Dillon Precision AT 500 Instruction Manual

11
SETTING UP THE AT 500 TO LOAD
PISTOL AMMUNITION
We are using the .45 ACP cartridge as an example in
this section. The AT 500 machine comes to you with the
shellplate (with the #1 shellplate slot ready for use) and
large primer bar installed.
Station #1 – Install the sizing/decapping die here. 
Figure 23 – Installing a sizing/decapping die in Station #1.
Move the handle down (which will raise the platform)
and thread the die completely into the toolhead until the
die comes in contact with the...

12
Figure 27 – A properly belled pistol case.
Tighten the die lock ring. Advance the case to Station #3.
Station #3 – Install the bullet seating die here. 
Figure 28 – Installing the bullet seating die in Station #3.
Inspect the inside seating stem. Assure yourself that the
shape of the seating stem matches the bullets you will be
loading (i.e. round-nose, semi-wadcutter, etc.).
Place a bullet on the empty case and move the handle
down. Thread the bullet seating die into the toolhead until
it comes in...

13
Figure 31 – A properly crimped pistol cartridge.
Once you’ve installed all the dies in the toolhead, place
the black plastic funnel onto the powder die. Install the
three #1 (for .45 ACP) brass locator buttons, included in
the parts bag, on the platform. (Figure 32)
Figure 32 – Installing a brass locator button in Station #2.
THE RELOADING PROCESS
The following is a list of items you will need before
you begin. (Figure 33)
1) Empty brass casings
2) Primers
3) Powder scale
4) Loading manual
5) Powder...

14
Place your left thumb on the shellplate cover and
advance the shellplate to Station #2. Move the handle
down. While the handle is in the down position, charge
the cartridge case by dispensing a properly weighed
amount of powder into the black plastic funnel. (Figure 35)
Return the handle to its rest position. 
Figure 35 – Charging the case with powder at Station #2.
Place your right index finger on the shellplate cover
and advance the shellplate to Station #3. Place a bullet
on the case (Figure 36)...

J. ‘ELIMINATOR’ LOADING SCALE
This precision instru-
ment eliminates the
guesswork by a simple
triple-poise balance
beam. Easy to use for the
novice; precision accura-
cy for the professional.  
#13480 D. UPGRADE #4 –
AUTO EJECT SYSTEM
Greatly increases
your ammo production
capabilities and adds a
Cartridge
Chute/Bracket and a
Cartridge Bin to your
reloader.
#22120 B. UPGRADE #2 – 
PRIMER EARLY WARNING KIT
The device sounds when you
have approximately three
primers left in the primer maga-
zine. Allows...