Posts Tagged ‘Dillon XL-650’

Resources: Fundamentals for Super-Accurate Rifle Reloads

Thursday, January 31st, 2013
Measuring and adjusting bullet runout with .223 / 5.56 ammunition - Image copyright 2013 Ultimate Reloader

Measuring and adjusting bullet runout with .223 / 5.56 ammunition – Image copyright 2013 Ultimate Reloader

Recently I blogged about reloading accurate rifle ammunition:
5 Tips for Reloading Accurate Rifle Ammunition

In this blog post I outlined some primary considerations and processes:

  1. Start with proven loads and load data
  2. Fire form your brass
  3. Optimize bullet seating depth
  4. Optimize bullet concentricity
  5. Experiment

I wanted to expand on some of these points by providing additional resources for any of you who want to take a deeper look at these concepts.

Load Data

There’s a ton of great load data available online these days, and here are a few of my favorite online sources:

Optimizing Seating Depth

This should be a mandatory step for anyone reloading rifle ammunition for accuracy. Here are a couple of posts I put together on the subject:

…and if you want to jump straight to the videos: (click on the gear and change to HD if you want high quality :) )

Optimize Bullet Concentricity

Likewise, bullet concentricity is critical for accurate rifle ammunition! Here’s some posts that show how to minimize bullet runout:

Videos:

There you go! Hope these resources prove helpful. Have additional resources to share? Please leave a comment. It’s time to build some tack-driving rifle ammunition (will also need to go to the range)!

Thanks,
Gavin

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Posted in Reloading Blog, Reloading Data, Reloading Videos | No Comments »

Frankenlöder – 9mm with Hornady-RCBS Bullet Feeder Setup on Dillon XL-650 – Part III

Sunday, December 11th, 2011

In this third installment of the Frankenlöder 9mm Dillon+Hornady+RCBS series, we’ll build on what we talked about in the first post and second post. We’ve seen what it takes to setup the Dillon XL-650 with Hornady 9mm dies, and also modified the drop tube from the RCBS Pistol Bullet Feed kit in order to get all of the parts to match up. That means, it’s time to test everything out, make some tweaks and then proceed to mass production reloading!

When I first tried this setup together, I noticed that I had some issues with tipping cases. I found some comments on the Brian Enos forum regarding tipping cases, bullet feeders, and the discussion centered on the modification of the powder funnel (the part below the powder measure that expands the case mouth and lets powder pass through when charging the case). By changing the profile from a cone (producing a trumpet shaped bell on the case) to a two-step profile (like Hornady’s PTX expanders) I was able to expand a section in the brass that would let the bullet slightly press in a ways (less than .100″ down into the case).

Here’s a picture of the modified powder funnel for 9mm (bottom) next to an un-modified powder funnel for 38/357 (top) that shows the difference. I thought I would polish the working surfaces while I was at it on the metal lathe.

 

Modified 9mm Luger powder funnel (Bottom) next to un-modified powder funnel (top) - Image copyright 2011 Ultimate Reloader

This ended up solving the tipping bullets issue. I was then happy with how the bullet feed system was working. It was then time to load a few hundred rounds to make sure everything was going to function reliably. I was happy to see the press moving smoothly, the previously mismatched components acting as a whole.

Here’s a video showing the entire assembly working together:

Well, that was a fun project! I’ve been pondering this one for about a year, so it was satisfying to see it come together. What should the next Frankenlöder project be? Perhaps you can help me decide. :)

Once again, here’s a picture of the entire setup:

Success!

Thanks,
Gavin

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Posted in Dillon General, Frankenlöder, Reloading Blog, Reloading Videos, Uncategorized | 8 Comments »

45 ACP Progressive Reloader Roundup

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

Hello all- In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Colt 1911 pistol, I thought I would put together a post that showcases various progressive reloading presses cranking out 45 ACP ammo! This caliber is very versatile, and continues to be a favorite for both target shooters, law enforcement, and self defense. There are plenty more resources related to 45 ACP here on UltimateReloader, but this will give you a taste of loading this great cartridge on popular equipment!

Loading 45 ACP on the Hornady Lock-N-Load with the Hornady Bullet Feeder

Loading 45 ACP on the RCBS Pro-2000 with the RCBS bullet feeder

Loading 45 ACP on the Dillon XL-650

Loading 45 ACP on the Lee Loadmaster

Here, we see everything from a 4-station steup with hardcast lead bullets on the Lee Loadmaster, to loading jacketed bullets on progressive reloaders with bullet feeder attachments. There’s definately more than one way to load 45 ACP ammo, and each system has its strengths and weaknesses! (just like any type of machinery). Got a favorite 45ACP loading setup that you’d like to share? Please post a comment!

