Dillon Shellplate bolt

[Kiwi cop]

I have a small (???) problem with both my Dillon SD and 550C presses. The centre boot that holds the shell-plate in will turn with the shell-plate after being left idle for a few weeks, tightening the bolt till the shell-plate will not turn. It takes me forever to get it to stay when the shellplate advances to the next station, only to repeat the problem again on the next reloading session.

I have tried cleaning the bolt at the commencement of every reloading session, graphite and dry lube. But nothing seems to work.

Does anyone have any sage advise?

 

[Mike0251]

There is a set screw in the 550 ram as shown in the picture below. When adjusting the bolt so the shell plate moves freely then snug up the set screw. The bolt will no longer move when rotating the shell plate. Always raise the ram and loosen this set screw or remove when removing the bolt to change or fiddle with the shell plate and the snug back up when done. You have to move the ram up the get to the screw.

 

[rhodesengr]

Check your manual in the section for "Removing the shell plate". I have an SL900 which is based on the 650. It has the set screw. The SDB doesn't have a set screw. I have one but haven't switched calibers in a while but I don't recall having issues with the shell plate.

 

[Kiwi cop]

Check your manual in the section for "Removing the shell plate". I have an SL900 which is based on the 650. It has the set screw. The SDB doesn't have a set screw. I have one but haven't switched calibers in a while but I don't recall having issues with the shell plate.

My SDB is set up for 45ACP only. Every now and then the shell-plate screw binds. Then it takes me at least 30 minutes to sort out.

I use my 550C for 9mm, .38 Spec, and .38 S&W (same shell-plate). I don’t change it often, but when I do…….

I’ll check out the ram set screw.

Unfortunately I bought my 550 second hand (brand new condition) so no manual. I’ll have to see if I can download one.

 

[Beancounter81]

You should be able to download a manual from the Dillon website under "Support & Videos".

Product Videos| RL550

Dillon Precision: Reloaders, Reloading Equipment, Bullet Reloading, Bullet Reloaders

www.dillonprecision.com

Scroll down to bottom of page where you can download manual in pdf format.

 

[rhodesengr]

Unfortunately I bought my 550 second hand (brand new condition) so no manual. I’ll have to see if I can download one.

manual for 550 here

https://www.dillonprecision.com/media/manuals/dillon-rl550b-manual-english.pdf

 

[rhodesengr]

Every now and then the shell-plate screw binds.

You should just call Dillon. They have pretty good phone tech support. I haven't see binding on my SDB so can't offer much help with that one but Dillon may have some ideas. On the 550, you have to lower the arm about half way and that will expose the set screw on the left side of the central post.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

I always add some lithium grease to the bolt and shellplate when I swap plates, from 45acp to 45AR. Make sure that you snug up that set screw on the left side.