eggs. Never force them.
At Last
If you’ve followed instructions, you are now ready to
load.
Many reloaders develop their own style when using the
RL 550C. But, let me explain the most efficient method. Try it
and later, if you want to make changes in your technique, go
ahead.
Place your bullets in a box to the left of the RL 550C and
the empty cases in a box to the right. A few extra cartridge
collection bins (#13839) are ideal for this.
Now, with your right hand, place a case in Station One

14
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 15

Lubrication REMEMBER
Use 30 weight motor oil on the main shaft and bearing Be sure to use the necessary precautions when loading
grease on the pivot pins. Do not use spray type penetrating lead bullets or when casting lead bullets. Exposure to lead
lube such as WD40 or Break Free as you run the risk of con- can cause cancer, birth defects, and reproductive problems.
taminating powder and primers. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling lead.
When firing lead bullets, be sure that you have adequate
Troubleshooting
ventilation. Keep any lead items out of reach of children.
Problem One. Primers not seated deep enough.
Press forward firmly on the handle once it is at the aft po-
A. Shellplate too loose. sition to seat your primers fully.
B. Shellplate upside down. You should be able to see a Watch the powder bar function to make sure you’re get-
stamped shellplate number facing up. ting powder.
C. The crimp in the primer pockets of military brass will Set the bullet straight on the case at Station Three so that
cause this problem. Crimps can be easily removed by use of it enters the die correctly.
a Dillon Primer Pocket Swage.
Watch your supply of powder, you’ll be using it faster
Problem Two. Erratic powder bar operation: than you think you are.
A. Turn the powder die (#20064) clockwise in one-eighth Take your time and learn the machine and its function.
turn increments. This will insure complete powder bar acti- The RL 550C will deliver hundreds of trouble free rounds in
vation. short order, just relax and take your time in the beginning.
B. Extruded pencil type powders will not flow smoothly Keep it clean – primer residue, spilled powder and just
through smaller sized powder funnels because of their plain dirt can jam your machine.
length. Another problem with extruded powders is getting
Clean your powder bar about every 500 rounds. Some
them into small necked cases. Many times these powders
powders build up and will eventually stick the powder bar.
will “bridge” across the case mouth and cause spillage and
Paint thinner, acetone or lacquer thinner works well to re-
erratic charges, There is no fast way of dispensing these pow-
move any build up.
ders and if you insist on using them in small mouthed cases
it is best to weigh every charge by hand. Modern ball type NOTICE
powders will do for most reloading situations. These powders This machine is designed specifically to be a manually
will do everything the pencil powders will do, but without operated handloading machine. Any modifications performed
this problem. Warning: Do not use I.M.R. pencil lead type to your machine, or the addition of any unapproved equip-
powder in cases smaller than .30 caliber. ment, including automated or mechanical add-ons from other
Problem 3. Primer jams or misfeeds. manufacturers, is expressly not recommended and will void
the Dillon warranty.
A. Primer misfeeds can be caused by misadjustment of
the set screw (#13961) in the primer feed block, Fig. 12. All Dillon machines are warrantied for life from defects in
material or workmanship (except the Super/RL 1050), plus a
B. The most common cause of primer misfeeds or jams is
one-year 100% warranty against normal wear. All
the primer punch not seated fully into the primer slide. This
electrical/electronic components in Dillon equipment are
will cause the primer seating cup to strike the flexible orifice
covered by a one-year warranty.
on the bottom of the primer magazine tube. See the photo-
graph on page 5 for adjustment tolerances.
WARNING: If the primers are jammed and will not feed
from the bottom of the primer magazine, DO NOT ATTEMPT About Powder Bars:
TO FORCE THE PRIMERS OR THE PRIMER SLIDE. Never
Dillon Precision manufactures four types of powder
force primers in any situation, an explosion resulting in in-
bars.
jury can occur.
1. Extra Small – use for dropping less than 3 grains of
C. Another common problem is that the primer slide fails powder
to return fully forward with the new primer. Periodically 2. Small – use for dropping 3 to 20 grains of powder
wipe the primer slide with rubbing alcohol. This removes the 3. Large – use for dropping 20 to approximately 45 to
spent primer residue that causes the slide to drag. 50 grains of powder
Problem 4. Crushing cases: 4. Magnum – use for dropping 50 or more grains of
A. If your dies do not have a radiused lead-in you must powder
guide the cases into the die. The best solution is to replace The extra small powder bar is used when loading
the offending dies with dies having the proper radius. .32 Auto, .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long. Both the
B. Always tighten your die lock rings with a case in the extra small powder bar and the magnum powder bar
die. This will assure you of proper alignment between the die are non-standard items and are ordered separately.
and the shellplate. Adjust your depriming stem in the same The large and small powder bar are standard equip-
manner and it will always be on center. ment and are included with every reloader.

