My first only real press was and is a Dillon 550. I bought it used, but it came with all sorts of accessories and gadgets. I feel like it was a good choice and it has served me well.
I don't prime on my press and never will, but the priming system is there nonetheless to keep the carousel at the proper height in the resting position. Other than that, most of the pieces to that system just get in the way of otherwise efficient loading. The other day I finally got aggravated at the primer tube for the last time and I removed it to take it in to work. Initially I intended to simply remove the primer tube from the primer housing, but after my friend and I wrenched on it for a few minutes it was clear the tube would snap before we could get it unstuck - the tube has corroded into the housing. Incidentally the primer tube is made of very soft metal. I was surprised how easily it got marked up.
After consulting with the Dillon exploded parts diagram, I discovered a new housing/tube assembly costs $55 and comes as one piece. That doesn't help me at all! So off I went to the bandsaw and this is what resulted:
Yes, that's right - I chopped it clean off! I know, many of you will jump in here and ask why I didn't just call up Dillon and get a new one sent out? I figured even if they sent me a new one, the chances of the tube coming out would be slim (it.looks like they used some kind of glue/epoxy on the threads). Besides, I have never used the tube and have no intention to do so. So now I'm going to take the stub home and remount it to the press.
I don't prime on my press and never will, but the priming system is there nonetheless to keep the carousel at the proper height in the resting position. Other than that, most of the pieces to that system just get in the way of otherwise efficient loading. The other day I finally got aggravated at the primer tube for the last time and I removed it to take it in to work. Initially I intended to simply remove the primer tube from the primer housing, but after my friend and I wrenched on it for a few minutes it was clear the tube would snap before we could get it unstuck - the tube has corroded into the housing. Incidentally the primer tube is made of very soft metal. I was surprised how easily it got marked up.
After consulting with the Dillon exploded parts diagram, I discovered a new housing/tube assembly costs $55 and comes as one piece. That doesn't help me at all! So off I went to the bandsaw and this is what resulted:
Yes, that's right - I chopped it clean off! I know, many of you will jump in here and ask why I didn't just call up Dillon and get a new one sent out? I figured even if they sent me a new one, the chances of the tube coming out would be slim (it.looks like they used some kind of glue/epoxy on the threads). Besides, I have never used the tube and have no intention to do so. So now I'm going to take the stub home and remount it to the press.
Last edited: