[ulflyer]

In loading 45acp the powder funnel/case mouth expander seems to really hang on to the cases more than I think it should, at least compared with 38 cases which slick right off the expander. The 45's require quite a yank to get off. I spray lube all my cases beforehand with Midway spray; however I lay the cases down so as to minimize getting lube inside the case. The funnel is smooth and not scratched or rough in any way.

Any suggestions, or is this normal? I haven't called Dillon yet to see what they say.

[Bandit01]

I have the same problem with .45 and 10mm. You have to give it a good yank. With .357 and .44--it's not a problem, I can crank out rounds like nothing.

[redneck2]

possible problem, and not the cases

If you have powder spill (inevitable) and you're using fine grain (AA 5, etc) some will work it's way between the ram and the housing. As you stroke the handle you're putting side pressure on the ram which makes it bind

If you spill a little powder, blow off the powder or run a vacuum cleaner across the press (pull out the locator buttons first or the vac will do it for you)

Also, on my old Dillon press the ram was evidentally not lubed well enough at one time and actually galled. I took the ram out and polished it with emery cloth. Do that and keep the ram lubed (Dillon suggests 30 wt motor oil) and it makes a world of difference.

It's much more noticeable with .45's since the cases are larger and there's more surface area. May sound strange , but that's what I had.

[HSMITH]

I only have this problem with new brass, or brass that I have forgotten in the tumbler and it got super clean. To solve this problem I spray a little One Shot on a box of cases letting some get inside or some of the cases. one Shot won't foul the powder or cause any problems.

[spook]

You might try adding a couple capfuls of Turtle Wax to your tumbler. It's not a substitute for lubricant in non-carbide dies, but makes the press run a little smoother and helps shine the brass.

[ulflyer]

Thanks guys for the suggestions. Have begun to experiment with a spray lube made from RCBS case lube made for pads...its "water soluble"...so I've added a bit of it with a bunch of alchol in a spray bottle to see how it works. Problem is determining how much of each to use. Mainly its guesswork, and going by feel of the cases after they've dried. Will advise if this works. I do know that if some of the Midway lube i've been using gets in the case mouth the press works much smoother; but I'm unsure what it will do to the powder. Probably nothing, as I don't load up anything for long term storage. Local gun store didn't have any spray lube thats why I'm messing with this.

[ulflyer]

Sprayed about a 100 or more today with the RCBS/alcohol mix after comparing the "stickiness" of it to some Midway spray. The RCBS was less sticky so I figured the mix was ok. I let some of the cases stand up to get a little in the mouth; about 20 or less and then after drying ran them thru the 550 and they worked slicker than snot. No sticking cases on the expander! :) As I mentioned before, not sure if this lube would affect the powder on a long term basis. The batch I loaded have already been shot.