Dillon 550b Powder Adjustment Knob

[Sprue]

Searched for the original post/poster to no avail. But, I did finally remember to look for those plastic knobs that fit over the Dillon 550b powder adjustment bolt.

They do work pretty well.

Who ever the originator was that suggesting this gadget, Thanks!

Goto Home Depot in the same bins as are the stainless bolts, nuts etc. They are NOT in the cabinet knob isle.

Here is the package info again:

Knob - Flowerette SKU# 0 030699 839186

5/16"

Dr# 971 Bin - J

I had the clerk to look up the SKU # and it showed 6 being in the store.

I had the choice of either Black or White. I first chose Black as it would look better. Then my next thought was, if I got the white ones I could write on them with a sharpie........

Cost each: $1.20 + tax

[Dale53]

As a result of the original post, I got several and put them in place. They are a much bigger improvement than I expected. I managed to get a couple in Red, also.

Dale53

[garandsrus]

I have been using the press on plastic knobs for several years and they are great! Mine have been red and white, and I can write on both.

John

[MikeH]

Finally found them! First trip to the store I forgot the note I wrote and couldn't find them, plus the 2 guys in the department didn't know what I was talking about.
With trusty note in hand I found them on another trip. Only had white and black on hand, but that's OK.

They work great.

Thanks a bunch!

Mike:p

[TNsailorman]

:-DI also need to thank Sprue for the information he provided. I had to make 2 trips to Home Deport also. The first time I showed the number to a clerk and was told that was not a valid stock number. I was in a hurry so had to go on. Came back the next day and avoided the clerks and just went to the stainless bolt bin and it didn't take but a minute to find the knobs. They had Black and White and I bought them out, 6 knobs. My buddy and son-in-law will get the 4 white ones but I have already put the two black ones on my 450 and 550 Dillons. They look and work great. James

[C.F.Plinker]

I cut about a half inch off of a 1-1/4 dowel rod and then drilled partway through it with a flat bottom bit that just allowed the head of the adjuster bolt to fit into the hole. It took about 10 minutes and I didn't have to use any gas going over to HD a time or two. I spaced 10 graduations around the outside of it so I could increase or decrease the amount of powder fairly uniformly. Works just fine, in fact I made another one for the large charge bar.

[Ugly Dwarf]

First post....

I came here expecting to learn much about the new hobby of casting I am taking up. Little did I know I'd pick up tips on using my Dillon 550B too. Thanks for the tip, a trip to Home Depot will be on my route home tonight.

Looking forward to learning much and hopefully helping some too.

Dwarf

[Nueces]

How do, UD? Welcome aboard - you'll certainly learn much about casting here and your input is also welcome.

Mark

[Russ in WY]

Got one last week myself. The store I went to could not give a location with the part # I had from this site. After many trips around the store & lots of Non productive help, I recalled the S/S bolt thing & a new store body to help . We found them in a few mins. Slipped rite on, haven't had the chance to use it yet. Sure is a lot cheaper then the "Mr Dial" that I put on previously. If your courious about Mr Dial , just google them. Russ.

[mike in co]

i went today...but picked up the smaller round knob in white, not the big "flowerette"
the smaller one has a serated edge, think my marker will fillin every 3rd or 4th seration.

may add some glue/silicone sealer/etc.

mike in co

[scrapcan]

Russ,

Did you find them in the normal ss bins at the HD here in town? IF so I woul dlike to know how you even found a warm body to talk to, every time I go in there is onlyone person manning the register at the front of the self check out isles.

[shotman]

you know i have tried to get MEC to get into the metalic loaders if they would build one as good as the 9000 it would be something. I am not a designer but looking at the problems that the ones i have and seen some one can make one that could be nearly perfect. How about putting some ideas out that you think would work. I am talking a full progressive. Here is some things i see. [I have a Lee Load Master and a Dillon 650] The load master is easy to change cals. has a very nice and cheap shell feed system but the feeder needs better material. Dillon's is good but too many parts and too expensive . The bullet feed on th Lee is worthless. I dont know about any others? But that is not a problem. The Lee primer system works most of the time but i like dillons better. Dillons is a pain to refill. Lee is not good for rifle. Dillon powder measure is too much trouble Lee is much better. That is some things i have found. Put some of your ideas out we might be able to get enough together to make a good one . I know there is good and bad with all but if we can get all the good ideas and put in one press it would be nice shotman/rick

[mechdriver]

DO they have them in Dillon blue?

