XL 650/750

[lewmed]

 I'm wanting to smooth out how the shell plate rotates on my XL750 and also keep it from tilting. Will an after market shell plate bearing kit help?  My old 650 that is set up for 45 auto has run like a top for over 20 years with no issues but my newer 750 that I load 9mm on tosses powder like a lawn sprinkler and is hard to keep cartridge OAL + or - .005".

[Ktm45]

I have tried the bearing setup for my 550 and it was ok but just ok imo. I really think that if the main bolt (that runs through the shell plate) should be fine thread vs course thread. It would be much more accurate on adjustment.   What I did end up using was the plastic ball ( lighter) and the oil lite bearing/washer that came with the came in the kit below. It’s keeps the shell plate clean now.

https://uniquetek.com/product/T1601

[david s]

I can only speak about the 550 press but going with the bearing kit and lighter ball has helped some with spilt powder when loading a 22 Hornet case full of Lil'Gun. Not a complete cure though.

[Wobbly]

Most people converted the shellplate advancement cam on the 650 to a ball bearing. This made things very smooth when coupled with the lightweight detent ball.

I have not seen a 750 yet, but in reading their specs, I thought there was something about a roller shellplate advance device. Can you show us some photos, please.

[lewmed]

 I installed a shell plate bearing and a lighter spring and plastic ball bearing detent on the XL750 last night and it is much smoother now. The XL750 came with a brass bushing on the shell plate advancement cam so I left it alone for now. I loaded a couple hundred rounds after the upgrade and I'm happy to report no powder spillage when using Accurate #7 or True Blue. I also noticed my OAL is now staying + or - .002" this was $20 well spent.

[double-d]

And all the forum posts (here & there) that shout about Dillion presses being the cats meow/most bestest ever/greatest thing ever devised.....

now I still don't feel terrible using the POS Hornady LNL.

[JBruns]

And all the forum posts (here & there) that shout about Dillion presses being the cats meow/most bestest ever/greatest thing ever devised.....

FWIW, I did not have to do anything like that on my 650. Never have any issues with powder spilling. I'd read about that before getting my Dillon, but it has proven to be a non-issue on mine.

now I still don't feel terrible using the POS Hornady LNL.

Why is it a POS? It was a tough choice for me between the LNL and 650 when I upgraded a couple years ago. Been happy with the Dillon, but most seem happy with the LNL also.

[double-d]

Why is it a POS?

Was said sarcastically, should have used quotation marks.

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

Progressive presses are simply quirky no matter what brand it is. My XL750 has run great when it runs great but there have been issues with springs that break an early on a primer feed problem that I worked through and sorted out. These machines need to be cleaned and lubed regularly and properly to maintain the best smoothest performance no matter what brand you have. The simple truth is if you want 100% reliability and no break downs you stay with a single stage or turret style press since they have the toughness and reliability of an anvil.

[Wobbly]

I really don't think the "perfect" progressive has been designed yet.

There are elements from all of them that I wish were combined into a single model. I always thought the lubrication system and primer disposal systems were much better on the Hornady. Dillon does a great job in other areas, but accessories like the plastic detent ball has been touted for nearly 2 decades now, and yet Dillon won't supply it with the press.

 

[lewmed]

 I'm sorry I should have included in my first post that my powder spilling issue was only when loading fast with super fine powders like True Blue the stuff is like a fine dust.  The 6+ grain charge I'm using pretty much fills the case but it works well in 9mm plus it was free and with todays powder shortage I want to use it up.
 In my over 40 years of progressive reloading I've owned Star, C&H Autochamp, Dillon and Hornady LNL machines they all got the job done some just require more maintenance and adjustments Dillon has been my favorite.

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

I'm sorry I should have included in my first post that my powder spilling issue was only when loading fast with super fine powders like True Blue the stuff is like a fine dust.  The 6+ grain charge I'm using pretty much fills the case but it works well in 9mm plus it was free and with todays powder shortage I want to use it up.
 In my over 40 years of progressive reloading I've owned Star, C&H Autochamp, Dillon and Hornady LNL machines they all got the job done some just require more maintenance and adjustments Dillon has been my favorite.

I have not changed the shell plate on my 750 in any way but I understand how cases filled to the top or close to it can spill over. I have found among other things since owning a progressive press that going a bit slower than the "advertised" load rate is helpful and makes it easier to catch glitches when they arise. I've also found I can exceed the advertised load rate which can cause you to have to pull apart a bunch of loaded ammo which takes all the fun out of the session. As they say everything in moderation.

[JBruns]

I'm sorry I should have included in my first post that my powder spilling issue was only when loading fast with super fine powders like True Blue the stuff is like a fine dust.  The 6+ grain charge I'm using pretty much fills the case but it works well in 9mm plus it was free and with todays powder shortage I want to use it up.

I had that issue with Unique in 9mm. Case was very full and I had to slow down the cycle rate. I just wanted to use up the couple of pounds of it I had laying around, so tolerated it.

[newageroman]

I've come to grab bullet and then drag the plate a bit with the right hand to keep from spilling. 223 was the worst.
Still loving the 650!

[cracker57]

I have found even with the carbide dies if you lube your cases things run smoother. I lube about 25% of the cases and throw them in the case feeder with the other 75%.