New to reloading, got a Dillon 550 today

[rfwobbly]

I think the most important reloading safety tip is to hang the Dillon calendar on the wall BEHIND your chair.




• So what kind of a scale did you get?

• Is it possible for you to do you first reloading at your buddy's house where he can look over your shoulder?

 

[bubbacrabb]

Well, he gave me an inexpensive lee scale. He was going to come over tonight and run thru the steps for me, I've been reading my tail off. Unfortunatly, I just recieved news that he is very ill. He has a lot of battles with his diabetes. Im praying he is ok.
On another note, going by Dillon's directions.... Step one use the machine as a template and drill 4 quarter inch holes... I marked the holes, but one of the holes is more 1/8 than 1/4. If you're facing the front of the press its the front one on the right. The others are all 1/4 for sure, this one is visually smaller, and just to make sure my eye sight wasnt going out at 29 I tried to put a 1/4 bolt thru and its a no go.. I emailed Dillon, I basically said I might be an idiot but... and then told that story. Hope Im right and its supposed to be 1/4 nothing else in the directions mention anything about mounting it to the bench other than that. Its 40 miles for me to go back to Dillon. Im not looking forward to fighting traffic if its a goof on their end. Cost me 20 dollars of gas, and a few hours of time to get back. I've read the manual 3 times, and been reading my Hornady book he gave me. It has pretty good info to, why this does that kinda stuff, and how to's.

 

[billybob44]

Well, he gave me an inexpensive lee scale. He was going to come over tonight and run thru the steps for me, I've been reading my tail off. Unfortunatly, I just recieved news that he is very ill. He has a lot of battles with his diabetes. Im praying he is ok.
On another note, going by Dillon's directions.... Step one use the machine as a template and drill 4 quarter inch holes... I marked the holes, but one of the holes is more 1/8 than 1/4. If you're facing the front of the press its the front one on the right. The others are all 1/4 for sure, this one is visually smaller, and just to make sure my eye sight wasnt going out at 29 I tried to put a 1/4 bolt thru and its a no go.. I emailed Dillon, I basically said I might be an idiot but... and then told that story. Hope Im right and its supposed to be 1/4 nothing else in the directions mention anything about mounting it to the bench other than that. Its 40 miles for me to go back to Dillon. Im not looking forward to fighting traffic if its a goof on their end. Cost me 20 dollars of gas, and a few hours of time to get back. I've read the manual 3 times, and been reading my Hornady book he gave me. It has pretty good info to, why this does that kinda stuff, and how to's.

bubba, save your gas money+time. Let the Dillon people know that you either expect a new RL550 at your door step, or you are going to pass a 1/4" drill bit through the "Brand New" press that you just bought from them. At this time also let them know about the rude treatment you were shown when you picked up your press. I feel certain that they will do something to "Sweeten the Pot" for your dealings that you have had with their company?? Bill.

 

[bubbacrabb]

Will do bud, I emailed them about this, and told them to email me a number to reach them at when im at work tomorrow. I kinda thought maybe if i brought it back I could maybe get a hook up. Im not that mad about the hole, it was probably a early monday morning, or late Friday evening production error Would be sweet if they had a set of dies and a strong mount laying around collecting dust:0 that could make my day Was just ready to get it together, read and then look at what exactly I'm reading about. I think thats when Im going to learn the most. Just having it infront of me so I can have a visual. Also, anyone reading this please place my friend Cal in your prayers, he's the one helping me. He's having a rough time with is diabetes, heard he's in the hospital. hope he turns out ok.

 

[gearjammer-2000]

go to this site its the dillon forums and Dillon himself will usually answer any question you have.
www.dillonprecision.com/#/the_forum.html

 

[bubbacrabb]

Thanks gearjammer, i'll be sure to check that out. I called dillon about the hole, they said that QC knows about it, they said they thought they caught them all but 5 got out that were flashed over. Told me to return it, which is a 2 hour drive round trip, fighting terrible traffic, or take a punch or drill bit from the bottom and drive it out. I did the punch option. It worked out, a lot of the blue powder coat came off leaving metal exposed. I dropped a lot of money on this thing. starting to wonder if I made the right decision. Heres their email back today:

I checked with QC and they tell me a few went out with flashing over the top of the hole. We can swap it out or else if you go from the bottom of the frame up you can either drill it out or hit it with a quarter inch round punch to shear it off. Let us know. Our most sincere apologies of the inconvenience. QC thought they caught them all, but inventory says 5 got out.



Thank you,

Dillon Precision Products, Inc.

I dont spend 400+ dollars often, half tempted to take it back and ask for my money back. Probably not returnable now with the hole being jacked up..

 

[rfwobbly]

You catch more flies with honey.

Mr Crabb -
Let me assure you that these guys, given half a chance, are going to make this right for you. Just remain calm and stick to the facts when you talk to them.
• You've already documented with them that the hole was not right.
• They told you to try a drill, which you did.
• Paint popped off. That's not your fault.
• You have done nothing wrong.
• Call them Friday and here's what you say.... You already know one of the mounting holes is not right. I did as you suggested, trying to save both of us some grief, but a big chunk of paint popped off my brand new press. I'm not very happy about that, but neither can I afford to drive back to your place of business for an exchange. I'd like for you to send me a brand new press, please. That's the only thing now that will fix this situation. If you want my present press returned to you, then please enclose a label with your address and your UPS account number. I'll gladly drop off the old press, repackaged for return to you at UPS.

You'll have a new press by Wednesday. I guarantee.