I have to disagree with Big Sam, I run several 550s and I've had no issues with any of them. They are the most versatile progressive loaders on the market and Dillon customer service is top notch. If you have the $s and bench space set up two, one for small and one with large primers then have a die set-up tool head for each caliber you own. Changing calibers will only take a couple of minutes. I use the 550s for 90% of my loading and use my 55 year old RCBS Rockchucker or a Redding turret press for everything else.

Thanks!

I used to load on a 550 a long time ago and the only reservation I would have is considering how full these cases get and the fine ball powder, I would be careful not to sling powder out when rotating the shell plate. It's manual so you can be slow and careful with it. The first progressive I had was an RCBS Auto 4x4 and the auto-indexing was rather abrupt. It would definitely sling powder.

Does anyone have any experience using Federal Premium Gold Medal AR Small Rifle Match primers in your Ham'r loads?

I haven't used these or any Rem primer but I've used a lot of Fed 205s and Win SR with good success. The only ones that seem to be too soft to handle the cartridges 57,500psi max pressure are Fed 200s and CCI 400s.

I have used quite few in the 6.5 Grendel. There should not be a problem with them. For the Ham'r I use CCI450 or #41's it prefers the 450's. Iwould not hesitate to use them in the Ham'r.

Lets see if I can stir things a bit on the subject of hand loading for the HAM'R using a Dillon 550. To date I'm sitting here with several thousands of rounds loaded for the 300 HAM'R. Yes, that amount of stored ammo may be over kill but why not? Over the past few years this round has become my #1 choice for hunting AND self-defense.
I have both a RCBS Rockchucker single stage press and a Dillon 550B and I use both to reload the 300 HAM'R. (I do need to get the upgrade kit for the 550C.)
First I use the RCBS to size, form, and resize all of my brass. A Giraud trimmer handles all of my trimming. I use a spray lube for sizing and when I want to remove the lube I use a tumbler. Lube and gunpowder just don't mix well.

It is at this point that I switch to the Dillon. The standard .223 shellplate and #3 buttons are used.
The first station is left blank, but I do use this station for case priming.
In the second station I use an "AK" (13015) powder funnel with the Dillon powder measure. CFE-BLK and 1680 both meter well with the Dillon Powder Measure.
I have a Lee bullet seating die in the third station. I do use the RCBS seating die when I using the RCBS press to seat the bullets.
The last stage on the Dillon holds a Redding Taper Crimp die. This die is set for a light crimp.
Most of my loads are put together on the Dillon, but when I'm testing new loads I will use the RCBS press. It is a slower method but it is easier to adjust from one bullet to the next.
Every one has their own methods, but this one has worked well for me.

While I'm taking the time for this post, I might as well add a few thoughts. I have no use for a barrel under 16". Four to six inches isn't going to make much difference in the handling of the rifle and I want the best velocity and energy possible out of the cartridge.
Also, there are 30-plus bullets suitable for the 300 HAM'R. There is no excuse for not finding a good choice. I have to add that I have recently tested several of the Lehigh bullets for accuracy and I'm just waiting for deer season to put them through the ultimate test. As for primers I have done a side by side evaluation on CCI 400, 450, and 41, Federal 205, and Remington 7 1/2 primers. The only noticeable difference was the Remington primers felt a little too easy to insert.
While the 300 HAM'R will handle your needs out to 250-275 yards, I do maintain a self-imposed limit of 200 yds.limit while hunting just proving the WC rifles shoot better than I can.

I've used them (not a lot, but some). They have worked fine and seem to be very good primers.

I guess I need to setup up my 550C to reload 300 Ham'r. Is the Dillon 13564 - Powder Funnel | C | .30 carbine flaring / .300 Blackout the correct powder funnel to use? I've only ever load 5.56 in my Dillon 550C. Set it up so long along I'd have to relearn how to do it all over again.

7.62x39 funnel

Thank you , I'll be ordering the Dillon 13015 powder funnel

What he said ^

Looks like a run of 100 will be completed this week, so they should be in the warehouse and ready to ship early next week.

Please put my name on one tried to backorder today but website didn't offer an option.

PM name, PH and email please

Is there any gain in terminal performance with the tipped controlled/extreme chaos over the non tipped?

With the Tipped Controlled Chaos NO, only a higher BC with the tipped bullets. But with the Tipped Xtreme Chaos YES, they perform sooo much better, that's why we're discontinuing the non-tipped version. These two bullets are made from two totally different types of copper, the type we use for the Controlled Chaos is very hard and brittle so they fragment easily. The type we use for the Tipped Maximum Expansion and the Tipped Xtreme Chaos is much softer and malleable so it tends to tear instead of fracturing. The tip helps initiate initial expansion on the TME and TXC.

We have 16" fluted and threaded barrels in process now for Savage conversion kits. We're also converting 10 Lightweight Storm rifles that will be for sale.

What is the minimum impact velocity for the current 125gr xtreme chaos to function properly?

1900fps, the 115gr TXC and 125gr CC or TCC are all totally reliable at 1800fps

Bill

What is the price for the Savage Barrel Conversion as well as the converted 110 Storm Lite rifle?

Thanks

How will we be able to access these for purchase and do you know if Savage is planning on offering 18" or 20" barrels?

Thanks

Probably $269.95 on the conversion kit and the complete rifles are $1150.

Based on the two we've built so far these are a nice rifle that will allow you to load out to 2.420" OAL which opens the door for increased accuracy and velocity

The converted rifles will be on the website when available (probably late Oct). I "assume" when/if Savage brings out the Trail Hunter it will be a 16.5"

Bill,

I've been running 135gr HAM'R Bonded in my 8" gun. I decided to switch to the 125 CC HAM'R round and got the note inside about removing the cast bullet copper. I've always just used Sweets 7.62 Solvent. Have you found anything better for removing copper?

Thanks!