Rl550

[PARTSGUY53]

I just purchased a used 550 and am setting it up. Everything seems to work fine. It has the old powder measure with springs. I have heard pros and cons to upgrading to the rod driven linkage and also problems with the primer setup. Any suggestions as to whether i should upgrade powder measure linkage or leave it alone and any improvements to make on the primer feed setup

[RetiredRod]

My two 550's have the double spring return for the powder bar, and my 650 has the linkage. I can tell no difference. I am not the least bit unhappy with the spring method, nor overly impressed with the linkage system.

What exactly is your question or problem with the primer system?

[Alland]

If you do not have the low primer warning system I would certainly get the upgade. The warning buzzer is nice, but the best improvement that I saw was from the added weight of the rod that activates the buzzer. Mine had problems with primer feeding as the magazine neared empty. The primer warning rod put a stop to all primer feed problems. The low primer warning is the only change that I am aware of since 1985.

My powder measure is the single spring slide return with addition of the positive return linkage. I don't know what configuration Dillon's current uprade is. I have not had any problems since I added the positive return linkage.

[RetiredRod]

Originally Posted by Alland

The warning buzzer is nice, but the best improvement that I saw was from the added weight of the rod that activates the buzzer.

Good point! I have added an empty .45 case over the head of the plastic rod to have a little more weight bearing on the primers.

[richpetrone]

I have never used the primer alarm, since batteries may fail, and why have anything with a potential electric spark near a primer tube where primer residue my build up? Just my thoughts....

I also didn't like the plastic rod used for the primer tube. I made a follower rod with 1/8" steel rod. For added weight, I forced an upside down .45 acp bullet into an empty brass case, then drilled a hole in the center of the lead to force my 1/8" rod to press fit into the lead. I cut off the exposed end of the rod about one inch away from the primer tube opening when the rod is situated in an empty primer feeding tube. I tapered the rod slightly (the end that sits on top of the primers) When I run out of primers, the rod falls into the shell plate, and locks the press so you can't advance the shell plate....you automatically know you are out of primers. I use this same set up on all my progressive presses.