Priming woes on new 550B

[Eb1]

Okay.. I finally got around to priming with the Dillion, and going manual progressive with .223 loads. Before I had all of my brass primed, and just skipped the first station.

I think it is going to take some time to get use to priming with this press. I cannot seem to get the hang of it. I either miss a primer or flatten a primer.
I just cannot seem to get the motions down. I wonder if I have the primer bar installed correctly.

I can show some pictures if needed. Anyone have any advice?

 

[3GunEric]

I am no expert but have a 550B since 94. Just started after a 10 year break.

Sounds like something is big-time wrong with your set-up.

1) Missing a primer:

A) Make sure that the primer tube is fully seated. After you insert it you have to semi-turn it and it will settle firmly into place.
B) Make sure that the magazine tube is clean inside and free of obstructions -and not bent/warped.
C) Make sure that the plastic bottom on the feed tube is ok -not bent or cracked. I just had a bent one and primer feeding was all wrong.

2) Flatten primers:

A) Usually if my 223 primers don't sit well it is due to the brass having a military crimp in the primer pocket. This is used on military brass for use in machineguns. The crimp needs to be removed. I have a Dillon swager that uses pressure to open the primer pocket to the correct size. Others cut the crimp out. There is much discussion on this forum regarding the crimp.

The primer situation is serious and should not be. If 550B is sound , brass is good (No crimp), and primers are correct - then seating primers should be a breeze.

Contact Dillon for full support.

Also: Go slow with the machine - do not try to set any speed records -slow and easy does it.

 

[RustyFN]

First thing I would do is double check to make sure you have the small primer tube and small primer insert installed. Also do you have any NATO brass that still need to have the primer pockers swagged.The only time I have a problem on my 550 is when I run into a primer pocket I missed swagging.

 

[TwoEyedJack]

I ran into similar problems on my 550 once. I had not cleaned the primer bar or the track it slides in for quite a while and it was not sliding smoothly, which was causing the primers to get tipped in the cup. I cleaned everything with flitz metal polish and left it dry, i.e. no lube. That solved that problem.

The other thing I have seen is that the rod that runs the primer bar can get bent and not put enough rearward pressure on the primer bar, so it does not reliably pick up the next primer. Just bend it out a little and put it back in.

 

[Hondo 60]

If you have the correct primer tube, make sure your brass isn't crimped.
Then check the "bent paper clip" looking thing (13926 Cartridge Spring) is pushing the brass into the correct seating area to receive a primer.

Also, make sure you have the right primer cup - either lg or sm

 

[Eb1]

Correct primer tube, all brass swagged, no bent tubes or tips. Maybe it is just me not use to priming on the press, but I make full stokes with the ram. It just hasn't been right since I got it.

I will try some .223 brass that isn't military brass. But like I said the crimp has been removed. Strange. Thanks for the reminders.

There is a jerk even when it is empty of primers like the cup is hitting the shell plate. I will take a look at that.

 

[HighExpert]

Make sure that the primer cup/press is seated all the way into the bar. You have to hold it down against the spring tension and tighten the set screw.

 

[3GunEric]

It's not your stroke! I know the "jerk"you are talking about. HighExpert is on the right path in the previous post.

 

[gearjammer-2000]

one other thing to check is to make sure the shim under the primer bars is actually there, [learned the hard way]

 

[Eb1]

It is me. I did a few today, and have not found the correct rhythm. Some were good and some were not.

 

[Maj Dad]

Back when I started with my 550 I had similar problems, and consulted with books & anyone I could find, and finally called Dillon. They walked my through it, spending I know over an hour on the phone with me, very patiently guiding me through all the potential problems with the primer system, and I finally got my stride. There is much more help available now (like here), but sometimes trying to assimilate all the advice is overwhelming, and I can assure you that Dillon will clear it up for you. I could tell you all the things I've learned over the years but it would be a veritable book, and not as helpful as one call to Big Blue. But if you hit a brick wall, PM me and I will start writing...
Hope it helps
George J.