[TNsailorman]

I found them in the isle for the stainless nuts and bolts. Ilse #8 if I remember right. They have pictures on the little bin front panel. That's Home Depot.

[Dale53]

This "Flowerette" knob is a great idea. I converted mine some time ago, thanks to this forum.

This is something that Dillon should pick up on and handle direct for their customers.

This is a GREAT idea and I cannot see one negative aspect to it!!

Dale53

[SpaceGlocker]

my Home Depot only carries it in 3/8" and 1/4".....bummer!
Anybody got an extra they would be willing to part with?

[Sprue]

my Home Depot only carries it in 3/8" and 1/4".....bummer!
Anybody got an extra they would be willing to part with?

I bought 3 for me and 3 for my buddy.

Sure, I can send you one of mine - on the house.

Send me your info

:-D

[happy7]

I bought a bunch of these a while back. Mine are the T knobs. Anybody who want any I just need to recover my costs. 50 cents each plus postage. First come first serve. Just PM me.

[686]

ARE THESE just a knob that fits over the adjusting nut or is it a knob with bolt that you replace the ajusting bolt with?? thanks

[Dale53]

They are just a knob that is "press fit" over the nut on the powder measure bolt. They allow you to easily adjust the powder measure without a wrench. Much easier to use, IMO.

I have three Dillon powder measures for my two 550B's and have the knobs on all three.

Dale53

[PatMarlin]

Gotta subscribe to this thread so I can remember to get a nob..

[Win52D]

Searched for the original post/poster to no avail. But, I did finally remember to look for those plastic knobs that fit over the Dillon 550b powder adjustment bolt.

They do work pretty well.

Who ever the originator was that suggesting this gadget, Thanks!

Goto Home Depot in the same bins as are the stainless bolts, nuts etc. They are NOT in the cabinet knob isle.

Here is the package info again:

Knob - Flowerette SKU# 0 030699 839186

5/16"

Dr# 971 Bin - J

I had the clerk to look up the SKU # and it showed 6 being in the store.

I had the choice of either Black or White. I first chose Black as it would look better. Then my next thought was, if I got the white ones I could write on them with a sharpie........

Cost each: $1.20 + tax

Went to Home Depot today to get a few knobs. According to the clerk the SKU# listed is too long, HD uses 6 digit SKU# He looked it up as a UPC, still nothing. The bins in my HD are labeled with letters and numbers. Can somebody post a pick front and back? I may be able to find something in the local Ace. It sounds like these things are a fancy round knob with a 5/16" recess in the back

[crabo]

Anyone have a picture of this?

[Russ in WY]

Just Picked up a round knob 1" Dia the other day from HD. White 5/16. UPC reads,
0 30699 77998 7, Crown Bolt INC,Cerritos, CA 90703. Thats off the package. Now these are located not anywhere the drawer hardware stuff. Go to the S/S bolt & nut stuff. My guess will be to the left, your store msy be diff. Up top is Large Blk & yel sign says [Hard To Find Yad Yad...] Understatement of the day Huh? will be 6-8 ft wide section below with Multiy color drawer sections. 6-8 drawers in each section. Assuming some small bit of uniformity in there store, try thr "Purple" section or DR# 24, Bin -P is where i got this one. The larger {florette] type maybe in diff bin. Good LUck . Let Me know if this Helped Pls .>> Russ.

[Gar]

ACE Hardware also stocks these, I picked up three yesterday AND . .
they are the Dillon blue [smilie=1:

[billsr]

Thanks to this thread, I bought 4 of the knobs last week at Home Depot. I now have them on my 1050, 550B, Square Deal, and my extra powder measure too.

[hicard]

Just left the Santa Barbara Ca store, same crap. Anyone come up with the right SKU or UPC# yet?

