It’s time to crank out some precision 6GT ammunition on a progressive! In this story, I’ll outline what to look for when loading precision ammunition on a progressive, and get a Dillon RL-550C ready to roll with 6GT.
Disclaimer
Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms)
- The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) is for demonstration purposes only.
- Do not attempt any of the processes or procedures shown or described on this website.
- All gunsmithing procedures should be carried out by a qualified and licensed gunsmith at their own risk.
- Do not attempt to repair or modify any firearms based on information on this website
- Ultimate Reloader, LLC and Making With Metal can not be held liable for property or personal damage due to viewers/readers of this website performing activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website.
- By accepting these terms, you agree that you alone are solely responsible for your own safety and property as it pertains to activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website.
Dillon RL-550C: Legendary Precision and Flexibility
I recently published two stories covering progressive presses: the Progressive Press Shootout, and the Dillon Progressive Press Buyer’s Guide.
Here’s the video from our Dillon Buyer’s Guide:
And the RL-550C Overview:
I call this press the “all-rounder.” This is the third iteration of the RL 550 and is manually indexed. This allows for reloading of larger cartridges but if you aren’t used to it, you are at greater likelihood of double charging. Overall, this simple but quality press allows for repeatable, consistent loading.
A small diameter shellplate keeps the plate from rocking, leading to more consistent shoulder bump and bullet seating depth. There is also an abundance of aftermarket accessories available for this model, including case feeders from Dillon and Double Alpha Academy and the Inline Fabrication ergonomic roller handle. This press is incredibly capable and versatile, but also more affordable than some of Dillon’s other options. With four stations and no auto-indexing, you must remember that if you want to have a powder check, for example, you’ll need to combine other steps on other stations.
As shown in the picture above:
- Sizing/de-priming, priming
- Powder charging/expansion
- Bullet seating
- Bullet crimping
What it’s for:
- Precision progressive reloading, quality on a budget
What it’s not for:
- Commercial or mass production reloading
Pros:
- Quality
- Simplicity
- Versatility, standard features
- Precision
- Economy
Cons:
- No auto-indexing
- 4 stations
Powders for Progressive Precision Reloading
When selecting a powder for match-quality volume loading, consider the following:
- Metering is a key concern
- Ball powders meter best
- New StaBALL powders are great option
Precision Dies
When selecting dies, there are several factors to evaluate that can affect the precision of the loaded ammunition including but not limited to:
- Quality: body, shoulder, neck sizing areas concentric with each other and the die threads
- Correct neck sizing area diameter
- Sliding collar bullet seating guide
Loading Setup: 6GT
For this loading session, I opted to use the following:
- Press: Dillon RL-550C Press with 6GT conversion kit
- Dies: Forster’s custom honed full-length sizer, and their Ultra Micrometer Seater
- Powder: Winchester StaBALL Match
- Primers: CCI BR4 Small Rifle Match
- Bullets: Sierra 107 grain 6mm SMK
The results were fantastic, and I know that this load shoots really well!
Stay tuned for additional content where we put this ammunition to the test!
Don’t miss out on Ultimate Reloader updates, make sure you’re subscribed!
Thanks,
Gavin
