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Dillion 650 and 45 ACP problemo

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CLP

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Not a major problem, but when I lower the ram, the case seems to get stuck on stage 2 (by order of elimination, then by trying it alone I was able to determine this). Basically, I just have to use more force than feels necessary to lower the ram. Coincidentally, while on the Starline site looking for 45 GAP brass, I read their FAQ's that mentioned this same problem- particularly with 45 ACP.

It read, "There are two situations that create this problem. The first is one we have just recently identified. It seems to be associated with the dillon powder funnel and only a couple of calibers (45 Auto and 40 S&W). The land for expanding case mouth is too long and when you begin to bell mouth the bottom of expander gets into the thicker taper of case and wedges causing it to be very hard to get back out. We have modified several by increasing radius on end and slightly shortening expanding land and this eliminated the problem completely. Call Starline and we will take care of it if you wish..."

Makes sense to me. I haven't used any brass other than Starline, so I don't know if it's because Starline brass is a little thicker than other headstamps. What I want to know is, should I send my powder funnel/expander to Starline for modification or is there some way to correct this without modification? My powder station is set up properly as it is with the minimal amount of belling necessary. Thanks
 
You can put your own powder drop tube in a drill press and reduce the diameter of the item yourself with emery cloth. Do this reduction between the bottom radiused tip and the angled expander section. Older Dillon drop tubes were made like this.
 
Is this with new brass or fired brass. I have had the same problem with new starline brass. It went away on the second loading.
 
Yeah this seems to be a common problem. I had a bunch of fired brass when it happened to me. Mixing them together solved the problem. If that's not an option, you might try running the new brass through your tumbler and see it that helps.
 
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