XL 650 Maintenance

[Craigwood]

I have had my Dillon XL 650 for about 2 weeks. The manual indicates to lubricate every 2000 rounds or so. I have put about 750+ rounds so far. I notice there are zert fittings to keep the link arm and link arm pins. Upper and lower. I make sure I wipe and blow any debris off the shell plate. All the cams and pins they ride on and apply a small amount of grease. Now comes the Mainshaft is to add a 30 weight oil to the shaft. How does the oil penetrate into where it rides in the frame. I just want to make sure it gets properly maintained.

[yakmon]

just apply oil to the shaft and run the handle a couple times, it'll work out.

[Craigwood]

Thanks. I didnt want it to sound like a dumb question.

[chim-chim7]

Sounds about right. I lube about every 3k, and check every 1k. Keeping a well oiled machine will definately make things last longer, easier to reload, and make your ammo more consistant. Your machine will really start working well after the 10k mark. I can reload 45acp with one finger on the handle, and the weight of the ram is enough to let it drop on its own. Of course I have done machining to certain areas that create too much friction. The powder funnel is a big one. I change the radius on all my powder funnels. I don't know why Dillon uses such a small radius on their funnels. That causes the brass to stick to the funnel at times.

Make friends with all the tool makers, then bring in items to modify. One thing I did last week to even lessen any friction was to Flex Hone the Dillon Crimp die, polish the inside with rouge then followed up with a 1200 grit sand paper.
Now the inside looks like a mirror and the action is much better. No tooling marks.

One thing I do is keep a log book that I can keep records of maintance items. If I replace a worn part I write down how many rounds that part lasted. I also record lube dates. That way I know what parts need replacing before they break. I know, I know, I am freeking nuts but everything in my life is overdone like that. I guarantee my press runs better than Dillon ever intended it to run.

[Craigwood]

Sounds about right. I lube about every 3k, and check every 1k. Keeping a well oiled machine will definately make things last longer, easier to reload, and make your ammo more consistant. Your machine will really start working well after the 10k mark. I can reload 45acp with one finger on the handle, and the weight of the ram is enough to let it drop on its own. Of course I have done machining to certain areas that create too much friction. The powder funnel is a big one. I change the radius on all my powder funnels. I don't know why Dillon uses such a small radius on their funnels. That causes the brass to stick to the funnel at times.

Make friends with all the tool makers, then bring in items to modify. One thing I did last week to even lessen any friction was to Flex Hone the Dillon Crimp die, polish the inside with rouge then followed up with a 1200 grit sand paper.
Now the inside looks like a mirror and the action is much better. No tooling marks.

One thing I do is keep a log book that I can keep records of maintance items. If I replace a worn part I write down how many rounds that part lasted. I also record lube dates. That way I know what parts need replacing before they break. I know, I know, I am freeking nuts but everything in my life is overdone like that. I guarantee my press runs better than Dillon ever intended it to run.

Jim !!!

Good hearing from ya. The xl 650 guru. I've noticed that little sticking going on. It makes sence it would come from the powder funnels. What radius would you recommend for the 45SCP?

[chim-chim7]

Hey bud, there really is no magic number, I find that those powder funnels are incosistant part to part.
All I did was chuck mine in the lathe and removed. 0009 from the small diameter back to the shoulder using a carbide bit with a. 03 radius. I took 5 pieces of new and sized brass with me for test fitting. New brass sticks the hardest. I then worked on wet sanding the radius and angle using 600,1000, and finally 1200 paper. The brass should be a smooth slip fit with no drag. If you can't insert a case in the funnel easily by hand then it needs work. I heard that Starline brass will modify. 45acp funnels if you send it out to them. I spent maybe 20 minutes on mine. I will snap some shots later.

[LexLuther]

My funnel stuck like crazy...Starline modified mine for free! I had it back in a couple days. All I had to do was spend the $1.54 to send it in a padded envlope. They even paid the return shipping!
I offered to pay and the guy said esentially - nope, just buy our brass.
My problem is solved - My first order is on the way.
THANKS STARLINE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!