Thanks,
Gavin

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Posted in Reloading Blog | 5 Comments »

RCBS Powder Checker Die

Friday, October 8th, 2010

There’s one more powder check system that we’re going to look at on our reloading safety series- the “RCBS Powder Checker Die”. This unit is very simple, easy to setup, and works well. It’s comparable to the “Hornady Powder Cop Die”.

The RCBS Powder Checker Die next to its box - Image Copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader

The RCBS Powder Checker Die next to its box - Image Copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader

This system is quite versatile, and intuitive to setup and use. Let’s take a look at the parts that make up the RCBS Powder Checker Die assembly, and then, we’ll look at setup and use.

The RCBS Powder Checker Die Assembly - Image Copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader

The RCBS Powder Checker Die Assembly - Image Copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader

OK, now that we know the parts and pieces, let’s talk setup! The good news is, it’s easy.

Setup steps for the RCBS Powder Checker Die:

  1. Install the proper guide rod tip on the powder guide rod (use the largest one that will fit in the case neck you’re loading with some space
  2. Push the guide rod up into the die body past the case guide
  3. Install the guide rod cap on the powder guide rod
  4. Make sure the indicator guide rod and O-Ring are installed
  5. Raise the ram on your reloading press to the top
  6. Screw down the die (exact height not critical, should not contact shellplate)
  7. Charge a case and advance the press to the powder check station, raise the ram to the top of its stroke
  8. Confirm vertical movement of the powder guide rod, adjust the die height if needed
  9. With the ram at the top of its stroke, adjust the height of the O-Ring on the indicating guide rod until it is aligned with the powder guide rod cap
  10. Remove case, recharge, and run through the powder check station again to confirm setting, adjust if needed

That’s it! Sounds like a lot, but in practice, this is probably the fastest powder check system to setup.

Here’s a video showing assembly of the die and setup on the Dillon XL-650 5 station progressive reloading press:

That should tell you most of what you would need to know about this system. I have enjoyed using this product, and appreciate its simple but effective design.

Do you have experiences that you want to share? Please leave your comments here.

Thanks,
Gavin

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Posted in RCBS General, Reloading Blog, Reloading Safety | 2 Comments »

Reloading Safety: Powder Check Systems Overview

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

In my last post, I outlined some basic principles for reloading safety. One of the basic ways that you can ensure your safety while reloading is by using a quality powder check system- especially when loading with a progressive reloading press.

So next, I thought it would be a good idea to look at some of the popular powder check systems available today so that you can understand the features implemented by each “system”.

From left: Dillon XL-650/1050 Powder Check System, RCBS Powder Checker Die, RCBS Lock-Out Die, Hornady Powder Cop Die - Image Copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader

From left: Dillon XL-650/1050 Powder Check System, RCBS Powder Checker Die, RCBS Lock-Out Die, Hornady Powder Cop Die - Image Copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader

So let’s perform a quick overview of each of these systems. I’ll talk about these systems in more detail in subsequent posts.

Dillon XL-650 Powder Check System

This system is perhaps the most complicated system from a construction stand-point, and can only be used with the Dillon XL-650 and Super 1050 reloading presses. This powder system will sound an audible alarm if there is an undercharge or overcharge. The upper unit is “quick release” and utilizes the same lower die as the powder measure. You can setup the powder check on multiple toolheads.

RCBS Powder Checker Die

This die utilizes a center rod actuated by the powder in the case, and a separate rod off to the side which holds a white rubber O-Ring at a user adjustable height so that the level can be compared at the top of the ram stroke when reloading. This die is simple to setup and use, but requires the user to visually inspect the level for each round loaded.

RCBS Lock-Out Die

The Lock-Out die by RCBS is a unique contraption that intrigues the imagination. It is case activated, and will literally lock up the reloading press if there is an undercharge or overcharge. This means it’s perhaps the safest of any of the systems. On some presses, it does require the die to be removed if there is a variation in powder level in order to resume loading.

Hornady Powder Cop Die

The Hornady Powder cop die is very similar to the RCBS Powder Checker die system. The main difference is the fact that the RCBS system uses two rods, where the Hornady powder cop die uses only one, and the reference O-Ring is adjusted on the single rod. It essentially shares the same advantages and disadvantages as the RCBS Powder Checker die system.

All of these systems work, but some work better for certain applications than others. I’ll post some additional information about these systems so that you can better understand how they work and which system is better for you.

Did I miss anything here? Do you use a powder checking system I didn’t cover?

Thanks,
Gavin

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Posted in Reloading Blog, Reloading Safety, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »