Dillon 550 press for .470NE??

[MexicoMike]

Hi guys...still doing some research/thinking about a double rifle. I currently use a Dillon 550 reloading press and wondering if it can accept 470 NE or if the opening is too small. It may be moot because I don't see a listing on the Dillon site for 470 conversion kits and with out that, which serves the same purpose as a shell holder on a Rockchucker, it wouldn't work anyway. I wouldn't object to buying another Rockchucker - had several in the past - but would rather use what I have if possible. Of course, I don't know if a Rockchucker "opening" is large enough either!

 

[Bandera]

The 550 can load up to a cartridge length of about 3.65” a 460 Weatherby length. The 470 is 3.98”
So most likely a no go on the 550.
If you were able to make it work, you still have the shell plate issue of the rim dia. of .655, this would probably have to be custom made.
To increase the overall loading length on a 550 you would need an offset tool head.
Unless you have the machinery, tooling and know how to do this, you would be money ahead buying a new press.

Edit to add, double rifle regulation is dependent on a specific load.
In general if reloading on a progressive press you are using the powder hopper on the press to throw charges.
This is probably not going to give you the consistency you need for accuracy in a double rifle.
You will end up throwing the charge then trickling up to the proper charge.
This possible on a progressive press. But you would be better served with a single stage press.

 

[rookhawk]

At $10-$20 a round, most people aren’t going to make the volume, nor tolerate the imprecision of a progressive press for NE cartridges.

Don’t forget, most people use a light recoiling powder that doesn't’ fill the case, but also requires a wad of some sort.

The top presses for large cartridges are the RCBS Ammomaster 2, the Prazipress, and the Area 419 Zero.

 

[MexicoMike]

Thanks - Still thinking through all the double rifle pros/cons/general info I've received from the knowledgeable folks here. But if I go through with it there will be an AmmoMaster in my future. Re powder trickling - for max accuracy rifle loads I've always "trickled" all charges to the precise weight so I'm quite comfortable doing that. I use a lot of IMR powder (3031), which doesn't "throw" very precisely anyway!

 

[rookhawk]

Thanks - Still thinking through all the double rifle pros/cons/general info I've received from the knowledgeable folks here. But if I go through with it there will be an AmmoMaster in my future. Re powder trickling - for max accuracy rifle loads I've always "trickled" all charges to the precise weight so I'm quite comfortable doing that. I use a lot of IMR powder (3031), which doesn't "throw" very precisely anyway!

Don't forget, a lot of the double rifle calibers require huge 1-1/4" dies, not the normal 7/8" dies. That's why folks like the AmmoMaster2, Prazi, and the Area419.

 

[MexicoMike]

Didn't know that - thanks! Much to learn here...