Dillon 550 ram plate loose

[Catpop]

I got my 550 44 conversion kit in this week and proceeded to switch from 45 acp (the way it came) to 44 mag.
I had noticed a little play in shell plate when reloading a few 45 acp and some priming issues. I had already removed the primer assy and checked the primer pin.
Turned out the 2 Allan head capscrews that hold the bottom plate (not shellplate) to the ram were very loose! Why I don’t know?
I tightened them down and proceeded with change over to 44 mag. This flowed nicely and soon I was reloading my 44 mags with no issues including priming! Nice machine!

Note: If others are having priming issues, this loose plate may be the cause- just a thought.

Question: Is this a reoccurring problem with the 550 or just a fluke with a used machine?
I wanted to ask those with real 550 experience to chime in before calling Dillon.
Dillon may have a nyloc bolt or some type of thread sealer?
After I hear from the high road, I may quiz Dillon with question of how they keep these screws from loosening on new machines.
Thanks for all help!

 

[rfwobbly]

I've had three 550's and never seen that. Those 2 screws though are installed fairly tight. Probably the highest torque anywhere on the machine. If it happens again, re-install them with a drop of blue thread locker, such as LocTite 242 or 243.

► On a similar note, the side-to-side free-play in the bottom plate allows the plate to be aligned with the dies and primer feed. If you notice a lot of cartridge case movement at the top of the stroke, then you may need to loosen those 2 screws and realign.

Hope this helps.

 

[Catpop]

Good points
Thanks