[BHFG]

I have some questions on reloading .223.

I am using a Dillon 550B. I lubed the cases, de-primed and full length resized them, then trimmed them on my RCBS trimmer. Now I am ready to put them in the tumbler for a few hours to shine them up. But the tumbler media will remove the lube. Do I need to relube them before running them back through the '550 to prime and reload them, then just wipe them off after loading?

I am also having a problem where the cases want to tilt over and not feed smoothly into the dies. I verified the caliber kit had the right shellholder. I never thought of it till now, but maybe the press is just not perfectly level. I haven't had this probelm with the .45 or 9mm I loaded, but those are shorter cases. Does being perfectly level matter, or is there something else to check?


Tnx!

[rcmodel]

You only use sizing lube to size the cases in the sizing die.

They should be clean during priming, charging, & bullet seating.

Can't help you on the other problem, but if the press isn't level, you have to guide the case into the die with your left hand.

rc

[BHFG]

Without lube, how do you keep them from getting stuck in the sizing die when you run hem back through and cycle the ram for the other stations?

[rcmodel]

Take the sizing die out?

If they are already sized & trimmed, you don't want, or need to size them a second time.

rc

[loadedround]

I run two Dillon 550B's(for large and small primers) and as Rcmodel states, it is not necessary to relube your cases to continue loading. Regarding your second question; are you using the indexing pins that came with your shell plate, and if yes, are they the proper numbered ones? I just checked my press and the proper pin number is 3. I don't have any trouble with my cases not aligning with my dies and I'm not using Dillon dies but Redding ones. If still having problems, give Dillon a call...as they say "Don't suffer in silence". Another suggestion for you, I lube all my cases before starting to reload, run them all thru the reloading cycle and then dump the loaded rounds into my tumbler with treated corncob media for about 10 minutes and the lube is gone. I know I'll get flak from that statement, but it's worked for me for over 30 years. :)

[bullseye308]

Tumbling live ammo for a short time to remove the lube is fine and has been beaten to death as a bad thing to do. It's fine. :) The only problem I have with it is getting the media out of the hollow points. :banghead:

[WNTFW]

BHFG,
What I did on the 550B & .223 was get another tool head. ($18.00)
I set up just the sizing die in one. Lube, size, trim, debur & tumble.

Remaining 3 dies are set up on the the second tool head. I prime, charge, seat & into the bin. You can crimp or not.

On both toolheads I get to use the bin & don't have to keep count. I just advance once with each handle pull.

There are other ways to solve this, But that was what I did.

Regarding the shell holder: Make sure you get it as tight as you can & still spin freely. I clean underneath mine periodically. I deburred the detent holes very slightly & that helped smooth the operation.

If your lube is marginal that is a contributing factor. I found good lube give a you much better feel for what the press is doing.