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So I 3D printed a bullet feeder and used it for about a year, but it never was consistent. When it worked, it worked awesome and I could crank out 100 rounds in about 8 minutes just going at a normal pace. However, when it it didn't work, it was a total PITA. Inverted bullets, jams, double bullet drops, mechanical switch never worked right, etc. I even redesigned the drop tube to make it work better and had an optical sensor to sense the bullets rather than a mechanical switch. It worked great when it did, but it was still very finicky. Then I switched from Extreme 124gr 9mm RN bullets to Montana Gold bullet 9mm 124 HP and the feeder would not work with those bullets. I have about 20k of these bullets and I did not feel like effing with this thing for the next 20k rounds.
So, I bought the Dillon bullet feeder for my 650 and could not be happier. It is a different design from the Mr. Bullet feeder knock off I printed and it is super reliable once set. For $400 it was a great option. With printing the bullet feeder, the cost of the printer, filament, dropper dies, springs, motors and the headaches, Dillon is about the same price.
The setup took about 10 minutes and after a couple of simple tweaks, I have loaded about 1k rounds, and I have not had one misfeed or nose-down round. The bullet dropper die is super easy to set up. I am so glad I decided to go with this set up. So worth it. I know you can place bullets with your hands and, I did that for years. However, now that I don't have to hand place the bullets, it took some stress off the lower back and reloading is so much more enjoyable. It feels like I'm printing money.
The best thing is the time savings. I loaded 100 rounds in just under 8 minutes and I wasn't going fast. So, in about 15 min I can load 200 rounds and call it a night. Do that every night for a week and you have loaded 1400 rounds. Nice if you shoot a lot.
I'm probably gonna get one for my other 650 setup to load 45LC/45CS for my cowboy action guns.
Anyway, if you are on the fence, I'm happy to answer any questions.
Happy reloading,
Squ1d
PS: If you want my old 3D printed setup, Its yours for $100. Spare drive motor included.
So I 3D printed a bullet feeder and used it for about a year, but it never was consistent. When it worked, it worked awesome and I could crank out 100 rounds in about 8 minutes just going at a normal pace. However, when it it didn't work, it was a total PITA. Inverted bullets, jams, double bullet drops, mechanical switch never worked right, etc. I even redesigned the drop tube to make it work better and had an optical sensor to sense the bullets rather than a mechanical switch. It worked great when it did, but it was still very finicky. Then I switched from Extreme 124gr 9mm RN bullets to Montana Gold bullet 9mm 124 HP and the feeder would not work with those bullets. I have about 20k of these bullets and I did not feel like effing with this thing for the next 20k rounds.
So, I bought the Dillon bullet feeder for my 650 and could not be happier. It is a different design from the Mr. Bullet feeder knock off I printed and it is super reliable once set. For $400 it was a great option. With printing the bullet feeder, the cost of the printer, filament, dropper dies, springs, motors and the headaches, Dillon is about the same price.
The setup took about 10 minutes and after a couple of simple tweaks, I have loaded about 1k rounds, and I have not had one misfeed or nose-down round. The bullet dropper die is super easy to set up. I am so glad I decided to go with this set up. So worth it. I know you can place bullets with your hands and, I did that for years. However, now that I don't have to hand place the bullets, it took some stress off the lower back and reloading is so much more enjoyable. It feels like I'm printing money.
The best thing is the time savings. I loaded 100 rounds in just under 8 minutes and I wasn't going fast. So, in about 15 min I can load 200 rounds and call it a night. Do that every night for a week and you have loaded 1400 rounds. Nice if you shoot a lot.
I'm probably gonna get one for my other 650 setup to load 45LC/45CS for my cowboy action guns.
Anyway, if you are on the fence, I'm happy to answer any questions.
Happy reloading,
Squ1d
PS: If you want my old 3D printed setup, Its yours for $100. Spare drive motor included.
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