45 LC Set-Up In process

Dillon XL 650 and Redding T-7 being set-up to Re-Load 45LC. Cases are all cleaned and prepped

Loading Trays … Why Buy?

With some White and Red Oak I fashioned ten + one(11) Re-Loading trays. Trays are nominally; 9 ¼” x 4 ½” x 11/16” thick

Prototype: one tray to gauge proportions and ergonomics.

Alpha Set: primary design consideration is the 45 Long Colt, each tray managing up to 50 cases. Set of five Red Oak trays; two lots of; 25 9/16” holes on a ¾” grid spaced with 1” separation.

Beta Set: design considerations are: 9mm, 38sp, 357 Sig., each tray managing up to 50 cases. Set of five White Oak trays; two lots of: 25 7/16” holes on a ¾” grid spaced with 1” separation.

One hundred and forty two (142) 45 LC cases ready to process.Trays with Oil Finish:A number of manufacturers produce trays in the $5 – $9 range (plastic) and approx. $32 for aluminum trays. Midway USA carries most brands and offerings. Using some leftover wood is an economic solution.

Detail of Trays and Holes: Alpha & BetaCommercial offerings:

Die Reference Information … Micrometer Positioning

The “Pro Series” Bullet Seating Die is designed for bullet seating only, with no crimping feature.

Die Reference Information .. Cross Sections

The Silent Majority … Very telling demographics

Case and Cartridge Ready Reference Matrix

For convenience this Ready Ref. Matrix facilitates process set-up and checks.  Setting Case Length on case trimmer and Cartridge Overall Length.

Battery Matrix / Red Dot Sights

Early on I decided to add RED DOT sights to a few pistols. This started as a way to help my kids enjoy the shooting sports. Now I enjoy them for their ease of use when shooting a variety guns. This matrix will help track the battery types I need.  New batteries in the range box.

Type: Aimpoint .. Tube Dia: 30mm .. Battery Type: CR 1/3N 1 each

Type: Tasco  .. Tube Dia: 30mm .. Battery Type: CR2032 2 each

Type: Millett .. Tube Dia: 1 inch .. Battery Type: CR2032 1each

Type: Millett .. Tube Dia: 1 inch .. Battery Type: CR2032 1 each

Type: Bushnell .. Tube Dia: 30mm .. Battery Type: CR2032 1 each

Type: Ultra Dot ..Tube Dia: 1 inch .. Battery Type: CR2032 1 each

357 Sig … Update: … Case Resizing Complete

Having loaded 1,000 round on the XL 650, using a Dillon Carbide Die set.

I had 26 loads that failed the “L E Wilson Case Gauge” inspection. All exhibited a slight “case bulge”  near the case base .. often referred to as the “Glock Bulge”.  These 26 cartridges were successfully ran through the Lee Factory 40 S&W die set up for Sizing the 357 Sig cases.

UPDATE:  Now all the loaded ammo passed the case gauge .. on to the range:

Powder Check Station

Using a Powder Check system only makes sense as it provides a process check to verify:  Station #3 on the XL 650 provides a location to install a Dillon custom powder check system. Very easy to install and adjust. Most importantly it works well and is dependable.
As seen here at the Down position of the shell plate. At the top of the Upstroke a charged shell casing has activated the powder check system.  The grove in the sensor rod disallows closure of the sensor circuit and NO Buzzer sound .. all is well.Now its on to reload some 5,900 re-sized cases. Running this in batches of 500 fits my modus operandi.  The weather is awesome right now too nice to spend all day reloading.




Time has passed and I’ve pressed out 2,000 rounds of 9mm Luger.  Next session will be in a few weeks.

Two companies .. Two different experiences -- Update

These are obviously strange times for the shooting community across the board.

Company A: Midway USA: (hot Link)  VERY Satisfied with my experience 

Online site is very customer friendly,  easy to navigate, order placement/checkout works good.  Customer Service: Acknowledgement e-mail is well constructed with clear presentation of relevant information. Order Shipment notice was received at light speed.  Package tracking instructions were clear and worked well.

Company B: Dillon Precision: (hot Link)  Disillusioned / Concerned. 

I am a very big fan of Dillon reloading presses and associated accessories.  I’ve used a Dillon XL 650 for 17 years of great service. 10 out of 10 for their engineering and hardware.  Over the years I’ve had occasion to order various bits and bobs .. the catalogue / web site / customer help line, have always needed some improvement.  Their product; NO BS warranty is first rate.

This latest industry demand for shooting supplies has only exacerbated Dillon’s poor Customer Service process.

Short version of three current incidents.

1)  My XL 650 is some 17/18 years old and the Instruction manual parts listing is out of date. Dillon changed their entire part numbering system.  Ok .. BUT !!! you have to provide a cross-reference for customers.  So I call the “Help Desk” a short 52 min wait while Other Customers were being helped !!!!  A slightly agitated associate helped me get the part ( a Powder Charge assembly)  Part Shipped .. I received it only to find it incompatible. Another call, only 17 min on hold, the associate admitted he should have sent an additional two parts that I would need. NO Problem we’ll ship them free of charge !!!! … NOT Impressed

2) Again on my XL650 I had to order a spare part, my manual and the online manual have major differences for the particular part I needed.  Call the help desk .. another long wait .. but this time 100% satisfactory result. Part was in stock and it shipped right away .. Also they included a new hard copy manual.

3) This latest incident is a classic business issue of inadequate staffing poor processes and Piss Poor Management in Customer Service.

I get an order acknowledgement .. order is in the system and correct, so far so good.  I let 10 days go by ( I have a few other fish to fry) and there is NO follow-up on my order.  This time I’m on hold for just over an hour .. I get the response-paraphrased as: We’re just too busy with Web Orders, we just have a couple of Gals and are taking two weeks to respond”  Well isn't that just Peachy !!!!

My advise is: If Midway carry it, buy it from them. …  Dillon, but for your engineering and presses your in a bovine quagmire.