[Eric F]

So I have had this 550 for a few weeks and just now got around to setting it up. It is a very used set up but it worked a month ago. The primer feed system if sticking. The part that slides the primer into position to be seated will not freely slide forward. The whole press is dry as in no lube. Is this a plastic part can I put a drop of oil on it or do I need graphite? Could it be a diffrent issue? If it makes any diffrence I did not have brass or primers in play just tinkering with it for now.

[RedHawk357Mag]

Howdy Mr Eric my press was set aside for about four years and it was gummed up something really fierce. I took it all apart cleaned with Mineral Spirits. The crude I dragged up out of the case holder corroded the steel ball and spring that clicks when you rotate the shell holder. Dillion has a repair kit with all the little doo dads that need replacing from time to time. It's a great machine as you probably already know. Probably needs a good cleaning and some TLC. You tube has some great videos of Dillion set up if your in need of the info.

[Canuc Shooter]

Three things that I can think of off the top of my head:
1. Is the return spring attached to the underside of the primer slide.
2. Is the small slide plate installed properly between the frame and the
priming system.
3. Did you remove all contaminents from the underside of the primer slide.

[Zcarp2]

What is it sticking on? Normally, the primer bars slides freely. Use graphite, if you must. The powder residue from cases will gum up the oil quickly.

Loosen the assembly and check for a spent primer. They sometimes find their way into small spots. Reassemble and work the press to make sure everything is lined up. I do have to clean the primer cup that seats the primer occasionally. It will get gummed and stick in the press ram.

Good luck to you!

[skyflyer]

The primer slide should glide across the primer track bearing. Make sure they are clean with no heavy residue between the slide, bearing or the primer feed body.

Is the primer system operating rod installed correctly on the rollers?

The bolts underneath the feed body dont need torqued down just snug.

I have a few pictures of the primer area if you think that might help to diagnose the problem.

[Eric F]

Canuc Shooter
1 yes
2 would you happen to have a pic?
3 havnt cleaned it yet.
'
Skyflyer pics would be great thanks

[skyflyer]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skyflyer00/049.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skyflyer00/048.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skyflyer00/047.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skyflyer00/046.jpg

I hope this helps

[loadedround]

Eric:
I had the same problem happen to my 550B which is used weekly and kept meticulously clean. After stripping the primer assembly, checking everything and recleaning, it still would stick. So as they say in the manual "don't suffer in silence", I called Dillon and had it fixed in seconds. The problem was that metal rod running the full length of the assembly. Dillon's John had me remove it and slightly rebend the top part towards me(just a little please) and reinstall it. I have never had problems like that again. Call Dillon or give it a try. Good luck. :)

[lgbloader]

Dont use oil or lube on the primer slide. Just clean the surfaces thoroughly with alcohol towlettes from your first aid kit or steal some make up remover pads from your girlfriend and saturate with rubbing alcohol and clean those slides real good.

That ought to fix the problem.

LGB

[jjohnson]

I have a 550B and have built something over 100,000 rounds on it in the space of six or seven years. I've had the same problem. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE the 550B and I'm doubtful any other press made by anyone would please me more, even if higher priced.

I don't really like the answer though - that you'd have to bend something to make it work. That rod should be working as it was designed. I've cleaned that primer seating slide repeatedly and run it dry so I've tried it several ways- and I've tried various lubes on it ranging from Winchester Tri-lube to 3 in 1 oil. I still get the problem off and on.

I'm not saying that bending it won't help - but you shouldn't have to bend something out of spec to make it work. That's my point. I'd be tempted to ask them for a replacement of that and the spring. I wonder sometimes if the rather little amount of play that you have in there as you tighten it into place has enough wiggle in it to allow it to be incorrectly aligned.

I certainly agree - Dillon has very, very good guys on the hotline, and I've spoken with John there a couple of times. They're not reluctant to send you a spare part under warranty if you ask them, even if they might not believe it's the root of the problem. I think next time I have that problem I'll call 'em again. Just out of wild curiosity I'm tempted to change that little return spring with something with a bit more 'oomph.' Every now and then, I'll see it hesitate in a kind of jerky motion, like it's binding - sometimes enough that when it does slam home, the primer gets pitched right out of its space.

[Eric F]

ok folks I will work on it again tomorrow will keep every one updated. Thanks for the pics

[redneck2]

I had the same thing on mine over the week-end. I bent the rod slightly, and cleaned and lubed the slide. Works great.

I think powder dust is gritty enough that it builds up and overpowers the rod and spring.

I don't think my press has been that clean since it was new. You can also cycle the shell plate up out of the way and cycle the slide back and forth by hand to free it up.