Ram On Dillon 550 Discolored

[max]

I think I have been careful about keeping the ram on my 550 clean and lubed with motor oil per Dillon instructions. However, I just noticed it is dark and appears dirty. I cleaned it with some Marvel Mystery Oil and the rag was very dirty.

Any suggestions on how to clean the ram. I do not wish to dismantle the press. I have had the press for over 30 years.

It still operates smoothly.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

It sounds like a normal metal to lube issue to me. Working metal against lubricants will generally result in darkening of the lubricant over time, especially in the use of a machine exposed to carbon residue.

One thing that I do to keep my Dillon 550 clean on the ram and the bearings, is to decap all the cases on a inexpensive Lyman press with a universal decapper and just pop the primers and their resudue into a trash can.

I know that it sounds like an extra step, but that residue from the primers and the primer pockets is pretty abrasive as well as dirty.

Given that, I still clean and lube all the bearing surfaces and bare metal once a year. Doing these things keeps my Dillon looking pretty new even with thousands of rounds loaded per year for over 30 years now. I did the same for my 450 for about 10 years before Dillon upgraded it for free to the 550b.

 

[StrawHat]

How many other folks will see the ram on your reloading press?

And of those, how many will care if it is discolored?

As long as the press is running, keep going.

Kevin

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

How many other folks will see the ram on your reloading press?

And of those, how many will care if it is discolored?

As long as the press is running, keep going.

Kevin

Geez........I looked at my 5 and the rams are all dark colored.....Tain't no big deal.........ANYTHING you use will show use over time.....If you want keep something new looking......DON"T ever take it out of the box.

 

[chief38]

A little Mineral Spirits or Acetone wipe down should solve that issue in short order. I recently had the same issue on my floor model Drill Press column. I followed my own advise and all is fine. Re-lube when done. The gum build up from old caked on oil could eventually cause it to be less slick & harder to operate and is easily remedied. If what I suggested above doesn't work, call Dillon, but I think it should work just fine.

 

[Hairtrigger]

Can always send it to Doug Turnbull to get case colored!

 

[Hairtrigger]

Second thought is cycling the press incredibly fast would build up heat and discolor the Ram! SLOW DOWN
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[max]

Mother's Mag and Aluminum polish did a great job. I have plenty left to use on the wheels on my wife's and my car.

 

[kev74]

The ram on one of my Lee presses was starting to look a little darker than it used to.

I wiped it off, relubed it and loaded 200 bullets.

Now it looks good as new again.