15
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 16

RL 450, RL 550, 550B & 550C Caliber Conversion Chart

Kits include shellplate, locator buttons and flow-thru powder funnel.

Handgun-Caliber Conversions .41 Action Express - # 20277 .219 Zipper, .22 Savage Hi-Power - # 20180
#5 Shellplate - # 13743 #7 Shellplate - # 12501
.22 Remington Jet - # 20165 #H Powder Funnel - # 13240 #A Powder Funnel - # 13426
#2 Shellplate - # 13751 #3 Locator Button - # 14060 #4 Locator Button - # 14047
#A Powder Funnel - # 13426 .41 Magnum - # 20135 .22 Bench Rest, .22-250 - # 20145
#2 Locator Button - # 14062 #6 Shellplate - # 13120 #1 Shellplate - # 13692
.22 TCM - # 62217 #H Powder Funnel - # 13240 #A Powder Funnel - # 13426
#3 Shellplate - # 13684 #1 Locator Button - # 13930 #1 Locator Button - # 13930
22 TCM Powder Funnel - # 62216 .44-40 Winchester - # 20206 .22 Hornet - # 20150
#3 Locator Button - # 14060 #N Shellplate - # 10004 #E Shellplate - # 12957
.30 Luger, .30 Mauser - # 20175 #.44-40 Pistol Powder Funnel - # 13474 #A Powder Funnel - # 13426
#5 Shellplate - # 13743 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #8 Locator Button - # 14048
#C Powder Funnel - # 13564 .44 Magnum, Special, Russian, Colt - # 20136 .22 PPC - # 20182
#3 Locator Button - # 14060 #4 Shellplate - # 13610 #A Shellplate - # 13211
.32 ACP, .32 Short Colt - # 20160 #G Powder Funnel - # 13427 #A Powder Funnel - # 13426
#J Shellplate - # 13136 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #2 Locator Button - # 14062
#S Powder Funnel - # 12845 .45 ACP, .45 GAP - # 20126 .220 Swift, .225 Winchester - # 20154
#8 Locator Button - # 14048 #1 Shellplate - # 13692 #L Shellplate - # 12703
.32 S&W Long, .32 H&R Magnum - # 20146 #E Powder Funnel - # 13782 #L Powder Funnel - # 10831
#D Shellplate - # 13092 #1 Locator Button - # 13930 #1 Locator Button - # 13930
#S Powder Funnel - # 12845 .45 Auto Rim - # 20158 .221, .222, .223 Remington, .22 Nosler - # 20128
#3 Locator Button - # 14060 #H Shellplate - # 13010 #3 Shellplate - # 13684
.32-20 Winchester - # 20177 #E Powder Funnel - # 13782 #A Powder Funnel - # 13426
#O Shellplate - # 12013 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #3 Locator Button - # 14060
#S Pistol Powder Funnel - # 12845 .45 Colt, .45 S&W, .454 Casull, .455 Webley - .223 WSSM - # 20676
#3 Locator Button - # 14060 #B Shellplate - # 13347
# 20137
.380 ACP - # 20133 #C Shellplate - # 13334 #.223 Short Magnum Rifle Powder Funnel - # 18417
#3 Shellplate - # 13684 #E Powder Funnel - # 13782 #6 Locator Button - # 15755
#F Powder Funnel - # 13806 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 (Requires Extra Large Powder Die - # 21253)
#3 Locator Button - # 14060 .224 Weatherby Magnum - # 20235
.45 Winchester Magnum - # 20221
9x18 Makarov - # 21656 #L Shellplate - # 12703 #A Shellplate - # 13211
#5 Shellplate - # 13743 #E Powder Funnel - # 13782 #A Powder Funnel - # 13426
#9 Powder Funnel - # 14980 #1 Locator Button - # 13930 #2 Locator Button - # 14062