[Russ in WY]

Same Stuff Different Day. Take a look @ Post #24 above, UPC off the Pkg of the 1" rnd white knob is still in. The Florette type is larger and perhaps easier to turn. Look over by the S/S hardware stuff, unless KA stores are totally diff shud be there. Good Luck. To bad they can't store a parts location along side Part # & UPC's. Russ.

[colbyjack]

so wheres the pics of this mod? -chris

[PatMarlin]

yeah-I would like to see it also.. :Fire:

[crabo]

Here's the easy way to do this. Go to HD. Go to the stainless bolts are. This is where the drawers are. There will be a drawer with a picture of knob covers. The key is 5/16. Even though the bolt head takes a 7/16ths wrench to adjust, the cover has a round 5/16ths cover that pushes on the bolt head.

Works like a charm. See if this helps, I just did it.

[mike in co]

i have three dillon powder measures....all have 7/16 wrench sixe bolt heads,BUT one of the bolts has sharp corners and the other two have rounded corners. the plastic knobs fit the rounded and not the sharp.
( easy fix, round off the corners)

mike in co

[TexRebel]

hummmm wonder if this will work on my Dillon 650 powder measure :idea:

[Dale53]

I believe that Dillon uses the same powder measure for both the 550B AND the 650 (a quick call to Dillon will give that information direct from the horse's mouth).

Dale53

[hicard]

I still can't find a valid SKU or UPC number. Can anyone who has been lucky enough to locate these knobs provide a valid number? I'm beginning to think they do not exist and I'm just chasing my tail.

[happy7]

On the ones with sharp corners, a light tap of a hammer has accomplished the installment for me.

[Dale53]

Here it is googled from Home Depot's online web site:

http://www.homedepot.com/
webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jsp (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jspStoreDir=hdus
&catalogId=10053&productId=100149611&navFlow=3&keyword=knob%2C+flowerette&langId=-1
&searchRedirect=knob%2C+flowerette&storeId=10051&endecaDataBean=com.homedepot.sa.el.
wc.catalog.beans.EndecaDataBean%4042392061&ddkey=Search)
StoreDir=hdus&catalogId=
10053&productId=100149611&navFlow=3&keywor (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jspStoreDir=hdu
s&catalogId=10053&productId=100149611&navFlow=3&keyword=knob%2C+flowerette&langId=
-1&searchRedirect=knob%2C+flowerette&storeId=10051&endecaDataBean=com.homedepot.sa.
el.wc.catalog.beans.EndecaDataBean%4042392061&ddkey=Search)
d=knob%2C+flowerette&
langId=-1&searchRedirect=knob%2C+flowerette&st (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jspStoreDir=hd
us&catalogId=10053&productId=100149611&navFlow=3&keyword=knob%2C+flowerette&langId
=-1&searchRedirect=knob%2C+flowerette&storeId=10051&endecaDataBean=com.homedepot.s
a.el.wc.catalog.beans.EndecaDataBean%4042392061&ddkey=Search)
oreId=10051&endecaData
Bean=com.homedepot.sa.el.wc.catalog.beans.End (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jspStoreDir=hd
us&catalogId=10053&productId=100149611&navFlow=3&keyword=knob%2C+flowerette&langId=
-1&searchRedirect=knob%2C+flowerette&storeId=10051&endecaDataBean=com.homedepot.sa.
el.wc.catalog.beans.EndecaDataBean%4042392061&ddkey=Search)
ecaDataBean%4042392
061&ddkey=Search (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jspStoreDir=hd
us&catalogId=10053&productId=100149611&navFlow=3&keyword=knob%2C+flowerette&langId
=-1&searchRedirect=knob%2C+flowerette&storeId=10051&endecaDataBean=com.homedepot.s
a.el.wc.catalog.beans.EndecaDataBean%4042392061&ddkey=Search)

One thing I do not understand - the correct size is as listed (5/16") but neither the nut nor the bolt is 5/16":confused:

At any rate this IS the correct information and should get you what you want. Don't expect a store clerk to have a clue - however, if you print this page out and go to Home Depot they should be able to help you (two different stores managed to help me with the page copy in their hands).

