Spent primer problems
Quote from Reloader on March 2, 2021, 3:08 amAfter reloading for over 40 years and wanting a Dillon for the last 20 I finally bought a RL550 C I love this press got it set up and started loading 45 ACP working well but every once in a while the spent primers would jam the primer feed bar and stop the whole process. It seems half the primers were going in to the primer catch bin and the other half on the floor and the occasional one jamming up the works. After inspecting the press I saw the little sheet metal primer deflector chute was not moving like it should. I removed it and spread the sides out a little and reinstalled it and it works perfect I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem.
After reloading for over 40 years and wanting a Dillon for the last 20 I finally bought a RL550 C I love this press got it set up and started loading 45 ACP working well but every once in a while the spent primers would jam the primer feed bar and stop the whole process. It seems half the primers were going in to the primer catch bin and the other half on the floor and the occasional one jamming up the works. After inspecting the press I saw the little sheet metal primer deflector chute was not moving like it should. I removed it and spread the sides out a little and reinstalled it and it works perfect I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem.
Quote from Reloader on March 3, 2021, 12:16 amI replaced mine with a straight section of a paper clip, never had a problem in over 30 years.
I replaced mine with a straight section of a paper clip, never had a problem in over 30 years.
Quote from Reloader on March 3, 2021, 2:28 pmI have had the problem myself and seen it written about so frequently that I concluded it was just a a part of the charm of the 550. But it sounds to me like you analyzed and engineered the appropriate solution, so KUDOS to another tinkering mind. Now, since you've solved that one, are you ready to tackle another problem: the shortage and/or outrageous prices of primers?
Terry
I have had the problem myself and seen it written about so frequently that I concluded it was just a a part of the charm of the 550. But it sounds to me like you analyzed and engineered the appropriate solution, so KUDOS to another tinkering mind. Now, since you've solved that one, are you ready to tackle another problem: the shortage and/or outrageous prices of primers?
Terry
Quote from Reloader on March 5, 2021, 2:16 pmTerry I got lucky I had a good supply of small rifle primers and have been going to gunshows and trading for other size primers. I saw some guys on you tube making there own primers fortunately I am not that desperate yet.
Terry I got lucky I had a good supply of small rifle primers and have been going to gunshows and trading for other size primers. I saw some guys on you tube making there own primers fortunately I am not that desperate yet.
Quote from Reloader on March 7, 2021, 2:33 amKerry,
This is the kind of response demonstrating that Dillon owner/operators are smart resourceful shooters.T
Kerry,
This is the kind of response demonstrating that Dillon owner/operators are smart resourceful shooters.
T
Quote from Reloader on August 28, 2021, 1:57 pmI have had the same issue. I replaced the cotter pin with a small straight piece of wire. Bent the two ends of the wire slightly larger than the primer door. Plenty of free movement. Seems to open and close without a problem all the time. However, spent primers are still launched all over the machine and floor. Seems like as soon as the spring snaps in the size/decaping die the primers go everywhere. Talked to Dillon, they said it was that I needed a new cotter pin. I don't think that's the case.
Any other suggestions.
I have had the same issue. I replaced the cotter pin with a small straight piece of wire. Bent the two ends of the wire slightly larger than the primer door. Plenty of free movement. Seems to open and close without a problem all the time. However, spent primers are still launched all over the machine and floor. Seems like as soon as the spring snaps in the size/decaping die the primers go everywhere. Talked to Dillon, they said it was that I needed a new cotter pin. I don't think that's the case.
Any other suggestions.
Quote from Reloader on August 28, 2021, 2:18 pmLet me clarify and add to my prior post, I only encounter this issue using the Dillon spring-loaded decapping die. I have an older Lee died with no spring fired decapping pin and I do not have the issue. Maybe that has something to do with it
Let me clarify and add to my prior post, I only encounter this issue using the Dillon spring-loaded decapping die. I have an older Lee died with no spring fired decapping pin and I do not have the issue. Maybe that has something to do with it
Quote from kennyarndty on June 14, 2023, 9:33 pmTry rounding the end of the decapping pin. I think what happens is the square end causes the used primer to stick to the pin and then when it's withdrawn from the case, the spring "snaps" it off the primer rod into never never land. Put the pin into a drill and spin it on a sharpening stone or something that will allow you to reshape the end. I had that problem and that's what I did to fix it. So far so good.
Try rounding the end of the decapping pin. I think what happens is the square end causes the used primer to stick to the pin and then when it's withdrawn from the case, the spring "snaps" it off the primer rod into never never land. Put the pin into a drill and spin it on a sharpening stone or something that will allow you to reshape the end. I had that problem and that's what I did to fix it. So far so good.
Quote from Davidj on June 14, 2023, 10:13 pmI’ve had my 550 for 35+ years and back in the “old days” primers would sometimes stick on the decapping pins and get drawn back into the primer pocket. That happened almost exclusively with small primers. Once I got the new size dies with the sprung pins, the drawback was almost completely eliminated, but now I have primers flying all over the place when the die goes “snap.” Since I reload in my garage shop it’s no big deal but I can see it being a hassle for some folks.
I’ve had my 550 for 35+ years and back in the “old days” primers would sometimes stick on the decapping pins and get drawn back into the primer pocket. That happened almost exclusively with small primers. Once I got the new size dies with the sprung pins, the drawback was almost completely eliminated, but now I have primers flying all over the place when the die goes “snap.” Since I reload in my garage shop it’s no big deal but I can see it being a hassle for some folks.