Dillon 650 powder spill

Jeryray · January 3, 2017, 12:31 AM

I have powder spill as the turret detents to the next position.
I have seen YouTube videos showing a fix which involves cutting the detent spring so the turret does not snap into place.

Seems this has been going on since 2012.
My case plate is set properly.

Does anyone know if that's the only fix?

Any other fixes?

9mm 4.2 Bullseye.

Road_Clam · January 3, 2017, 09:39 AM

I use some nice heavy grease at the shell plate bolt and critically adjust the shell plate bolt to allow just a tiny bit of drag on the plate. Seems to work good for me (but i'm a new 650 user so im still in learning mode.

PPGMD · January 3, 2017, 09:55 AM

This will fix it 90% of the time.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321249731742...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

There is a roller bearing that also claims to fix it. I bought one at the same time as the above item, but I never installed it due to that fixing it.

Note it does take that vendor a while to get it to you from Alaska.

MarkCO · January 3, 2017, 10:38 AM

I have the polymer ball and the roller bearing on the shell plate. Helps a good bit, but not all the way with some powders in short cases.

JeepHammer · January 3, 2017, 10:53 AM

Dillon XL650 has an issue with 'Over Indexing',
The shell plate actually moves PAST the detent, THEN SNAPS BACK
Watch your shell plate and see if it indexes too far then snaps back a little.

If so, the detent gets TWO chances at slinging powder out of the cases.

Left side of the frame right under the head that the shell holder bolts to...
There is a piece of metal bolted to the frame that contacts the 'Plastic' indexing ratchet.
That metal piece on the frame *Might* need to be adjusted to prevent over indexing.

The issue *Might* also be the detent spring pressure, combined with the weight (mass) of the detent ball.
I don't cut springs, I heat them... A little at a time until you de-temper the spring enough.

eBay sells an inexpense polymer ball that is much lighter weight along with a reduced pressure spring (keeps you from screwing with factory parts).

JeepHammer · January 3, 2017, 10:58 AM

I ordered one of these little gadgets, for $16 what the heck, I'll try it...
Can't build it for $16 considering the time for a 'ONE OF' part.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Dillon-XL-650-...=1695532836011

jmorris · January 3, 2017, 11:11 AM

I added a thrust washer between the bolt head and shell plate, everything else is stock.

A bearing supply will have them and NAPA auto parts stores too.

If you google there are also folks that sell different springs and plastic balls to replace the bearing etc.

BigJimP · January 3, 2017, 11:48 AM

Tighten the bolt to reduce the "snap" as much as possible..../ it takes a little time back and forth to get just the right tension...

and then as the case leaves station 3 on the way to station 4, where you set the bullet on the case --- just stop the lever when the case is a little past half way - on its way to station 4 ...put the bullet on the case and ride it to station 4...( it stops any spill ...in stations 3 or 4...).

g.willikers · January 3, 2017, 01:35 PM

On my Square Deal if the primer feed isn't exactly right, the primers can catch on the rotating shell plate, causing that nasty snap.

joed · January 3, 2017, 01:50 PM

Or do what I do and put your thumb on the edge of the shell plate. You can easily learn to put just enough pressure on it to stop if from snapping into position.

So far the problem has only shown itself with 9mm but I bet .45 acp will do the same.

JeepHammer · January 3, 2017, 09:09 PM

Putting a finger on the shell plate sounds akward, and ANY drag on the shell plate causes undue wear on the plastic indexing ramp type cam.

Not that a lot of people have an auto drive on a 650, but ANY fingers on the shell plate is a huge safety issue.
One of the things the auto drive guys talk about is smoothing out that index snap, most use lower spring pressure, lower mass detent balls & getting rid of friction points that cause torque loading & (snap/jerk) unloading.

Carriertxv · January 3, 2017, 09:46 PM

I'm seriously looking at getting a Dillion press and have not heard about this powder spill issue. I don't have that with the press I have now. Is this something I'm going to have to deal with by buying aftermarket fixes?

THEWELSHM · January 3, 2017, 10:36 PM

Why I have a LNL

Thewelshm

ed308 · January 3, 2017, 10:57 PM

I installed Hit Factory's kit which has the plastic detent ball and the bearing washers. Both helped, but I still had to trim the spring on my press. When you trim the spring, remove a little at a time then check the results. Depending on what calibers your reloading, you may not have a problem. Easy fix if your press slings a couple of pieces of powder when it indexes. The finger trick works to.

http://hitfactorshooting.com/

Jeryray · January 4, 2017, 12:12 AM

Thanks, I ordered an ultimate kit, that should work.

I called Dillon, they told me to hold the plate with my thumb.

