Powder Measurement Variances
Quote from Reloader on March 28, 2014, 6:20 amI acquired a Dillon XL650 (circa 1994) from my father. The powder measures seem to be original and based on current design / schematics it appears there have been modifications to the powder measure system since.
The issue I am running into deals with inconsistent charges. Looking over all of the documentation and online resources I have been unable to get a consistent charge.
Is it reasonable to believe that the older powder measure systems may be the issue and would behoove me to swap them out for the most recent ones?
I acquired a Dillon XL650 (circa 1994) from my father. The powder measures seem to be original and based on current design / schematics it appears there have been modifications to the powder measure system since.
The issue I am running into deals with inconsistent charges. Looking over all of the documentation and online resources I have been unable to get a consistent charge.
Is it reasonable to believe that the older powder measure systems may be the issue and would behoove me to swap them out for the most recent ones?
Quote from Reloader on March 29, 2014, 7:33 pmThe Dillon powder measures are more consistent with some powders than others. What powder are you loading, and how inconsistent is it? What are you using to measure the drops?
The Dillon powder measures are more consistent with some powders than others. What powder are you loading, and how inconsistent is it? What are you using to measure the drops?
Quote from Reloader on March 31, 2014, 5:43 pmI am using IMR 800X, loading .40 S&W. I spoke with Dillon Support on Friday and they advised that the IMR powder I am using could lend it self to variances however I am seeing anywhere from .5 grain up to a full grain which is simply too much.
Dillon advised me to double check the fail safe rod. When raising the handle I do see that the powder bar fully retracts so I am assuming it is getting the full charge.
It should be noted that it is never over always under. In my case I am targeting 6 grains I will get output such as:
5.6
5.4
5.2
5.0I am using both the RCBS manual scale and the Dillon digital scale to double check both return the same values so they are correct.
The other things I will check:
* Cam
* Plate
* Ball CrankIMO it is something that I am doing wrong there has to be some setting or calibration that I am overlooking. I feel though that I have gone over obvious areas but I am still getting the inconsistent values.
I am using IMR 800X, loading .40 S&W. I spoke with Dillon Support on Friday and they advised that the IMR powder I am using could lend it self to variances however I am seeing anywhere from .5 grain up to a full grain which is simply too much.
Dillon advised me to double check the fail safe rod. When raising the handle I do see that the powder bar fully retracts so I am assuming it is getting the full charge.
It should be noted that it is never over always under. In my case I am targeting 6 grains I will get output such as:
5.6
5.4
5.2
5.0
I am using both the RCBS manual scale and the Dillon digital scale to double check both return the same values so they are correct.
The other things I will check:
* Cam
* Plate
* Ball Crank
IMO it is something that I am doing wrong there has to be some setting or calibration that I am overlooking. I feel though that I have gone over obvious areas but I am still getting the inconsistent values.
Quote from Reloader on April 1, 2014, 4:30 pmHow much are you flaring the case mouth? Be sure you are flaring at least .010" larger than a sized, unflared case measures. Also, start with the hopper at least 2/3 full of powder. Dump 10-15 charges before you begin weighing them to settle the powder under the baffle. I have used a lot of 800-X, expect a variation of /- .2 grains. It sounds like the powder bar is not fully extended to me.
How much are you flaring the case mouth? Be sure you are flaring at least .010" larger than a sized, unflared case measures. Also, start with the hopper at least 2/3 full of powder. Dump 10-15 charges before you begin weighing them to settle the powder under the baffle. I have used a lot of 800-X, expect a variation of /- .2 grains. It sounds like the powder bar is not fully extended to me.
Quote from Reloader on May 24, 2014, 12:51 amWhat do you mean by "inconsistent? How much variability are you seeing? For pistol size charges +/- 0.1 grain is typical and for large rifle charges +/- 0.3 to 0.5 grain is normal.
Also, what powder are you using. Some flake and long grain "stick" powders are difficult to get consistent weights. Ball powders measure much more consistently.
What do you mean by "inconsistent? How much variability are you seeing? For pistol size charges +/- 0.1 grain is typical and for large rifle charges +/- 0.3 to 0.5 grain is normal.
Also, what powder are you using. Some flake and long grain "stick" powders are difficult to get consistent weights. Ball powders measure much more consistently.
Quote from Reloader on November 14, 2014, 3:46 amWhen I've had this problem, it's almost always because the bellcrank's white cube is moving completely to the end of the stroke.
Read completely thru Station 2-Powder Charging and Case Mouth Belling under trouble shooting.
When I've had this problem, it's almost always because the bellcrank's white cube is moving completely to the end of the stroke.
Read completely thru Station 2-Powder Charging and Case Mouth Belling under trouble shooting.