haven't used it in a few years so I cleaned it good and started reloading some .38 spec. after about 80 rds I dumped the bin and started putting rds in boxes. out of the 80 rds I 8 that the primers were in backwards. it is flipping primers once about every 8-10 rds. I know the primers were all in the tube correctly so what could be up with this? Dillon is closed on weekends so I can't call them til Monday. any ideas will be appreciated. lee

My Dillon is so old I've had 3 or 4 different factory primer magazine tubes and systems. My first thought is the inner primer tube is about 1/16 to 1/8 inch above the base setting. #2 would be check the primer cup on the bar, make sure dust debris, and tumbler media haven't worked under it.

Ivan

When this happens to me, I check the screw that adjusts the forward travel of the primer arm so that it is centered in the shell plate.

I simply run it either forward or back it out until the primer cup is not nicking either the forward edge or the backside. I raise the ram up and down to check the centering. When it is centered then it gets locked down and finish the run.

Hope this helps,

Randy

I've had my 550B since they first came out. Even after may thousands of rounds loaded, I've never had a primer flip on me. I agree with growr but would add that the whole primer setup be disassembled and cleaned. When I reassemble I dust the sliding parts with a bit of powdered graphite.

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Foster Positivity.

The end on the primer tube may need replacing. I made a brass rod to ride on top of the primers in the tube and made a 90 degree bend on the end to tell when the primers are out.

I would bet you have the wrong primer tube in there.
The only time I've had flipped primers in my 550 was when I messed up and put them in the feeding tube upside-down .
I've churned out thousands of rounds of 9mm, 38sp, and .380.
If you tear it down and reassemble you will find the problem.

I have had them do the same. Call Dillon and they will tell you how to correct it. It is just some minor adjusting if I remember.

Al, I do have the wrong one in there. now I can't find my small one. guess i'll call Dillon and order one(or two) tomorrow. thanks to all. lee

I did that once

I made a similar thing, out of heavy coat hanger. I made and left it long enough that when I'm out of primers it falls into the primer cup and locks the bar back (A visual reminder that I'm OUT of primers). It is short enough to use as an indicator for the primer level. The primer tube holds about 104 Large Pistol primers, about the same for Smalls, but one less Small Rifle Magnum. (.001" make a difference!)

A commercial loader has an old RL1000 from the 70's and made his with a lead weight at the top for more push on the stack of primers. One time he had a primer detonate and his primer pusher shot into the ceiling and was zig-zagged to about 4" long!

Ivan

If you didn't load them upside down, then the edge of the primer cup is likely catching & flipping them.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I went the opposite direction, small tube installed in primer feeder, and trying to load large primers.

It sounds like either a large primer magazine or a large primer slide is installed. We recommend against using a metal primer follower rod, as the potential to convert it into an impromptu firing pin is always there.

The wrong primer tube is most likely the problem. When you take it apart make sure the bottom of the primer pickup is clean underneath. I use 0000 steel wool on the bottom and sides when it starts skipping as it's coming forward. that will flip my primers sometimes.

First time that ever happened again.

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Foster Positivity.