Dillon vs RCBS Pistol Dies

I've been reloading pistol caliber's (38 Spec, 45 ACP & 9 MM) single stage for 25 years with RCBS.  I want to move up to a progressive with a Dillon 550.  Is buying the Dillon dies a good investment in quality?  

I think I'd be just fine staying with the RCBS dies, at least at first.

You will at least want the powder through expander die if you are using the dillon measure on the 550. The others are a matter of choice and preference. You can order just the powder/expander from the dillion website.

You will need a separate seat and crimp die.  The brand is you choice.

Dave C.

When you buy a Dillon press it comes with a set of dies installed, so you get to try them anyway

STEVE SAMELAK wrote:When you buy a Dillon press it comes with a set of dies installed, so you get to try them anyway

 I started with the Dillon dies and now I have mixed dies RCBS/Redding/Dillon/Lee depending on what I am loading.

- Dave

I like the Dillon dies, but I did have the carbide sizing ring pop out of my 9mm Dillon die.  I reset it with some high strength epoxy, but it should not have happened.  The seater and taper crimper are particularly nice with the removable internals.

STEVE SAMELAK wrote:When you buy a Dillon press it comes with a set of dies installed, so you get to try them anyway

not all dillons come with dies. I personally like the Dillon seating die but use redding for the others, dillons decap resize has let me down several times crushing brass if it was not lubed good.