XL 650 Powder Index Help

[Craigwood]

I got my new Dillon XL 650 set up and am ready to go into full production. Nice Reloader by the way. I have noticed after the powder charge (45 ACP using 4.0 grn of Clays) when the shell plate indexes to the bullet seat after the powder check, the clicking of the shell plate causes some powder to hop out of the casing. Its a minute amount (two or three granules) but after a few hundred rounds it could get under the shell plate and start binding or just dirty up the mechanism. I read through troubleshoot and couldnt find a subject. Does it just need breaking in? Shellplate Bolt too tight?

[wellerjohn]

All of the 650's do that and there's lots of mods to minimize it like cutting one coil of the the spring, or buying bearing to go above the shell plate. I've tried them and I still have trouble, but dragging your finger on the shell plate just as it comes to a stop works the best for me. Lots of good information here http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showforum=78

Good Luck

[joelogic]

I hold the bullet with my thumb and index finger and ride the case as it indexes with my middle finger.

[Revoman]

"I hold the bullet with my thumb and index finger and ride the case as it indexes with my middle finger"

Works like a charm!!!! I use that same method on my SDB's.

[yoitsbruce]

i put a sliver of fabric softener sheet that drapes the shell after the powder drop.on position 3. for some reason the dryer sheet works the best as compared to a paper towel.

[WebMoskal]

I just keep can of compressed air near and use it to blow powder off once in a while.

[bruceflinch]

I hold the bullet with my thumb and index finger and ride the case as it indexes with my middle finger.

That's what I do as well.

Make sure you aren't touching the shellplate when it is done moving. Your finger can affect the alignment of the cases/dies.

[chim-chim7]

Your shell plate is adjusted incorrectly. When it is adjusted right you don't need to do any tricks or manipulation. It's a great machine, but most people never learn how to really set it up right. So they make things like shell plate thrust bearings as a band-aid for poor technique. Go to the Dillon reloading forums, you will see this is a very common issue that can be easily resolved. Good luck and great purchase!

BTW, I am up to 700 rounds per hour on my 650. Pistol rounds are my specialty.

[Craigwood]

Thanks Guys.
And yes a great machine. I also have the Hornady LnL. Another great machine. It takes some finese, time and tolerance to properly get it going. Not for the Novice that cant deal with patience.
The Dillon on the other hand is an Engineering Marvel. Lots of Cams, Switches and Buzzers. All work in tandem.
Hornady I say again has taken a simpler approach. And I will not discount one from the other. Happy Reloading. And enjoy Unloading it as well.

[Rwnielsen]

I hold the bullet with my thumb and index finger and ride the case as it indexes with my middle finger.

That's exactly what I do. I tried (and removed) the bearing trick as it messed with the ejector rod. I just hook it the shell with my finger as it rotates into position. Works especially well with magnum loads of H-110

[Craigwood]

i put a sliver of fabric softener sheet that drapes the shell after the powder drop.on position 3. for some reason the dryer sheet works the best as compared to a paper towel.

Could I ask a dumb question. I dont have that problem with my other name brand press. And if static is the issue, wouldnt it be coincidentally dangerous to have the three elements of static, powder and primers? I'm not saying, I'm just saying. I believe its not static anyway. It hops as it indexes. If it were static it would spill or hop before indexing.

[chim-chim7]

Its not a static electricity problem. The shell plate bolt is too loose allowing the locator bearing to snap as it moves into position. I have never heard of anything with a dryer sheet. If Dillon doesn't make it then your doing it wrong.

[chim-chim7]

This is a operator error problem, not a design problem. Its easily adjusted.

[Craigwood]

Another observation comparing to the competion. The other name brand progressive has a larger diameter shell plate and seems to have a softer index stop. Where as the XL 650the index comes to an abrupt stop. Could it be that the ball bearing for indexing is the wrong diameter. Or set too high for the detent?

[Craigwood]

This is a operator error problem, not a design problem. Its easily adjusted.

Not an operator error. Its brand new. It was supposed to be factory adjusted. But I did take you advice. Loosend the brass set screw and slightly tightened...where it was too loose the shell plate retaining screw. And tightened down the brass set screw on the ram. Forums are a good thing. It brain storms the conditions of a product I am new to and fixes the conditions. Now a softer index. Thanks for your help my friend.