Recently, I’ve been writing about reloading safety. This is perhaps the most important thing to incorporate into your reloading workflow! In my last post, I gave a high-level view and comparison of the various popular powder check systems that are on the market today. There are really quite a few options that are tailored to different price points, applications, and specific equipment.
Dillon is known for their comprehensive accessories for the reloading presses they manufacture. The components and parts are really designed as a proper “system”. They’ve also made sure that all aspects of operating a clean, tidy, efficient, and safe reloading room are covered by their product offerings. One such product is the Dillon Powder Check System (Dillon Part #21044). This system is designed specifically for the Dillon XL-650 (5 station) and Dillon Super 1050 (7 station) progressive reloading presses.
Before we deep-dive on specifics, let’s take and overview look at the various components of this powder check system.
**Note that this article is specific to the XL-650, and some of the descriptions do not apply to the Dillon Super 1050 press which operates in a different manner. This powder check system operates in a consistent way on both presses but some operational details differ.
The complete assembly:
The Dillon Powder Check System - Image Copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader
You can see that this is a massive unit!
Here are the individual components that make up the assembly:
Components of the Dillon Powder Check System - Image Copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader
Now that you have “seen” the powder check assembly, let’s cover the purpose of each component:
Die Body
The die body is the same unit that is used with the powder measure. It screws into the press toolhead and allows the powder check assembly to be swapped from one toolhead easily.
Upper Assembly
The upper assembly is the main portion of the powder check system. This is the component that essentially holds everything together.
Clamp
The clamp is the same type as used on the powder measure system. You back out an allen screw, and that allows the upper assembly to be removed from the die body.
Powder Rod
The powder rod has a brass tip on it that actually contacts the powder to raise and lower the rod to the proper position.
Buzzer Actuator
The buzzer actuator will cause the buzzer to sound if the ram is at the top of the stroke and the powder level is not correct. When the powder level is correct, the groove in the buzzer actuator prevents the brass pin from depressing, therefore preventing the buzzer from sounding.
Buzzer Housing
The buzzer housing pivots every time the ram reaches the top of its stroke. This housing contains the buzzer, a AAA battery, and the switch/contact which interfaces with the buzzer actuator.
Inside the buzzer housing - Image Copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader
Actuation Rod and Adjustment Screw
The actuation rod is what contacts the ram (the shellplate carrier) each time the ram reaches the top of its stroke. The actuation rod is adjustable so that the proper contact clearances are attained between the buzzer switch contact (brass point) on the buzzer housing and the buzzer actuator on the powder rod.
I think it’s really easiest to explain how this powder check system works by watching a video!
Here’s the powder check system in action on the Dillon XL-650 (older video):
I think that pretty much covers the basics of the Dillon Powder Check System. One of the things I like about this system is the fact that you can always “hear” what’s going on, but this system does not lock up the press when you have slight variations in powder level. Overall, it’s a great system. It’s too bad you can’t use it on other presses (unless you modify the press). Guess what? Batteries (one at least…) *are* included with this product!
Stay tuned for more powder check system posts…
Thanks,
Gavin
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