Dillon 550 primer feed issue

[distra]

My trusty 550 has started to not feed primers all the time. It is like the primer drops after the seater has moved forward toward the shell plate. The primer ends up either bouncing off the primer slide onto the bench or off the primer slide onto the floor. It happens between 50 -75 rounds loaded. I changed the primer magazine tube and primer seater, but still having an issue. I'm using the large primer setup loading .45ACP. It was running great until last night when it happened several times. Then tonight the same thing. Any ideas as what is going on here? I'll call Dillon tomorrow, but if any of you have had similar issues please share the fix.

 

[dave from mesa]

While you didn't say what kind of primer you are using the arm that brings the primer up to the shellplate is adjustable. First thing I would do is pull it all apart and make sure there isn't any gunk underneath it.
If that isn't the problem Dillon will figure it out for you.
Good Luck

 

[lgbloader]

+1 on cleaning the primer slide. I would use alcohol and Q-Tips or those alcohol towlettes.. Sometimes when it is humid, the slide can get a bit sticky if it hasn't been cleaned.

LGB

 

[dave from mesa]

On more thing. When you push the arm up to put in a primer make sure it is going into the hole in the shell plate and not bouncing the primers out.

 

[PCJim]

I've run into primer feed problems only when the slider bar became gunked up and once when I screwed the primer tube cap on too tight and crunched the plastic tip that dispenses the primers. I'd take it apart and clean as previously recommended.

 

[rfwobbly]

I would use alcohol and Q-Tips

I don't think he's talking about beer either.

You might also run a cleaning patch down through the tube with a coat hanger wire too.

 

[distra]

I'm using CCI and Federal primers. I gave it a thorough cleaning and seems better, but still had 2 primers drop onto the bar. Dillon suggested cleaning and checking the primer cup height as well as not using CCI or Federal primers.

 

[dave from mesa]

agree with not using CCI. Have used Federal tho. Use mostly Win as they are the easiest to get.
Switch the primers and I am sure the problem will go away.
Good luck and let us know how it worked out.

 

[Floppy_D]

agree with not using CCI.

I've used exclusively CCI primers, and I don't think I've had a hiccup yet. Verify that the feed tube is debris-free and not bent, (if it starts at a certain point round being loaded, double-check that tube) and then clean up the slide as the others have suggested.

 

[tlen]

Sounds like this might be a primer magazine issue. If you changed primer sizes or removed the magazine be sure the magazine is seated properly. You have to turn the magazine slowly while inserting it so it lines up and drops down into the notch. I've never had problems with any CCI or Winchester primers, old or new.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Dillon suggested cleaning and checking the primer cup height as well as not using CCI or Federal primers

I am surprised to hear that Dillon would say this. I've used mostly cci and Federal primers for years in my Dillon 450, (same primer system). Tens of thousands of rounds.

Keeping things clean is what I've found to be the key.

-Steve

 

[dave from mesa]

Dillon Has always said not to use CCI. Something about the primer height. All things being equal you would think that the primers would be the same dimension. ie: small rifle.
Personally have not had any luck with them. Obviously some do have luck with them.
Like JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone said

Keeping things clean is what I've found to be the key.

 

[distra]

Update

Well it appears THR members have come through again. I cleaned the slide again with alcohol (rubbing of course ) as well as the magazine tube. Checked and rechecked the primer cup height and started loading. I loaded 200 rounds with Federal primers without a hiccup. I believe the quote below says it all. Thanks guys!

Keeping things clean is what I've found to be the key.

BTW Dillon's reason for not using CCI or Federal is as follows. CCI's are one of the hardest primer out there and they are harder to keep in spec. Federal's are so soft that they are also hard to keep in spec. The result is primers that are not consistent throughout the batch.