Setup questions

[Sniffer]

I`m in the process of bolting my new Dillon 650 together and getting setup for 9mm

I got the Hornady American Series 3 die set and purchased a 4th crimp die separately

So my order looks like this:

Station 1: Decap and resize

Station 2: Powder charge

Station 3: Expander die

Station 4: Bullet seating die

Station 5: Crimp die

Sound good? My question is does the expander die just go into the case slightly to flare it a little? Or does it go in a lot? If it goes in a lot does this mean that it shouldn't be powder charged until after this step owing to the fact that some flakes could stick to the die itself? Looking at the setup it looks like the power charge has to be on station 2 for the lever mechanism to line up and operate so I guess all is well?

Also I see some people are using powder check dies/alarms. This would be nice especially for a newbie like me, problem is I don't have a spot left to fit one! Does using one of these mean you have to drop the final crimp die step?

 

[4n2t0]

The Dillon powder measure flares the case mouth and drops the charge simultaneously.

1) Size/Decap
2) Flare/Drop - Dillon powder measure.
3) Tada! Open position for a powder check die.
4) Seat
5) Crimp

You don't need the expanding die.

There should be minimal flare on the case mouth, just enough to get the projectile to sit on the case. You may need a little more if you're using plated or coated projectiles but again not much at all.

No case trumpets!!!

P.S. Not to be rude but the manual explains this stuff. I know we're all alpha males that don't require silly manuals, lol, but you should give it a look see.

 

[laker415]

No need for an expander die like mentioned above. The powder drop flares the case. The dillon instructions do a good job on setting up for the proper amount of flare.

Powder cop die can go where the flare die was.....

 

[glycerin]

You didn`t say how you`re powder charging, auto or manual. The Dillon caliber change includes a 2 step moving expander(long parallel section expands case to tight friction fit on bullet, then a flare step(not more than 5 thou)), at end of movement, the powder measure is activated. Both lyman and Lee have a powder thru expander die which may work with your powder measure. research and be careful

 

[4n2t0]

You didn`t say how you`re powder charging, auto or manual.

On a 650 for 9mm? I'm willing to stick my neck out and ASSUME he doesn't want to manually drop powder with his brand new 650. I think he's just a little confused.

Hey, I could be wrong and it definitely wouldn't be the first time! LMAO.

 

[Sniffer]

The Dillon powder measure flares the case mouth and drops the charge simultaneously.

1) Size/Decap
2) Flare/Drop - Dillon powder measure.
3) Tada! Open position for a powder check die.
4) Seat
5) Crimp

You don't need the expanding die.

There should be minimal flare on the case mouth, just enough to get the projectile to sit on the case. You may need a little more if you're using plated or coated projectiles but again not much at all.

No case trumpets!!!

P.S. Not to be rude but the manual explains this stuff. I know we're all alpha males that don't require silly manuals, lol, but you should give it a look see.

Oh, ok, problem solved!

 

[Sniffer]

No need for an expander die like mentioned above. The powder drop flares the case. The dillon instructions do a good job on setting up for the proper amount of flare.

Powder cop die can go where the flare die was.....

I had a closer look at the powder drop earlier and it looks straight for say 1/2 inch and then tapers out - does the case need to go all the way to that taper or is there a small subtle hard to distinguish taper on the "straight" part?

Do you run powder cops in your setup?

 

[Sniffer]

You didn`t say how you`re powder charging, auto or manual. The Dillon caliber change includes a 2 step moving expander(long parallel section expands case to tight friction fit on bullet, then a flare step(not more than 5 thou)), at end of movement, the powder measure is activated. Both lyman and Lee have a powder thru expander die which may work with your powder measure. research and be careful

It`ll be auto I will use the powder drop that came with the press

 

[laker415]

I had a closer look at the powder drop earlier and it looks straight for say 1/2 inch and then tapers out - does the case need to go all the way to that taper or is there a small subtle hard to distinguish taper on the "straight" part?

Do you run powder cops in your setup?

When I setup both my Dillon presses, I just referred to the manual in regards to the amount of flare I wanted. I tweaked until I was happy and haven't had an issue since.

As far as a powder cop, I only have 4 station presses so that isn't an option. I keep an eye on the powder level before placing a bullet. It hasn't been an issue to date....knock on wood. If I had a 650 and really cranked them out I could see the value in a lockout die or something similar.