#3 Locator Button - # 14060 .243, .244, 6mm, .240 Wby - # 20192
.460 S&W - # 20888
9mm, .38 Super - # 20127 #C Shellplate - # 13334 #1 Shellplate - # 13692
#5 Shellplate - # 13743 #.460 S&W Powder Funnel - # 18949 #I Powder Funnel - # 13305
#F Powder Funnel - # 13806 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #1 Locator Button - # 13930
#3 Locator Button - # 14060 .243 WSSM - # 20316
.475 Linebaugh, .480 Ruger - # 20116
9x25 Dillon, .357 Sig - # 21526 #G Shellplate - # 13313 #B Shellplate - # 13347
#5 Shellplate - # 13743 #.475/.480 Ruger Powder Funnel - # 10723 #.243 Short Magnum Rifle Powder Funnel - # 11156
#F Powder Funnel - # 13806 #7 Locator Button - # 13436 #6 Locator Button - # 15755
#2 Locator Button - # 14062 (Requires Extra Large Powder Die - # 21253) (Requires Extra Large Powder Die - # 21253)
.38 S&W - # 20159 .50 Action Express - # 21428 6mm Bench Rest - # 20276
#U Shellplate - # 12944 #50 Shellplate - # 13147 #1 Shellplate - # 13692
#F Powder Funnel - # 13806 #.50 Action Express Powder Funnel - # 14465 #6 PPC Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13085
#2 Locator Button - # 14062 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #1 Locator Button - # 13930
.38 AMU - # 20278 (Requires Extra Large Powder Die - # 21253) 6mm PPC - # 20265
#O Shellplate - # 12013 .500 S&W Magnum - # 20121 #A Shellplate - # 13211
#D Powder Funnel - # 13599 #B Shellplate - # 13347 #6 PPC Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13085
#3 Locator Button - # 14060 #.50 Action Express Powder Funnel - # 14465 #2 Locator Button - # 14062
.38 Special, .357 Mag, .38 Long Colt - # 20132 #6 Locator Button - # 15755 6mm TCU - # 20252
#2 Shellplate - # 13751 (Requires Extra Large Powder Die - # 21253) #3 Shellplate - # 13684
#D Powder Funnel - # 13599 #6 PPC Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13085
#2 Locator Button - # 14062 Rifle-Caliber Conversions #3 Locator Button - # 14060
.38-40 Winchester - # 20178 .17 Remington - # 20203 .25 Remington - # 20233
#N Shellplate - # 10004 #3 Shellplate - # 13684 #R Shellplate - # 13497
#W Pistol Powder Funnel - # 13600 #O Powder Funnel - # 12921 #K Powder Funnel - # 13216
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 #3 Locator Button - # 14060 #2 Locator Button - # 14062
.40 S&W, 10mm - # 20179 .204 Ruger - # 20307 .25 WSSM - # 20315
#5 Shellplate - # 13743 #3 Shellplate - # 13684 #B Shellplate - # 13347
#W Powder Funnel - # 13600 #.204 Ruger Rifle Powder Funnel - # 20322 #.25 Short Magnum Rifle Powder Funnel - # 11157
#2 Locator Button - # 14062 #3 Locator Button - # 14060 #6 Locator Button - # 15755
.40 Super, .400 CorBon - # 20129 .218 Bee - # 20151 (Requires Extra Large Powder Die - # 21253)
#1 Shellplate - # 13692 #O Shellplate - # 12013 .25-20 Winchester - # 20176
#W Powder Funnel - # 13600 #A Powder Funnel - # 13426 #O Shellplate - # 12013
#1 Locator Button - # 13930 #3 Locator Button - # 14060 #R Powder Funnel - # 13243
#3 Locator Button - # 14060

