Dillon 650 loaded cartridge "escape tube" modification

[Zak Smith]

Brian Enos hooked me up with a XL650 last week and I'm extremely happy with it. I'm done with a box of 500 bullets before I know it, and serious quantities of ammo are easy to produce.

The first modification I made to my machine was a "loaded round tube" to replace the blue plastic box that came with the machine.

The tube is 1.5" I.D. plastic "pool" tubing. I attached it by punching two holes through the tube at the top about 0.25" inch apart, drilling one hole in the loaded-cartridge tray bracket, and using a zip-tie.

Now the loaded rounds accumulate in the destination ammo box and I have one less thing to impede my loading rate. So far I've tested it with .44MAG and it works well.

-z

 

[mpthole]

Now that is slick!!!

Do you hook this up after you've got your load all worked out and can just mass produce?

 

[Zak Smith]

mpthole,

Yeah, it's optimized for mass production.

It does not get in the way when recalibrating dies because all the last stage does is crimp. (I use Lee Factory Crimp dies there.) So powder charge can be checked when the case is in Stage 3, and bullet seating depth can be checked when the case is in Stage 5. Once the Factory Crimp die is set, I never change it.

When working up a load, I'll typically load 5 - 20 rounds at that load-point. These can be collected in a small box, or the hose "inzit" can just be moved out of the way.

With the 650, it's easy to sit down for just an hour and crank out serious quantities of ammo.

-z

 

[mpthole]

With the 650, it's easy to sit down for just an hour and crank out serious quantities of ammo.

I know! I've got one too.

 

[uglymofo]

I don't have a Dillon, so I don't see the advantage....why didn't you put the ammo box on the table instead of punching a hole through it for the pipe?

 

[clown714]

yea,pretty neat idea

thanks for sharing

clown

 

[Black Snowman]

why didn't you put the ammo box on the table instead of punching a hole through it for the pipe?

Well, I don't own a Dillon either but I can guess.
If you look carefully it looks like the "Strong Mount" base is in the way.

 

[Zak Smith]

uglymofo,

Black Snowman is pretty much correct. The black "Strong Mount" increases the footprint of the press on the bench by 2-3" by angling in towards the press. Because of this gap, I would still need some sort of extended guide to make sure the round gets into the can. It's easier to fiddle around with the can and guide if it's further away from the press.

Additionally, my second press - the Square Deal B - to the right of the 650 is in the way.

-z

 

[uglymofo]

Thanks, Zak.