Dillon 550 catastrophic failure!!

growr · Sep 1, 2024

Today I was finishing a 9mm run of 300 rounds...got to the last 3 and on the priming stroke this happened......

I know Dillon will take great care of me, but what a surprise to me!!!!

Randy

MrOverlay · Sep 1, 2024

Dillon

All things made by man are subject to fail.

growr · Sep 1, 2024

is a 550B series with a lot of rounds made!!

Will keep everyone posted on Dillon's response.

Randy

Skyhunter · Sep 1, 2024

WOW! Haven't seen that happen before!
Was there any indication of an issue before the failure?
At least you got 297 rounds of the 300 loaded.

WYT-P
Skyhunter

pasound · Sep 1, 2024

Wow! And since this is a holiday weekend, no calling them until Tuesday. Must've been a hidden flaw in the casting. You hit the arm just enough times. Dillon will do well by you.

rwsmith · Sep 1, 2024

Can you...

Holy Mackerel. Can you describe what parts went afoul and when to cause such an ungody failure?

growr · Sep 1, 2024

It looks like the metal is crystalized to me....how much pressure can I exert on the priming up stroke anyway?

Randy

AJ · Sep 1, 2024

Many years ago I had a Dillon Square Deal B. Used it a lot as I was shooting IPSC at the time in Ca. and NC. Long story short, I broke the frame. Called them and told them that I was the second owner. They said strip the frame and send it to them. They sent me back a brand new frame. Used it a bit and then sold it for more than I had paid for it. Went back to a Lyman Turret Press as I was not shooting as much by that time.

venomballistics · Sep 1, 2024

growr said:
It looks like the metal is crystalized to me....how much pressure can I exert on the priming up stroke anyway?

Randy

just enough apparently

robvious · Sep 1, 2024

so... how much of a he-man did you feel like when the.. "what the.." feeling left...

Krogen · Sep 1, 2024

I bet if you ask, they'll let you send the whole press back. They'll refurbish it and it will be as good as new. With the amount of use it seems to have had, there are likely some worn parts to replace. Dillon will do you a solid.

rockquarry · Sep 1, 2024

Krogen said:
I bet if you ask, they'll let you send the whole press back. They'll refurbish it and it will be as good as new. With the amount of use it seems to have had, there are likely some worn parts to replace. Dillon will do you a solid.

What's a solid?

Ivan the Butcher · Sep 1, 2024

One of the guys had a Dillon 400 and needed that part to use a model 550 roller handle, it cost about 100 dollars. Be glad for the No BS Warranty.

That part on mine is from 1984, has just under half a million rounds through it, and is still doing good. Judging by the grain structure, I would say the aluminum was too cool when injected into the mold.

When i did the 450 to 550 upgrade, I took that area apart also and grease all the pins well. Just a few C clips, drift the pins out, replace the part and reverse. Give it a good bath and grease it up while you're at it and go another 30 or 40 years.

Ivan

6string · Sep 1, 2024

There looks to be quite a bit of filth and grime in your press. Did you notice any stiffness in how the press has been running? Have you ever done a detailed clean and lubing?
I find I need to take the linkage apart and do a regular degreasing and relube on my 650. I can really feel the difference!

I’m sure Dillon will take care of you!
Best Wishes!

sndbggr1484 · Sep 1, 2024

Mine broke the same part without any warning. Luckily, I had a model 450 laying around for parts so I could finish my batch. Dillon sent me the newer version that uses a grease fitting on the pin.

Chuck Edwards · Sep 1, 2024

Krogen said:
I bet if you ask, they'll let you send the whole press back. They'll refurbish it and it will be as good as new. With the amount of use it seems to have had, there are likely some worn parts to replace. Dillon will do you a solid.

Something similar happened to my 550. I called Dillon and they had me ship the entire press back to them. When I got it back I think the only original part was the ram, everything else was brand new.

.38SuperMan · Sep 1, 2024

I’ve had my Square Deal B for probably 35 years and loaded more rounds with it than I can count. It finally has gotten loose to the point it’s a problem. A few weeks ago I called Dillon to see if they’d send parts under warranty and there was no problem. I told them what I needed and they arrived a few days later at no charge.

kraynky · Sep 1, 2024

My 550 is about 30 years old, with an unknown amount of rounds loaded. About every 5 years or so I give it a good wipe down and fresh lube. (it does have the small holes to inject grease into)

Anytime I have had an issue or a screw strip out, they have corrected the problem without question. I'm sure you're going to get a new press to replace that ole' dirty bird that broke.

To save yourself the hassle of going through that again, take time to clean it and apply some grease now and then. LOL!

Classic29 · Sep 1, 2024

rockquarry said:
What's a solid?

Basically they’ll take care of you. I think it’s “newspeak” if you will.

smoothshooter · Sep 1, 2024

Casting flaw?

Dillon 550 catastrophic failure!!

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