16
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 17

RL 450, RL 550, 550B & 550C Caliber Conversion Chart

Kits include shellplate, locator buttons and flow-thru powder funnel.
.25-06, .250, .257 Roberts, Ackley - # 20147 7mm Merrill - # 20230 .30-30 Winchester, .32 Win. Special - # 20139
#1 Shellplate - # 13692 #L Shellplate - # 12703 #7 Shellplate - # 12501
#K Powder Funnel - # 13216 #N Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13014 #B Powder Funnel - # 13587
#1 Locator Button - # 13930 #1 Locator Button - # 13930 #4 Locator Button - # 14047
.25-35 Winchester - # 20197 7mm TCU - # 20141 .30-40 Krag - # 20185
#7 Shellplate - # 12501 #3 Shellplate - # 13684 #P Shellplate - # 13134
#K Powder Funnel - # 13216 #N Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13014 #B Powder Funnel - # 13587
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 #3 Locator Button - # 14060 #4 Locator Button - # 14047
.256 Winchester Magnum - # 20215 7-30 Waters - # 20223 .30-378, .300 Dakota - # 20249
#2 Shellplate - # 13751 #7 Shellplate - # 12501 #G Shellplate - # 13313
#R Powder Funnel - # 13243 #N Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13014 #.30 Cal. Long Magnum Powder Funnel - # 15013
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #7 Locator Button - # 13436
.257 Weatherby Magnum - # 20199 7mm Bench Rest - # 20216 (Requires Belted Magnum Powder System # 97126)
#B Shellplate - # 13347 #1 Shellplate - # 13692 .300 RCM - # 62255
#K Powder Funnel - # 13216 #N Powder Funnel - # 13014 #B Shellplate - # 13347
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 #1 Locator Button - # 13930 #B Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13587
.264 Win Mag, 6.5 Rem - # 20210 7 x 57 R, 7 x 65 R - # 20268 #4 Locator Button - # 14047
#B Shellplate - # 13347 #N Shellplate - # 10004 .300 RUM - # 20239
#Y Powder Funnel - # 12870 #J Powder Funnel - # 13456 #B Shellplate - # 13347
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #.30 Cal. Long Magnum Powder Funnel - # 15013
6.5 x 54 Man-Scho - # 20208 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm STW - # 20140 #7 Locator Button - # 13436
#M Shellplate - # 13230 #B Shellplate - # 13347 (Requires Extra Large Powder Die # 21253)
#Y Powder Funnel - # 12870 #J Powder Funnel - # 13456 (Requires Belted Magnum Powder System # 97126)
#2 Locator Button - # 14062 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 .300 Savage - # 20190
6.5 Arisaka - # 20209 (Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353) #1 Shellplate - # 13692
#L Shellplate - # 12703 7mm RUM - # 20682 #AK Powder Funnel - # 13015
#Y Powder Funnel - # 12870 #B Shellplate - # 13347 #1 Locator Button - # 13930
#1 Locator Button - # 13930 #7mm Magnum Powder Funnel - # 15019 .300 Whisper - # 20236
6.5 Creedmoor - # 62246 #6 Locator Button - # 15755 #3 Shellplate - # 13684
#M Shellplate - # 13230 (Requires Extra Large Powder Die # 21253) #AK Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13015
#6.5 Grendel Powder Funnel - # 18947 (Requires Belted Magnum Powder System # 97126) #3 Locator Button - # 14060
#1 Locator Button - # 13930 7.5 x 55 - # 20432 .300 Winchester Magnum - # 20188
6.5 Grendel - # 20894 #L Shellplate - # 12703 #B Shellplate - # 13347
