how do you properly lubricate a Dillon 550B press?

[hrt4me]

Where do you apply lubricant, how often, and which kind?
I've read the user manual and just want to make sure I'm applying the proper lube in the right places...

Photos would be much appreciated!

 

[r0ttie1]

Re: how do you properly lubricate a Dillon 550B press?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: B. Melick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where do you apply lubricant, how often, and which kind?</div></div>

I'm sure Dillon's website would be the place to find your answer.

 

[Mike Stolfus]

Re: how do you properly lubricate a Dillon 550B press?

I use a white lithium grease on the main cylinder and also on the 2 pins on the crank ( bottom of the cylinder where the handle attaches) and I use Napa 8300 silicone spray under the shell plate and detent ball and on the primer feed bar. Spray it on and let it dry, it doesn't kill primers or collect dirt.

 

[DocB]

Re: how do you properly lubricate a Dillon 550B press?

B. Melick,

I'll double check tonight, but what I recall the manual saying is to use oil in the holes on the arms, and a ring of oil around the top of the cylinder every 500 rounds. I use a 20 gauge needle and a syringe to apply. I don't use the priming mechanism any more, so no lube there. A small drop of oil on the powder dispenser pivots and link to the charge bar if they look dry.

HTH,
DocB

 

[Suasponte]

Re: how do you properly lubricate a Dillon 550B press?

Terry

 

[jet_lagged]

Re: how do you properly lubricate a Dillon 550B press?

Every 1000 rounds or so, I lube the main shaft with motor oil, like the manual says.

With the shellplate in the down position, I take a paper towel and wipe all the old oil/powder residue off the lower part of the shaft (below the frame), then pull the handle to put the shellplate into the raised position. I then wipe the upper part of the shaft off. With the shaft/shellplate still raised, I just pour a LITTLE (just enough to get fingertip wet) motor oil on a fingertip, and rub it around the bottom few inches of the shaft as it goes into the frame. When the shellplate is lowered, most of this will "squeege" off, but some will hopefully get into the bushing. It really doesn't take much.

I put a dab of axel grease on the first few threads of the big bolt that holds the shellplates on every now and then.

I don't use any other lube, but will probably get some silicone spray to use on the bottom of the primer slide assembly next time I see some on sale.

I think aside for the main shaft, less lube is the way to go. If things are dry, spilled powder and dust cannot stick and gum things up.

 

[hrt4me]

Re: how do you properly lubricate a Dillon 550B press?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jet_lagged</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think aside for the main shaft, less lube is the way to go. If things are dry, spilled powder and dust cannot stick and gum things up.</div></div>

I definitely agree with that!

 

[Bugholes]

Re: how do you properly lubricate a Dillon 550B press?

the instructions say lube with SAE30, I have done that for years and have switched to 80W90 gear oil. It stays longer on the main ram than the 30 weight oil- I agree less lube is better in most places on the press, but the ram and its pivot points need good lube