OK, the 550 is HERE! Tips re Setup, please

CITADELGRAD87 · August 22, 2002, 01:14 PM

I'm not one of the guys who won't read directions, but is there anything I need to know about setting this beast up?

I have loaded on a single stage for about a year, and YES, you guys were right, I still like the single stage and will continue to use it to load precision rifle loads, I can't wait ot crank them out.

Desert Pete · August 22, 2002, 05:34 PM

I see you got no replies on this in 2 years. And I'll bet if you haven't read the directions, you haven't figured out how to use that press yet, either.

Ben Swenson · August 22, 2002, 05:37 PM

When Kcustom45 got his, I helped him set it up (read: I got in his way and told him that everything he did was wrong while he set it up). Nothing very tricky, but the directions come in handy when you pick up a bit of something or other and you don't see where it goes. Make sure you bolt it on a very solid surface.

cheygriz · August 22, 2002, 06:02 PM

Citadel,

After you get it set up and adjusted, load one round at a time all the way through the cyle for about the first 10 rounds. Then you'll know for certain that everything is right.

blades67 · August 23, 2002, 06:19 PM

Get the Strong Mount and the bullet tray. I haven't tried one of the roller handles yet, but I've heard many report liking it better.

Take the toolhead and shellplate off and put them back on a few times if you're going to have a couple of different calibers that you'll load right away. Doing this before you start loading will help make you more familiar with how the machine works before you start loading. Also change the primer system a couple of times because it will take the most time when switching between calibers that require different primer sizes.

labgrade · August 23, 2002, 11:17 PM

Remember that there's a set screw on the left side of the ram - the one that locks your shell plate in place. Seems that's a very forgotten thing when trying to switch out plates. (I know I've done it a few times)

August 22, 2002, 01:14 PM	#1
CITADELGRAD87 Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2000 Posts: 432	OK, the 550 is HERE! Tips re Setup, please I'm not one of the guys who won't read directions, but is there anything I need to know about setting this beast up? I have loaded on a single stage for about a year, and YES, you guys were right, I still like the single stage and will continue to use it to load precision rifle loads, I can't wait ot crank them out.

August 22, 2002, 05:34 PM	#2
Desert Pete Member Join Date: August 6, 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 44	I see you got no replies on this in 2 years. And I'll bet if you haven't read the directions, you haven't figured out how to use that press yet, either.

August 22, 2002, 05:37 PM	#3
Ben Swenson Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2000 Posts: 1,210	When Kcustom45 got his, I helped him set it up (read: I got in his way and told him that everything he did was wrong while he set it up). Nothing very tricky, but the directions come in handy when you pick up a bit of something or other and you don't see where it goes. Make sure you bolt it on a very solid surface.

August 22, 2002, 06:02 PM	#4
cheygriz Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2002 Location: high up in the rockies Posts: 2,289	Citadel, After you get it set up and adjusted, load one round at a time all the way through the cyle for about the first 10 rounds. Then you'll know for certain that everything is right.

August 23, 2002, 06:19 PM	#5
blades67 Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 1999 Location: Chandler, Arizona, USA Posts: 6,014	Get the Strong Mount and the bullet tray. I haven't tried one of the roller handles yet, but I've heard many report liking it better. Take the toolhead and shellplate off and put them back on a few times if you're going to have a couple of different calibers that you'll load right away. Doing this before you start loading will help make you more familiar with how the machine works before you start loading. Also change the primer system a couple of times because it will take the most time when switching between calibers that require different primer sizes.

August 23, 2002, 11:17 PM	#6
labgrade Member In Memoriam Join Date: November 29, 1999 Location: west of a small town, CO Posts: 4,346	Remember that there's a set screw on the left side of the ram - the one that locks your shell plate in place. Seems that's a very forgotten thing when trying to switch out plates. (I know I've done it a few times)