Dillon Square Deal Powder Measure

[kv4v]

I have been using this powder measure for 25 years and had the first problem last week. I was reloading .45 auto cartridges with 4 grains of Bullseye when the machine jammed. I removed the powder measure and the dies and found some powder backup. After pulling some of the bullets I found some had 8 grains of Bullseye and some had a white granular material instead of powder. The white material was not polishing compound. Anyway this was a wakeup call for me.

 

[butchd]

Something else besides a faulty measure is going on. I've been using SDs since they were $189.00 and can think of no way to double charge unless it were intentional. A 550 would be capable of a double charge but neither can prduce a charge of white powder from a measure loaded with BE. If you're legit about this, could someone who does not like you have fooled with the press without your knowing?

 

[butchd]

I meant to add, an error can be made in weighing the charge to set the measure to throw the 4 grains. I had a set up affected by an air conditioner's blowing on my scale. I charged several cases with what was more than a double charge. My periodic check caught the error and caused only a little more care on my part. Still, that would not cause 4 grains and 8 grains, simultaneously. I keep waiting for a punch line about the white powder

 

[M16]

Would it be possible that the white plastic bushing that goes in the powder measure is coming apart hence the white powder?

 

[kv4v]

There is no punch line about the white substance. I can't explain it. I was in the process of reloading when the machine froze up. I removed the powder measure and when I removed the toolhead plate I found the powder funnel was clogged up and powder spilled out on the bench.

 

[butchd]

I meant no disrespect. Your emblems say you're legit. I see nothing in the measure at my hand that can explain it. Didn't you say some of the cartridges were loaded with the white stuff and no BE? If that be true, it could not have gotten into the ctg. without going from measure through the funnel. Had the white stuff been in the hopper or below the funnel the BE should have at least been mixed with it. Clean it up and start over. Maybe you'll make another 25 years. Hamlet knew what he was talking about. There are more things in heaven and on earth than are drempt of.............

 

[Dale53]

The material could have been in the cases before they hit the reloading press. Tumbling media comes to mind...

This needs to be investigated thoroughly by the OP.

Good luck to you and if you discover the source of the white powder, let us know. There is any number of ways a powder can can become contaminated, also. Assuming sabotage is not likely, then I suspect the contaminated cases...

Dale53

 

[CGM]

Would it be possible that the white plastic bushing that goes in the powder measure is coming apart hence the white powder?

I just took a look at my SDB.....the explanation offered above is the only one that could conceivably be the cause of your problem.

 

[Sgt Preston]

Sgt Preston here. I had a similar problem with my Dillon 550. Mine however did NOT jam up, it just became erratic. When I took it apart, a piece of the plastic foam sealing circle (thin styrofoam seal) from the lid of my powder bottle had fallen into the dispensor & got trapped in the bottom of the dispensor = volume filling area. I was able to sift the contaminated powder thru a piece of very fine screen & normal function immediately returned. I wrote an article about this in our reloading forum a couple of years ago. Hope this helps. Sgt Preston USMC LLA