#A Shellplate - # 13211 #B Powder Funnel - # 13587 #B Powder Funnel - # 13587
#6.5 Grendel Powder Funnel - # 18947 #1 Locator Button - # 13930 #4 Locator Button - # 14047
#2 Locator Button - # 14062 .30 AR - # 62254 (Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353)
6.5 x 55, 6.5 x 57, .260 Rem - # 20207 #L Shellplate - # 12703 .300 WSSM, .300 RSAUM - # 20243
#1 Shellplate - # 13692 #AK Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13015 #B Shellplate - # 13347
#Y Powder Funnel - # 12870 #1 Locator Button - # 13930 #.300 Short Magnum Powder Funnel - # 18415
#1 Locator Button - # 13930 .30 Herrett - # 20214 #6 Locator Button - # 15755
#7 Shellplate - # 12501 (Requires XL Powder Die # 21253)
6.5 x 57R - # 20269
#AK Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13015 (Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353)
#N Shellplate - # 10004
#Y Powder Funnel - # 12870 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 .307 Winchester - # 20237
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 .30 Nosler - # 62294 #L Shellplate - # 12703
#B Shellplate - # 13347 #B Powder Funnel - # 13587
6.5 x 68 - # 20267
#.300 Short Magnum Powder Funnel - # 18415 #1 Locator Button - # 13930
#P Shellplate - # 13134
#Y Powder Funnel - # 12870 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 .308/.30-06 - # 20130
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 (Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353) #1 Shellplate - # 13692
(Requires Extra Large Powder Die - # 21253) #B Powder Funnel - # 13587
6.8 SPC - # 20323
.30 Merrill - # 20231 #1 Locator Button - # 13930
#R Shellplate - # 13497
#N Powder Funnel - # 13014 #L Shellplate - # 12703 .308 Marlin Express - # 62250
#2 Locator Button - # 14062 #AK Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13015 #1 Shellplate - # 13692
#1 Locator Button - # 13930 #AK Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13015
.270 Win, 7 x 57, .284 Win - # 20142
.30 M1 Carbine - # 20131 #1 Locator Button - # 13930
#1 Shellplate - # 13692
#J Powder Funnel - # 13456 #8 Shellplate - # 13135 7.62 x 39mm - # 20213
#1 Locator Button - # 13930 #C Powder Funnel - # 13564 #A Shellplate - # 13211
#8 Locator Button - # 14048 #AK Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13015
.270 WSM, 7mm WSM, 7mm RSAUM - # 20122
.30R Blaser - # 20270 #2 Locator Button - # 14062
#B Shellplate - # 13347
#7mm Short Magnum Powder Funnel - # 18416 #C Shellplate - # 13334 7.62 x 54R - # 20346
#6 Locator Button - # 15755 #B Powder Funnel - # 13587 #G Shellplate - # 13313
(Requires XL Powder Die # 21253) #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #B Powder Funnel - # 13587
(Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353) .30 Remington, .32 Remington - # 20184 #7 Locator Button - # 13436
.28 Nosler - # 62293 #R Shellplate - # 13497 .303 British - # 20183
#B Shellplate - # 13347 #B Powder Funnel - # 13587 #4 Shellplate - # 13610
#7mm Short Magnum Powder Funnel - # 18416 #2 Locator Button - # 14062 #B Powder Funnel - # 13587
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 #4 Locator Button - # 14047
(Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353)
(Requires Extra Large Powder Die - # 21253)

