Dillon 550B question

[Littledragon777]

I noticed the index ball on my 550B is sticking in the down position and not allowing the shell plate to indes tightly and stop in the correct postion. Is there a way to remove that ball and spring and either clean it or replace it? Thanks!

 

[Littledragon777]

I noticed the index ball on my 550B is sticking in the down position and not allowing the shell plate to indes tightly and stop in the correct postion. Is there a way to remove that ball and spring and either clean it or replace it? Thanks!

 

[max]

A magnet will work just fine.

 

[Littledragon777]

Thanks! I did happen to have a very powerful magnet that did the trick after about 5 trys. I guess some powder residue had gotten in the small cylinder hole the ball and spring rest in an was gritty enough to keep the index ba;; from coming up far enough to allow for a positve detent stop. I cleaned the ball and hole with an a Qtip and was able to get the ball to rise to the upmost position.

 

[Sgt Preston]

Littledragon, I clean under the "star-wheel" about every 1000 rounds. There will be an accumulation of powder & crud from primer removal. I use a "pencil magnet" that you would use to clean the chips out of newly tapped holes. It's low powered but the ball & spring will lift right out of the hole easliy. I just looked at my pencil magnet under a magnifying glass & it is marked "Craftsman" = Sears. It's made with a pocket clip so you can carry it in your shirt pocket protector. Hope this helps. Sgt Preston USMC LLA

 

[max]

Sgt is a good Marine and that means keeping stuff clean. By the way, he is right.

 

[Snapping Twig]

I use an air compressor and blow out from under the star and primer feed as needed while I'm reloading.

These guys are right - clean is the only way to do it right.

 

[Littledragon777]

I also always clean under the star wheel but I had never pulled the index ball before. I will now add that on my regular cleaning with compressed air and my wipe down every time I get done with a loading session. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Armed Infidel]

Like Dragon said... keep a can of compresses air on the reloading bench and after everything is put away, give those hard to reach places on your 550B a blast of air. It really helps prevent build up!

 

[Roadranger]

Just a note to add. Vaccum cleaners will suck up locator pins and the ball and spring if you are using a vaccum cleaner to clean up powder or debri. I have used a small piece of tape to remove the ball and spring when I couldn't find a magnet. Bob!!