Dillon SDB primer feeding issues

[osteodoc08]

Need some advise. I set up a Dillon SDB I got after my father passed away. It's set up for 45LC right now. I'm set up for LPP. When loading, I'm having issues with Primers either flipping out, getting pressed in sideways or backwards (yes they were loaded correctly). I think what is happening is when Full Length Sizing the brass, it will sometimes "hang up" on the up stroke (ram moving down and lever up) and then will quickly move and the primer flips out of the ram/arm portion to get put in backwards or sideways or once, not at all cause it flipped out. If it gets flipped out or the primer comes apart it will stick the dispenser and 4-5 primers will come out and jam everything up. I've made sure the correct guide piece is in place an the tube is all the way down.

I've cleaned the priming system and found some old powder and residue. I'm also gonna pull the sizing die and clean it cause there is no telling how many hundreds if not thousands of rounds has been through it without cleaning. Any other suggestions to look for?

I also don't really care for the SDB and will be getting a 550 or 650 soon. Likely the 550 because I prefer to manually index it myself. Opinions on that as well?

 

[4895]

The primer slide is the piece that slides back and forth in the press and brings a primer from the primer tube forward to the hole in the index plate which lines up with the brass in station 2 for priming. About a 1/2" above the primer slide is a small allen screw. That acts as the primer slide stop. If you make an adjustment to that, it may help. Either left or right and you should see a difference. A small adjustment is all that is necessary to notice a difference. It sounds like the primer slide adjustment is a little off and causing the problem. This is most common when switching between a small primer to large primer setup with the same primer assembly. If you want to switch often, I recommend getting a separate assembly and that will ease the transition. Also make sure the height of the primer ram, spring, and cup is correct to the instructions. It should be 1.410" +/- .003". Finally, check the instructions to make sure everything is a proper as can be before calling Dillon for help. If you want to send it to them, they will rebuild the whole unit for a nominal fee. Check the link for the owners manual if you like.

http://www.dillonhelp.com/manuals/english/Dillon-Square-Deal-B-Manual-May-2007.pdf

P.S. You can send them an email with all of the part numbers you want if you think a rebuild is needed. It won't hurt to replace everything in the press that is delrin material and apply a small amount of lubricant during reassembly. It really doesn't take more than about 30 minutes to completely disassemble, clean, and reassemble and it will make it run like a brand new one. Also, if you are getting a "jumpy" index, consider replacing the INDEX LEVER ASSEMBLY located in the parts section of the manual. Again, Dillon has awesome customer service and will ship any parts you need free of charge. Just send them a message from their website "contact us" page and include all part numbers and your name/address for shipment. Good luck with the square deal. They can be finicky to setup but once you figure it out, it is one sweet running machine.

 

[osteodoc08]

I guess I'll do a tear down and also clean the sizing die. I will likely line with Rem DriLube on the Delrin unless there are other suggestions. Ill also check function again.

It seems to get worse as the primer number dwindles to less than 15 or so.

 

[RainDodger]

I think the priming system of the SDB is the weakest part of the unit. I got tired of hassling with it 25 years ago and do all of my sizing and priming of cases as separate steps, long before going near the SDB.

That makes loading on the SDB very fast because I'm using primed cases and inserting them at station 2. Of course this works best if you keep a fairly large supply of primed cases on hand.

 

[mahansm]

I've found a couple causes of flaky priming on the SDB that you might check.

First, if the bench is not solid the movement of the press can cause the occasional primer to flip in the cup and go in either sideways or inverted.

Second, the bolt holding the advance pawl assembly inside the slide can loosen, causing the shellplate to not index to exactly the right position in time on the downstroke, causing it to catch the edge of the primer cup. The primer cup spring will compress slightly and when the cup snaps into position in the shellplate the primer may be disturbed.

The Dillon press maintenance kit includes a syringe of grease which should be enough to lubricate a press until your grandchildren need it.

A disassemble/clean/lubricate session should cure the priming issue. If all else fails, call Dillon and they'll be able to help.

 

[jmorris]

Sorry to hear about your Dad.

The only thing I can add to the above is that you might try lubing your cases, polish the expander (part that activates the powder measure) and be sure the primer anvil is fully seated and set screw is snug.

 

[LeftyTSGC]

+1 on the clean and relube. I had the same issue last night reloading 9mm. I cleaned the arm (advance pawl) that advances the shell plate and no problem. Try not to gum up the parts with too much lube it does cause it to stick and allows particles to get caught in it. Check to make sure all parts are clean and aligned. If you have further problems then contact Dillon.

 

[whughett]

The priming system has always been the Achilles heel of my Dillon 550. Gave up on the self operating system for the primer years ago.
I removed the wire thingy that moved the slide back and got into the habit of pulling the slide back by hand and sliding it forward before raising the operating handle. The funny thing is that the slide has a cross hatched area on its end, almost like they were made to be manual operated. I can still turn out 500 a hour.

If there is a way for the SD to be operated the same give it a try.

 

[Hondo 60]

I was having similar issues on my 550.
I had over-tightened the bolts that hold the "Primer Housing & Shield" in place and it warped.

A call to Dillon & a new one was on the way.
I specifically told 'em it was my fault, but they sent the part free of charge any way.

 

[osteodoc08]

I used a 550 for as long as I can remember reloading. I've got that one down to a science and rarely ever lose any pieces (brass primers etc) while reloading. I have been able to solve all its issues. The SDB is new to me and I'm not a huge fan of the auto index "feature". That and I don't have as much room to work in the press area. Those that have used the SDB will know what I mean.

 

[osteodoc08]

JMorris. Thank you for the sympathy. He died a young 57 in his sleep, likely from a massive heart attack. There was still so much for me to learn from him.

 

[jmorris]

There is never enough time to learn from fathers and grandfathers, you don't even know all of the questions you would like answers to yet.

One other problem area on the SD, 550 and 1050, is the plastic tip on the primer tube (the 650 uses a brass tip). I always change the tip out first when I start having problems and the retaining nut that holds the tube in the blast shield is tighened down just enough to touch the tube. Always seems to work better "loose".

 

[Jimbo53]

As 4895 stated, check the primer slide adjustment. My SDB was having the same issue and that was the problem.