Problems with the Dillon .357 Conversion Kit

[scubadown]

I got the Dillon conversion for the 550 to load 357. As I started the reloading process I noticed that every five or so brass cases would would have the shell lip folded over during case belling by the powder funnel. Upon closer inspection I noticed that the cases were not aligning very consistently and that occasionally the powder funnel would catch the edge of the brass case and fold a small section of it over as it was inserted into the case.

The pins, that came with the conversion kit are labeled #2, and they allow too much play between the shell plate and the pin. I tried some larger pins, labeled #3, which came with my .223 conversion kit and they fit perfectly and align the cases much more consistently. Since using the #3 pins I have had no further problems with the belling process.

So my question is, are the pins shipped with the . 357 Dillon conversion kit supposed to be the #2 or the #3 pins?

Thanks

 

[rfwobbly]

Call Dillon. They'll fix it.

 

[dave from mesa]

Mine are marked #2 but if yours works with #3 why not use it. Agree call Dillon.
One more when I put the shell plate on I put it so that is too tight then back it off till it just turns smoothly. Seems to stay in the ball detent better this way.

 

[kestak]

Greetings,

Been there, done that.

Tighten your shellplate so the case does not wiggle will solve 95% of your problem.

To solve 99.9% of your problem, help the case to stay straight with your finger until the powder expander is inside the case.

Same thing happened to me with 44 mag and 38spl cases.

Thank you

 

[scubadown]

Thanks for the replies, it sounds like the standard pin for 357 is the #2 however for me the #3 is a better, tighter fit.

 

[loadedround]

My Dillon 38/357 pins are #2's also and have never had any reloading problems loading either round.

 

[redneck2]

Might want to measure them. Maybe they're marked wrong. Just a thought.

 

[tjj]

The pins for the 9mm set up on my 550 seemed a little sloppy too. I made my own set. Works great.

Another thing to check. Look at the powder funnel and make sure the cone end is smooth. Never had any problems here but a buddy of mine bought some used equipment and one of his powder funnels was boogered up bad. It looked like it hooked a few case lips in it's time.

 

[SASS#23149]

I"ve loadded many hundreds of them with the no.2 pins without tht happening.I suspect,as do others,you're shell plate is a bit too loose.

 

[Gungle George]

I had a problem on my SL900 12 ga loader with the primer drop. No matter what I did it still would not drop a primer every 10 shells or so. :banghead: I called Dillion and talked to a tech. We spent about 30 minutes on the phone trying different things to no avail.
The tech said 'lets just replace the whole primer tray and drop bar'. He shipped it out that day and didn't charge me a dime. He even told me to just keep the old parts! Installed new parts 2 days later and no more problems. If the can't get you fixed over the phone they'll send you what ever you need to rectify the problem.
Don't sweat it, call Dillion, they're the best!

Cheers,

Gungle George