Black Powder and Progressive presses

R

Rigmarol

New member
I want to use my Dillon 550b to load up black powder .45colt cartridges for CAS.
I've loaded up a couple hundred by hand on a single stage and I don't want to do it that way if I can do it on my progressive.

I read that Dillon says not to use their powder system with black powder and I hear of reloaders who say "pish-posh I've been doing it for a hunerd years and I ain't blowed up yet!"

I don't like to go contrary to the manufacturers' warnings so I'm asking if anyone has a suggestion on how to use the progressive with black powder.

Does anyone make an approved powder system that can be used on the Dillon 550b?

Thanks.
 
Bump

130+ views and no replies.... Maybe the progressive and black powder isn't a good idea after all?

I was hoping someone knew of a sparkless non static inducing powder system for the Dillon...
 
I believe,don't quote me, that rcbs came out and said BP could beused in their powder hopper, but I haven't seen any statement from Dillon. Why not call them?
 
Static wont set bp off. The problem as I see it is getting enough powder in the case. Traditionally bp is loaded with a drop tube so powder settles uniformly. Some vibrate the case to settle powder.
 
Where I live, we have very low humidity (4% out right now) so I won't risk static setting the powder off, which is why I use a Lee Turret press. Quicker to use than a single stage press.
 
I'm with Hawg, I don't think that a modern powder thrower is going to load up the case properly. I suppose that if you could rig up some kind of drop tube and stand for the thrower, you could get it to work. We know that static won't set black powder off.

I load mine on a turret press and just pull the case out right before seating the bullet and add powder.
 
Traditionally bp is loaded with a drop tube so powder settles uniformly. Some vibrate the case to settle powder.
Click to expand...

Long range BPCR maybe; but drop tubes and vibrators are wholly unnceessary for pistol caliber loads. They are dispensed by a powder measure or dipping with Lee or other powder dippers.

I've been using a Hornady L-N-L progressive press to load BP using smokeless and BP powder measures for years. Also load my shotgun shells on a MEC Sizemaster with an adjustable powder/shot bar.
 
Thanks guys, I was beginning to think you were out doing other things, lol.

I load BP rifle cartridges for my Sharps and use a drop tube. But I don't see the need for my CAS .45Colt loads. They load fine with a Lee dipper, so I believe, if safe, a powder measure would be good too. I'm just worried about blowing up my shop.

I want to speed up the process. I'm also using a turret Press right now. It's nice but why not speed things up if possible, and safe of course.
 
I load45-70 with my 550B but I pull the pin at station two so I can remove the case and charge the powder with a Lyman 55 and a drop tube, if I was using less powder I'd used the Dillon powder measure. Lots of folks over at cast bollets use the Dillon powder measure without problems.
 
I guess I can drop over there and see what they have to say too. Thanks.

It's all about going against the manufacturer's warning that has me all doubtful and such. I'm curious if anyone has actually ignited a powder measure with black powder. The warning has to come from somewhere... doesn't it?

Thanks, I go take a look over on Castboolits.
 
Rigmarol said:
It's all about going against the manufacturer's warning that has me all doubtful and such. I'm curious if anyone has actually ignited a powder measure with black powder. The warning has to come from somewhere... doesn't it?
Click to expand...

If you read the instruction manual of a lot of firearms made today, you will see a warning not to use reloaded ammo too.
A lot of it is defensive CYA for this litiguous society.
It's extremely unlikely that a powder measurer will ignite black powder but if it ever does happen, you know who will be sued, even if the guy doing the reloading was drunk and had a lit cigarette in his mouth.
 
Nice video, I've seen a half dozen or more videos similar.
All claim you can't ignite BP with static electricity.

I understand CYA procedures and warnings but I would sure like to hear of an actual detonation to hang this on.

I went to Castboolits and searched on black powder and dillon and variation on this and came up with nothing. I got tired of trying searches and scanning for the info. I'll try again another time.

In the mean time, I sent off an email to dillon asking if they can give me a good reason not to use BP in their power system.
 
I was looking into a BP powder measure. I'm tired of loading all my N-SSA cartridges by weighing each load on a scale.

You've got the Lyman #55 powder measure for $83, and then the Lyman #55 for black powder for about $140. The only difference I can see is that the one for BP is made with an aluminum powder hopper.

Goex just recently switched from metal cans to plastic.

I would really like to know if the whole thing is about static and if the plastic is the only difference.

I've heard people say they've measured BP with the plastic powder measure but they have to clean it after every use. Why?

Steve
 
maillemaker said:
I've heard people say they've measured BP with the plastic powder measure but they have to clean it after every use. Why?
Click to expand...

The reason for cleaning the Hornady, Lyman and RCBS powder measures after each use is not the plastic hopper. It's the hygroscopic or corrosive nature of BP and substitutes that freezes the rotors. APP being the worst - it'l lock up a rotor while in use -, and real BP being the most forgivng.

I've never used a Lee powder measure so cannot speak to the necessity of cleaning them after use.
 
From your Wiki link.

Because corned black powder grains made with saltpeter are less affected by moisture in the air, they can be stored unsealed without degradation by humidity.

the residue from burnt black powder is hygroscopic and with the addition of moisture absorbed from the air, this residue forms a caustic substance.
 
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