Dale53

[unclebill]

i used one of these.
the sharp corners gave me a bit of trouble
but i just whittled the inside of the knob a bit and it slipped right on.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l272/billhedges/zsmithwesson27-2-21.jpg

[Sprue]

I know that I have another one in the package with the SKU# on it but I just can't locate it.

Anyway, these will "tap" right onto the bolt.

Like I said, I don't like the white color, but I can easily write on it with a sharpie.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/spilihp_2007/DSCF0728_2.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/spilihp_2007/DSCF0731_2.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/spilihp_2007/DSCF0733_2.jpg

[sig2009]

Here it is googled from Home Depot's online web site:

http://www.homedepot.com/
webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jsp (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jspStoreDir=hdus
&catalogId=10053&productId=100149611&navFlow=3&keyword=knob%2C+flowerette&langId=-1
&searchRedirect=knob%2C+flowerette&storeId=10051&endecaDataBean=com.homedepot.sa.el.
wc.catalog.beans.EndecaDataBean%4042392061&ddkey=Search)
StoreDir=hdus&catalogId=
10053&productId=100149611&navFlow=3&keywor (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jspStoreDir=hdu
s&catalogId=10053&productId=100149611&navFlow=3&keyword=knob%2C+flowerette&langId=
-1&searchRedirect=knob%2C+flowerette&storeId=10051&endecaDataBean=com.homedepot.sa.
el.wc.catalog.beans.EndecaDataBean%4042392061&ddkey=Search)
d=knob%2C+flowerette&
langId=-1&searchRedirect=knob%2C+flowerette&st (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jspStoreDir=hd
us&catalogId=10053&productId=100149611&navFlow=3&keyword=knob%2C+flowerette&langId
=-1&searchRedirect=knob%2C+flowerette&storeId=10051&endecaDataBean=com.homedepot.s
a.el.wc.catalog.beans.EndecaDataBean%4042392061&ddkey=Search)
oreId=10051&endecaData
Bean=com.homedepot.sa.el.wc.catalog.beans.End (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jspStoreDir=hd
us&catalogId=10053&productId=100149611&navFlow=3&keyword=knob%2C+flowerette&langId=
-1&searchRedirect=knob%2C+flowerette&storeId=10051&endecaDataBean=com.homedepot.sa.
el.wc.catalog.beans.EndecaDataBean%4042392061&ddkey=Search)
ecaDataBean%4042392
061&ddkey=Search (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jspStoreDir=hd
us&catalogId=10053&productId=100149611&navFlow=3&keyword=knob%2C+flowerette&langId
=-1&searchRedirect=knob%2C+flowerette&storeId=10051&endecaDataBean=com.homedepot.s
a.el.wc.catalog.beans.EndecaDataBean%4042392061&ddkey=Search)

One thing I do not understand - the correct size is as listed (5/16") but neither the nut nor the bolt is 5/16":confused:

At any rate this IS the correct information and should get you what you want. Don't expect a store clerk to have a clue - however, if you print this page out and go to Home Depot they should be able to help you (two different stores managed to help me with the page copy in their hands).

Dale53

Your links do not work. Not all Home Depots carry these. If the HD that you go to has the series of stackable drawers with the different fasteners they are in Drawer #24. The sku number on my receipt is 030699779987 and they are 5/16". These are the round white ones and not the flowerette. Don't pay any attention to the 7/16" bolt head. These will fit.

[sig2009]

so wheres the pics of this mod? -chris

Here are 2 pics. With and without.



http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c280/jsenuta/IMGP0199.jpg


http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c280/jsenuta/IMGP0174.jpg


http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c280/jsenuta/IMGP0173.jpg

[sig2009]

This "Flowerette" knob is a great idea. I converted mine some time ago, thanks to this forum.

This is something that Dillon should pick up on and handle direct for their customers.

This is a GREAT idea and I cannot see one negative aspect to it!!

Dale53

Dillon was asked about this and their answer why they don't do it is because someone could come along accidently and play with the knob and change the setting for the powder drop.

