Dillon 550b primer feeding question

[SOBRYDEL]

I have a 550b that I just started loading with. It will only feed a primer every other pull of the handle. So instead of doing 4 cases at a time, I can only do 2. Been trying to contact Dillon for two weeks with no luck. They either don't answer the phone or it's busy all day long.

Anyone know how to adjust this thing so it will feed a primer every time??

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Dillon 550b primer feeding question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ANVIL11-87</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a 550b that I just started loading with. It will only feed a primer every other pull of the handle. So instead of doing 4 cases at a time, I can only do 2. Been trying to contact Dillon for two weeks with no luck. They either don't answer the phone or it's busy all day long.

Anyone know how to adjust this thing so it will feed a primer every time?? </div></div>

Do you have the primer tube inserted carefully into the primer tube magazine? There is only one way for that to go in and there's a witness mark on the end of the pickup tubes that faces forward, that must be inserted properly, for the primers to drop onto the little white finger that moves in and out when the primer bar is retracted.

Also, you need to make sure that that primer bar can retract fully to the rear, to pick up a primer from the tube. Look at what I'm talking about, from the back of the press, towards the front, where that primer housing is, as you'll see what I mean.

Also, those primer 'cups' need to be cinched down onto the anvil properly, under spring tension. You'll see a little set screw, that can be tightened, to 'fix' that anvil piece into place. It can be crooked at times and not give you the proper anvil height, within the cup.

Finally, is the primer bar moving unrestricted, on it's little platform?

Chris

 

[gimpy]

Re: Dillon 550b primer feeding question

The other trick is to put a .45 case on the end of the primer follower. I also put a .40 projectile inside of the case for extra weight... Just don't drop the follower on a low primer tube like this

 

[DT1]

Re: Dillon 550b primer feeding question

Is your press new or used? You should not be having issues like this with a new Dillon press.

Keep trying the tech line. I'm sure they're incredibly busy these days but their techs are amazing and can troubleshoot almost anything over the telephone. Be sure to be at your press when you call them.

 

[wirehand]

Re: Dillon 550b primer feeding question

Sometimes mine does this and needs cleaning.
Take apart the priming system and wipe the primer bar,plate under bar and the inside of the primer tower with a solvent.

Giving the rod a little extra bend that actuates the primer bar helps also.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Re: Dillon 550b primer feeding question

Mine is the same way--if it misses a primer once it twice, means time to clean. I wipe down primer bar and race with alcohol and then use a tiny amount of dry graphite.

Dillon asked my buddy if he was using CCI primers--which he was. He was told they hear more issues with cci primers but could not explain why.

I use a time of cci primers through mine. When it hiccups--just needs cleaning and if clean haven't noticed difference between brands.

 

[pcschwenke]

Re: Dillon 550b primer feeding question

I have had that issue a couple times as well. Look behind where the primers fall from the case and see if there is a dead (removed) primer in the way of pick up arm. This normally is the issue. Sometimes it's very difficult to see the spent primer. Blow out this area well.

 

[dustinoif3]

Re: Dillon 550b primer feeding question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ANVIL11-87</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a 550b that I just started loading with. It will only feed a primer every other pull of the handle. So instead of doing 4 cases at a time, I can only do 2. Been trying to contact Dillon for two weeks with no luck. They either don't answer the phone or it's busy all day long.

Anyone know how to adjust this thing so it will feed a primer every time?? </div></div>

I've had the problem from time to time. Is it the small primer by chance? I never have issues with the large set up. Just the small. Bending the rod helps. That's what dillon told me awhile back. I've found that if you put one drop of oil on top of the shim only and spread it evenly with a q tip it creates a barrier between the smooth shim and ruff texture bar. Also I've noticed if I torque the two bolts underneath to tight it will make the bar drag just enough to frustrate the piss out of ya. I've gotten into the habit of standing off to the left a touch so I can see the primer bar as it goes back in to see whether it picked one up or not. If it didn't ill just pull it back by hand it continue loading. Good luck. It's a great press. I've loaded prolly 7 or 8k on mine in about a year and a half.

 

[280nosler]

Re: Dillon 550b primer feeding question

Take it apart (the primer system) and bow it out with compressed air. Sounds like you have a gremlin in your primer system screwing with timing.