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Posted: 6/19/2010 3:21:02 PM EDT
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What can you guys tell me about the AT 500? I just noticed it in the new catalog. It was less than the SDB and was wondering if it was worth it or should i save up for the SDB or a 550B? I know a lot of people like the 650b, but i don't feel i load enough to justify the extra cost. I'm currently using a Lee Classic cast turret press and am ready to move up. |
I saw the same set up in this months Blue Press and was curious as well. It looks like a bare bones stripped down 550 without a powder drop and a couple other features. For the price difference I would save up for a 550. The SD was an option for me until I found out that it has proprietary dies and they are expensive and the fact that I found a 550 for 175.  check the EE there are quite a few used Dillons on there now.
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The AT 500 is not available normally through their catalog or on the internet. It was kind of a secret product, in that they didn't promote it. I own one and love it. You had to order it by phone, it wasn't listed anywhere else.
It's a strpped 550B. For $30.00 you can make it index. You can also mount a top quality powder measure like a Redding BR-30 or BR-3, or use Dillons, that's up to the user to decide. The powder adapters are just under $40.00 that will mount any 7/8"X14 threaded powder measure. I don't deprime or prime on a progressive when loading rifle rounds. In fact my rifle brass is resized and primed before I run it progressively. My first die station has a Sinclair International neck expander die instead of a resizing die. This uniforms case neck tension on every case. You can upgrade the AT-500 to a full 550B or stop anywhere you want short of the 550B. It allows you to build the progressive press to be what you want instead of accepting it as it comes from the factory. You have to agree the price is right. Mine is dedicated to rifle ammo. My 550B loads my pistol ammo. |
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I'm not sure that the initial reduced cost of the Dillon AT 500 vs the 550B ($280 vs $420) is a good savings. To upgrade a AT 500 to a 550B requires a Caliber Conversion Kit @ $44, an Auto Prime System @ $80, a Primer System Early Warning Kit @ $24, an Auto Powder System @ $85, and an Auto Eject System @ $30 for a total upgrade cost of $263 or $123 more than the cost of a 550B. You're much better off waiting a bit and saving to buy a 550B right off the bat. |
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