[dzrtram]

I just joined yesterday. This morning I was looking at the past posts here and I would appreciate some clarification/explanation on not using the primer on a progressive. DamnedDirtyApe said "I don't use the ram primer on my Dillon 550B. Get a $15 Lee Auto-Prime hand primer, and the red box of shell holders for it." I am having a problem with my Dillon 550 not priming after it deprimes, and sometimes the primer goes in backwards/upside down. I obviously need to fix that before I use it again. However, I have loaded with it a lot before this started happening, and I'm aware that it could be ME.
The thing that confuses me, and I do mean "confuse", not disagree or find fault, is why use the Lee Auto-Prime? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a progressive in the first place? I can load a lot of rounds on the Dillon before someone can get all set up on a single stage. I'm talking pistol here. I don't particularly like the Dillon for rife, but that's just me. I'm sure there must be some good reason for some of you doing this, but I sure don't see it. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[MonkeyMan]

I use an RCBS hand primer on all my reloads even though I use a Hornady LNL progressive for pistol rounds. I've been using one since I started many years age using just an RCBS Rockchucker and haven't come up with a good reason to change. I can sit and watch TV while I prime 1000 cases or so, sort of like therapy, put them in a ziplock bag and then I don't have to futz with loading primer tubes.

[Master Blaster]

Call Dillion and ask for help.

It may be a worn part or an adjustment problem.

Dillion will take care of you without any charge, any parts or advice you may need.

It could just be that the works are dirty or worn, especially the little plastic thing on the resevoir tube.

I have loaded about 25,000 rounds of different ammo on my RL550B, and I always use the press priming system. On the rare occaision it malfunctions, its been because of crud or a spent primer in the way.

[dzrtram]

Master Blaster, thanks for the info. I'll give Dillon a call if I can't figure it out myself.

[dzrtram]

Monkey Man, do you remove the deprimer in the first stage (in a Dillon anyway), or do you just remove the entire die? The Dillon primes and deprimes in the first stage, so that's all I know about. I hate filling those primer tubes also. Thanks for the idea.

[m1911joe]

Dzrtram the first thing you want to do is take the primer system off and
clean the bottom of primer transfer bar off. It likes to get dirt from the old
primers built up on the bottom of it. Next check the plastic tip on the end
of the inner primer tube if it is deformed change it. If you don't have a new
tip call Dillon and they will send you a new one. If you still are having
trouble with it call Dillon and they will talk you thru getting it fixed.

A friend of mine comes over from time to time to reload some ammo. He
also primes the cases before he comes over. All I do is take out the
depriming pin and I'm ready to go.

P.S. I have found that after about 1000 rounds there can be enought dirt
on the primer transfer bar to cause some miner problems. And I clean it at
that round count and have not had any trouble with it for many a year.

[dzrtram]

Thank you, m1911joe. Good information. Clean equipment does work better, doesn't it?:D

[SASS#23149]

dzrtram; when inserting cases,it is easy to nudge the primer activator rod(that shiny,bent,metal thing that operates the primer doohickey) and if it's in a smidge too far the primers will flip up,and sometimes over.I take mine out occasionally and steel wool it back to shiny,so that it "floats" in the correct position.
Cleaning the primer mech. is a must also.
As to priming separately,I see no reason to since I'm using a progressive/semi-progressive press.

[dzrtram]

That's good to know. I seem to have constant problems with this. I'll do as you say.:)

[Ivanimal]

I use the prime function on my Dillon always itds the only system I use. The only problem I have ever had is with the plastic piece at the end getting out of round and not allowing a primer to drop. I called Dillon and they sent me 4 free of charge next day air.

[dzrtram]

Ivanimal,
I've had trouble with those also. I'm just about to call Dillon and see if I can get some of the same treatment.
:)

[Ivanimal]

Ley me know how you do.

[dzrtram]

OK, I'll keep you informed.