Binding on Dillon Powder Die

[mattiooo]

Just tried 40 S&W for the first time, and the Dillon powder measure for the first time. I had two different issues I've never experienced before:

1) The shell plate was giving me weird issues - in some places, it was very tight. But in station 2, I had to keep pushing the case to seat into the shell holder and actually line up with the powder funnel. When it rotated into station 2, it was pushed forward towards the button.

2) As I was running the first 20 rounds, it was binding more and more coming out of the powder die. It got to the point where on rounds 18 and 19, I had to really force it out. Going in was not a problem. It was definitely the powder die - I checked each station individually.

I'm not sure if they are related, or coincidence, but any help is appreciated.

[Irving]

Is it possible the shell plate isn't laying flat?

[Hoser]

Do you have the correct indexing buttons?

[mattiooo]

Do you have the correct indexing buttons?

Yeah. I double-checked. It w as a #5 shell plate I already had, and #2 buttons I ordered specifically for this.

[mattiooo]

Is it possible the shell plate isn't laying flat?

That's a good question. I will verify that. I had just reinstalled it because I had to install the bracket for the fail-safe arm.

[izzy]

If the set screw isn't tight on the main piston this happens to me. If you're describing what I think you are.

[Great-Kazoo]

Just tried 40 S&W for the first time, and the Dillon powder measure for the first time. I had two different issues I've never experienced before:

1) The shell plate was giving me weird issues - in some places, it was very tight. But in station 2, I had to keep pushing the case to seat into the shell holder and actually line up with the powder funnel. When it rotated into station 2, it was pushed forward towards the button.

2) As I was running the first 20 rounds, it was binding more and more coming out of the powder die. It got to the point where on rounds 18 and 19, I had to really force it out. Going in was not a problem. It was definitely the powder die - I checked each station individually.

I'm not sure if they are related, or coincidence, but any help is appreciated.

The shell plate issue is usually from being tightened too much. Remove tool head, raise ram. Loosen set screw on side of ram, then same for one holding plate. Make sure plate turns free, then tighten bolt down till plate doesn't move. Turn plate slowly as you back of the hold down bolt, maybe am 1/8th turn per. Once it moves with minimal resistance. Hole the Bolt while re tightening the set screw on the ram. Recheck

Some presses there seems to be a fine line between snug and too tight. Or there's some powder binding under the shellplate

[izzy]

The shell plate issue is usually from being tightened too much. Remove tool head, raise ram. Loosen set screw on side of ram, then same for one holding plate. Make sure plate turns free, then tighten bolt down till plate doesn't move. Turn plate slowly as you back of the hold down bolt, maybe am 1/8th turn per. Once it moves with minimal resistance. Hole the Bolt while re tightening the set screw on the ram. Recheck

Some presses there seems to be a fine line between snug and too tight. Or there's some powder binding under the shellplate

That's basically what I was trying to say lol

[VDW]

As for #2) are the insides of the cases dirty? I've had problems with the powder die sticking if the insides of the cases aren't particularly clean.

[VDW]

And on #1) as stated above by izzy and kazoo, the shell plate is getting too tight it sounds like. If you don't tighten the set screw enough when the shell plate moves freely, it will continue to tighten as you rotate it to the point where you can't turn it anymore.