Worn Dillon powder measure

[Engineer1911]

My Dillon powder measure with the small powder bar and fixed spacer plate was binding. Tiny amounts of powder was spilling when the bar retracted on the down stroke. I had talked to Dillon Customer Support six years ago about this issue. The solution was I returned the 1982 original measure and received a new one at reduced price.

The Tech also added that the fixed plate could be cleaned and shimmed on the top side with a piece of Scotch tape. So a little knowledge is always dangerous.

I removed the fixed spacer and moveable powder bar. Then I gently stroked all surfaces on a piece of 1000 grit wet or dry paper. The lower surface opening of the powder measure casting was also 'smoothed'. Then I applied a piece of 0.003" thick shipping tape to the top side of the stationary spacer (carefully trim edges flush and cut our center hole for powder to flow) to 'tighten' the loose sliding fit of the bars.

When I reassembled the powder measure, the operation was very smooth, no powder spillage, powder return spring operated normally. There was no more binding on the press down stroke.

This was an easy fix versus the wait time to order new parts from Customer service or shipping time through USPS.

EDIT: The tape goes on the top surface of the fixed spacer plate, the tape is between the spacer plate and the powder measure casting. There will be no movement between primer bar and a taped surface. End Edit

 

[6string]

My Dillon powder measure with the small powder bar and fixed spacer plate was binding. Tiny amounts of powder was spilling when the bar retracted on the down stroke. I had talked to Dillon Customer Support six years ago about this issue. The solution was I returned the 1982 original measure and received a new one at reduced price.

The Tech also added that the fixed plate could be cleaned and shimmed on the top side with a piece of Scotch tape. So a little knowledge is always dangerous.

I removed the fixed spacer and moveable powder bar. Then I gently stroked all surfaces on a piece of 1000 grit wet or dry paper. The lower surface opening of the powder measure casting was also 'smoothed'. Then I applied a piece of 0.003" thick shipping tape to the top side of the stationary spacer (carefully trim edges flush and cut our center hole for powder to flow) to 'tighten' the loose sliding fit of the bars.

When I reassembled the powder measure, the operation was very smooth, no powder spillage, powder return spring operated normally. There was no more binding on the press down stroke.

This was an easy fix versus the wait time to order new parts from Customer service or shipping time through USPS.

Great idea! (Nice to see another post from you!)
I hadn't thought of this. In case you need just a bit more tape thickness, and want to use a product specifically designed for such an application, there is something that fits the bill: UHMW tape.
This is an adhesive tape made with Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. It is intended to provide extremely low friction between two flat parallel surfaces that rub against one another.
It is available in multiple thicknesses, including 5, 10, and 20 mil thickness (and possibly others), with close attention to specification.

 

[ACORN]

I guess thats part of their no BS warranty.
It wears out and they tell you how to fix it.

 

[Electraclyde]

Going to try that on my small primer slider bar on my 550 press. the bar is worn and has excessive side play causing it to stick and bind.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Going to try that on my small primer slider bar on my 550 press. the bar is worn and has excessive side play causing it to stick and bind.

I would hit the plate the primer bar slides with a squirt of spray on case lube, or Elmer's dry lube. (About every 10,000 rounds)

Ivan