[Russ in WY]

Thats what any reloader will do randomly , and especially if a person has been away from the press. If I have been away from the press and return even only for a few hrs & have done some other work around it. The 1st load dropped will always be hvy and need to be dumped back . My .02 . Russ.

[sig2009]

ACE Hardware also stocks these, I picked up three yesterday AND . .
they are the Dillon blue [smilie=1:

Out of curiosity I went to 3 Ace Hardware stores today to look for the blue ones. No such thing.

[hicard]

Got the SKU#561-086 today. None in stock so will check when I get home from my trip.

[Geraldo]

I picked up a couple at Home Depot yesterday. The choices were red or white. I chose red only because I have two Dillon measures and they had two red knobs.
They look like emergency shutoffs but they'll work just fine. :drinks:

[Snapping Twig]

I bought several charge bars for each caliber and marked them with a sharpie. I bought both sizes, magnum and standard and use them that way, ie. .357 and .38spl.

My standard bar throws 5.0 grains of W231 for special +P and my magnum throws 15.5g W296 for magnums. I do this with each caliber I load for. Bars are cheap enough and I dislike chasing the powder bar around fine tuning it.

The knobs are a great idea however.

[Shiloh]

Got the SKU#561-086 today. None in stock so will check when I get home from my trip.

Got Mine !!

Used the SKU supplied, and found the black one. But low and behold, a red one to right next to it!! At 85 cents it sure beats the ones I got on E-bay a few years back. Those were $9.99 for three with the bolt attached, plus shipping

Thanks HiCard !! :mrgreen:

Shiloh

[Mike W1]

http://www.mrdial.com/index.html

Anybody tried these things out?

[Shiloh]

http://www.mrdial.com/index.html

Anybody tried these things out?

Nope.

And at $24.95, I don't think I will be.

Shiloh

[dudel]

Found one of the "flowerette" knobs; but could not find any more. Found that the softer plastic (vs the hard plastic) yellow wirenuts work well. Take a fine marker and mark one of the groves to help count turns.

[mike in co]

Found one of the "flowerette" knobs; but could not find any more. Found that the softer plastic (vs the hard plastic) yellow wirenuts work well. Take a fine marker and mark one of the groves to help count turns.


the idea behind the flowerette..is its large od. allows for easier, finer adjustment and marking.

[Xcaliber]

Was wondering if the bolts from the hardware are being re-lieved for the powder bar post .I do not have access to a lathe anymore.
Also, one of the pics has 5/16 bolts used. I want to do the same with mine and change them out..but mine uses 1/4 - 28 bolt x 13/4 in length. Bought my 550B back in 1996. Have they changed
since then. Thanks.

[Edubya]

Was wondering if the bolts from the hardware are being re-lieved for the powder bar post .I do not have access to a lathe anymore.
Also, one of the pics has 5/16 bolts used. I want to do the same with mine and change them out..but mine uses 1/4 - 28 bolt x 13/4 in length. Bought my 550B back in 1996. Have they changed
since then. Thanks.

Re-read the posts; they're not replacing the bolts, they are just putting a simple plastic flowerette over the head of the bolt to allow them to change the powder drop w/o a tool.
EW

[Dale53]

These are one of the most useful "tips" that I have used with my Dillon 550B.

I did manage to find one (inside a sealed packet) that was NOT the item that was listed - looked the same but was too small inside. It was just a factory error but if that happened to you, you would think you had the wrong information. The package next to it was correct.

I LOVE these knobs.

FWIW
Dale53

[Shiloh]

These are one of the most useful "tips" that I have used with my Dillon 550B.

I did manage to find one (inside a sealed packet) that was NOT the item that was listed - looked the same but was too small inside. It was just a factory error but if that happened to you, you would think you had the wrong information. The package next to it was correct.

I LOVE these knobs.

FWIW
Dale53

I like the one that is oversize that you gave the info on. By turning such a huge knob a fraction of a turn, one could get a very minute adjustment.
Thanks

SHiloh

[Xcaliber]

I got it now...thanks. Info was much appreciated.

