[jmorris]

I found this idea on another forum and gave it a try. It’s easy loosen the set screw and remove the shell plate bolt install washers and thrust bearing and reassemble. Instead of the shell plate snapping into place it glides there, less than $5 and worth it. The bearing is NTA 815 and the washers are TRA 815.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o213/jmorrismetal/reloading/650bearing.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o213/jmorrismetal/reloading/bearing.jpg

[coop4u2c]

Where did you buy the bearing and washers?

[jmorris]

I bought them at a local bearing supply to save money on shipping but you can order them here too.

Go to www.mcmaster.com

5909K31 1 Each Steel Needle-roller Thrust Bearing Cage Assembly For 1/2" Shaft Diameter, 15/16" Od
5909K44 2 Each .032" Thick Washer For 1/2" Shaft Diameter Steel Needle-roller Thrust Bearing

[ambidextrous1]

Is the thrust bearing sandwiched between the two washers?

[jmorris]

Is the thrust bearing sandwiched between the two washers?

yes.

[mongoose33]

Would this also likely work on a Hornady LnL?

[cottonmouth]

I know on a 550 you can adjust the hex head bolt in the middle of the shell plate to where the "click" goes away. At least I was able to adjust mine this way.

J.B.

[jmorris]

Would this also likely work on a Hornady LnL?

I don't think so, I don't have an LNL anymore but I think the shell plate bolts directly to the shaft that goes to the indexing paws (no place to put a thrust bearing). Not to mention spilled powder is less of a concern as the LNL indexes half on the up stroke and half on the down stroke the Dillon indexes completely during the last 1 3/8" of the down stroke.

[Shoney]

And not to mention that the LNL AP is case activated so it shuold never spill powder.

[atblis]

That's not what he's talking about.

The problem is when it indexes, there's a detent that snaps into place and if the case is full to the top, it ends up flicking powder out of the case. I have that problem with Unique and 9mm.

It looks like you could get that bearing from an auto parts store. Napa has it on their website.

Don't see the washers at Napa.

[cottonmouth]

Isn't the tension adjustable on the 650 like on the 550? The tighter the hex head bolt the more of a "click" you get when you index. Losen it up until it rotates smoothly.

J.B.

[The Wiry Irishman]

Isn't the tension adjustable on the 650 like on the 550? The tighter the hex head bolt the more of a "click" you get when you index. Losen it up until it rotates smoothly.

I've found that when I loosen it enough that the "click" no longer causes powder spill, I get increased COAL variations. I've found the best solution for me is to have a very smooth upstroke on the handle, after a few rounds to build muscle memory, I can slow down right near the indexing "click" and not spill powder while still maintaining the same level of productivity.

ETA: When I first noticed powder spill, using Bullseye for .380, I started measuring the powder charge at the charging station versus after any spillage. I found that it was at most a tenth of a grain, but usually not enough to register a change on my scale.

[jmorris]

I found that it was at most a tenth of a grain

I never had anywhere near that much spill out but after 1000 rounds even a single speck every few adds up to a mess

It looks like you could get that bearing from an auto parts store. Napa has it on their website.

http://www.napaonline.com/NOLPPSE/(S...815_0141260895

Don't see the washers

The washers are #TRA 815.

[atblis]

I conducted an experiment last night. I used some synthetic brake Caliper grease on the center bolt and the the detent ball. Very very tacky stuff. It has that glide feel to it now, and doesn't throw powder. Don't know how long it'll last, but seems to work.

[edelbrock]

You can also clip about half of a coil from the spring under the detent ball. Reduces the pressure on the ball so it doesn't snap in place so forcefully.

[Underwhere]

Here is a working NAPA link
http://www.napaonline.com/NOLPPSE/(S(jswzgan5nhyyv0452rnmb3m1))/Detail.aspx?R=BRGNTA815_0213181047

[atblis]

I searched Napa for the washers too, but I don't think they have an automotive application. I suspect you could probably use some regular washers. This application doesn't really require precision.

[jmorris]

Any bearing supply house should have thrust bearings (1/2" id is what you need). The rollers are hardened so anything you put them against thats not will get chewed up over time. The link in #3 will get both to your door.

[atblis]

Yeah, but what's the shipping? Probably 9 bucks or so for 5 dollars worth of stuff.

[jmorris]

Yep, but thats cheaper than a new shell plate and if your in the sticks a trip into town would cost more than that.