Help with Dillon Powder Measure

[WNC Seabee]

I'm setting up my Dillon RL 550B and everything is going well except the powder measure. I have the small powder bar in place, which the manual says should throw between 3-20 grains of powder.

The lightest charge of W231 I can get from it is ~12 grains. What could I be doing wrong?

 

[alfack]

What caliber and are you using the correct powder funnel for that caliber?

 

[WNC Seabee]

.45 ACP and I'm using the funnel that came with the caliber conversion kit (shell plate, funnel, locators)

 

[243winxb]

My very old RL450 Dillon came with 2 powder bars. The small bar for pistol, looks something like this >

 

[rfwobbly]

The hex nut on the PM turns a threaded shaft that threads into a flat block inside the "small bar". Take the small bar back out and, holding it your hand, make sure that when you turn the hex CCW that the block closes the gap for powder completely. I feel sure you have a "disturbance in the Force" that's keeping the block from moving all the way to the closed position.

Assembled the top and bottom bar should fit like this....

Finally, the small square piece of plastic must be there to engage the slot on the side of the "small bar". Check the inner gold colored plate on the side of your PM and make sure the pin has the plastic square. You can just barely see the plastic part in the photo above.

 

[WNC Seabee]

I'll pull it apart and check the clearances, thanks for the tip!

 

[alfack]

.45 ACP and I'm using the funnel that came with the caliber conversion kit (shell plate, funnel, locators)

That's odd. Does the powder bar retract so it is flush with the assembly when you pull the handle all the way down? The only other thing I can think of is that the throw adjusting nut is not turned counter-clockwise enough. They can be tough to turn with just your fingers sometimes.

 

[rfwobbly]

They can be tough to turn with just your fingers sometimes.

Yes, that's very true. A set of these push-on plastic knobs REALLY helps turn the hex, and make the adjustment more accurate. It's well worth the $5 charge. I got my set off FleaBay. Took about 2 minutes to install both.

 

[WNC Seabee]

Ever have one of THOSE days?

I was just adjusting the thing the wrong way...kinda feel a bit foolish....

 

[rfwobbly]

Oh Jeez. There's gonna have to be a charge for that !!



Take a marker pen and put a 'minus sign' on the left corner and a 'plus sign' on the right corner, either side of the white plastic "dubber-jobber". That will remind you which way to turn for more or less powder.


"Dubber-jobber" is a highly technical reloading term that the pros use.

 

[GaryL]

Ever have one of THOSE days?

I was just adjusting the thing the wrong way...kinda feel a bit foolish....

Now you know the max charge of W231 you can throw with the small powder bar. Put that in your notebook for future reference.

 

[alfack]

Yes, that's very true. A set of these push-on plastic knobs REALLY helps turn the hex, and make the adjustment more accurate. It's well worth the $5 charge. I got my set off FleaBay. Took about 2 minutes to install both.

I have known about these for a long time and thought they were a great idea, but never got around to ordering them. I think I will, today, thanks to your reminder. Using a wrench on the thing is a pain, too.

Edit: Just ordered a couple of the "T" nut types. I think it would make it easier to keep track of your adjustments.

 

[rfwobbly]

I have known about these for a long time and thought they were a great idea, but never got around to ordering them.

The largest diameter is going to give you the finest adjustment. The same guy sells about 6 different styles for the same price. So just get the the largest ones.

To install, you set the knob on your bench top with the hex hole facing up. Then take your Dillon PM and push it down onto the knob. Don't use a hammer, and no sharp blows; you'll only hurt the PM and gouge the knob. Slow steady pressure installs them in about 2 seconds.

I really like mine.

 

[drivadesl]

Rfwobbly: The picture of your press shows a micrometer type adjustment for the charge bar. I didn't know Dillon offered that option. Did you set that up yourself or am I just missing something?

 

[mc223]

http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1231

 

[Seedtick]

I wanted one of those UniqueTek Micrometers but I cheaped out and bought this one.

MRDial Powder Measure Adjustment Dial

I know it's not as nice as UniqueTek's mic but it only cost 1/2 as much and it works really well. I don't have any trouble going back to a charge that I've used before...that is if I didn't forget to write down what it was!

Seedtick

 

[rfwobbly]

Rfwobbly: The picture of your press shows a micrometer type adjustment for the charge bar.

Sorry to report that's not a photo of my machine.

 

[dc.fireman]

"Dubber-jobber" is a highly technical reloading term that the pros use.

Indeed. I just replaced my thingamajig the other day. I suspect the jobber may be slightly worn as well. Doohickeys are good to go though....

-tc

 

[rfwobbly]

Indeed. I just replaced my thingamajig the other day.

I've always had better luck with the magnum all-weather thingamajig, myself. But I warn you, the blue ones can be really hard to find.

 

[cheygriz]

Whenever you have ANY problem with a Dillon product, pick up the phone and call Dillon.

Mike Dillon wants to know immediatelty if a customer has any kind of problem at all with one of his products.