Dillon Precision BL550 Kit Review: What Owners Actually Say
By Amis Thains Published 5 min read
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You are searching for Dillon 750 reviews because you want to know if the expensive premium press is worth the jump from a basic kit. This page clarifies the BL550 entry-level option that often appears in those same threads and tells you who actually benefits from it.
In short: The Dillon BL550 is a simplified, 4-station progressive press designed for beginners, not the full-featured XL750. Owners report it is easier to learn than older models but slower for high-volume precision work. It suits new reloaders who want consistency without complex electronics.
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Gives you the full reloading setup in one box, removing the guesswork of buying separate dies and tools.
Upgrade dies that offer carbide longevity and consistent performance when you expand beyond the starter kit.
Who the BL550 Kit Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)
The BL550 is built for volume shooters who reload pistol cartridges or high-volume rifle rounds like .223 or 5.56. It trades the complex electronics of the XL750 for a simpler mechanical process. Loaders in this spot often ask about accuracy of the intellidropper as well.
If you primarily do single-stage precision work for bench rest matches, you will outgrow this quickly. Owners who skip it are usually those needing the specific case handling or electronic safety features of the XL series.
Buy this if: You are new to reloading and want to load 100-300 rounds a day. You want a system that is harder to mess up than a turret press.
Skip this if: You need the full station count of the 750 or you plan to load niche cartridges that require custom setups the BL550 does not support out of the box.
The kit includes the specific dies and scale needed to start the workflow immediately.
- Everything needed to begin reloading in one box, including the press, 3-die set, powder
- Designed to remove the confusion of getting started, this kit lets new reloaders learn
What Owners Highlight in Reviews
Common praise in owner reports focuses on the learning curve. The BL550 has fewer moving parts than the XL750, which means fewer variables to troubleshoot when a round fails. Many reviewers note that the included powder funnel and die make consistent charges easy to achieve without advanced measurement tools.
- Speed: Users report 30-45 rounds per minute once the workflow is learned.
- Consistency: The mechanical progression reduces user error compared to single-stage presses.
- Setup: The kit arrives with everything needed, saving the time of sourcing individual components.
The simplicity is the main feature. You do not have to program electronics or worry about sensor errors, which is a relief for many first-time reloaders.
Owners often buy additional funnels or depriming tools to speed up the prep stage.
- Everything needed to begin reloading in one box, including the press, 3-die set, powder
- Designed to remove the confusion of getting started, this kit lets new reloaders learn
The Drawbacks to Know Before Buying
The biggest complaint from reviews is noise. The mechanical clatter of the progressive cycle is louder than a single-stage press, which can be an issue for home users. Another frequent note is the station limit. At four stations, you cannot perform case annealing or separate depriming and trimming in the same cycle without manual intervention. We cover choosing between these two brands in a guide of its own.
Compared to the XL750, the BL550 lacks the electronic case handling that prevents misfires. This means you must be more vigilant during the initial setup to ensure brass is seated correctly in each die. If you are used to the safety interlocks of a modern electronic press, this feels like a step backward in terms of automated error prevention.
Setup and Use Tips From Experienced Loaders
Start with the die settings. The BL550 comes with dies that need specific alignment to avoid burrs. Use the included tools to check the gap at the top of the stroke. Do not rush the seating die; set it until you just see the bullet, then back it off 1/32 inch. This prevents headstamp marks on your cases.
- Deprime first: Ensure all brass is deprimed and cleaned before the press cycle. Jammed deprimers are the most common beginner error.
- Powder charge: Use a consistent pour. The BL550 has a fixed station for powder, so pour into the case on the press bed.
- Seat the bullet: The final station seats the bullet. Check the overall length (OAL) with calipers after the first ten rounds.
Keep your workspace clean. Loose powder on the press bed can cause inconsistent charges. A light air blow between sessions helps maintain accuracy.
If you are sticking with pistol calibers, these carbide dies last longer than the starter kit's steel dies.
- Dillon Dies are engineered to give the very best performance, durablity and reliabilty
Alternatives Worth a Look If the BL550 Feels Limited
If the BL550’s four stations feel restrictive, look at the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. It is a single-stage press that offers more control over each step, which some precision shooters prefer. It is slower for volume but allows for meticulous case prep.
For those wanting to stick with Dillon but need more capability, the XL series is the next step up. It adds electronic case handling and more stations, but it is a significant jump in complexity and cost. The BL550 is the on-ramp; the XL750 is the highway. Choose based on how many rounds per day you realistically plan to load.
The bottom line
The Dillon BL550 is the best choice for new reloaders who want speed and consistency without the complexity of electronic presses. It is not the right tool for high-precision bench rest work, where single-stage presses or the full XL750 system are better suited.
Start with the BL550 to learn the basics, then upgrade only if your volume demands it. There is more on checking out the xl750 on youtube in a separate guide.
- Everything needed to begin reloading in one box, including the press, 3-die set, powder
- Designed to remove the confusion of getting started, this kit lets new reloaders learn
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dillon BL550 the same as the XL750?
No, they are different. The BL550 is a mechanical 4-station press for beginners. The XL750 is an electronic 4-station press with case handling and more features. The BL550 is simpler and cheaper, but the XL750 is more versatile for advanced users.
What is the best powder measure for the BL550?
The BL550 kit includes a basic powder funnel. For faster reloading, owners often add a separate mechanical powder measure like the Dillon 550G or RCBS Chargemaster. These attach to the powder station and allow you to dispense charges by pushing a button, speeding up the cycle significantly.
Can I use the BL550 for rifle cartridges?
Yes, with the right dies. The BL550 is primarily marketed for pistols but works for rifle calibers like .223 or .308. You must ensure the die station is set for the specific cartridge length. The press bed may need a spacer for longer rifle cases, so check the manufacturer’s guide for your specific caliber.
How does the BL550 compare to a single-stage press?
The BL550 is faster for volume loading because it performs multiple steps in one pull of the handle. A single-stage press is better for precision and allows you to inspect each step individually. If you load 50 rounds a month, a single-stage is sufficient. If you load 500, the BL550 saves time.
Where can I find the BL550 manual online?
The Dillon Precision website provides free PDF manuals for all their products. Search for ‘BL550 manual’ on their support page. The manual covers die settings, safety checks, and troubleshooting for the most common issues owners face.