Qestion for Dillon 650 experts

Interesting thread.
I am just setting up my new Dillon XL650 and also find that the powder spills when indexing.
The cartridge is only about half full.

When I called the store where I bought it, I was told to "call Dillon in Arizona"
So much for service.....
 
Bean: try some powdered graphite or moly lube on a case mouth or two and see if the sticking goes away....I wouldn't worry about your shellplate, it's likely loose enough:) It is important that you isolate the issue though because as you try multiple solutions to a singlular issue you may be causing a new issue in your quest to solve your old one. Work on one thing at a time..... As you've said, the bullet should just sit in the case without being shaved off when you seat it...you don't need much bell...

Hoser, yeah that's what some shops will tell you allright. Luckily there's a lot of experienced help here!
 
The "snap" or "jerk" of the indexing plate on Dillon's can be frustrating and is not uncommon. I use to fight this when loading bulky powders like Trail Boss. Loosening the plate a little usually alleviates the problem enough to prevent powder spill. Another solution is an add on thrust bearing that goes between the bolt and the indexing plate. You can usually find them on EBay. Google "Dillon index thrust bearing" and you will find lots of info. I use this and it works very well. Here is a link with pictures that explains it all...

http://arizonashooting.com/v3/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=81244

Another cause of "jerk" in a 650 can come from having the index plate to tight. Without any cases in the machine it should cycle smoothly with little or no force. If there is any force required to index the plate then the plate is to tight.

The problem with some cases like 9MM, .45ACP or .45 Colt sticking on the upstroke is usually from the powder charge die. It's an issue with the die not the press and can happen with any powder charge die that flares/bells the case. Usually pistol or straight walled rifle catridges. You can try adjusting the amount of bell, polishing the funnel, lubricating, not lubricating etc. Some people blame overcleaning the cartridge causes the problem others say not cleaning enough. In my experience it often just goes away.

Although lubricating cases isn't strictly necessary with carbide pistol dies it does make things go a lot smoother and it takes a lot less force to run the press. You will notice a lot of difference with big cases that stretch a lot, like .45 Colt. I don't bother with small cases like .38 special but what ever works for you.
 
OK some new stuff here. Cut the spring a little, reinstalled shell plate just tight enough to keep from wobbling around.Runs way smoother. Lubed cases, and ran it. Not bad! still a slight jerky feel in spots but livable. Now I seem to miss or crush every 6 or 7 th primer CRAP!! Now what?

Cheers
 
Mr. Bean said:
OK some new stuff here. Cut the spring a little, reinstalled shell plate just tight enough to keep from wobbling around.Runs way smoother. Lubed cases, and ran it. Not bad! still a slight jerky feel in spots but livable. Now I seem to miss or crush every 6 or 7 th primer CRAP!! Now what?

Cheers
Click to expand...

Do you mean the shell plate is "jerky" or the arm of the machine?

With the primers, try running it without any cases, just primers, and pay careful attention to see if the primers are catching on the shell plate. I've had this happen for a couple of reaons.

- There is a small amount of play in the mount for the primer system on my 650 that lets the primer seating pin get just a little bit out of line with the shell plate. I have to watch out for this when changing the priming system and adjust as neccessary. Make sure the priming system is all lined up properly and primers move freely.

- If the shell plate is not indexing completely it will be a little out of alignment and the primers won't feed well. If this is a new problem since you tweaked the spring the spring it now might not have enough force to properly position the shell plate consistently.
 
Look on pg 50 of the Owners Manual. See part#21 Brass Tip Set Screw. If this screw is too tight, it will cause friction on the Mainshaft. That my cause the jerky motion.
 
Once fired brass also seems to be a little harder to run through if that is what you are using. Should be easier 2nd. or 3rd time through. As mentioned before, case lube makes quite a difference on 9mm cases. Also if you are getting excessive powder spillage, try steadying the case as it travels to the bullet seating station with your finger.
 
OK, here is what I did and seems to work.
1. Called Dillon and explained issue. While on the phone, I noticed that the primer punch was not centered in the hole of the shell plate. Dillon said to loosen screws on the cam and adjust until the punch was in the middle of the opening of the shell plate.

2. Adjusted shell plate so that it would not move, then did up brass set screw, then loosened the shell pate bolt until it moved freely. Seems to have eased up on jerky/binding movement of handle.

3. Cut off a small piece of spring under shell plate holding the steel bearing. Not sure if this did much but it does not seem to have hurt.

4. lubed up the brass using Dillon case lube and put into hopper on top.

5.On station 1 I lifted the die so that it did not go so far down the brass when depriming and forming the brass. this seemed to really decrease the jerky movement.

6. Ran a few rounds and the primers are going in nice with little pressure which is a huge improvement. Handle is good with way less jerky movement.

Hope this helps other newbies to the Dillon. It is a great press but ya gotta learn how it works.

Cheers
 
If you have Glock brass, considerable sizing force may be required (bottom is bulged). I routinely remove the flaring(powder delivery funnel) tool, and polish with steel wool and/or 400 to 600 grit emery paper. It builds up brass fouling(will do so less after polishing). I have experienced 9mm brass with a bullet sealer(like lacquer) in and out of mouth, became difficult to size/flare and fouled dies. Using a faster burning powder like bullseye-231, less is required and spillage less likely. be patient.
 
I found that if there is some S&B brass mixed in - sizing takes considerable more force to size as opposed to any other brass. Might be the crimped primer pocket.

My 650 runs smooth - sure some powder spills out but its common thing with the 650.

I love mine and wouldn't mind two more one in .40 and one in .38 :)
 
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