Author Topic: Brass that's TOO clean is not good in a Dillon! (Read 830 times)

Cheyenne Ranger · « **on:** July 26, 2005, 01:35:55 PM »

Since it was time to reload from last week's match and I had already tumbled, deprimed and cleaned the primer pockets I thought I was in for a good time.

I had taken out the resizing die (they had gone through it already) but still started as normal.

About every 4 or 5 shell it was really hard to drop the ram (raise the handle). By just doing one shell at a time (Dillon as a single stage!) I found that the powder funnel (that's the tube that slides up and down in the powder measure) was hanging up inside the cases.

Quick call to Dillon and they agreed that was it. Turns out if cases are new or too clean it makes the problem worse!

So all my attempts to get my cases as clean as possible kind of backfired on me.

live and learn.

cr

Singing Bear · « **Reply #1 on:** July 26, 2005, 09:53:49 PM »

Well if that don't beat all. Sure glad I use a Lee loader and powder drop. :-D Sorry, CR, couldn't resist. Now if you had this problem with a Lee, the Dillon gang would jump right in and tell you to buy a Dillon. Right? :lol: Just hackin'on ya, pard. :-) Dillon's a good machine, but I'll stick to my old Lee. It ain't broke yet. :wink:

GregP42 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 26, 2005, 11:53:01 PM »

So clean cases are locking up your Dillon? I have never had that problem with my 550b, but I have had problems if the shell holder was too loose, the case would cock to the side just enough to lock up the powder measure on real short cases like 45 ACP or my 32-20. Check that if you are using a 550b. But then again I am like the other poster, I have never had a problem with my Lee press

Greg

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #3 on:** July 29, 2005, 03:19:17 AM »

Actually I'm looking at a Lee single stage...thinking of doing the resizing, depriming then cleaning primer pockets, then on to the Dillon.

My wife says I have too much time on my hands and she's right :wink:

cr

Foothills Drifter · « **Reply #4 on:** July 31, 2005, 04:12:15 AM »

Howdy......
I have had this problem also (Dillon 550B)
I keep a small bar of parafin wax within reach. When my powder die gets a little 'sticky' I rub my thumb and first finger on the wax and then on the expossed bottom portion of the die. It works for me! When I load moly coated bullets, I use the moly 'build up' on my thumb & finger instead of the wax. A bar of soap will work also. It don't take much..... Hope this helps.....I have been doin this process for 'bout 4 years.

Good shootin......
Vern...

Singing Bear · « **Reply #5 on:** July 31, 2005, 07:56:45 AM »

I forget. Can one change out the dies on a 550? If so, you could try using a different brand. Like a couple of us mentioned, never had that problem with our Lees and the dies are reasonably priced. :-)

Flint · « **Reply #6 on:** August 01, 2005, 07:27:30 AM »

No, Singing Bear, the die part that is sticking is the one uniquely Dillon die you have to use, all the rest can be Other brands...

Actually not completely true, as I do have a toolhead with 45acp setup using a Lee powder measure on it. Normally, though, a Dillon powder measure is used, and that is what sticks on new brass.

Foothills, thanks for the tip on lubing the funnel.

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #7 on:** August 01, 2005, 07:32:03 AM »

Any thoughts on maybe turning the diameter of this down a few /1000's? Or is there a problem with that I'm not seeing?

cr