Dillon powder checking

R

Roland Thunder

New member
I have a Dillon 550b. In some ways I wish I would have gotten a 650 because of its powder checking capabilities. Is there a way to set up a 550 to check powder. I have had a couple of over charges with my 550
 
I found a inspection mirror in a local dollar store that was modified with the use of a dowel inserted into existing hole in the frame. It give me an easy visual into the case.

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Yes I have done the same thing by rigging up a mirror that reflects the powder charge level in the case at the bullet seating station, but eventually gave up on it since I felt it was not necessary, thereby relying on the powder system to properly do the job. Any over charge would likely be observed at the bullet seating station anyway without the mirror. I'm one who doesn't believe that a double charge can occur with even the slightest degree of attentativeness For that to happen one would really have to be asleep at the switch or do it purposely
 
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You hit the reason I got rid of the 550, mine gave me 3 squibs. Better a squib then double charge though.

I thought about it for awhile before getting rid of the press. My thoughts were to lose the crimp die and put a powder check die in its stead and then the bullet seater.

I warn everyone thinking of buying a progressive press to get a powder check die. It's not about if you get a bad charge but when.
 
Yes, good point, have had a squib or two along with a few no charges. Happens when the powder bar does not return to pick up a new charge after dumping the previous charge. Requires cleaning accumulated residue from beneath the powder bar and its mating sliding surface. One of the habits that must be formed is visually making sure the powder bar does return properly after each charge. Good way to ruin a barrel by putting a fully charged round on top of a bullet jammed part way up the barrel but have never done it. There haven't been many or any comments on this side of the problem. But yes, a rod can be connected to the powder bar to ensure that it is pulled back automatically after each charge. I just choose not to use it, bad idea not to use it.
 
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I have the Dillon 550B. When I purchased it from Dillon they informed me of the woes of seating and crimping with the same die. At about that time I said "It has been good to know you" but I use a powder lock out die, meaning I was not going to start over with new dies. I was going to use my dies.

My Piggy Back attachments are 5 position, adding the lock out was easy, same for the power checker.

Dillon said a lot of loaders use their press with dies of other manufacturers, I suggested if seating and crimping became a problem on one station I could crimp after loading.

F. Guffey
 
Then there is the reloader that knows the weight of the components, I know, I hear it all the time: "I do not sort pistol cases". Then there is the dreaded 'must-a been a double charge', I am the fan of finding these potential problems before I pull the trigger.

F. Guffey
 
I used light strips & for me I just look into the case mouth. I like the mirror idea though it might work well with the existing lights.

Image (C) wogpotter 2014
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I got one of the LED lights that goes down the center of the die holder. From my seat in front of the press i can SEE the powder in the case as i set the bullet on top. 9mm, 223 & 300blk... All easy to visually confirm a charged case. A dbl charged case would eithe spill over 223 & 300blk or be obvious 9mm.

Just gotta look as you set the bullet in place
 
and, I like to know what the round weights when finished. That is possible if the reloader knows the weight of the components,

For a reloader the saddest words of verse or pin or key board is: 'OH what could have been' after firing a double charge.

F. Guffey
 
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