I am already busy "feeling" the primer and keeping an eye on the brass, I have been getting a upside down 9mm cases lately. Maybe 1 in 200 or so.

jmorris · January 4, 2017, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Why I have a LNL

Touché, we'll be sure to be at the next "Paw adjustment" thread...

noylj · January 4, 2017, 01:59 PM

1) put your finger on the case mouth. I mean, why watch it happen when the fix is so simple?
2) use marine propeller grease on shell plate
3) tighten shell plate enough that it just barely moves smoothly
4) call Dillon and ask them. Maybe issue is timing, and not the detents
5) if you cut coils, be sure you have at least ONE more spring on hand

noylj · January 4, 2017, 02:05 PM

>Touché, we'll be sure to be at the next "Paw adjustment" thread

The problem the OP stated is common to all progressives. The solutions may vary.
I have used a Hornady progressive since they first came out in the '70s and have NEVER needed to adjust a PAWL, except when I cracked one. Even then, my memory is that I simply put it in and it worked fine (without any adjustment).
I think many of the pawl adjusters are like the amateur astronomers who are always adjusting the sub-aperture element of their 'scopes.

jmorris · January 4, 2017, 03:55 PM

Quote:

when I cracked one.

That didn't take long...

That's why I have a Dillon.

Carriertxv · January 4, 2017, 06:47 PM

Not sure if the question Jeryray asked has been answered for him but I would like an answer to if this is a common thing with Dillion presses?

ed308 · January 4, 2017, 07:18 PM

Did you review the responses?

jmorris · January 4, 2017, 07:20 PM

Quote:

sure if the question Jeryray asked has been answered for him but I would like an answer to if this is a common thing with Dillion presses?

I guess it's depended on what you are loading and what your load is, I have seven Dillon's and only modified one as far as indexing is concerned. The others have had no issue and I generally don't fix what is working.

Carriertxv · January 4, 2017, 07:35 PM

Yes I have looked at the responses. I'm just surprised to hear about powder spilling. My son and I are looking at getting another press and have been looking at Dillion this time. I've never heard that Dillion needs these type of fixes. Will be loading 9mm and possibly 40.

Chainsaw. · January 4, 2017, 07:50 PM

Be asvised this only happens occasionally. At least in my experience.

jmorris · January 4, 2017, 09:29 PM

"Spill" may be over stating it a bit. See the kernel that spilled out of the case onto the shell plate?

January 3, 2017, 12:31 AM	#1
Jeryray Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2016 Location: NY Area Posts: 310	Dillon 650 powder spill I have powder spill as the turret detents to the next position. I have seen YouTube videos showing a fix which involves cutting the detent spring so the turret does not snap into place. Seems this has been going on since 2012. My case plate is set properly. Does anyone know if that's the only fix? Any other fixes? 9mm 4.2 Bullseye.

January 3, 2017, 09:39 AM	#2
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	I use some nice heavy grease at the shell plate bolt and critically adjust the shell plate bolt to allow just a tiny bit of drag on the plate. Seems to work good for me (but i'm a new 650 user so im still in learning mode. __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid"

January 3, 2017, 10:38 AM	#4
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,308	I have the polymer ball and the roller bearing on the shell plate. Helps a good bit, but not all the way with some powders in short cases. __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

January 3, 2017, 01:35 PM	#9
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	On my Square Deal if the primer feed isn't exactly right, the primers can catch on the rotating shell plate, causing that nasty snap. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

January 3, 2017, 01:50 PM	#10
joed Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2014 Posts: 442	Or do what I do and put your thumb on the edge of the shell plate. You can easily learn to put just enough pressure on it to stop if from snapping into position. So far the problem has only shown itself with 9mm but I bet .45 acp will do the same. __________________ The 6 gun was once as common as the cellphone is today, and just as annoying when it went off in the theater.

January 3, 2017, 09:55 AM	#3
PPGMD Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Posts: 348	This will fix it 90% of the time. http://www.ebay.com/itm/321249731742...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT There is a roller bearing that also claims to fix it. I bought one at the same time as the above item, but I never installed it due to that fixing it. Note it does take that vendor a while to get it to you from Alaska.

January 3, 2017, 10:53 AM	#5
JeepHammer Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2015 Posts: 1,768	Dillon XL650 has an issue with 'Over Indexing', The shell plate actually moves PAST the detent, THEN SNAPS BACK Watch your shell plate and see if it indexes too far then snaps back a little. If so, the detent gets TWO chances at slinging powder out of the cases. Left side of the frame right under the head that the shell holder bolts to... There is a piece of metal bolted to the frame that contacts the 'Plastic' indexing ratchet. That metal piece on the frame Might need to be adjusted to prevent over indexing. The issue Might also be the detent spring pressure, combined with the weight (mass) of the detent ball. I don't cut springs, I heat them... A little at a time until you de-temper the spring enough. eBay sells an inexpense polymer ball that is much lighter weight along with a reduced pressure spring (keeps you from screwing with factory parts).

January 3, 2017, 10:58 AM	#6
JeepHammer Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2015 Posts: 1,768	I ordered one of these little gadgets, for $16 what the heck, I'll try it... Can't build it for $16 considering the time for a 'ONE OF' part. http://m.ebay.com/itm/Dillon-XL-650-...=1695532836011

January 3, 2017, 11:11 AM	#7
jmorris Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2006 Posts: 3,077	I added a thrust washer between the bolt head and shell plate, everything else is stock. A bearing supply will have them and NAPA auto parts stores too. If you google there are also folks that sell different springs and plastic balls to replace the bearing etc.

January 3, 2017, 11:48 AM	#8
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Tighten the bolt to reduce the "snap" as much as possible..../ it takes a little time back and forth to get just the right tension... and then as the case leaves station 3 on the way to station 4, where you set the bullet on the case --- just stop the lever when the case is a little past half way - on its way to station 4 ...put the bullet on the case and ride it to station 4...( it stops any spill ...in stations 3 or 4...).

January 3, 2017, 09:09 PM	#11
JeepHammer Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2015 Posts: 1,768	Putting a finger on the shell plate sounds akward, and ANY drag on the shell plate causes undue wear on the plastic indexing ramp type cam. Not that a lot of people have an auto drive on a 650, but ANY fingers on the shell plate is a huge safety issue. One of the things the auto drive guys talk about is smoothing out that index snap, most use lower spring pressure, lower mass detent balls & getting rid of friction points that cause torque loading & (snap/jerk) unloading.

January 3, 2017, 09:46 PM	#12
Carriertxv Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2013 Posts: 268	I'm seriously looking at getting a Dillion press and have not heard about this powder spill issue. I don't have that with the press I have now. Is this something I'm going to have to deal with by buying aftermarket fixes?

January 3, 2017, 10:36 PM	#13
THEWELSHM Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2015 Location: Brandon Fl Posts: 236	Why I have a LNL Thewelshm

January 3, 2017, 10:57 PM	#14
ed308 Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2016 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,147	I installed Hit Factory's kit which has the plastic detent ball and the bearing washers. Both helped, but I still had to trim the spring on my press. When you trim the spring, remove a little at a time then check the results. Depending on what calibers your reloading, you may not have a problem. Easy fix if your press slings a couple of pieces of powder when it indexes. The finger trick works to. http://hitfactorshooting.com/ Last edited by ed308; January 3, 2017 at 11:11 PM.

January 4, 2017, 12:12 AM	#15
Jeryray Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2016 Location: NY Area Posts: 310	Thanks, I ordered an ultimate kit, that should work. I called Dillon, they told me to hold the plate with my thumb. I am already busy "feeling" the primer and keeping an eye on the brass, I have been getting a upside down 9mm cases lately. Maybe 1 in 200 or so.

January 4, 2017, 01:59 PM	#17
noylj Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2007 Location: Between CA and NM Posts: 858	1) put your finger on the case mouth. I mean, why watch it happen when the fix is so simple? 2) use marine propeller grease on shell plate 3) tighten shell plate enough that it just barely moves smoothly 4) call Dillon and ask them. Maybe issue is timing, and not the detents 5) if you cut coils, be sure you have at least ONE more spring on hand

January 4, 2017, 02:05 PM	#18
noylj Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2007 Location: Between CA and NM Posts: 858	>Touché, we'll be sure to be at the next "Paw adjustment" thread The problem the OP stated is common to all progressives. The solutions may vary. I have used a Hornady progressive since they first came out in the '70s and have NEVER needed to adjust a PAWL, except when I cracked one. Even then, my memory is that I simply put it in and it worked fine (without any adjustment). I think many of the pawl adjusters are like the amateur astronomers who are always adjusting the sub-aperture element of their 'scopes.

January 4, 2017, 06:47 PM	#20
Carriertxv Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2013 Posts: 268	Not sure if the question Jeryray asked has been answered for him but I would like an answer to if this is a common thing with Dillion presses?

January 4, 2017, 07:18 PM	#21
ed308 Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2016 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,147	Did you review the responses?

January 4, 2017, 07:35 PM	#23
Carriertxv Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2013 Posts: 268	Yes I have looked at the responses. I'm just surprised to hear about powder spilling. My son and I are looking at getting another press and have been looking at Dillion this time. I've never heard that Dillion needs these type of fixes. Will be loading 9mm and possibly 40.

January 4, 2017, 07:50 PM	#24
Chainsaw. Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2015 Location: Issaquah WA. Its a dry rain. Posts: 1,774	Be asvised this only happens occasionally. At least in my experience. __________________ Just shoot the damn thing.

January 4, 2017, 09:29 PM	#25
jmorris Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2006 Posts: 3,077	"Spill" may be over stating it a bit. See the kernel that spilled out of the case onto the shell plate?