XL 650 Dillon aftermarket part

[Lubbock Louie]

Saw on ebay a bearing kit for Dillon XL650 by Hit Factor Shooting Supply,

"This kit eliminates the snap when the shellplate advances to the next position. When the shellplate snaps, gunpowder splashes out of the casing causing a mess on your press and inconsistent loads. This kit also smoothes out the operation of your press. No permanent alteration of the press is necessary. Many users report more consistent and easier primer seating." ....so they say.

Anyone know anything about this item or have personal knowledge of it?

Thanks, LL /Cary

 

[blujax01]

I've seen the ad and wondered about it myself. IF it still allows the press to positively lock into each stage, I can see where it could be an advantage - especially when loading 9 mm. For some reason, I have a devil of a time with that particular cartridge.

 

[Wheelgunner840]

Having two XL650s, I will check out this kit. I just read the Enos link below, and sent it along to everyone I know who owns a 650. Thanks Lubbock Louie & Beans!

On the same subject, I always place a bullet over the case in position three, and apply just a bit of downward pressure as the shell plate is rotating into the next position. This keeps the shell plate from "jumping" or snapping when the spring loaded ball bearing underneath the shellplate pops into place.

It is easy to train yourself to do this, and you will never have to worry about powder exiting the case.


WG840

 

[Beans]

You can check this thread out. over 11 pages of comments on the bearing.

Fix for the snapping shellplate on a 650 - Brian Enos's Forums... Maku mozo! - Page 6

 

[socal s&w]

There are threads on the Calguns.net website that give part numbers for the Grainger catalog for that bearing washer part.

Oops..sorry, it's McMaster Carr.

Here is the thread....good luck!

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=291938&highlight=grainger+bearing+washer

 

[GSWEAR]

I installed the bearing on my 650 about a year ago and clipped 1 or 1 1/2 coils off of the detent spring and it made a HUGE difference, well worth the $5 for the bearing and thrust washers IMO.
Oil or grease the bearing and tighten the shell plate as much as possible and still move freely when the set screw is tight, since the ejector wire will sit higher you will probably have to bend it a little as well.

Greg

 

[Lubbock Louie]

Thanks for the great info everyone. Just the info I was looking for. The links were very helpful.

And Greg (GSWEAR)....welcome to the forum.

I went to the McMaster-Carr website and noticed that "for a lower profile, the cage assembly can be used without washers, but only on material that is hardened to Rockwell C58-C64."

Also, the maximum rpm is 13,000. Watch your speed, guys. You could tear a rotor cuff.

 

[GSWEAR]

Thanks for the welcome!
Here are a couple pics of mine.
The ejector wire is bent down to account for the bearing and there is a bend in the middle to eliminate 9mm hanging up on ejection which is a pain since it does it lowering the ram and causes powder to spill out also.

 

[Lubbock Louie]

Excellent pics and info, Greg.

Thanks,

Cary

 

[m657]

I've used that very bearing on my 650 for about 3 years now.

I consider it a BIG improvement. There was an issue with the ejector wire on station 5 on a couple of small cases, 9mm I think, but a little rebending fixed that.

In hindsight, research carefully the product and realize your local well-stocked hardware store may have such a bearing in the screws-pins bins already for you to take home for a BIG savings.

In any case, yes, I'd buy another one as it helps a lot. While you're buying, get one for your buddy, he'll appreciate it a lot.

I did not trim my ball bearing spring. Yet.

 

[blujax01]

After reading the comments both here and from the jump, I am going to buy the parts. It seems a no-brainer.

Has anyone asked Dillon directly about this? Any response?

 

[BE Mike]

I ordered the whole kit from the guy on e-bay. I could have gotten stuff cheaper if I pieced it together, but I like supporting folks with cottage industries, especially regarding the shooting sports. I really appreciate you fellows letting me know about this. This forum is so far above the rest, that it's in a class all its own.

 

[kev74]

I thought us Lee guys were the only ones who had to "tune-up" our presses.

All kidding aside, its nice to see fixes like this passed along.

 

[VonFatman]

I can not see adding the parts...this is because long ago I "trained" my right hand to come up and lay a finger on the shell-plate as it turns...I do not have powder "broadcast" issues since that became part of my reloading process. Because its become so "normal" for me to do this...it does not slow me down even if I'm "cranking them out".

From what I've read, the "fix" does not completely eliminate the powder getting pitched a bit. (9mm cases seem to be the one that pitches powder the most...)

I've not even taken a coil out of my spring either as the "finger on the shell-plate" method has eliminated the problem.

Maybe I'll spend the money on more press goodies...maybe another totally unnecessary item...like Dillon's automatic primer tube filler!!! Or maybe another tool-head...or maybe...

Heck, my bench is FULL of un-needed parts, pieces, accessories, components & tools I really do not "need" to make load quality ammunition. So I will STRONGLY suggest that if these upgrades are what itches the scratch...BUY them and be happy.

I have NO (ZERO) room to downplay any gadget or gizmo. I love bench stuff! Go for it!

If you have a 650 and are interested in a "mod" (or two) that will make you smile...how about a spent primer mod...or a "ski jump" live primer catcher...or a set mega tweezers to pick out the upside-down or cock-eyed primers...or a mirror to see if the case feeder is "hungry"...or maybe knobs for you powder drops...etc.

LOTS of ways to improve your press. I hope I will get the opportunity to witness how the OPs aftermarket parts work. If they work as good as my finger...I'm sure I'm going to invest!

Spent primer catcher:

"Ski-Jump" live primer catcher:

Mega tweezers:

Mirror up above:

Knobs for your powder drop(s):

Bob

 

[blujax01]

Love the idea of the knobs but unless you have a better source than my LGS, I'm not about to pay $7 a pop for them.
I've been playing around with a collar lock ($.89) but the set screw lines up too deep to allow the bolt to turn. If I figure out an economical way to shave it thinner, I'll share it with the other kids.

 

[VonFatman]

I got my knobs at home depot in the Hardware area in the cabinets...a buck, buck and a quarter maybe??

Here's another pic with the bar-code info.

 

[blujax01]

Do they fit the bolt on the powder bar? It's 7/16" across the flats and the largest I can find is 3/8". Thanks.

 

[BE Mike]

Well, I installed the needle bearing and washers. I haven't noticed any difference in smoothness of the operation. Maybe I need to cut some more off the spring of the ball bearing. A part broke on the case feed assembly. Old plastic just crumbles. I called Dillon last night and the part is on the way.

 

[GE-Minigun]

Do they fit the bolt on the powder bar? It's 7/16" across the flats and the largest I can find is 3/8". Thanks.

Yep...what fatman posted is what you need.

 

[blujax01]

Yep...what fatman posted is what you need.

Ya' know, sometimes my ineptitude amazes even me! The 5/16" isn't the bolt head measurement - it's the thread size. DUH!

Bought one and it fits fine. Cost all of a buck fifty.