Dillon 550 help

sigpros

New member
Here is the deal. I have a 550 that was a very close friend of mines. He passed away from cancer a few years ago and I got the press. I ordered a quick change kit to set it up for 9mm it was set up for 45acp. The powder measure on the 45 was broke so I just mailed it today back to dillion. I started to set it up and the measurer is different that the old one as in the linkage. And my op rod only has a 90 degree bend in it instead of going back up. I can't get this thing to work at all. Do I need to buy a new op rod? I know this is very hard to explain but thought maybe some one could help
 
Call Dillon. They have superb customer service and will be happy to help you whether you were the original purchaser or not.
 
+1 on calling Dillon. I'd bet they send you the correct linkage @ no charge. Their customer service is top drawer!

Regards,
hm
 
Originally Posted By: KenlguyI took the linkage rod off of the powder measure years ago and haven't used it since.

What the ?....... Did you quit using powder in your loads or are you operating the powder measure by hand each stroke??This seems like poor advice to me if you want to use the Dillon powder measures. Perhaps your using a non-Dillon measure.

I have both types of operating rods and they work equally well when setup properly. The right-angle type requires a retaining clip to keep it attached to the measure. Dillon may not have sent you that critical part if you didn't mention you needed one. They quit making the bent version quite a while back and they may not have that type to send you. Explain to them what parts you have and they will send you the rest of what you need including the spring, bushing, wing nut, retaining clip, etc. Dillon will make it right and you can be sure of that.

Ask them to send you a manual while your at it.
 
Got two of them set up, one for big primers and one for little primers. Niether one has an operating rod on the powder measures.
 
The early 450's had manual operated powder measure, then they came out with the 550 which had an automatic measure that was lifted by cartridge to operate the powder bar.

Later a link was added to 550's to provide positive measure return as shell was lowered. Apparently they had some problems w/measure hanging up and powder bar not returning by gravity alone. I have two presses that have been upgraded from 450 to 550 several years apart, one w/o the link and one with link and both operate flawlessly.

Regards,
hm
 
Originally Posted By: hm1996 Apparently they had some problems w/measure hanging up and powder bar not returning by gravity alone.


The powder slide is returned by the double spring that is wrapped around the measure body and the post on the end of the slide.

If you're using a long grain powder it might not return all the way. Just something to pay attention to.
 
Called Dillon and they said it was the old style rod with a new powder measurer. So they are sending me out a new rod. Free. Can't beat that
 
Originally Posted By: KenlguyOriginally Posted By: hm1996 Apparently they had some problems w/measure hanging up and powder bar not returning by gravity alone.


The powder slide is returned by the double spring that is wrapped around the measure body and the post on the end of the slide.

If you're using a long grain powder it might not return all the way. Just something to pay attention to.

I don't think any of us explained the operation of the powder measure entirely well. The different models between the 450-550 get a little confusing. The Magnum model powder measures are a bit different too.

The link that the original poster mentioned is there to make sure the slide on the powder measure returns fully on the down stroke. The press will operate without the link but you have to pay attention to make sure the slide returns fully each time. There are enough other things to be aware of on a progressive press like the 550. The link allows one less thing to watch when your cranking them out. The activation of the link often signals it's time to clean the powder residue off the slide and or lube the pivot points on the measure. If the powder slide does not return smoothly the weight of the next charge can be affected to some degree. The return link provides a fail-safe of sorts for the possible undercharge that could result from the powder slide not returning. The case itself activates the powder measure but it does nothing to assure the slide returns fully for the next charge. My first post did not make that clear. I would not advise anyone to remove a safety component from a piece of equipment.

Always take the manufacturers advice before anything you read on-line and that includes my comments.
 
You are absolutely correct, much more complete explanation, SodakJim: afraid I stopped a bit short.

Regards,
hm
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top