550 Powder measure?

[3wide]

I've getting some pretty big variations in powder drops when I reload 223. The charge will grow as more powder is used up. Anyone else have this problem? What do you do, just keep adding as you go to keep a constant level?

 

[Borg]

Make yourself a baffle.
I used a 4" funnel with a piece of soft plastic tubing, cut about an inch above the metal part.
Works just fine.
Borg

 

[loadedround]

I have several powder measures for my two 550B presses and all are accurate. Is it possible that your powder measure spring(s) are getting weak from overuse. Why not call Dillon and discuss your problem with them. They will replace any defective part free.

 

[lgbloader]

I have 3 Dillons and all three Powder measures are on the money. I load 223 on my 550B as well and have never had a problem. My main powder for 223 is Varget. I use baffles in all my Powder measures, though. This may help. I feel it does.
Sounds like a call to Dillon may be in order.
LGB

 

[rfwobbly]

Why not call Dillon and discuss your problem with them. They will replace any defective part free.

+1

Your Dillon powder measure should not vary at all. I have 2 and they are both rock solid. There's an update kit available if yours were made back in the 90's. Again, call Dillon.

 

[30Cal]

I've found that in order to minimize variation, the following helps:

1. operate the press as smoothly and consistantly as you can.
2. operate the press as smoothly and consistantly as you can.
3. don't let the level in the powder measure go below 1/3rd

and finally;
operate the press as smoothly and consistantly as you can.

When I'm loading for rifles, I keep one case on the shellplate at a time and I also rap the side of the powder measure body before each powder drop.

 

[redneck2]

Make sure your fail safe rod is adjusted correctly and you're getting full throw of the powder slide both ways.

#1 reason for variation is if you don't have the two screws on the collar that holds the powder measure tight. I used to leave mine a little loose to let the measure "float". Thought it was no big deal. Problem is, it can move up and down a differently with each pull.

Once I kept it tight and adjusted everything correctly, it's typically dead on. Worst case +/- .1. I've got 4 Dillon measures.

Also, I load rifle one round at a time. Too much stuff wiggling and flopping with the four long cases standing up. For example, if you don't get the case in station 1 lubed correctly, it will take a harder pull and change your rhythm.

 

[3wide]

Fail safe rod, S^%T! I changed over from loading 45 acp to 223 and took the powder measure apart to change to the large drop. I just checked it and I didn't have enough tension on the rod! Going to have to pull all those I loaded. Oh well, thanks guys.

 

[redneck2]

You're welcome...not that I've ever done that...

Experience...recognizing a mistake the second time you make it