DILLON 550B Overhaul

My first 550B was bought used. I'm not sure of the age, 10 years or so?
The ram is getting very stiff ,especially in between uses. I lube the ram and linkages where the handle is connected to, but it barely helps . My powder measure is also the older style with the spring return, not the fail safe linkage.

Anyway, I called Dillon and they said they would take the press linkages apart and lube them for me. The price was about $68, which I thought was a bargain. I was expecting a lot more.

Has anyone had this done? I am also thinking about having them put on the failsafe kit for the newer style powder measure.....thoughts?

EddieNFL

I guess you got lucky with just freight. Dillon Is charging for this now, which is ok, considering price. I don't like the new style either but I can't find any old ones and I'd like to get another measure for the other tool head I have.

Pic of older 550B

243winxb,

Yeah, I'm going to ask Dillon about that. I have another brand new machine and I noticed it has the grease fitting.

Kevin

Yes, I've lubed the ram and tried to wipe away gunk as best as I could. I think the problem is the linkages. If you notice on the new machines they put a grease fitting on the lower. I've tried lubricating from the ends but with no success. Dillon thinks its the linages too when I called.


Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

Kevin Rohrer said:

Interesting. I got my press on or before 1995 and have never oiled the linkage, just the ram. I will take a look at what is involved in getting at the linkage.

Click to expand...

Kevin,

Yeah, I guess since you used your 550 that helped a lot. Who knows where the previous owner left mine? Garage,basement? I could be rust,galling?

Certaindeaf said:

Since when is a lube job an "overhaul"? Never know.

Click to expand...

Certaindeaf,

Pardon my choice of words...maybe I should say "update"??? Dillon said they would take the linkages apart and see what the problem is,"they" said maybe clean & lubed. I'm sorry if I'm not an expert tinkerer that takes apart all I own. I'd like to update the powder measure system and the grease fitting for the linkages if possible. I was brand new and excited when I bough this used 550...in hindsight I probably should've bought a new one?
I got it with a strong mount,binds, 2 tool heads,dies for 45acp &223rem for $400.....

I got my 550 B back from Dillon and it is updated , just like a brand new press. New powder measure, fail safe ,grease fitting on linkage and all for $68. That's what I call great service. The ram is smooth as butter now!