Review: Replacement Powder Adjuster for Dillon Measure

[1911user]

I recently purchases a pair of these for my large and small dillon powder bars. They replace the adjustment bolt (no more 7/16 wrench to change powder settings). The scallops on the edge of the knob provide enough reference points (28) to be able to return to a previous setting. By my calculations, that is enough resolution to return within 0.05 grains for pistol loads and 0.1 grains for rifle loads. A real micrometer (like the uniquetek) would be nice, but not at $50 per powder bar. I had planned to purchase an extra measure, but these work well enough to stay with one measure and just record the adjustments for different loads.

Customer service was good. Here is the main website where you can see other color choices and a diffent style knob. http://home.comcast.net/~videodog/

 

[loadedround]

1911user: Sorry to break your bubble, but you can by these knobs separately for about $.85 each at the Home Depot Stores that slip right over the adjustment knob. Come in three colors...red, white and black. Fitted both my 550B's, all my extra tool heads with measures and my SL900 all for less than 10 bucks. I had to mark a dot on them with a marking pen for adjustment. Why these knobs stay such a secret I'll never know!

 

[1911user]

I was aware of press-on knobs used in the past. However, my understanding is they weren't available and hadn't been for several years in spite of people searching all over home improvement stores. If someone has the exact part number of a knob that is currently available, post it and the store! It'd be a favor to other reloaders. Do the press-on knobs slip at all once in place? My concern is consistently repeatable settings.

These have the knob molded over a star-shaped end of the bolt where the hex head would be. The important feature was the scalloped knob. He also sells one with a more ribbed surface, but it would be harder to come up with easy reference marks. I was looking for a poor-mans' micrometer rather than eliminating the need for a wrench to change powder settings (nice bonus though).

For those who stick with the original hex bolt head, you can get 12 easy points of reference (6 flats and 6 corners) to help return to a previous setting. Just mark one of the flats and use that as a 0 reference point then count the number of whole revolutions plus the fraction of a revolution from the lowest setting. I needed more resolution to be certain that I'd only have to use a scale to verify the powder setting once instead of adjust the setting each time. The stock bolt can get you fairly close if you don't mind slight adjustments for each caliber change.

My bubble isn't broke, I'm still happy with the purchase.

 

[1911user]

oops, double tap - mods please delete

 

[dmftoy1]

1911User, I've got the exact same knob and really like it. I did the HD, Lowes, Menards search for these knobs for quite awhile before buying the one's your using and it was some of the best money I've spent in terms of making the powder measure more friendly.

Have a goo done,
Dave

 

[jmorris]

Since I have to swap the (empty) powder measure over to a different tool head when I change calibers; I just purchased extra powder bars, and leave them with the tool heads for each caliber. It’s only one screw to change out, less room for error, and a lot cheaper than a whole measure. I do use the HD knobs when working up a load then remove.

 

[Fatelvis]

Here's the package from the knob bought at Home Depot, for about $.85. They slip right over the bolt on the powder measure, and make tweaking your powder charge more convenient.

 

[Chief-7700]

http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1231
This is what I have been using on my Dillon XL-650, far better that than what came from Dillon. The Excel spreadsheet that comes with it great
Chief-7700