Dillon 550/650 powder measure

[Trooperjake]

I was on another forum, and the discussion was about Dillon powder measure accuracy.
A number of people mentioned they removed the fail safe rod.
And added a heavier spring around the measure, or added a second measure.
They explained it gives a much smoother operation.

Have any of you tried this? Do you find it more accurate?

[Kirmdog]

I got a new powder baffle from "Big Bike Parts" for my 650 Dillon and it works tremendously as far as an accurate throw. I get + - 1/10 or less.

http://www.bigbikeparts.com/templates/p ... pGuid=2015


Kirmdog

[Trooperjake]

Kirmdog
I should have mention more detail.
The problem with the fail safe rod, is the violent action it creates.

I have no problem with the powder baffle Dillon provides.
I have added a weight disk and rod to keep a consistent weight.
Accuracy of any measure is determined by the powder you use. Ball, stick or flake.
VVn310 will throw a lot more accurate than IMR4350.

[cgroppi]

Get a micrometer powder bar. Worth it's weight in gold in time saved setting up. Also allows on the fly fine adjustment. I can easily maintain a +/- 0.05 gr throw throughout a loading session with it.

[JamesH]

I made up a set of brass bars with a range of simple drilled holes for each charge I wanted.
I believe this should give the most accurate throw, and 100% repeatability even compared with a micrometer bar.

I'd be interested to hear how the spring works, I suppose I could google it....

Is this what you meant?

[Trooperjake]

JamesH
Yes this is the set up,
It is like the setup Dillon used in the past.
But without the Rod.

I have not tried it yet, but wanted feedback.

[Isabel1130]

I made up a set of brass bars with a range of simple drilled holes for each charge I wanted.
I believe this should give the most accurate throw, and 100% repeatability even compared with a micrometer bar.

I'd be interested to hear how the spring works, I suppose I could google it....

Is this what you meant?

Ok, so what triggers the powder drop or do you have to do it manually?

[Trooperjake]

The case pushes the powder insert up, pushing there powder bar back, the powder drops into there case.
when you lower the case, it allows the powder bar to return.

The case is belled on the upstroke as well as having powder dropped.
There is no manual handling, its all progressive.

[jackh]

Years ago I took the spring off the bellcrank and pop-riveted the two halves together. Using two old style return springs works just wonderful. You can see the pop-rivet just behind the tip of the rod.



Accuracy has been excellent with one of those after market special screws or "mike" adjusters.

I do not use the method of throwing ten charges looking for 10X my load. If 3-4 throws in a row are all right on, I go for it. I check maybe every 25 loads.

Note the die lock ring to help adjust the powder funnel.

[sobakavitch]

. . . .

[JamesH]

Does this mak much difference to the force on the case on the upstroke? Too much force and you lose control of the flaring.

[Jerry Keefer]

A number of people mentioned they removed the fail safe rod.
And added a heavier spring around the measure, or added a second measure.
Have any of you tried this? Do you find it more accurate?

Got rid of the rod many years ago..It's a pain..Doubled the spring, and I keep my HI/LO powder charge alarm in perfect condition...:) Accuracy.. ? I can't say it's " more " accurate.. I use a lot of 700X and have zero issues with consistency.. Shortline Bullseye powder of course, meters well regardless.

[Isabel1130]

Ok, next question, the little hooky springs that hold the powder bar in, so that the die triggers, the powder drop? Where do you get those?

[Jerry Keefer]

Kate,
Dillon.. I have several powder measures, so that I am not constantly weighing and adjusting the powder flow... I just change powder measures between long line / short line and calibers. This also allows me extra springs if needed. I completely eliminated all the unnecessary linkage, as you can see. AND I emphasize the fact, that I keep my HI/LO charge alarm in perfect working order..

[Trooperjake]

Kate
The springs were used on the old Dillon measures.
Before they went to the bell crank system.
Its funny that Dillon still has the spring holder on the power bar,
even though they say don't use it.

[Isabel1130]

Ok. Some of my friends are actually using the Hornady lock and load powder funnel on their Dillon press. It requires an adapter to fit onto the Dillon die, or you can get a Hornady one I guess.

Thinking about doing that. But right now, don't want to mess with what seems to be working after several expensive upgrades. Kate

[GunRunner]

I have the new style on my 1050 but have a old style as well they can be bought on ebay for about the same money, ive used both and checked and rechecked powder drops, both have the micrometer screw and dial and are in new condition but after extensive testing I found the new version is more consistent.