Dillon 550 primer feed trouble

[USMC87]

I was loading some 357's and when the primer arm goes to load a primer it misses a primer and often gets stuck without returning to the prime position. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Alvarez Kelly]

Spent primer gunk can accumulate in and under the primer slide area. If it was me, I would pull the 2 allen screws holding on the primer assembly, and clean everything up. I would bet the problem goes away.

[tchepone]

Call Dillon, they are always happy to help solve problems with their equipment.

[runfiverun]

it's dirt and oil build-up.
just pull it apart and clean it.
i use soap stone to lube the primer stuff now and use a brush to keep the area clean.
i still have to take it apart ocasssionally.
so i just do it as part of a caliber change now, it takes about 5 minutes and isn't frustraing like in the middle of a 5-k run.

[wrench man]

The only time I ever had primer feed issues was when I didn't put the follower rod in the feed tube, I also have t do some slight adjustments when swapping from large to small slides.

[retread]

I use Elmers Dry Lubricant Spray on the primer areas and that has eliminated the problem on my 550.

[LUBEDUDE]

Assuming the return spring is still hooked up underneath the primer slide.....

what AK says in post#2- works every time!

[USMC87]

Thanks guys I'll clean her up and take off again.

[labradigger1]

I clean mine and lube with dry graphite fwiw

[David2011]

That's my major complaint with my 550. "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" applies on the 550 primer feed. After a few years I took a fine cut file and champhered the corners of the primer slide and made sure the sides were still flat. They have to be cleaned regularly.

David

[VHoward]

The primer system on the Square Deal B is similar and needs to be kept clean. The Primer system on the XL650 is different and have never had any issues with it.

[Alchemist]

Also check to make sure your primer follower is putting enough pressure on the primer stack. I used to have to put an empty case on top of the follower to make it work right. A 243 case works real well. I finally solved my problem by making a new heavier follower. And as already mentioned, keep it clean.

[VHoward]

A 45acp case also works.