Square Deal B throws inconsistent charges

SavageMOA · December 30, 2008, 09:36 PM

I know this is vague, but could you fellows help me figure out what the problem is?

I'm trying to throw exactly 3.0 grains but it will throw anywhere from 1 grain all the way to 5 grains without any adjustment. What can I do?

I called Dillon they couldn't tell me much. Just suggested things that I had already tried.

tbtrout · December 30, 2008, 09:44 PM

Is the powder measure securely clamped to the powder die? Is your case mouth bell consistent? That could tell you if something is loose with the powder measure.

Is there a lube build up in the seating or crimping die that is preventing you from completingthe full stroke?

D. Manley · December 30, 2008, 10:25 PM

First, be sure you have the small powder bar installed. While you're at it, check and be sure the little white, rectangular, plastic "Bellcrank Cube" (part #13871) hasn't came out of the powder bar recess. Then, with the handle full up (as if seating a primer) tighten the blue wing-nut on the fail-safe rod until the spring is fully compressed then, back off one turn. As the case enters the powder die, watch and make sure the powder bar is making a full travel and full return. Make sure the powder is settled in the measure by throwing about 20 or so before starting to measure then, don't forget to throw a "dump" charge back into the measure before checking charge weight after making an adjustment. Some powders measure better than others but I can get most any pistol powder within .1 grain with the better powders pretty much spot-on.

If above is no help, see the DILLON TROUBLESHOOTER

**Unclenick** · December 30, 2008, 11:47 PM

Also, if you've had the measure off its die body, check that the white Delryn ring around the drop tube hasn't fallen out onto the floor. In one of my Dillon measures its stays put by friction, in the other it falls out. It did the latter trick once when I didn't notice. The whole measure tipped and rocked on the die body a bit. Very erratic charges.

Look closely at the powder hopper and make sure the powder falls freely into the molded-in powder baffle. Look for mold flashing or any foreign object that might interfere.

Follow D. Manley's suggestions and while you are inspecting the charge bar and tunnel, if you've used the thing for awhile, check that graphite from the powder hasn't built up and caused drag.

SavageMOA · January 2, 2009, 07:17 PM

Ok I could NOT find that white ring you were speaking of. Could that explain why I'm also not getting ANY flare on my cases? The powder die is screwed in all the way and it still won't flare them!!

I apologize for the crappy pictures.

December 30, 2008, 10:25 PM	#3
D. Manley Senior Member Join Date: July 13, 2008 Posts: 299	First, be sure you have the small powder bar installed. While you're at it, check and be sure the little white, rectangular, plastic "Bellcrank Cube" (part #13871) hasn't came out of the powder bar recess. Then, with the handle full up (as if seating a primer) tighten the blue wing-nut on the fail-safe rod until the spring is fully compressed then, back off one turn. As the case enters the powder die, watch and make sure the powder bar is making a full travel and full return. Make sure the powder is settled in the measure by throwing about 20 or so before starting to measure then, don't forget to throw a "dump" charge back into the measure before checking charge weight after making an adjustment. Some powders measure better than others but I can get most any pistol powder within .1 grain with the better powders pretty much spot-on. If above is no help, see the DILLON TROUBLESHOOTER __________________ *"Old School" ain't all bad...* Last edited by D. Manley; December 30, 2008 at 10:30 PM. Reason: To Add Link

December 30, 2008, 11:47 PM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Also, if you've had the measure off its die body, check that the white Delryn ring around the drop tube hasn't fallen out onto the floor. In one of my Dillon measures its stays put by friction, in the other it falls out. It did the latter trick once when I didn't notice. The whole measure tipped and rocked on the die body a bit. Very erratic charges. Look closely at the powder hopper and make sure the powder falls freely into the molded-in powder baffle. Look for mold flashing or any foreign object that might interfere. Follow D. Manley's suggestions and while you are inspecting the charge bar and tunnel, if you've used the thing for awhile, check that graphite from the powder hasn't built up and caused drag. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

December 30, 2008, 09:36 PM	#1
SavageMOA Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Posts: 368	Square Deal B throws inconsistent charges I know this is vague, but could you fellows help me figure out what the problem is? I'm trying to throw exactly 3.0 grains but it will throw anywhere from 1 grain all the way to 5 grains without any adjustment. What can I do? I called Dillon they couldn't tell me much. Just suggested things that I had already tried.

December 30, 2008, 09:44 PM	#2
tbtrout Senior Member Join Date: April 27, 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 234	Is the powder measure securely clamped to the powder die? Is your case mouth bell consistent? That could tell you if something is loose with the powder measure. Is there a lube build up in the seating or crimping die that is preventing you from completingthe full stroke?

January 2, 2009, 07:17 PM	#5
SavageMOA Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Posts: 368	Ok I could NOT find that white ring you were speaking of. Could that explain why I'm also not getting ANY flare on my cases? The powder die is screwed in all the way and it still won't flare them!! I apologize for the crappy pictures.