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Thread: Dillon 550 question

  1. #1
    Boolit Bub huli's Avatar
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    Dillon 550 question

    Does the primer supposed to go all the way into the little cup on the primer attachment. Mine would not fit in the cup so i used a die bit aand reamed it out some now it starts in the cup but not all the way? Also i cann not get the heigh to go as low as what is called for in the manual. from the bottom of priming slide to top of cup says to be 1.215 to 1.220 i put it in a clamp and fully compressed it and the tightened the set screw and when i relase clamp it goes back to 1.230..Any ideas.

  2. #2
    Boolit Mold
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    I am new to all this but are you using the right primers? I know there are at least 2 sizes and could be more.

  3. #3
    Boolit Buddy
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    Quote Originally Posted by huli View Post
    Does the primer supposed to go all the way into the little cup on the primer attachment. Mine would not fit in the cup so i used a die bit aand reamed it out some now it starts in the cup but not all the way? Also i cann not get the heigh to go as low as what is called for in the manual. from the bottom of priming slide to top of cup says to be 1.215 to 1.220 i put it in a clamp and fully compressed it and the tightened the set screw and when i relase clamp it goes back to 1.230..Any ideas.
    Put away the drill bits and back away from the bench.
    Is this a new press? If not, are you aware that there are two primer slides for the 550? One for large and one for small primers.
    "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you." Joe Heller

  4. #4
    Boolit Master
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    If you have a problem with a Dillon and you can't figure it out ask here and while you are waiting for us to get back to you CALL DILLON. 1-800-223-4570 Their Customer Service folks are at least 3 cuts above the average, they know their products from inside to outside, and will get you back in operation.

    FWIW I measured the height on my small primer arm and it was 1.225 and it works fine. If it gets under the primer tube you should be good to go. What primers are you using? I use Winchester and have never had a problem with them being too large for the cup.
    Some times it's the pot,
    Some times it's the pan,
    It might even be the skillet,
    But, most of the time, it's the cook.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master


    Alvarez Kelly's Avatar
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    No grinding is needed. Are you sure you have the right size primer punch and cup? What size do you need? As for setting the height, Dillon recommends compressing the assembly in a vice and then tightening the set screw. A tiny bit short is better than any amount of tall...

    PM me. I'll send you a new primer punch and cup if you need it.

  6. #6
    Boolit Bub huli's Avatar
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    I put it in a lrge c-clamp . Im using cci large pistol primers and the primer punch and cup that i got from you, Ill probably end up gettig a new one for that size primers but for now im just trying to get some ammo loaded lol..

  7. #7
    Boolit Buddy
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    Quote Originally Posted by huli View Post
    I put it in a lrge c-clamp . Im using cci large pistol primers and the primer punch and cup that i got from you, Ill probably end up gettig a new one for that size primers but for now im just trying to get some ammo loaded lol..
    If you are not certain you have the right priming parts STOP! You should wait for the right parts! You may get hurt or hurt someone else if you try to seat primers in an improper fashion!
    "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you." Joe Heller

  8. #8
    Boolit Master wrench man's Avatar
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    I don't see those specs in my manual at all???, but my large primmer slide does measure 1.220 also, it sure sounds like you're using large primers in the small slide?
    ASE master certified engine machinist
    Brake & Alignment specialist, ricer to class 8

  9. #9
    Boolit Master DaveInFloweryBranchGA's Avatar
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    I agree with wrench man, sounds like you're using the wrong parts. Go back and measure everything and check with Dillon before you proceed. You're subject to pop a primer with the situation you have now.

  10. #10
    Boolit Bub huli's Avatar
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    Thanks guys i had wrong primer punch set thanks again Steve

  11. #11
    Boolit Master



    Kevin Rohrer's Avatar
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    And another example of why its best to have **** start w/ a single-stage press--and get FTF help w/ setup and initial usage.
    Member: Orange Gunsite Family, NRA-Life, ARTCA, American Legion, & the South Cuyahoga Gun Club.

    Caveat Emptor: Do not trust Cavery Grips/American Gripz/Prestige Grips/Stealth Grips from Clayton, NC. He will rip you off.

  12. #12
    Boolit Master
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    Where I work we use ***. Mostly military guys. The 550 is very simple to setup and run. I have NEVER adjusted primer bars as far as cup, etc. I just use them. I've had numerous **** at the house for a reloading session. They are welcomed to come back whenever. It took an noob to show me a small primer 45 ACP case two years ago. My brass predates that by decades. Every once in a while I do range safety officer work. Some of these guys buy LNL, 2000, etc. They invite me over.

    I wish the WWW was available when I started. It would have saved me from making bad purchases but that's another story. Most of my information back then came from fellow competitors on the line. I always carried a notebook to take notes.

    The 550 can be stripped down and used or add on as much as you want.

    r1kk1

  13. #13
    Boolit Master

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    I can say that many moons ago I had to call Dillon for help. Had a mess going. Using all the right parts but having no luck. They sent me the primer alignment tool next day air and five minutes later the press was running like it should.

    Call them even if it is a used press that is new to you, or an old press that you have used forever. They will help you if you are willing to help them help you.

  14. #14
    Boolit Man
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    Call them even if it is a used press that is new to you, or an old press that you have used forever. They will help you if you are willing to help them help you.
    Agree 100%

  15. #15
    Boolit Master
    LUBEDUDE's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kevin Rohrer View Post
    And another example of why its best to have **** start w/ a single-stage press--and get FTF help w/ setup and initial usage.

    Took me 5 minutes to stop laughing before I could type.

    But- Right on!

    FTF is just priceless info.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check