17
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 18

RL 450, RL 550, 550B & 550C Caliber Conversion Chart

Kits include shellplate, locator buttons and flow-thru powder funnel.
8 x 57mm Mauser - # 20201 .35 Winchester - # 20168 .416 Remington Magnum - # 20771
#1 Shellplate - # 13692 #P Shellplate - # 13134 #B Shellplate - # 13347
#M Powder Funnel - # 12963 #P Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13187 #RM Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13415
#1 Locator Button - # 13930 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #4 Locator Button - # 14047
8 x 57JRS - # 20271 .356 Winchester - # 20238 (Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353)
#N Shellplate - # 10004 #L Shellplate - # 12703 .416 Weatherby - # 20262
#M Powder Funnel - # 12963 #P Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13187 #G Shellplate - # 13313
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 #1 Locator Button - # 13930 #.416 Rifle Powder Funnel - # 10222
8 x 57R - # 20201 .357 Herrett - # 20172 #7 Locator Button - # 13436
#N Shellplate - # 10004 #7 Shellplate - # 12501 (Requires Belted Magnum Powder System # 97126)
#M Powder Funnel - # 12963 #D Pistol Powder Funnel - # 13599 .44-40 Winchester - # 20206
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #N Shellplate - # 10004
8 x 68mm - # 20272 .358 Norma Mag, .350 Rem - # 20167 #.44-40 Pistol Powder Funnel - # 13600
#P Shellplate - # 13134 #B Shellplate - # 13347 #4 Locator Button - # 14047
#M Powder Funnel - # 12963 #P Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13187 .444 Marlin - # 20164
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #N Shellplate - # 10004
8mm Remington Magnum - # 20155 .35 Whelen/.358 Winchester - # 20170 #X Pistol Powder Funnel - # 12920
#B Shellplate - # 13347 #1 Shellplate - # 13692 #4 Locator Button - # 14047
#M Powder Funnel - # 12963 #P Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13187 .450 Bushmaster - # 62248
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 #1 Locator Button - # 13930 #1 Shellplate - # 13692
(Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353) .38-55, .375 Winchester - # 20226 #.460 S&W Powder Funnel - # 18949
.325 WSM - # 20891 #7 Shellplate - # 12501 #1 Locator Button - # 13930
#B Shellplate - # 13347 #V Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13344 .45-70 Government - # 20143
#.325 WSM Powder Funnel - # 18948 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #G Shellplate - # 13313
#6 Locator Button - # 15755 .375 H&H, .375 Weatherby - # 20204 #T Pistol Powder Funnel - # 13407
(Requires XL Powder Die # 21253) #B Shellplate - # 13347 #7 Locator Button - # 13436
(Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353) #R Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13531 .458 SOCOM - # 62154
.33 Nosler - # 62295 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #1 Shellplate - # 13692
#B Shellplate - # 13347 (Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353) 458 SOCOM Powder Funnel - # 21440
#.338 Powder Funnel - # 15012 .375 Ruger - # 20497 #1 Locator Button - # 13930
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 #B Shellplate - # 13347 .458 Win Mag, .450 Marlin - # 20161
(Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353) #R Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13531 #B Shellplate - # 13347
(Requires Extra Large Powder Die - # 21253) #6 Locator Button - # 15755 #T Pistol Powder Funnel - # 13407
.33 Winchester - # 20202 (Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353) #4 Locator Button - # 14047
#G Shellplate - # 13313 .375 RUM - # 20261 (Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353)
#Q Powder Funnel - # 13406 #B Shellplate - # 13347 .460 Weatherby - # 21664
#7 Locator Button - # 13436 #.378 Rifle Powder Funnel - # 15010 #G Shellplate - # 13313
(Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353) #7 Locator Button - # 13436 #.460 Rifle Powder Funnel - # 15009
.338 Marlin Express - # 62251 (Requires Belted Magnum Powder System # 97126) #7 Locator Button - # 13436
#B Shellplate - # 13347 .376 Steyr - # 20260 (Requires Belted Magnum Powder System # 97126)
#P Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13187 #P Shellplate - # 13134 .50 Beowulf - # 20467
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 #R Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13531 #A Shellplate - # 13211
.338 Winchester, .340 Weatherby - # 20156 #4 Locator Button - # 14047 #.50 Pistol Powder Funnel - # 14465
#B Shellplate - # 13347 (Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353) #2 Locator Button - # 14062
#Q Powder Funnel - # 13406 .378 Weatherby - # 21665 (Requires Extra Large Powder Die # 21253)
#4 Locator Button - # 14047 #G Shellplate - # 13313
(Requires Magnum Powder Bar # 21353) #.378 Rifle Powder Funnel - # 15010
.338 RUM - # 20258 #7 Locator Button - # 13436
#B Shellplate - # 13347 (Requires Belted Magnum Powder System # 97126)
#.338 Magnum Rifle Powder Funnel - # 15012 9.3 x 62mm - # 20273
#7 Locator Button - # 13436 #1 Shellplate - # 13692
(Requires XL Powder Die # 21253) #R Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13531
(Requires Belted Magnum Powder System # 97126) #1 Locator Button - # 13930
.338 Lapua - # 20257 9.3 x 64mm, 9.3 x 74R - # 20274
#G Shellplate - # 13313 #P Shellplate - # 13134
#.338 Magnum Rifle Powder Funnel - # 15012 #R Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13531
#7 Locator Button - # 13436 #4 Locator Button - # 14047
(Requires Belted Magnum Powder System # 97126)
.38-40 Winchester - # 20178
.348 Winchester - # 20217 #N Shellplate - # 10004
#T Shellplate - # 12808 #W Pistol Powder Funnel - # 13600
#P Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13187 #4 Locator Button - # 14047
#7 Locator Button - # 13436
.40-65 Winchester - # 20264
.35 Remington - # 20166 #G Shellplate - # 13313
#M Shellplate - # 13230 #.40 Cal Rifle Powder Funnel - # 11151
#P Rifle Powder Funnel - # 13187 #7 Locator Button - # 13436
#2 Locator Button - # 14062

