Seating primers with a Dillon 550

[Catpop]

I see some comments that some prefer to prime by a method other than on the 550. What is/are the reason(s) why they do this? Just curious?
I have found it takes less effort to seat primers with the 550 that the SDB. And if I use the same force as with the SDB, I tend to flatten the primer face. It must be in the mechanical advantage.
Generally the only time I have a problem on the 550 is when I try to seat a large primer in a small primer pocket

 

[glc24]

The 550B works just fine for me. There are times I would just rather hand prime.

 

[frankmako]

I have had problems with the 550 seating primers in the past. I found a after market item that keeps the primer bar straight on ebay years ago. No more problems.

 

[Whiterook808]

I don't have any problems priming on the 550. The only time I don't prime on the 550 is when I am too lazy to change the primer feed from small to large and back. I do decap off the press because I like to keep the grime out of the press and if I want to clean the primer pockets. I also prefer to not decap on my single stage for the same reason. Again, laziness. I can decap in front of the TV with my Harvey Deprimer, so it happens while I am just sitting around anyway.

 

[jmorris]

Some people like the “feel”. I’ll admit to appreciating it myself except for presses like the 1050 and load master where you set the depth.

The SD was my first progressive to load on, over 30 years ago and I developed a habit of taking two fingers around the primer tube blast shield and “squeezing” the primers into the pocket. Like this.



When I got my first 650 (used) I made a bracket where I could do the same thing to seat the primers with a squeeze. I didn’t like the strong mount or roller handle so I learned the feel with the push of the ball. You’ll have it down shortly.

 

[Gary Wells]

I prime & de-prime on my Dillon 550and see no reason to do otherwise. However, I think that some bullseye & benchrest shooters prefer to seat manually

 

[Catpop]

I have had problems with the 550 seating primers in the past. I found a after market item that keeps the primer bar straight on ebay years ago. No more problems.

I would love to have a picture of that item!

 

[jmorris]

It’s the part Dillon calls the primer track bearing (14015) but with an actual bearing on it.



I haven’t needed to change mine but I know the guy that came up with the idea.

 

[glc24]

I would love to have a picture of that item!

The plate and bearing work very well indeed!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dillon-550B-Primer-Track-Bearing-Plate-W-Ball-Bearing-/231783630462

 

[cheygriz]

Never had any issues priming on the Dillons.

On single stage presses I normally use an RCBS bench priming tool.

 

[glaizinman]

It’s the part Dillon calls the primer track bearing (14015) but with an actual bearing on it.

View attachment 815370

I haven’t needed to change mine but I know the guy that came up with the idea.

Jmorris I bought the same primer slide from EBay love solved my problems! Great upgrade!

 

[2011redrider]

I see some comments that some prefer to prime by a method other than on the 550. What is/are the reason(s) why they do this? Just curious?
I have found it takes less effort to seat primers with the 550 that the SDB. And if I use the same force as with the SDB, I tend to flatten the primer face. It must be in the mechanical advantage.
Generally the only time I have a problem on the 550 is when I try to seat a large primer in a small primer pocket

Sounds like 45 acp with blazer headstamps!

 

[Catpop]

Sounds like 45 acp with blazer headstamps!

I’m learning that now that a friend gave me a 5 gallon bucket of mixed brass- most 45 being spp Blazer brass.
But I’m good it was free!