Dillon 550b and 30-06

Justinray

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Minuteman
Sep 9, 2013
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Just got back in town and set up my 550b for the first time, reloaded a handful of .45 to get the hang of it, then switched over to 30-06, and the case gets stuck in the sizing/depriming die, am I doing something wrong? I have the die set to give the proper size, but it gets stuck in and takes a hard pull to unjam it.
 
What kind of lube are you using? If it's a spray lube than maybe it's just a bit light? Also I'm not familiar with the 550 specifically but I'm assuming that your sizing die has an expander ball right? That may be the source of your problems, check it for a burr, maybe polish it a bit, and if you're not already brush out the case necks and apply some lube inside the neck
 
If it is getting stuck at the bottom of the stroke, then it is not enough lube, or perhaps not letting the lube dry a bit, if using something like the Dillon spray-on, where you need to let the alcohol evaporate a bit first. Cases should feel just slightly tacky/waxy if using a lanolin based case lube.

If it is sticking mid-way on the stroke on the upstroke, then most likely the expander ball, as GrantA mentioned. So take the expander ball off the depriming stem to troubleshoot and see if that helps. Carbide ball is the way to go, otherwise, dip the case neck in a mica powder to lube the insides.

Lyman Case Neck Dipper | Sinclair Intl

A small fraction of the mica refill in an old-school film container about half filled with BB's makes and easy and cheap applicator for case necks.
 
I use my 550B for 308 and 30-06 I resize on an RCBS single station, inspect for length, trim as needed and then tumble. In the Dillon I prime, drop powder and seat.
All my 308 and 30-06 loads are food for a couple of Garands, case length is critical.
 
If you are using the die for the first time, this is not unheard of. Grease the shit out of a case with imperial wax and size it. After that, the die should be good to go with small amounts of lube afterwards.