Dillion 550 setup issues

Ccctennis · January 7, 2015, 12:02 AM

I searched all over the web and youtube and can't seem to fine a thread that helps me with my issue.

I have my dillion all setup. Each station works. I have made a couple of dummy rounds in 357 mag.

The powder measure is sort of jerky on the reset of the powder bar. I tried adjusting the linkage but it does it on the return. It is like it comes half way back and the jerks the last 50% back. I tried it with the safety rod tighter and looser.

Is it just a break in issue? Do I need to lubricate anything. The dummy rounds came out perfect but I haven't tried powder throws yet.

Jeffm004 · January 7, 2015, 12:08 AM

You might include a picture and a model. I have not adjusted a powder bar (other than volume) in 20 years.

Ccctennis · January 7, 2015, 12:39 AM

2015 550b

I'll have photos,up tomorrow

mdmtj · January 7, 2015, 08:33 AM

Normal

BillM · January 7, 2015, 09:28 AM

If it's only jerky with a case in the station, it's the expander sticking in the
case. Normal. You can polish the expander a bit--put a little more taper on the tip. Some case brands are worse than others.

If it continues to be a problem call Dillon. They are very helpful--some of the
best customer service people out there.

**Unclenick** · January 7, 2015, 10:43 AM

The reason that assist rod is on there is it was a fix to the original design which had only the spring wrapped around the measure to return the metering shuttle to the pickup position. It would hang up periodically. If you get a hang up, the assist rod engaging forces the shuttle past the sticking point, but that's after the handle position is up and the operating rod/drop tube is no longer bearing up against the mechanism. That leaves the spring free to complete the job of returning the shuttle to position as rapidly as it pleases. If there were no sticking, the shuttle would just move in synchronization with the handle, never breaking contact with the operating rod.

I don't know a magic trick to prevent the sticking. You can try adding graphite powder to the shuttle for added lubrication, as most powders have graphite coatings anyway, and so you know graphite is 100% compatible with the powders should some extra find its way into a cartridge. One fellow awhile back was talking about machining his own shuttle from bronze. I have no idea how that worked out.

wogpotter · January 7, 2015, 12:22 PM

A couple of things to check out that might help.

1: Make sure the rod is absolutely vertical, any off center will be a problem.
I set mine by lowering the ram (at rest position) & letting the rod just dangle from the cams. Then I swivel the whole powder measure till the rod lines up exactly with the cut in the bottom bracket, tighten the bolts & lock it in position. Then raise the ram a little & snap the clip in.

2: Don't follow Dillon's instructions for the spring tension.
They say to have the wing-nut just contact the spring, this is not the best way to do it. What you need is to have the rods fully 100% push or pull the slide all the way backwards & forwards. To do this you need a bit more tension than they say. Tighten a little extra & raise the ram with a case in the powder dump position (powder not needed) the slide should go all the way to the rear.
Now bring the ram down slowly, watching the 2 cams as you do so.
The outer lever should "catch" on the casting, then "flick" the measure down. At this point the slide should be 100% of the way forward.

If at either end you can push the slide, even slightly the adjustment isn't set quite right yet. It usually seems to end up with about 3 turns or so after the spring begins to apply tension.

January 7, 2015, 12:02 AM	#1
Ccctennis Member Join Date: April 22, 2013 Posts: 65	Dillion 550 setup issues I searched all over the web and youtube and can't seem to fine a thread that helps me with my issue. I have my dillion all setup. Each station works. I have made a couple of dummy rounds in 357 mag. The powder measure is sort of jerky on the reset of the powder bar. I tried adjusting the linkage but it does it on the return. It is like it comes half way back and the jerks the last 50% back. I tried it with the safety rod tighter and looser. Is it just a break in issue? Do I need to lubricate anything. The dummy rounds came out perfect but I haven't tried powder throws yet.

January 7, 2015, 12:39 AM	#3
Ccctennis Member Join Date: April 22, 2013 Posts: 65	Model 2015 550b I'll have photos,up tomorrow

January 7, 2015, 10:43 AM	#6
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,742	The reason that assist rod is on there is it was a fix to the original design which had only the spring wrapped around the measure to return the metering shuttle to the pickup position. It would hang up periodically. If you get a hang up, the assist rod engaging forces the shuttle past the sticking point, but that's after the handle position is up and the operating rod/drop tube is no longer bearing up against the mechanism. That leaves the spring free to complete the job of returning the shuttle to position as rapidly as it pleases. If there were no sticking, the shuttle would just move in synchronization with the handle, never breaking contact with the operating rod. I don't know a magic trick to prevent the sticking. You can try adding graphite powder to the shuttle for added lubrication, as most powders have graphite coatings anyway, and so you know graphite is 100% compatible with the powders should some extra find its way into a cartridge. One fellow awhile back was talking about machining his own shuttle from bronze. I have no idea how that worked out. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

January 7, 2015, 12:08 AM	#2
Jeffm004 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2013 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 255	You might include a picture and a model. I have not adjusted a powder bar (other than volume) in 20 years.

January 7, 2015, 08:33 AM	#4
mdmtj Member Join Date: March 4, 2013 Posts: 80	Normal

January 7, 2015, 09:28 AM	#5
BillM Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Amity Oregon Posts: 798	If it's only jerky with a case in the station, it's the expander sticking in the case. Normal. You can polish the expander a bit--put a little more taper on the tip. Some case brands are worse than others. If it continues to be a problem call Dillon. They are very helpful--some of the best customer service people out there.

January 7, 2015, 12:22 PM	#7
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	A couple of things to check out that might help. 1: Make sure the rod is absolutely vertical, any off center will be a problem. I set mine by lowering the ram (at rest position) & letting the rod just dangle from the cams. Then I swivel the whole powder measure till the rod lines up exactly with the cut in the bottom bracket, tighten the bolts & lock it in position. Then raise the ram a little & snap the clip in. 2: Don't follow Dillon's instructions for the spring tension. They say to have the wing-nut just contact the spring, this is not the best way to do it. What you need is to have the rods fully 100% push or pull the slide all the way backwards & forwards. To do this you need a bit more tension than they say. Tighten a little extra & raise the ram with a case in the powder dump position (powder not needed) the slide should go all the way to the rear. Now bring the ram down slowly, watching the 2 cams as you do so. The outer lever should "catch" on the casting, then "flick" the measure down. At this point the slide should be 100% of the way forward. If at either end you can push the slide, even slightly the adjustment isn't set quite right yet. It usually seems to end up with about 3 turns or so after the spring begins to apply tension.