reloader901 Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 I'm not new to Dillon. Used to have a SDB. Now have an XL650 bought new 5 years ago, and an s1050 purchased new a year ago. I purchased a used 550B recently (my first 550). The machine is in great shape even though it is probably an older model (does not have grease fittings). The toolhead has a bit more play than I like and am asking for good/simple ideas to shim the toolhead. I'm not trying to eliminate all play so I don't want to bolt it into the frame. TIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rooster Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 Uniquetek makes a tool head that screws down with Allen screws. Does not modify the frame, but you would need a tool head for every caliber. You can also drill and tap the tool head next to the pin and screw a bolt down until it hits the head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reloader901 Posted March 27, 2017 Author Share Posted March 27, 2017 Yeah I think you're right. Drilling and tapping for small set screws (3mm) like you mentioned might be the most simple, effective, and inexpensive option since I have tons of tools. I can set the screws to reduce the play while still allowing the toolhead to move a bit sideways, or tighten them down to eliminate any movement. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benos Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 If you make the final tightening on all the dies lock rings with a fully loaded Shelplate and the handle all the way down that removes all the play between the Toolhead and the frame and the die's threads. No need to shim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
9x45 Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 Never saw a need to shim my old, old, old 550. But it's only got about 400,000 rounds thru it, Maybe it will work loose at 1,000,000 should I like that long......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reloader901 Posted March 27, 2017 Author Share Posted March 27, 2017 48 minutes ago, benos said: If you make the final tightening on all the dies lock rings with a fully loaded Shelplate and the handle all the way down that removes all the play between the Toolhead and the frame and the die's threads. No need to shim. I hadn't thought of that, but it makes sense. Will try. Thanks! This used 550B I bought is in beautiful shape with very little wear, but is the older type without the grease fittings. Someone at Dillon told me the older machines had more toolhead play than the new ones, because of older machining technologies. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. This machine wasn't made in 1900. Do the newer 550Bs toolheads fit tighter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dillon Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 No change has been made to the toolhead- frame fit. .004"-.005" is the standard. Toolheads produced currently have to fit an RL550 made in 1985. Do as Brian suggested about tightening die lock rings with cases/cartridges in all the stations, and the handle pulled down. This allows the dies and toolhead to be centered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
9x45 Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 Yup, ,mine is an '86 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reloader901 Posted March 28, 2017 Author Share Posted March 28, 2017 (edited) While I have you guy's attention..... I'm going to need 2 or 3 extra toolheads for my 550B. There are billet toolheads on ebay for about the price of Dillon's or slightly less. Are there any good reasons not to buy them? I love Dillon, but I'm not a fanatic who needs to only buy Dillon. Edited March 28, 2017 by reloader901 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
9x45 Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 I picked up 3 used 550 tool heads at the local USPSA match for $18 each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhgtyre Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 11 hours ago, reloader901 said: While I have you guy's attention..... I'm going to need 2 or 3 extra toolheads for my 550B. There are billet toolheads on ebay for about the price of Dillon's or slightly less. Are there any good reasons not to buy them? I love Dillon, but I'm not a fanatic who needs to only buy Dillon. Unless there is some significant advantage I like sticking with OEM gear for the simple fact that it makes troubleshooting/tech support situations simpler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Livin_cincy Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 The slight amount of play is by design to permit precision alignment. When all the dies are aligned with cases in each station the toolhead aligns and does not move when the shell plate is up. Think Forester CoAx Press. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustybayonet Posted April 1, 2017 Share Posted April 1, 2017 On Monday, March 27, 2017 at 6:41 PM, benos said: If you make the final tightening on all the dies lock rings with a fully loaded Shelplate and the handle all the way down that removes all the play between the Toolhead and the frame and the die's threads. No need to shim. +1, My thought is that you may want a little play? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benos Posted April 3, 2017 Share Posted April 3, 2017 By adjusting the lock rings as detailed, a little play is not a bad thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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