Spilled powder
Quote from Reloader on August 28, 2018, 3:41 pmHello all, during my last 223 reloading session, I discovered ball powder on the plate and on my bench. At first I though I missed seating a primer, but a check revealed I had not. Next I checked to see if the powder die was working properly, as far as I could see it was. I then checked the powder bar operation. It seemed fine. After clean up I continued on and I discovered more dropped/spilled powder. I stopped and quit at this point. I talked to a couple of 550 owners and they have never seen this problem.
I since disassembled, cleaned and changed over to 45 acp and do not have this issue. When I am done with 45, I will change back over to 223 and try again. When ever I change calibers, I clean everything.
Anyone ever see or heard of this problem? This is the first time it has ever occurred. Input?????
Hello all, during my last 223 reloading session, I discovered ball powder on the plate and on my bench. At first I though I missed seating a primer, but a check revealed I had not. Next I checked to see if the powder die was working properly, as far as I could see it was. I then checked the powder bar operation. It seemed fine. After clean up I continued on and I discovered more dropped/spilled powder. I stopped and quit at this point. I talked to a couple of 550 owners and they have never seen this problem.
I since disassembled, cleaned and changed over to 45 acp and do not have this issue. When I am done with 45, I will change back over to 223 and try again. When ever I change calibers, I clean everything.
Anyone ever see or heard of this problem? This is the first time it has ever occurred. Input?????
Quote from Reloader on August 28, 2018, 4:41 pmIt will be easier to troubleshoot when your machine is set back up for 223. First, be sure to pull the handle down slower. It should take one full second to move the powder bar over. Next, be sure the funnel is installed rightside up. The groove with the "A" stamped in it is up. Finally, clean the inside of the funnel using a cotton swab and alcohol, to prevent a buildup of case lube. This can cause powder to cling until the funnel is jolted from removing the case.
It will be easier to troubleshoot when your machine is set back up for 223. First, be sure to pull the handle down slower. It should take one full second to move the powder bar over. Next, be sure the funnel is installed rightside up. The groove with the "A" stamped in it is up. Finally, clean the inside of the funnel using a cotton swab and alcohol, to prevent a buildup of case lube. This can cause powder to cling until the funnel is jolted from removing the case.
Quote from Reloader on September 16, 2019, 8:36 pmI know this is an older thread but here is what I found was the biggest problem of spilled powder on the Dillon presses....
Improper case lubing. Yep. Case lube in the bullet opening causes powder to stick to the sides and often backs up powder so that when you move the handle, the powder often will spill a little....sometimes when extruded powder is used like in .223 rounds, a whole lot. Smaller caliber rounds have more of a problem than larger calibers.
The best way I found to lube the cases is by taking a dryer sheet new or used and spray it with case lube....about 6 squirts front and 6 squirts back. I then put the sheet in a plastic food bag and add brass....I do 50 at a time. I then toss the bag in several directions for about a minute. I open the bag and dump into the brass container I made for easy access for loading.
Since doing this, I have not had any problems with powder spilling, over filling or under filling of brass.
I reload 223 on my Dillon 450 and it has been well used. It still works as good as it did when new.
I know this is an older thread but here is what I found was the biggest problem of spilled powder on the Dillon presses....
Improper case lubing. Yep. Case lube in the bullet opening causes powder to stick to the sides and often backs up powder so that when you move the handle, the powder often will spill a little....sometimes when extruded powder is used like in .223 rounds, a whole lot. Smaller caliber rounds have more of a problem than larger calibers.
The best way I found to lube the cases is by taking a dryer sheet new or used and spray it with case lube....about 6 squirts front and 6 squirts back. I then put the sheet in a plastic food bag and add brass....I do 50 at a time. I then toss the bag in several directions for about a minute. I open the bag and dump into the brass container I made for easy access for loading.
Since doing this, I have not had any problems with powder spilling, over filling or under filling of brass.
I reload 223 on my Dillon 450 and it has been well used. It still works as good as it did when new.