223/556 on a Dillon progressive, powder problems

[Madusa]

Does anyone else have trouble with this combo? I run a 550B and have tried every kind of powder (yes ball).The problem is in the powder measure design. The powder gets stuck in the funnel that comes with the conversin kit. It seems no matter how well you tap the measue with the ram up or down, or let the charge fall, the powder will plug up long enough to fall at the wrong time. That powder gets between the shell plate and your done, until you take it apart and clean it. This doesn't happen every time, maybe once in a hundred. I've used this press since 1992 and have used two different powder measures and had the same result.

Is there a fix I don't know about?

I'm considering opening up the funnel with a taper reamer from the top and just leaving the shelf that pushes against the case mouth. This would leave a short choke point instead of a one inch choke point that it has from Dillon.

[Blowby]

I used a tapered cutter and re-shaped the funnel. Sand the new transition and polish. Did it to all my funnels.
64137

[Calculated]

There's also this

http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1231

They make alot of cool upgrades for the 550b. Haven't tried it personally but read good things.

[gnihcraes]

I'm a new owner of a 550b, no issues like you describe with powder/funnel. Using ball pistol Silhouette, power pistol, 231. Benchmark for rifle seemed ok too.

[laportecharlie]

I wonder if static might be your problem. Try wiping the interior of the hopper with a sheet of Bounce or =. That's the fabric softener sheets for the clothes dryer. I have run just about every conceivable powder through several different Dillon measures and never had that problem.

[Great-Kazoo]

Does anyone else have trouble with this combo? I run a 550B and have tried every kind of powder (yes ball).The problem is in the powder measure design. The powder gets stuck in the funnel that comes with the conversin kit. It seems no matter how well you tap the measue with the ram up or down, or let the charge fall, the powder will plug up long enough to fall at the wrong time. That powder gets between the shell plate and your done, until you take it apart and clean it. This doesn't happen every time, maybe once in a hundred. I've used this press since 1992 and have used two different powder measures and had the same result.

Is there a fix I don't know about?

I'm considering opening up the funnel with a taper reamer from the top and just leaving the shelf that pushes against the case mouth. This would leave a short choke point instead of a one inch choke point that it has from Dillon.

.
Honestly 1- 100 isn't bad. You need to polish the powder measures internal bell and associated parts. When at top of stroke, hold for another second. Use dryer sheet in powder measure. Increase humidity lever of reloading area over 25- 30%. Cut a coil off indexing spring. When i use the 550 i hold the brass when indexing. It keeps the snap that happens down, reducing powder jumping.
If you do a search fro Dillon issues there's a few sites, discussions and videos addressing the powder topic.

Accept there will be some residual powder on the shell plate. It's dillon precision, Not Perfection.

I have bearing kits for the 6 & 1050's. Has made a noticeable difference.

http://ballistictools.com/store/dillon-press-enhancements

http://ballistictools.com/store/dillon-press-enhancements/dillon-RL550B-shellplate-bearing-kit

[Great-Kazoo]

There's also this

http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1231

They make alot of cool upgrades for the 550b. Haven't tried it personally but read good things.

That really doesn't play in to the issue he's having. Nice item, i run them on most of my powder drops.

[gnihcraes]

I found that my RCBS powder measure worked better once I grounded it with a wire, so that might actually help. (as stated above)

[Calculated]

That really doesn't play in to the issue he's having. Nice item, i run them on most of my powder drops.

That's what skimming will get you... oops

[Great-Kazoo]

That's what skimming will get you... oops

You're not the only one who's done it. Join the crowd.

[Hoser]

Opening up the funnel that the powder goes through and polishing it helps a ton. Polishing the powder bar and bowl of the measure also helps. I use a lot of Varget and get charges within 0.1 of what I am looking for.

Try here.

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/4606-Dillon-Powder-Measure-Tips

[Madusa]

Thanks for the good advice everyone.