If you ever lose the detent ball from under the shell plate. I did during a recent caliber change. A COPPER BB(.177 cal) is a perfect replacement. And works just like the original steel ball.
Dillon FYI
- Thread starter Mike SC Hunter
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Ivan the Butcher
Member
Which model are you referring to?
I lost my 550's detent ball down a heat vent. It was much bigger, I'd say 1/4" to 5/16" in dia. They sent me a free one, but I now have one in the parts kit.
When I moved, I took special care to tape the took head locater pins to the press. They vanished anyway! Those were free but there is on in the parts kit too.
Ivan
.38SuperMan
Member
After 30 years I lost the one in my square deal B. I called Dillon and they promptly sent one free but I thought I’d run down to the hardware store and see if they had one. To my surprise they had the exact size. I bought a couple replacements and a few days later the one from Dillon arrived. Didn’t think about a BB but I don’t have any anyway.
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OP
I was refering to the Square Deal. Didn't know the other presses had different size detents.
Ivan the Butcher
Member
I bought my 450 in 1984, and it wasn't until the mid90's I bought the spare parts kit. It really isn't a necessity (since the don't knock your wallet for every little thing!) But it really comes in handy. I've been loading in the middle of the night and something happens, I keeps a delay to 10 or 15 minutes, instead of 2 or three days! Then I just get the replacements with my next order!
I once broke a decapping pin for a Dillon sizing die. I ordered a 10 pack to have spares. Then I forgot I ordered the 10 pack about 6 months later. When I placed that on my order, They wanted to know why or how I was breaking so many pins. I said "I wasn't" and just wanted spares, and they reminded me about the others I ordered. I have found the Dillon dies go through about 50 to 75% fewer decapping pins than RCBS, Lyman, Pacific/Hornady dies. I keep spares for each!
Ivan
OP
Square Deal............