18
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 19

RL 450, RL 550, 550B & 550C Caliber Cross Reference Chart

Shellplate 1 Locator Button 1 Shellplate 6 Locator Button 1 .375 Ultra Mag. 378 - #15010
Powder Funnel Powder Funnel .375 Ruger R Rifle - #13531
.22 BR A - #13426 .41 Magnum H - #13240 Shellplate C Locator Button 4
.22-250 A - #13426 Shellplate 7 Locator Button 4 Powder Funnel
.240 Weatherby Mag. I - #13305 .219 Donaldson Wasp A - #13426 .45 Colt/.45 Schofield E - #13782
.243 Winchester I - #13305 .219 Zipper A - #13426 .454 Casull E - #13782
.250 Savage - .250/3000 K - #13216 .22 Savage Hi Power A - #13426 .455 Webley E - #13782
.25-06 K - #13216 .25-35 Winchester K - #13216 Shellplate D Locator Button 3
.257 Ackley Improved K - #13216 7mm International Rimmed N - #13014 .32 S&W Long S - #12845
.257 Roberts K - #13216 7-30 Waters N - #13014 .32 H&R Magnum S - #12845
6mm BR 6PPC - #13085 .38-55 Win. Ballard 543V - #13344 Shellplate E Locator Button 8
6mm Remington - .244 I - #13305 .30 Herrett AK - #13015 .22 Hornet - K Hornet A - #13426
.260 Rem./6.5 x 284 Y - #12870 .30-30 Winchester B - #13587 Shellplate G Locator Button 7
6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser Y - #12870 .32-40 Winchester B - #13587 7.62 x 54 Russian B - #13587
6.5-06 Y - #12870 .32 Winchester Special B - #13587 .30-378/.300 Dakota 300 - #15013
7mm BR N - #13014 .357 Herrett D - #13599 .33 Win. Q - #13406
7mm Int’l N - #13014 .375 Super Magnum 543V - #13344 .338 Lapua/.330 Dakota 338 - #15012
7mm-08 Rem. J - #13456 Shellplate 8 Locator Button 8 .378 Wby. Mag. 544378 - #15010
7 x 57 Mauser J - #13456 .30 M1 Carbine C - #13564 .40-65 RM - #13415
7 x 64 Brenneke J - #13456 .32 ACP - 7.65mm S - #12845 .404 Jeff 416 - #10222
7mm Express - .280 Rem. J - #13456 .32 Short Colt S - #12845 .416 Rigby & W’by 416 - #10222
7.5 x 55 Swiss B - #13587 Shellplate 50 Locator Button 4 .45-70 Gov’t 543T - #13407
7.65 Bel-Arg B - #13587 .50 AE 50AE - #14465 .460 Wby. Mag. 544460 - #15009
7.7 Japanese Arisaka B - #13587 Shellplate A Locator Button 2 .480 Ruger/.475 Linebaugh E - #13782
.270 Winchester J - #13456 .22 PPC A - #13426 Shellplate H Locator Button 4
.284 Winchester J - #13456 .224 Weatherby Magnum A - #13426 .45 Auto Rim E - #13782
.30-06 B - #13587 6 PPC 6PPC - #13085 Shellplate L Locator Button 1
.300 Savage AK - #13015 7.62 x 39 Russian AK - #13015 .220 Swift L - #10831
.308 - 7.62 NATO B - #13587 Shellplate B Locator Button 4 .225 Winchester L - #10831
8mm Mauser M - #12963 .257 Wby. Mag. K - #13216 6.5 Japanese Arisaka Y - #12870
.358 Winchester P - #13187 .264 Win. Mag. Y - #12870 7mm Merrill N - #13014
.35 Whelen P - #13187 6.5mm Rem. Mag. Y - #12870 .30 Merrill AK - #13015
.40 Super/.400 CorBon W - #13600 .270 Wby. Mag. J - #13456 .307 Winchester B - #13587
.45 ACP E - #13782 7mm Rem. Mag. J - #13456 .356 Winchester P - #13187
Shellplate 2 Locator Button 2 7mm STW J - #13456 .45 Winchester Magnum E - #13782
.22 Rem. Jet A - #13426 7mm Wby. Mag. J - #13456 Shellplate M Locator Button 1
