I have a Dillon 550B and I really enjoy using it but I have found that there is a bit of a problem with the powder funnel and brass cleaned using stainless steel. I am getting the brass sticking to the funnel and leaving a bit of brass on the powder funnel, I have found that if I put some of the redding/imperial dry neck lube in the case mouths that it works flawless but I am hoping that someone may have come across this problem and has a solution that will work quicker than using the dry neck lube. I had read that using auto wash and wax would help, so I tried it with some 45 acp and it seemed to help a bit but the 9mm didn't work. I may try using more of the wash and wax next time to see if that helps unless someone can offer a better suggestion, and not using the SS method is not an option so please don't suggest that.
Dillon 550B and brass cleaned with SS
- Thread starter Don45
- Start date
Check the powder funnel lip and see if it's rough,cutting into the brass,lifting/pulling it as you cycle.Took a little super fine emery cloth to mine and made it smooth again and problem solved.Call Dillon and ask them about it.
Thanks for the tip I will give that a try. I did call Dillon about a broken shoulder washer on the powder measure and then asked about this problem and they said that it is a known problem with SS media cleaned brass but that they didn't really have any solutions.
- Location
- West Quebec
Have you tried some Dillon case lube or the homemade lanolin / alcohol mix sprayed lightly on the cases before loading.
You are flaring the cases slightly before powder right?
I check all the dies with a calibre guage and micro at each step for initial setup..
You are flaring the cases slightly before powder right?
I check all the dies with a calibre guage and micro at each step for initial setup..
I would be concerned about the how the brass has changed and what long term impacts are not yet known. Is it becoming softer or harder (ie work hardened/brittle) with the water, soap, lemon shine SS process? The entire brass case is impacted not just the mouth of it. Could the SS process and repeated shorting weaken the web/head of the case ?
It doesn't work harden the brass at all. It's just that it's compeletely bare of any lubrication and starts to stick and gall. If you think you have problems, try a Lee expander. I am considering trying Hornady One Shot on 9 mm cases to make sizing easier. Calibres without taper aren't too bad. Some people run the clean brass through a vibratory tumbler with walnut and some kind of polish for a little bit after stainless tumbling. It sure makes pretty brass, but I don't think it will ever save time.
Incidentally, I have to go change a batch right now.
Incidentally, I have to go change a batch right now.
I have had the same problems. How I solved it. When I place a new bullet onto the case mouth, I automatically wipe my index finger across the case mouth expanding/powder drop funnel. Just adds a very slight amount of oil from my finger that seems to do the trick. Give it a try and report back. Hope it works for you.
When you dry tumble there is some dust left on cases that works as a lubricant. Stainless tumbling makes shinier (not better) pistol brass but it doesn't have any tumbing residue on it. So because it has no "lube" the cases may get stuck on the funnel. Some oneshot may help.
When you wet tumble the cases hit the cases mouth and can peen and dent the case mouth making the case mouth rough. If you use your deburring tool after tumbling the case should not "grab" the funnel.
I'm 64 and could not "see" the damage below until I took this close up photo.
See if running a deburring tool around the outside of the case mouth helps.
I'm 64 and could not "see" the damage below until I took this close up photo.
See if running a deburring tool around the outside of the case mouth helps.
Wow that's nasty!I 'm sticking with the old corn cob media and Dillon polishing liquid.My brass doesn't stay pretty for long anyway...When you wet tumble the cases hit the cases mouth and can peen and dent the case mouth making the case mouth rough. If you use your deburring tool after tumbling the case should not "grab" the funnel.
I'm 64 and could not "see" the damage below until I took this close up photo.
See if running a deburring tool around the outside of the case mouth helps.
thanks to the OP for another reason not to use the SS pin method , it certainly does not fit into KIS method thinking . I find corn cobb or walnut plus Dillon/ nufinish / Mr. Clean , & 2 hrs of tumbling more than enough , for any brass .
You will have the same problem with new brass as well, it is just too clean and grabs a bit. You could try lightly polishing the powder drop tube with some fine crocus cloth and oil, that has helped for me in the past with my Dillons.
I tumbled treated corncob and treated walnut for 2 years, if the powder funnel is rough, it will stick no matter what cleaning method was used.
Polishing the powder funnel with a cloth dremel and polishing compound is the way to go.
I have been using the SS method for cleaning brass for a few years now and this has been the first time I have had any trouble with it.
Thanks for all the helpful suggestions, now I just have to get some time to get back into the reloading room and give them a try.
Thanks for all the helpful suggestions, now I just have to get some time to get back into the reloading room and give them a try.
