problem with primer feed on 550

L. Boscoe · May 11, 2023, 04:18 PM

I have a Dillon 550B, and the guy I bought it from is a long time
reloader, has several presses and is thought to be expert, so I am no questioning him or his techniques.
That said, my press has the irritating habit of delivering an excess primer every so often, which lodges under the turntable, and is a dead giveaway as the handle stops short of full travel, the primer blocking full return. I pick the excess culprit out, usually in new condition, and go on my way about loading. Today I loaded about 150 rds of 45acp, and must have had to remove primers a half dozen times.
I can keep on doing this forever if necessary, but I suspect there is a cure. The press is one of the older ones that has the knob on the lever rather than a handle, no idea of its age. It came with a 45acp brass fastened to the follower that pushes primers down the tube on the machine, if that is any help(is that too much weight?).

**Unclenick** · May 11, 2023, 04:39 PM

A common cause of primer feed problems is the plastic fingers on the end of the feed tube wear out. Call Dillon, and they will send you a new one free of charge. Unlike most products, their lifetime warranty travels with the machine from owner to owner. While you are on the phone with them, describe the problem you are trying to clear and make sure they agree the fingers are likely to fix it. They may have some additional tips.

jetinteriorguy · May 11, 2023, 05:27 PM

Not sure if this is a possibility, but are you loading small primers with the large primer bar installed by mistake?

Lurch37 · May 11, 2023, 07:21 PM

I have a 550 as well, load 45acp, and have never had the need to add additional weight to the plastic primer follower. Perhaps a cleaning of the primer drop tube and priming system would help?
As previously stated a call to Dillon will no doubt get it cured, those guys have heard everything. While your on the phone with them order one of the roller handles, your hand/wrist will thank you.

BillM · May 12, 2023, 08:38 AM

Check the little white pin that keeps the rest of the primers in the tube.
Make sure it moves freely and isn't worn. Primer feed stop pin--pn 14051.

The 45 case on the rod is a common thing. Puts just a touch of pressure to
help the primers slide down the tube. It is not your problem.

The plastic tip with fingers on the primer tube gets deformed and will cause feed
problems. Replace it and see if that helps. I don't tighten the top nut over snug,
seems to help. At least it did when I was still using the Dillon tips.

Couple of years ago (around 30,000 rds) I switched to brass tips on the primer
tube. My primer feed problems dropped to near zero. Not cheap---but buy once
cry once.
Bought mine from UniqueTek.

L. Boscoe · May 12, 2023, 10:03 AM

Put new tip on the feed tube a few months ago. I will look into the brass tips.
thanks for the inputs

**Unclenick** · May 13, 2023, 07:31 PM

The brass tips are available at Uniquetek.

May 11, 2023, 04:18 PM	#1
L. Boscoe Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2021 Posts: 285	problem with primer feed on 550 I have a Dillon 550B, and the guy I bought it from is a long time reloader, has several presses and is thought to be expert, so I am no questioning him or his techniques. That said, my press has the irritating habit of delivering an excess primer every so often, which lodges under the turntable, and is a dead giveaway as the handle stops short of full travel, the primer blocking full return. I pick the excess culprit out, usually in new condition, and go on my way about loading. Today I loaded about 150 rds of 45acp, and must have had to remove primers a half dozen times. I can keep on doing this forever if necessary, but I suspect there is a cure. The press is one of the older ones that has the knob on the lever rather than a handle, no idea of its age. It came with a 45acp brass fastened to the follower that pushes primers down the tube on the machine, if that is any help(is that too much weight?).

May 11, 2023, 04:39 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	A common cause of primer feed problems is the plastic fingers on the end of the feed tube wear out. Call Dillon, and they will send you a new one free of charge. Unlike most products, their lifetime warranty travels with the machine from owner to owner. While you are on the phone with them, describe the problem you are trying to clear and make sure they agree the fingers are likely to fix it. They may have some additional tips. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

May 11, 2023, 07:21 PM	#4
Lurch37 Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2006 Location: Middle of Nebraska Posts: 941	I have a 550 as well, load 45acp, and have never had the need to add additional weight to the plastic primer follower. Perhaps a cleaning of the primer drop tube and priming system would help? As previously stated a call to Dillon will no doubt get it cured, those guys have heard everything. While your on the phone with them order one of the roller handles, your hand/wrist will thank you. __________________ I reject your reality and substitute my own.

May 13, 2023, 07:31 PM	#7
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	The brass tips are available at Uniquetek. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

May 11, 2023, 05:27 PM	#3
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,173	Not sure if this is a possibility, but are you loading small primers with the large primer bar installed by mistake?

May 12, 2023, 08:38 AM	#5
BillM Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Amity Oregon Posts: 791	Check the little white pin that keeps the rest of the primers in the tube. Make sure it moves freely and isn't worn. Primer feed stop pin--pn 14051. The 45 case on the rod is a common thing. Puts just a touch of pressure to help the primers slide down the tube. It is not your problem. The plastic tip with fingers on the primer tube gets deformed and will cause feed problems. Replace it and see if that helps. I don't tighten the top nut over snug, seems to help. At least it did when I was still using the Dillon tips. Couple of years ago (around 30,000 rds) I switched to brass tips on the primer tube. My primer feed problems dropped to near zero. Not cheap---but buy once cry once. Bought mine from UniqueTek.

May 12, 2023, 10:03 AM	#6
L. Boscoe Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2021 Posts: 285	Put new tip on the feed tube a few months ago. I will look into the brass tips. thanks for the inputs