Dillon Powder Measure Charge bar return springs

[RGPM1A]

I have the old style Dillon powder measures with the return springs instead of the return rod. I recently broke my last spare spring and couldn't find a replacement on Dillons' site. I found an alternative at McMaster Carr. They sell extension spring stock (PN-9664K43 0.125"OD x 0.0018"wire diameter) in 36" lengths that you just cut to length and form your own hooks with needle nose pliers. You can make 7 springs from each 36" long piece. I bought two 36" lengths plus shipping for $20.41.

Hope this helps out some others.

 

[muddocktor]

RGPM1A, I take it that you didn't call up Dillon and ask, right? Because 4-5 years ago, I had my return spring break on my old powder measure and I called them up since they didn't show that part and they still had them and sent me one free of charge. I bet they still have them in stock, since they still use that kind of spring for their primer system (just shorter length).

 

[RGPM1A]

RGPM1A, I take it that you didn't call up Dillon and ask, right? Because 4-5 years ago, I had my return spring break on my old powder measure and I called them up since they didn't show that part and they still had them and sent me one free of charge. I bet they still have them in stock, since they still use that kind of spring for their primer system (just shorter length).

No I didn't call them this time. Years ago when I got some spares from them they weren't really forthcoming about the replacement springs and tried to get me to convert to the new return rod. Plus the website said they were closed for the holidays. Anyway they did charge me (I was surprised they did) for them back then and it was about $2 or $3 a piece. These cost about what works out to about $1.5 each and I got them after two days.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

The "No BS Warranty" does not include spares! It does include broken piece replacements! Your impatience cost you $20.41, but on the positive side, you now probably have a lifetime supply.

Like you I do prefer the spring return, and have converted all my later model measurers to spring return. I use the case mouth activated measurers, but I still have my 1984 push bar measurer, the most accurate powder drop of the 40+ I have owned!

Ivan

 

[RGPM1A]

The "No BS Warranty" does not include spares! It does include broken piece replacements! Your impatience cost you $20.41, but on the positive side, you now probably have a lifetime supply.

Like you I do prefer the spring return, and have converted all my later model measurers to spring return. I use the case mouth activated measurers, but I still have my 1984 push bar measurer, the most accurate powder drop of the 40+ I have owned!

Ivan

I have taken plenty advantage of the free warranty replacements from Dillon. The last thing was a $200, twenty five year old replacement vibratory case tumbler whose motor failed. There were two issues with seeking the Dillon return springs: They weren't open when I needed the parts and the place I got them was, and Dillon does not make it easy to find the return springs online if they do indeed offer them.

I won't lose sleep over the $20. Like you said I now have a lifetime supply of the springs.

Please excuse me for solving my problem and for trying to be helpful to others on the forum.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

If your spring broke on the end or closeto. You could take your pliers and twist a loop sideways to make it works again. I did this to the primer return spring on my Dillon and its worked ever since.

 

[RGPM1A]

If your spring broke on the end or closeto. You could take your pliers and twist a loop sideways to make it works again. I did this to the primer return spring on my Dillon and its worked ever since.

The problem was when it broke it flew into the unknown. Otherwise your suggestion is an excellent one that I have used in the past when I manage to find the broken spring.

Normally there are two return springs on each of my powder measures and only one breaks. This time both were gone and nowhere to be found.