Well after 22 plus years of use, my 550 has developed an issue. After my recent move I set up my 550 to load .45ACP. I loaded 50 WLP primers in the feed tube and started loading. After priming a couple of cases, the feed dumped out about 25 or 30 primers at once, flooding the shell plate and spilling to the floor. I rechecked all of the parts, none of which had been disassembled and could find nothing obvious out of place. I cleaned up and continued loading with the primers that remained in the feed tube with no problems. I refilled the tube likewise with no problems. Today I loaded 50 primers and on my third cycle the feed dumped 30 primers.

Does anyone have any idea whats going on? I would bet it is something silly I have overlooked but can't find it. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Frank

This message has been edited. Last edited by: FrankD45,

Remove the primer tube assembly and using a spare as a gage (you do have a spare primer tube cap don't you?) ensure that the plastic end cap is not deformed or missing any parts.

There is a reason that Dillon puts three or four of those end caps in the 550 spare parts kits...they wear out. I've made it a habit to change mine out about every 5,000 to 7,000 reloads.

The other thing to check is goo or residue on the base of the primer slide assembly. As it works its way back and forth, primer dust, other dust, oils etc....build up on the base of the primer slide and cause it to momentarily jam as its moving back and forth with the arm.

As always, a good cleaning restores functionality and proper operation 95% of the time for me.

Thanks very much for the feedback. I took the primer feed apart and checked the end caps and found nothing wrong. I reassembled and cycled the feed a couple of times and found that the primer feed stop pin was hanging up. I blew air through it and must have cleared whatever it was because it's now working fine.

Thanks again,

Frank

This message has been edited. Last edited by: FrankD45,

I keep a 1" brush close at hand by my Dillon 550 to brush away the accumulated dirt, dust, residue that accumulates in the primer slide area. When the ram is at the top I stop and wipe away. I only do this about once every 400 - 500 rounds seems to be enough.

quote:

Originally posted by H Richard:
I keep a 1" brush close at hand by my Dillon 550 to brush away the accumulated dirt, dust, residue that accumulates in the primer slide area.

GMTA

I added a smaller brush as well as a dental pick. I found it to be helpful when primer grit begins to accumulate around the primer cup/ram.

Thanks,

Frank

Give Dillon a Call, they will tell you what is wrong. Later John

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I disassembled the primer feed system and found that some soot from the primer pockets accumulated around the primer cup and transfered to the primer feed stop pin. That caused the pin to hang up releasing several primers on the up stroke. I cleaned the pin and the pocket with acetone and the problem is gone.

Thanks again,

Frank

I contacted Dillon today and, as usual, their customer service is unreal. They are sending me a new delrin primer feed stop pin, new tips for the feed tube, and a new part to cusion the primer slide and prevent binding. Its no secret to anyone using Dillon, they do stand behind their products. By the way, the ship date on my Dillon 550 was May 27, 1986.

Frank

Yep Frank, got mine (550 before the "B" kit came out) about then also. My primer slide has grooved the press amybe .005-10" deep - still operating O.K. but I wonder did they send you the shim that goes under the primer slide (new 550B has the shim)? As it would raise the primer slide, I'm concerned it there would be an operating problem.

quote:

Originally posted by Herb686:
Yep Frank, got mine (550 before the "B" kit came out) about then also. My primer slide has grooved the press amybe .005-10" deep - still operating O.K. but I wonder did they send you the shim that goes under the primer slide (new 550B has the shim)? As it would raise the primer slide, I'm concerned it there would be an operating problem.

Yes, they are sending the shim together with a new "flapper" and a primer stop pin, and new tips. I will post another follow up when I get the bits and pieces installed. BTW the tech guy passed along a tip on keeping the primer stop pin hole clean. He suggested I take a Q-Tip and peel the cotton down to where all that is left is the part that is stuck to the stick. He said that is the perfect size to use to clean the hole. As far as the primer slide is concerned, maybe you will have to readjust the primer cup to accommodate the additional height. I'll let you know what I find.

Frank

Herb686:

I got the parts from Dillon today and installed the new delrin feed stop pin as well as the new feed stop spring. I also put the plate under the primer housing. The whole deal seems a lot smoother and functions without a hitch. I think they do know what their talking about.

Frank

Thanks Frank, I'll call Dillon Monday. I was afraid the primer slide would be raised so high that the downward return of the ram would hit it.