Another Dillon question

[vmthtr]

Do you need/have to use a spring on the powder measure for return? Mine has the linkage that actuates the powder bar.

[John J]

If you have the failsafe linkage you do not need to use the springs that wrap around the powdermeasure

John J

[sargenv]

the failsafe linkage seemed to cause more issues than it was worth.. I prefer the spings on the powder measure personally.. This was on my Dillon 650.. it was one of the first parts I removed when I started loading high volume.

[sparky45]

I've never had a single problem with the fail safe system on my 650. What problem(s) have you had?

[wrench man]

My 550B has the linkage, I've no issues with it, if the springs were so good why did they get away from them?

[jmorris]

I have a few dillon measures that still have the springs on them despite the updates with failsafe rods. Not enough difference to be of any concern. Now the failsafe rachet on the 1050 is a different story.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

My 550B has the linkage, I've no issues with it, if the springs were so good why did they get away from them?

They had problems with 550 owners double charging or not charging their cases. That was pretty common on the net for a while. Also, the springs tend to break after a while, requiring replacement. The fail safe bar is heavier duty.

There may be other reasons, but frankly, I've used both and even with the fail safe, I prefer using the springs.

[Rick459]

http://www.ericwesselman.com/DillonPowderMeasure/

[Alvarez Kelly]

I can resist this thread no more... :-)

I use the failsafe mechanisms as they are currently designed on ALL my Dillons. They work great. No overcharges, no undercharges. The bar is manually pulled open and manually pulled backward. Most of the clunking and/or clunkiness can be attributed to the "blue nut" being too loose. When PROPERLY adjusted, they are smooth and painless. Why anyone would deliberately disable a safety device that actually works is beyond me.

That said, to each his own. If you have other checks to prevent charging errors, that's all that matters.

Load safe!

[Dale53]

Alvarez Kelly;

+1!!

Dale53

[MtGun44]

+1 more. The springs worked pretty well back in the day, but the linkage while a tiny nuisance
sometimes, is much safer.

Bill

[MGySgt]

I have an older 550 that only has the springs on the powder measures and yes I have doubled charged a few cases. Of course I notice it real quick as a double charge will overflow the case that I am using. (Unique and 2400)

Every one of my double charges are MY FAULT and normally I know it as soon as it happens. I pull the double charged case out, use a can of compressed air to blow the powder out and continue my loading.

I do not use BE powder for volume loading in pistol. The only Rifle round I am set fo is 223 and as of yet - I have not loaded for it on the Dillion.

How many rounds have been loaded on my Dillion since 82? I don't have a clue. But a whole lot of them.
How many double charges made it through the loading process? None. Can't happen with the powders I use.
How many no powder cases made it through the loading process? None to date! (Murphy could visit tomorrow)

FWIW

[John Boy]

When PROPERLY adjusted, they are smooth and painless. Why anyone would deliberately disable a safety device that actually works is beyond me.Me Too, A Big Plus One.
A straight up no ******** reply related to a safety device on a reloader

[hhranch]

I never had any trouble with the springs on my 550b powder measure, but one advantage of the linkage is that it is spring loaded at the bottom, and if adjusted correctly, will pull the shell plate up above the primer arm which allows the shell plate to rotate more smoothly in my experience, as well as avoiding the shell plate hanging on a primer in the primer arm when you run out of empty cases and want to finish loading those on the plate.

[vmthtr]

Ok, I won't use the springs.

[cp478]

+1+++++++++++

[Lloyd Smale]

ive never had problems with either systems.

[Mohillbilly]

Mine are all old style with springs . Works for me . I have almost dbl charged cases except I use powders that fill the cases More than 50% so any dbl charge spills out . I do pistol/revolver and small and large rifle . Once in a while I may run low on powder/primers/cases/boolits and fixed that . Then may forget and just grabed the handel out of mistake an got the order out of sinc so to speak. I know instantly I mess up as I have either not put a case or boolit on or powder is spilling. Primers are next to impossible to miss empty as a buzzer buzzes . I have only had to clean up powder2-3 times in the 80,000 rounds or so I have loaded/reloaded since the late 80s. If I were to buy more new Dillon powder measures I would have to make a choice whether to change over and which way to go. I would NOT have part one , and part another . Had I gotten in and only had the new style I sure in **** would not disable them .

[Dan Cash]

The original system with springs has worked for me since back in the early 80s with no problem. That so called "safety" system on later measures is a contraption solution looking for a problem.
Dan

[Gar]

I have both types and both work fine with one exception.
I use a 30 Carbine funnel (don't remember the letter type) when I load cast boolits in my 7.62x39 cases. With the fail safe linkage installed, the powder will spit out after the funnel is removed from the case causing some spillage. With the spring installed, all of the powder will drop in the case.
The 30 carbine funnel will flare the case of most 30 caliber bottle neck cartridges for loading cast boolits.
When stuffing cast boolits into 308’s, 30-06 and 7.55 Swiss cases, I use the 30 carbine funnel and install a spring in addition to the linkage.

[MGySgt]

My son's 550 is a newer model that has the setup for the linkage - I told him to use both also!

[Dale53]

My latest Dillon powder measure is linkage only. It has a definite "bump" when returning the slide. At first, it was off putting. However, when I checked it out against a digital scale, I discovered that it was the most accurate progressive powder measure I have ever used. Using Unique, as an example, the previous Dillon measures were always "good" but the new measure is even better. Almost always right on the measure as set.

I immediately added the adjustment knob (press on knob from Home Depot) that GREATLY improves the adjustability, of course, but take delight in the new "bump" simply because that consistent bump gives me more consistent powder dispensing.

FWIW
Dale53

[MGySgt]

Dale53 -

What adjustment knob from Home Depot??????

[LUBEDUDE]

My 550B has the linkage, I've no issues with it, if the springs were so good why did they get away from them?

Boing!

Dillon probably got tired of relacing springs.

They got tired of me calling them every 2-3 months, so they sent me 6 or 8.

[kelbro]

I've used both. A lot. I did perform a test and the linkage version threw three different powders more consistent. After that simple test, I upgraded the old measure.

[Dale53]

MGySgt;
It has been so long since this was discussed, that I had to use the "Search" function on here. And-d-d, the answer is HERE:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=35255&highlight=powder+measure+knob+Dillon

I suggest you stop at the information desk (Home Depot) as you enter the store and have them look up the sku number (print off the full description and take it with you) on the "in store" computer.

That 5/16" relates to NOTHING on the press OR the knob but it DOES identify the correct knob.

The knob will be found in a section that has small drawers. They actually come in several colors (I believe three). As I remember, Red, White, and Black.

They just push on the hex head of the adjusting bolt (friction fit) and work extremely well.

Dale53

[MGySgt]

Thank you Dale53 - I am going to be out and about today so I will stop at Home Depot!

Drew

[7of7]

Thank you Dale53 - I am going to be out and about today so I will stop at Home Depot!

Drew

Call first, not all of them carry that item.. I have two in my area, one does not stock them, and the other does...

[MGySgt]

Thanks for the heads up 7of7!

[bslim]

I have to agree that the safety linkage has worked very well on my XL650. when they first came out I retorfitted all of my old powder measures. Loading for CAS, a double charge will fit in the case without any problem, a problem I can't afford. For those who use flake powder such as Unique, Red Dot etc. try keeping your powder measure at least 3/4 full all of the time and when you refill, gently tap the side of the column to settle the powder. This one small step has greatly increased the accuracy of each dump.