Dillon - How Often To Check Alignment?

[uscbigdawg]

Well over 100k on both of my 1050's and about 80-100k on my 650 and haven't aligned anything. That said, on the 1050's, I send them to Dillon about every 2 years for a check and the 650 goes in about every 2-3 for a tune-up (although never needs it).

Rich

[GeoffLinder]

20 year old 550 and never needed to align nuttin' on it.

[problemchild]

And the correct answer is..........

If on an empty press (550/650) when you push the handle forward and you see the primer seater is not centered with regards to the shell plate you need to align the ram head. You would also feel a primer catching a lip every now and then when priming brass. Dillon will send you the instructions and tool for free by calling and asking.

[bruce381]

I did it after I changed to small primers and got a blow up on the primer tube.
they sent a new primer assembly and a tool.

[bubbapug1]

When you install the new style powder system on an older machine you need to realign the machine to insure the dies are true to the station. Not a big deal, but the tool is needed.

[jwest]

In addition to what was mentioned above regarding the primer system, that is my understanding too - when adding a new powder system you need to use the alignment tool.

[bubbapug1]

Of course that is not the only time. I have 3 - 550's and one kept have issueswith the primer pusher nipping the alignment fitting. I also had issues with 223 bullets catching the powder die at an angle and spilling powder all over the star wheel. It was my newest machine, but it shipped unaligned. When I bought the powder upgrade for for oldest machine they sent the alignment tool and I checked all of my dillons. Only the newest one was messed up

[jwest]

Sometimes you learn something new, everyday..

Yes, then it has been a good day friend, correct?

I ordered a BL 550 from Dillon and have converted it now to a RL 550B equivalent. I aligned it since I put both a new powder system and primer system on it. Learned something along the way, so it has been a good day.

[jwest]

Of course that is not the only time. I have 3 - 550's and one kept have issueswith the primer pusher nipping the alignment fitting. I also had issues with 223 bullets catching the powder die at an angle and spilling powder all over the star wheel. It was my newest machine, but it shipped unaligned. When I bought the powder upgrade for for oldest machine they sent the alignment tool and I checked all of my dillons. Only the newest one was messed up

I have wondered what others experiences are - if the 550's are aligned OK from the factory or perhaps in shipping they may get bumped enough that they should always be aligned at initial set-up.

From now on, just like a car, check the alignment.