I broke my last Dillon powder measure spring today

[lewmed]

  I switched powder measures for a newer one with the failsafe rod.  I then made a call to Dillon for a few replacement parts when I finished reloading and found out they no longer will replace the return springs under warranty. That may not seem like a big deal but I have purchased a sq deal press, a rl550, two rl550C's, a xl650, a 1050 and my latest xl750 machine since 1985. I still own and use four Dillon machines and in over thirtyfive years I've only called for warranty parts a half dozen times.
Oh well that is enough venting at least my Dillon equipment has loaded many hundreds of thousands of rounds with no major issues.

[AZ_CZ]

Guess they have made too much money and decided Customer Service is expendable.  Too bad it's really set them apart from a crowded market and was a major factor in spending the extra money for their product.

[Wobbly]

1. Springs are a normal wear part. I like to ask for free replacement parts, but when the company can't do it, it's no big expense to buy it. Yes, things have changed at Dillon since Mike died... but I bet all the free postage is what was really hurting them.

2. If your spring broke at the "loop end", then simply fold down another loop and keep going.

3. I advise you to keep using the spring even after fitting the safety device. The Powder Bar still needs a little help on return, and the extra vibration helps settle the powder in the hopper. I run the spring on all of my PM's, but I add a 5/8" length of steel wire which elongates the spring just enough to allow some rest. Form it from a piece of 14ga (or paper clip) wire that starts out about 7/8" long. The spring should be relaxed at rest. Looks like this....

[m1a_scoutguy]

1. Springs are a normal wear part. I like to ask for free replacement parts, but when the company can't do it, it's no big expense to buy it. Yes, things have changed at Dillon since Mike died... but I bet all the free postage is what was really hurting them.

2. If your spring broke at the "loop end", then simply fold down another loop and keep going.

3. I advise you to keep using the spring even after fitting the safety device. The Powder Bar still needs a little help on return, and the extra vibration helps settle the powder in the hopper. I run the spring on all of my PM's, but I add a 5/8" length of steel wire which elongates the spring just enough to allow some rest. Form it from a piece of 14ga (or paper clip) wire that starts out about 7/8" long. The spring should be relaxed at rest. Looks like this....

Wobbly,that's a cool ideal I had never though of. What is that spring you use, anything special ? I believe I will try that on my 550 also.

[Wobbly]

Wobbly, that's a cool ideal I had never though of. What is that spring you use, anything special ? I believe I will try that on my 550 also.

It's the stock return spring for an older Dillon PM, like a 450. But some people do it with rubber bands.

The slight jolt the PM gets from the Powder Bar slapping back is what brings about a more constant, consistent density within the powder column. Consistent density then leads to more consistent 'powder drop' weights.

[tdogg]

I'm just running a pair of springs clipped together I picked up from the hardware store as they didn't have a single spring long enough.  I also designed and printed a powder baffle that works really well to minimize the powder column.  My S1050 has the most consistent powder drops I've ever had.  Every time I check powder once rolling it is nearly spot on, maybe +/-0.05gr.  I think having the autodrive and custom baffle really does provide consistency that shows charge after charge.

Cheers,
Toby

[m1a_scoutguy]

Wobbly, that's a cool idea I had never thought of. What is that spring you use, Is anything special? I believe I will try that on my 550 also.

It's the stock return spring for an older Dillon PM, like a 450. But some people do it with rubber bands.

The slight jolt the PM gets from the Powder Bar slapping back brings about a more constant, consistent density within the powder column. Consistent density then leads to more consistent 'powder drop' weights.

Thanks for the info. I'll look around and see what I have, rubber band seems ok I guess.  I'll walk around & check LOWES also and then just leave disappointed and frustrated as usual, LOL.

[Wobbly]

Thanks for the info. I'll look around and see what I have, rubber band seems ok I guess.  I'll walk around & check LOWES also and then just leave disappointed and frustrated as usual, LOL.

While in Lowes (or Home Depot) go over and look in the Fastener section in the cardboard drawers. Lowes does have long springs, but like Tdogg said they are not quite long enough and far too strong. So you clip 2 of them end-to-end.

In the end you want just enough pressure to assist the Powder Bar. To much pressure and you'll hammer the PM to death. The Powder Bar should just barely slam home, with just barely enough force to shake the contents of the hopper.

If you'll think about it, the Dillon PM (like most PMs) measures out Volume. But what you want is Weight. The connection between the 2 is Density. Thus, if you want consistent Weights from your PM, then the place to start is consistent Density... which is achieved through consistent vibration. What the spring(s) do is create a shaking vibration that is very, VERY consistent.

And the true beauty of the Dillon PM with its 'safety cam' is that no matter how fast or slow you operate your press, the PM gets the exact same shake every time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs_bkhqJmRI

Well, maybe not that much ! 

[newageroman]

This is a good example of why I dig this forum. I have run about 40k rounds through a 650 and never used the spring but now I'm wanting to try it. The explanation on why it works makes sense. I've seen this on older units but mine has the rod so I don't think it came with a spring. I haven't had any drop consistently issues except for bridging when using long extruded stick powder (4064) which is mostly rifle that I load on the single stage. But I do like to have the option of pumping out rifle calibers on the 650.
Have a good week!

[lewmed]

A number 82 rubber band will do the job it's 2 1/2" X 1/2" I paid about $6 for a one pound box at a local office supply.

[Wobbly]

A number 82 rubber band will do the job it's 2 1/2" X 1/2" I paid about $6 for a one pound box at a local office supply.

• A 1 lb box should keep you in business... at least until the election !!!
Amazon Link


• The best spring I ever found at Lowes is a Hillman #543004



• Amazon has this one, which is pretty close to Dillon's...
Amazon Link

[Dan_69GTX]

Wobbly, thanks for the spring number that you use.

Based upon your previous posts, I used one of these immediately upon the purchase of my Dillon press. Curiosity, I tried it without, and I definitely get more consistent drops with the spring.

No, didn’t load without it, but did measure butt load of drops.

[Wobbly]

In reading about operating a manual PM, you'll see that technique is everything.

But the need for consistent density doesn't go away just because you automate.