 

[GaryL]

Assuming all the mechanical issues are worked out, as suggested....

Also: Go slow with the machine - do not try to set any speed records -slow and easy does it.

I think this bears repeating. Go slow, and work on getting a 'feel' for everything, and work on smooth motions.

Over time, slow, steady, and smooth will turn into the pace that is right for you, and you'll find yourself running out of components pretty quickly.

 

[Eb1]

Yes, yes.
I am going slow and steady. I have spoke with them, support, and they are very good instructors.
I think I am working in my confidence. First 500 were primed brass, and I went slow and weighed often to build confidence with the press.

 

[MikeS.]

"Then check the "bent paper clip" looking thing (13926 Cartridge Spring). "

This has become the bain of my 550 reloading. I'm having a Heck of a time using it.

Guess I'll try Utube see if I can get some ideas.

 

[kelbro]

"Then check the "bent paper clip" looking thing (13926 Cartridge Spring). "

This has become the bain of my 550 reloading. I'm having a Heck of a time using it.

I set mine where it is just almost touching the brass.

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

I either miss a primer

Make sure you push the handle all the way to the bottom of the stroke. You will have to perform the "Dillon Lean" to do this unless you have a Strong Mount installed. When you start back up and the primer arm moves forward, look to see that a primer is in the cup.

or flatten a primer.

Make sure the primer cup is the right size and that it is clean. Also, if you get too aggressive in the upstroke of the handle, a primer has been known to jump around in the cup and get cockeyed.

I wonder if I have the primer bar installed correctly.

That proper adjustment of the arm is critical.

 

[MikeS.]

I set mine where it is just almost touching the brass.

Thanks man, this tip really helped. I just finished loading 500 .357 and after tweaking the spring a couple times it was smooth sailing.

 

[kelbro]

Good deal. It took me a while to find the magic setting. I have two 550s and that setting works the best for me for small and large cartridges.

 

[Eb1]

"Then check the "bent paper clip" looking thing (13926 Cartridge Spring). "

Bingo! We have a winner!

I think this was my problem. I loaded up 100 .223 today, and only had a problem three time, and that was when the primer flipped in the tube. It was weird, but I am still working out the kinks, but I adjusted that paper clip, and it helped tremendously.

Thanks.

 

[SWG]

550 b

And don't use Remington primers!!! My 550 runs great with Win., CCI, Fed.,or Magtech. Put Remington primers in and it does the same things you said yours was doing.

 

[Eb1]

Right now I am running Wolf Magnum Small Rifle Primers from 2007.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

loosen the two screws that hold the primer assembly just enough where the assembly moves around easily now lower the ram until you can guide the primer cup into the shell plate. With the cup in the shell plate tighten the screws. this will insure the assembly is ligned up properly. Also make sure you havent damaged the plastic tip on the primer tube that goes in the main tube and make sure you have the right tip on the right tube.

 

[CGT80]

There are two allen or hex screws that control how far forward or rearward the primer slide will go. A pin on the bar will hit the head of the big allen screw when the bar moves forward toward the shell plate. There is a smaller allen screw that could protrude under the stack of primers and may stop the bar from moving backward (to pick up a primer) too far. Right now that smaller screw doesn't appear to be sticking out enough to act as a stop, on my press.

Also, do not over tighten the two allen screws that hold the priming assembly in place. The assembly can bulge where the primer bar slides in it. The newer assemblies have helicoils to strengthen the threads. My old one was just aluminum that was tapped with threads. It stripped out. The new assembly did get some bulges from use, so I had to resort to carefully filing the bulge that was rubbing on the primer bar. This made a huge difference.

The 550 primer system has caused me some headache, but my machine was well used when I got it. I absolutely love the 1050, and also bought that one new. Even when the dillon has issues, it still beats some of the other brands out there.

 

[Eb1]

All is good advise. I think I am rocking and rolling now. Thanks.