Primer feed prob on Dillon 550

L. Boscoe · May 24, 2022, 05:12 PM

I have a nice (used) 550, dunno if it is an A, B, C, or X model. It does have the teflon coated primer feed bar. For some reason, and not necessarily constant, it overfeeds primers with the result that when loading an extra one finds its way onto the base, announcing its presence by the obstruction of the main platform so it won't go all the way back to start. I have cleaned as well as I know how to,
vacuuming and wiping down the primer bar etc. I am thinking maybe there is an adjustment problem?? The extra primer has to be arriving during the powder cycle, but that's the only indication I can offer to ye experts
I am loading 45acp with large primers.

**Unclenick** · May 24, 2022, 05:20 PM

Call Dillon and describe the problem. They will probably tell you the plastic primer feed fingers for the bottom of the primer feed tube are worn out and will send you a replacement. They will honor the lifetime warranty even though you are not the original owner.

jag2 · May 25, 2022, 09:41 AM

I have the SDB but I'm guessing the system is the same, but double check that. So, did you remove the entire primer feed unit? It's really the only way to properly clean it. Need some Q-tips to clean places you can't even see. Usually some loose gun powder. Just a good wipe down, no grease or oil needed.

sncup · May 25, 2022, 11:08 AM

Plastic fingers being plastic are prone to deteriorate but easy to replace. You can replace just the plastic bottom piece of the primer tube. Or the whole primer tube. Having extra’s of both is cheap.

Browse Dillons website and order spares.
RL 550 SERIES SPARE PARTS KIT
Stock Number: 20048 $33.00

https://www.dillonprecision.com/rl-5...116_25373.html

L. Boscoe · May 28, 2022, 11:00 AM

Emailed Dillon -they are sending replacements, no mention of charge, so I assume they are free!

BillM · May 29, 2022, 08:59 AM

Uniquetek brass primer tube ends, SKU T1739

Used to go through the Dillon plastic ends on the primer feed tube
every couple of months. Little fingers would get distorted and it
would double feed or not feed.
Since I went to the brass tips last year I have had ZERO issues.
The other two things that help with the 550 are the plate with roller
bearing that goes below the primer slide, and an empty 45 case on the
plastic follower rod.

KMO · May 29, 2022, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Emailed Dillon -they are sending replacements, no mention of charge, so I assume they are free!

Dillon is known for excellent customer service. I'm sure this is a no-charge courtesy for you. You might buy a few extra of those plastic tips.

May 24, 2022, 05:12 PM	#1
L. Boscoe Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2021 Posts: 288	Primer feed prob on Dillon 550 I have a nice (used) 550, dunno if it is an A, B, C, or X model. It does have the teflon coated primer feed bar. For some reason, and not necessarily constant, it overfeeds primers with the result that when loading an extra one finds its way onto the base, announcing its presence by the obstruction of the main platform so it won't go all the way back to start. I have cleaned as well as I know how to, vacuuming and wiping down the primer bar etc. I am thinking maybe there is an adjustment problem?? The extra primer has to be arriving during the powder cycle, but that's the only indication I can offer to ye experts I am loading 45acp with large primers.

May 24, 2022, 05:20 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,093	Call Dillon and describe the problem. They will probably tell you the plastic primer feed fingers for the bottom of the primer feed tube are worn out and will send you a replacement. They will honor the lifetime warranty even though you are not the original owner. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

May 28, 2022, 11:00 AM	#5
L. Boscoe Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2021 Posts: 288	Primer feed prob on Dillon Emailed Dillon -they are sending replacements, no mention of charge, so I assume they are free!

May 25, 2022, 09:41 AM	#3
jag2 Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2009 Location: dallas Posts: 773	I have the SDB but I'm guessing the system is the same, but double check that. So, did you remove the entire primer feed unit? It's really the only way to properly clean it. Need some Q-tips to clean places you can't even see. Usually some loose gun powder. Just a good wipe down, no grease or oil needed.

May 25, 2022, 11:08 AM	#4
sncup Junior Member Join Date: June 18, 2016 Location: by the river, Wisconsin Posts: 10	Plastic fingers being plastic are prone to deteriorate but easy to replace. You can replace just the plastic bottom piece of the primer tube. Or the whole primer tube. Having extra’s of both is cheap. Browse Dillons website and order spares. RL 550 SERIES SPARE PARTS KIT Stock Number: 20048 $33.00 https://www.dillonprecision.com/rl-5...116_25373.html

May 29, 2022, 08:59 AM	#6
BillM Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Amity Oregon Posts: 793	Uniquetek brass primer tube ends, SKU T1739 Used to go through the Dillon plastic ends on the primer feed tube every couple of months. Little fingers would get distorted and it would double feed or not feed. Since I went to the brass tips last year I have had ZERO issues. The other two things that help with the 550 are the plate with roller bearing that goes below the primer slide, and an empty 45 case on the plastic follower rod.