RL550B primer catch

[njl]

Why can't Dillon come up with / supply a long lasting reliable part for the spent primer catcher pin? My original one was mangled a while back. I've used a few paper clip sections, but it seems everything eventually gets mangled and the chute gets jammed in the open position, allowing spent primers to go wherever they like.

I was just loading a few small test batches with a new (to me) bullet, and mid way through had to stop, break off one end of the mangled paper clip, grab the other with a mini vise grip plier, and pull it out. Not wanting to make the trip down stairs in search of another paper clip (I'd run out of usable sections), I found a piece of solid core wire thin enough to thread through the chute. It probably won't hold for long...but it worked for the night and the next time it gets mangled, this wire should be much easier to extract.

It actually gives me an idea...I wonder if aramid yarn would survive in that role. It's flexible yet very durable. Tying it off at each end might be a PITA though.

I know, people say to use a safety pin...but I've never found one the right size. They're either much too small or large.

[benos]

I used a (straightend, then bent) paper clip, which worked great.

[njl]

That's what I'd been using, but each time I do that repair, it seems to only last 6 months or so. How it gets as mangled as it does, is inexplicable.

[Smitty79]

Even the paper clip not working for me. Any other ideas? It's better than the wire that was there. But lots of spent primers and primer junk are gumming up my primer feeder.

[Sarge]

I used a small finish nail when the paper clip gave out.

[outerlimits]

14lb test mono

[njl]

Even the paper clip not working for me. Any other ideas? It's better than the wire that was there. But lots of spent primers and primer junk are gumming up my primer feeder.

The primer residue gumming up the primer slide is a separate issue from the primer catch issue. Even with a properly functioning primer catch, primer residue seems to spill out and end up under/around the primer slide. I'm still using solid copper wire to hold my primer chute. It's been the most reliable/longest lasting solution for me.

[njl]

14lb test mono

Same idea as aramid yarn. What do you use at each end to tie it off?

[outerlimits]

14lb test mono

Same idea as aramid yarn. What do you use at each end to tie it off?

Any good knot, just fit it loosly.

[leewongfei]

I used the primer retaining spring from my primer pick up tube. I had a few of them from the spare parts kit. Its been a year and i have not had the issue since.

[dillon]

Try a small safety pin. Open it up, push the pointy end through all the holes, and snap it closed. This gives a hardened steel axle. Should last a few years at least.

[harleytech]

I use stainless steel lock wire.

[theycallmeingot]

I have been through 5 safety pins in 5 years on my 550. Best solution i have found so far.

[theycallmeingot]

Actually, make that 6, as of yesterday.