FrankenMauser
New member
I FINALLY got around to setting my 550B up for .380 Auto (I hate reloading for the .380), and cranked just over 400 rounds out....
...when the ram locked up on me.
I had to disassemble the press to troubleshoot, and found the issue to be the right link arm. It seems to have shifted on its pivot pin, somehow; and is now galling and binding on the press body.
The arm still moves, but it requires just under 70 lbs of pressure on the very end. In contrast, the left link arm requires less than 2 lbs of pressure to move.
A quick visual demonstration....
(Ignore the precariously perched tool head in the background. It was a temporary solution, while troubleshooting (still had powder in it)).
(It looks like the rock star in the background has a pistol in his hands, but I'm pretty sure it was a seating die.)
That's my "spare" Rock Chucker Supreme (19.8 lbs) and 25 lbs of shot.
With a second bag of shot (69.8 lbs total), the arm will creep down. With just over 65 lbs, it still stays put.
I just thought some of the members here might find the incident interesting.
I'll give Dillon a call on Monday, and see what their desired course of action will be.
If that doesn't work, I have an alternate plan: A member of my family works for Dillon, and helped design the 550B. I have NEVER taken advantage of his offers for discounted equipment, or test products in the past. He worked very hard to get where he is, and I don't like taking advantage of that. But, maybe it's time to call in a favor...
...when the ram locked up on me.
I had to disassemble the press to troubleshoot, and found the issue to be the right link arm. It seems to have shifted on its pivot pin, somehow; and is now galling and binding on the press body.
The arm still moves, but it requires just under 70 lbs of pressure on the very end. In contrast, the left link arm requires less than 2 lbs of pressure to move.
A quick visual demonstration....
(Ignore the precariously perched tool head in the background. It was a temporary solution, while troubleshooting (still had powder in it)).
(It looks like the rock star in the background has a pistol in his hands, but I'm pretty sure it was a seating die.)
That's my "spare" Rock Chucker Supreme (19.8 lbs) and 25 lbs of shot.
With a second bag of shot (69.8 lbs total), the arm will creep down. With just over 65 lbs, it still stays put.
I just thought some of the members here might find the incident interesting.
I'll give Dillon a call on Monday, and see what their desired course of action will be.
If that doesn't work, I have an alternate plan: A member of my family works for Dillon, and helped design the 550B. I have NEVER taken advantage of his offers for discounted equipment, or test products in the past. He worked very hard to get where he is, and I don't like taking advantage of that. But, maybe it's time to call in a favor...