[AZ-Stew]

I couldn't find it at Home Depot, even with help from one of the associates. Went to Ace today. They had them in the "T" config. and in the flowerette. Multiple colors, too. I could have had white, black, red, blue, or green. I got the blue one. It's a bit darker than Dillon blue, but looks good, none the less. It pressed on with one hand backing up the powder measure and the other pressing on the knob. I may take it back off and add a small dab of JB Weld just to make sure it doesn't come off. It didn't seem to be a really tight fit.

Anyway, thanks for the tip! It's a great idea and quite inexpensive. I think Ace charged $1.79, but today was one of their "everything that fits in the bag" for 20 percent off sales, so it was a bit less @ $1.43.

Regards,

Stew

[Rockchucker]

I went to our HomeDepot with all the information listed here at CB and the numbers are good but they don't stock it. If someone here has located the knobs I'll glagly send you the money for couple of them. Thanks in advance and PM me your information please.
''

[Rockchucker]

Thanks Stew for offering to pick me up the knobs, with your advice I found them at Ace Hardware and they were black. Also for some reason my pwoder measure nut was a 7/16 instead of 5/16 ,had to go back and exchange them out, talk about a tight fit but works GREAT./ Ron

[hedgehorn]

I also found these in Dillon blue at the local Ace Hardware :)

[Hansj]

I just got back from HD, the numbers first posted did not generate any hits on their confuser, but when we went to the drawers we found them. The SKU# on the bin is the one the guy said they use and that is E581-113 (the "E" may not be needed) for the white ones, but all colors and styles (flowerette, round, etc.) are in the same drawer.

One problem I discovered when I got home was that there were other sizes in the same bin!! Dangit! I ended up with only 2 of the 5/16" ones and three wrong ones. I should have known better knowing Home Despot.

[Hansj]

"Dillon was asked about this and their answer why they don't do it is because someone could come along accidently and play with the knob and change the setting for the powder drop."

I don't have a great deal of experience with reloading (OK, to be fair I have none at all to speak of.... yet.) but it seems to me that the practical thing to do is to weigh a couple every time you have left your press for any reason, this in addition to recycling the one load that was settling in while you were away back into the powder hopper. It is the same if you have left a case in the powder die, who knows if the cat didn't fall of the bench while you were away and put another measure of powder in the case?

Remember, safety first. If you are not absolutely positive that everything is perfect, you are not being safe.

[Rockchucker]

Here in Florida I went to the home depot store with the sku numbers posted above and their store didn't stock them, But another store 100 miles away did. They said they would do a store transfer and I said great. That was three weeks ago and still no knobs.

Next I went to the Ace Hardware and found a 5/16 push on knob, but it had a taper to the outside of the knob that I didn't like but bought several anyway. I got home and found my Dillon powder measure nut wasn't a 5/16 but a 7/16 so I went back and exchanged they out only to find they were very tight to install (very tight). I completly gave up on this knob idea untill I found these on E-bay, well, we'll see when they arrive. Wish me luck!http://cgi.ebay.com/2-BLUE-Adjusting-Knobs-for-Dillon-Powder-Measures_W0QQitemZ320496080168QQcmdZViewItemQQptZL H_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9f0e1528

[Bad Water Bill]

I have the ones you ordered. They come from Friendship Trading Post. Jerry has been making rifles for over 50 years and would never steer anyone wrong. You will love the knobs.

[Rockchucker]

I just recieved my blue knobs today from this webb site, all I can say is the fit is perfit and they make adjusting the powder measure a pleasure to operate. I listed the site again (below) for any folks that are interested. I paid the buy it now price cause I was tried of trying to locate these out of stock knobs. He also ships very fast.

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-BLUE-Adjusting-Knobs-for-Dillon-Powder-Measures_W0QQitemZ320496080168QQcmdZViewItemQQptZL H_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9f0e1528

[rodsvet]

Just went to my local Ace hardware and picked up 4 knobs @ $1.55 each. Two red and two blue. Fit perfect!! May need a little glue after use, but maybe not. Thanks to the forum for the idea! No more broken finger nails.