RL 1050 makes a snapping sound on return upstroke

[IMtheNRA]

I recently got a Dillon RL 1050 press and used it for making lots of 9mm ammo without any problems. Today, I installed a new toolhead and started to set it up for .357 magnum. During the caliber change, I cleaned everything and greased all the components that the manual recommended. I also cleaned out the primer dust from the primer system.

So far, I installed only the .357 sizing die and the swaging station backer / mouth expander die. I lowered the swaging rod all the way down as I don't need to swage .357 cases. I can cycle the press without any problem as long as there is no brass in either the sizing or swage stations. The problem becomes apparent when I run a piece of brass through either of the first two dies.

When I tested the sizing die with a piece of brass, I heard two loud snapping or "boing!" sounds in quick succession when I returned the handle to the upright position. The same pair of sounds are heard if the brass is only in the swaging station. It sounds like a spring is trying to return a metallic component to its neutral position, but something is briefly preventing this component from returning during the upstroke.

I suspect the sounds are coming from the primer punch as it retracts and then immediately after that from the rocker arm, but I'm not sure.

This happens only if there is brass in one of the first two die stations. If no brass is in the shell plate, no strange sounds are heard.

Any ideas what is going on with this machine?

 

[IMtheNRA]

Just in case someone else encounters this problem - I got it resolved. I checked the toolhead bolt and it was quite loose, even though it was tight when I installed it. I took out the bolt, jiggled the toolhead around and reinstalled it. With the press handle in the down position, it took a surprisingly large number of turns to get it tight.

I think with the bolt loose, the alignment pins were slightly out of alignment. The pin closest to the primer slide was probably pulling or pushing the slide against the primer punch, causing it to get stuck partially in the up position. Once the alignment pin was fully raised on the upstroke, the slide went back and allowed the primer punch to fall down into its neutral position. The two boings I heard were the primer punch falling back down and the rocker arm returning to its neutral position as well.

The press is now operating smoothly. I am stunned at the difference in press feel and reliability between this previously used 1050 and my Hornady LNL! Should have upgraded years ago.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I wish I could afford a 1050 super but I can't so my LNL-AP works just fine for me. I know your using a RL but a dollar is a dollar.

I'm glad you resolved your problem.

Good loading.

 

[IMtheNRA]

Don't get me wrong - it would be unfair to compare the LNL to a 1050. Judging by their prices they're not in competition with each other. The machines are in totally different classes of reloading equipment.

I simply (and quite gratefully) recognize the shocking difference in reloading experience as a result of this upgrade.

I'm going to need a bigger order of components...

 

[jmorris]

Edit: Started posting before reading that you found the problem.

 

[angus6]

I simply (and quite gratefully) recognize the shocking difference in reloading experience as a result of this upgrade.

That's what I found with the Super , it didn't take long to move everything over to it and sell the 550 & 650

 

[jmorris]

I still keep at least one 550, 650 and SD on the bench but the 1050's are the best at loading volumes and the only one that runs well enough to automate.