 

[4n2t0]

I had a closer look at the powder drop earlier and it looks straight for say 1/2 inch and then tapers out - does the case need to go all the way to that taper or is there a small subtle hard to distinguish taper on the "straight" part?

Do you run powder cops in your setup?

I use Dillon's powder check and I really like it. An audible noise will sound when a double charge or squib is detected. Regardless, I still check throw weight every 50th round.

 

[Sniffer]

I use Dillon's powder check and I really like it. An audible noise will sound when a double charge or squib is detected. Regardless, I still check throw weight every 50th round.

Thanks - that answered my question perfectly

I`m thinking of getting the Dillon powder check (or similar - X Reload has these which they reckon do the same job for half the cash - has anyone used these to confirm?)

Like you I plan to weigh the powder intermittently as a verification measure

 

[Sniffer]

When I setup both my Dillon presses, I just referred to the manual in regards to the amount of flare I wanted. I tweaked until I was happy and haven't had an issue since.

As far as a powder cop, I only have 4 station presses so that isn't an option. I keep an eye on the powder level before placing a bullet. It hasn't been an issue to date....knock on wood. If I had a 650 and really cranked them out I could see the value in a lockout die or something similar.

Perfect, I`m still waiting on some components so will set it up as per the manual when they show up

 

[4n2t0]

I`m thinking of getting the Dillon powder check (or similar - X Reload has these which they reckon do the same job for half the cash - has anyone used these to confirm?)

I have not used them, nor did I know they existed, but they look like an exact knock-off. I guess the only difference being no Dillon warranty (which differs on electronics but they'll usually replace it anyways). I bought my Dillon powder check at Ellwood Epps for $75.

 

[tivatian]

I uses a Hornady LNL AP..and my setting for my 9mm is:

1. Decaping (RCBS)
2.Powder thru with expander;
3.RCBS lockout die;
4.Bullet feeder die;(RCBS)
5.Seating die.(RCBS)

Works really good for me, but no matter in what setting I think the lockout die is a must. it locks the press so you can't do anything other than check the power (Both over or under charge will lock)...just my thought.

 

[Sniffer]

I uses a Hornady LNL AP..and my setting for my 9mm is:

1. Decaping (RCBS)
2.Powder thru with expander;
3.RCBS lockout die;
4.Bullet feeder die;(RCBS)
5.Seating die.(RCBS)

Works really good for me, but no matter in what setting I think the lockout die is a must. it locks the press so you can't do anything other than check the power (Both over or under charge will lock)...just my thought.

Yeah I`m gonna pick one up as a safety blanket but will still weigh every 50 rounds or so until I get a better "feel" for how consistent things stay, then I will tailor my checks up/down accordingly

Just picked up a Forster Co Ax for long range duties too, looking forward to getting both all setup and churning out some high quality reloads

 

[Trinimon]

Yeah I`m gonna pick one up as a safety blanket but will still weigh every 50 rounds or so until I get a better "feel" for how consistent things stay, then I will tailor my checks up/down accordingly

Just picked up a Forster Co Ax for long range duties too, looking forward to getting both all setup and churning out some high quality reloads

As a safety protocol for myself, if ever there is a stall/hiccup with advancing the press or if ever I have to double pump the arm, whatever case is in the powder stage gets tossed back into the hopper and the powder in the next case gets weighed. If ever I need to step away from the press, any shell with powder is either weighed or dumped back into the hopper.

I use a RCBS powder checker die but I too want to pickup a lockout die. I wish there were 6 stages on that LNL AP.

 

[4n2t0]

Personally I prefer an audible alarm to the abrupt locking of a press but to each their own. It really doesn't matter as long as you have some type of safety measure in place.

 

[Reeferman]

In the last 3 years of loading with my LNL I have never had an under or overcharge. I only load for handgun and use a lot of different powders from Titegroup to Unique.

 

[4n2t0]

In the last 3 years of loading with my LNL I have never had an under or overcharge. I only load for handgun and use a lot of different powders from Titegroup to Unique.

Unfortunately that doesn't guarantee it won't happen in the future. Rarely does the press make a mistake, the operator on the other hand...

 

[Reeferman]

Two steps I never deviate from. First I always look in every case after powder drop and second any interruptions the cases on the shell plate get dumped.
I won't say never but the chances of the LNL not throwing a charge but for sure a double charge are about the same as me winning the 649.