Dillon 550B-Primer Press-Denver, CO

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Highsierra67

Inactive
At 49 years old, and single stage reloading for decades, I purchased a 550B on 9/21. I require assistance to calibrate the primer press. My first question is to request some local help (South Denver/Lone Tree area) to show me what I have done wrong - and what I need to do right. Compensated with $? I just need an expert around the Denver area. I may have screwed things up...

While I have built items such as computers, motorcycle engines, replaced a C4 transmission, and am an active tinkerer, I can't figure this one out and I'm damaging the soft aluminum primer cup... again. It's difficult to explain my problem, but I"ll try.
After 400 rounds of 45ACP, my press "locked" because (with the out-of-box settings), the hardened primer pin abraded rings into the aluminum primer cup, and locked the press from fully pushing the primer in. I ordered replacement parts and re-installed. The problem persists. The primer pick-up slide does not align the cup in the center of the cartridge pocket. Adjustment of the horizontal limit screw does not adjust the left-right dimension to provide alignment and the aluminum primer cup needs to be slightly more to the right (not forward or back). When I loosen the primer pin locking screw, I get the alignment... I can't get the primer toe push up - all the way to complete the primer to seat. I've also lost primers in the auto feed. Is there anyone that is willing to help me here?
 
To properly install the primer pin and cup....

Loosen the primer pin set screw. Push the press arm all the way forward thus compressing the primer cup and spring. Hold this position while tightening the primer pin set screw.
 
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With the primer feed body bolts slightly loose, and the return spring detached, lower the stage while aligning the primer cup in the stage's primer hole.

While holding the stage down on the primer cup tighten the primer feed body bolts.

This should get you the proper left/right stage/primer cup alignment you're looking for.
 

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I have a 550B and second the recommendation to call Dillon. They are friendly, very knowledgeable and will send things like broken depriming pins or bad springs gratis.
 
You don't buy SQUAT from Dillon a second time, all replacment parts are free.
I bought a 'Spare Parts' kit from Dillon because I have more than on XL650, when I mentioned this on the phone they sent me a second spares kit and the timing alignment pin (doesn't come with the standard press) and some smaller tools for free, I didn't even ask for them...

The ONLY problem I had with Dillon 550 primer feed was the primer 'Pusher', the part that pushes primer into place for the next case, turned out to be a weak spring...
Called Dillon, they sent an entire new assembly along with new replacment springs an an extra plastic piece that sometimes wears...
Without asking for the stuff, and the tech on the phone diagnosed the problem in about 3 minutes over the phone...

Can't beat Dillon customer service!
When the say 'No BS Guarintee' they mean it!
 
The primer slide, the part that acts as a carrier to take primers from the feed tube to alignment with the case, has a hole in it for the the primer punch to pass through during the priming stroke. I think that hole is getting clipped by the edge of the primer seating ram.

I'm surprised the factory set it up that way, but I will echo what the others said. Dillon customer service is unparalleled. If something quits, they don't even ask to have the old one back. They just send the new part. Even if it's your fault and you break it more than once and no matter how long you've had the unit and even if you didn't buy the press from them. I had the primer warning buzzer's plastic housing develop a crack a couple of years ago, and they sent me a new one immediately and without question, and I've had that machine for over 25 years.

Worst case, if you can't find a correct adjustment, you can send the machine back to them. I suppose it's possible to have a misaligned cut in something. But let them talk you through it over the phone. I think you'll be surprised what they can do.
 
It would be surprising if there weren't a youtube video about it.
Did you check there yet?
P.S.
Also check if the shell plate is tight, as a wobble there can cause what you describe, too.
 
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I have a 550 and have changed the primer feed over many times.

The key to getting it right is to leave the two cap screws on the underside loose and then use the installed shell plate hole with the ram lowered to align the primer feed primer seating cup. You tighten the screws fully with the ram down and the primer slide forward all the way and the primer cup in the shell plate hole, just as it would be when you are using the press to prime.
 
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Geez, JMorris, wish I'd known that trick 15 years ago, youda saved me one hellofa lot of time and frustration....Thank's Rod
 
Get This DVD from Dillon

Factory DVD From Dillon

I bought this DVD along with my RL550B. Getting that machine was the best purchase I have ever made in the reloading business. The DVD was the second best thing.

I watched the video all the way through once, then step buy step as I set up the machine. Thousands of trouble free round loaded since.

Cheers,
Wooly
 
I have three Dillion loaders Bought a 650 in round 1984 used the hell out of it .
Bought a 550 new to do 38 SW and later a used 550 set up to load 45 ACP . None of my Dillions need much to keep running just clean an lube .
 
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