Squibs, Yuck!

[MikeInOr]

• Dillon measures seem to be helped by adding return tension to the Powder Bar. I use the spring off an older model Dillon powder measure, but you can get started (experiment) using rubber bands. It doesn't take a lot of additional tension, but the powder bar should return to the Home position with a snap! Notice the spring below isn't at full tension...

This is the new style Dillon powder measure. The new style Dillon powder measures have the second lever that has to be pulled back down by the powder measure safety rod and the powder measure makes a big "Clunk" when doing so. I believe the purpose behind the new measure is to make it so that you can't run the press without the powder measure safety rod and to make the measure more consistent by settling the powder with the big clunk. The old powder measures do not have the second lever or the big clunk and will run without the powder measure safety rod attached.

I have 7 of the old measures and 1 of the new measures. The new measure is a ROYAL pain in the rear when you are trying to dial in a new powder weight... I much prefer the old measures.

I understand the concept of the powder bridging (packed in and not falling completely). I just have a really hard time envisioning this actually happening... from my experiences. To frame my experiences... I live in the very dry high desert region of Oregon. The times I have been to the Southern US I can't conceive of anyone living in such humidity. Would throwing one of those little packages of desiccant on top of the powder in the measure help with powder clumping and bridging? I envision reloading in the south on a hot humid day pretty close to trying to reload ammo under water.

 

[rfwobbly]

This is the new style Dillon powder measure. The new style Dillon powder measures have the second lever that has to be pulled back down by the powder measure safety rod and the powder measure makes a big "Clunk" when doing so.

That's what I'm saying. Add the old style spring (at a greatly reduced tension) to the NEW style measure to get a better Snap ! It really helps, especially if your measure is new and tight.

 

[CANNONMAN]

I really like the added tension idea. Thanks. Yeah, I came from New Mexico and WOW! 85f with 90% humidity? I rather shoot in a 110f. For my gun vault and reloading room, I have a dehumidifier and keep it at 40%. You think clumping powder is bad? Try watching your favorite guns rust? Dehumidifier was worth every penny. I also have a mill, lathe and complete wood shop. Guess what? Even a bigger dehumidifier. And lots of oil. I'll buy another can of WD40 like people buy water.

 

[Reeferman]

Only one I’ve had from my LNL was my fault. Took case off of plate after powder cop, dumped it in the scale to check powder weight and put shell back on plate without putting powder back in. After that I make sure to check it before powder cop.

 

[foxmeadow]

After loading about 400 rounds of .45 ACP on my 550B,I took them out and started shooting. 5 squibs in 10 shots, so I nixed the entire lot and started pulling. After about a hundred or so I pulled the bullet dumped the powder out and found a big fat dead fly in the charge. KEEP THE LIDS ON YOUR POWDER MEASURE AND CANS!!! I figured the fly got stuck in the drop tube for a bunch of rounds and finally fell out into the case...
I finished unloading the rest and started over, this time with no squibs, but with funky looking bullets...

 

[CANNONMAN]

Hey foxmeadow, thanks! makes me feel human. Appreciated the kinship!