.256 Win. Mag. 543R - #13243 .28 Nosler 7mm Short Mag. - #18416 6.5 Creedmoor 6.5 Grendel - # 18947
.38 LC D - #13599 .30 Nosler .300 Short Mag. - #18415 Shellplate M Locator Button 2
.38 Sp.-.357 Mag./Max. D - #13599 .30-338 Win. Mag. B - #13587 6.5 x 52 Carcano Y - #12870
Shellplate 3 Locator Button 3 .300 Win. Mag. B - #13587 6.5 mm x 54 Mann-Scho Y - #12870
.17 Remington O - #12921 .300 Win. Short 300 - #15013 .35 Remington P - #13187
.22 TCM 22 TCM - #62216 .300 H&H Mag. B - #13587 Shellplate N Locator Button 4
.204 Ruger 204 Ruger - #20322 .300 Wby. Mag. B - #13587 .38-40 Winchester W - #13600
.221 Rem. Fire Ball A - #13426 .308 Norma Mag. B - #13587 .44-40 Winchester G - #13427
.222 Rem. - Rem. Mag. A - #13426 8mm Rem. Mag. M - #12963 .444 Marlin 543X - #12920
.223 - 5.56 mm A - #13426 .33 Nosler .338 Funnel - #15012 Shellplate O Locator Button 3
6mm TCU 6PPC - #13085 .338 Win. Mag. Q - #13406 .218 Bee A - #13426
7mm TCU N - #13014 .340 Wby. Mag. Q - #13406 .25-20 Winchester 543R - #13243
.300 Whisper AK - #13015 .350 Rem. Mag. P - #13187 .32-20 Winchester S - #12845
.380 ACP F - #13806 .358 Norma Mag. P - #13187 .38 AMU F - #13806
Shellplate 4 Locator Button 4 .375 H&H 544R - #13531 Shellplate P Locator Button 4
.303 British B - #13587 .375 Weatherby Mag. 544R - #13531 .30-40 Krag B - #13587
.44 Colt/.44 Russian G - #13427 .416 Rem. Mag. 544RM - #13415 .35 Winchester P - #13187
.44 Special - Magnum G - #13427 .450 Marlin/.470 Nitro T - #13407 .376 Steyr R - #13547
Shellplate 5 Locator Button 2 .458 Winchester Mag. 543T - #13407 Shellplate R Locator Button 2
9x25 Dillon/.357 SIG F - #13806 Shellplate B Locator Button 6 .25 Remington K - #13216
10mm/.40 S&W W - #13600 .223 WSSM 223 Short Mag. - #18417 .30 Rem. - .32 Rem. B - #13587
Shellplate 5 Locator Button 3 .243 WSSM 243 Short Mag. - #11156 Shellplate T Locator Button 7
.30 Luger C - #13564 .25 WSSM 25 Short Mag. - #11157 .348 Win. P - #13187
.30 Mauser C - #13564 7 Ultra & WSM 7mm - #15019 Shellplate U Locator Button 2
9 x 18 Makarov 9 - #14980 .270 WSM 7mm - #15019 .38 S&W F - #13806
9mm Luger F - #13806 .300 Ultra 300 - #15013
.38 Super F - #13806 .300 WSM 30 Short Mag. - #18415
.41 AE AE - #13180 .338 Ultra 338 - #15012

19
RL 550C 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/7/17 6:42 AM Page 20

On the cover…
The RL 550C is pictured with optional accessories:
Strong Mount #22051
Aluminum Roller Handle #17950
Low Powder Sensor #16306
Bullet Tray #22214
Cartridge Case Bin/Bracket #11185
Toolholder with Wrench Set #11541
Other accessories available for the RL 550C include:
Video Instruction Manual #19483
Machine Cover #13795
Maintenance Kit & Spare Parts Kit #97016
The Blue Press, Dillon’s monthly catalog, has a complete listing
of accessories available for all machines.

Dillon Precision Products, Inc.

8009 E. Dillon’s Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-948-8009
FAX 480-998-2786

Website: www.dillonprecision.com
Technical Support E-mail: [email protected]
See our Troubleshooting Section online at www.dillonprecision.com

Technical Support & Customer Service

800-223-4570