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Posted: 12/2/2012 9:01:18 AM EDT
[#1]
Originally Posted By GWhis:
Looks great! Ain't it amazing how useful something can be, in spite of the naysayers who say you haven't gained any speed?  My biggest issues with pistol loading have come from getting the bullet into the case relatively straight without pinching myself... I have big-ish fingers, so even .40 cal bullets are difficult to manipulate. Even if it took longer to load each round because of the time needed to fill the tubes, this will shorten my overall loading time because placing each bullet will be MUCH faster. I've so far only done this with lead .45 bullets, but it was amazingly smoother and seemed much faster. Now I have to set up a support to make the tube stay in place better and I'll be set! |
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Posted: 12/2/2012 9:21:32 AM EDT
[#2]
Originally Posted By noveske_nut:
Can anyone give me a heads up on what die sets seat and crimp in 1 operation? Seems that the dies I got to set up my 650 (Redding pro-series 9mm) do it in two, and I would like to use the power check also if possible. Thanks! Hornady Dies allow you to seat and crimp in one step as well as the Lee Dies. |
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IL, USA
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Posted: 12/22/2012 5:29:02 PM EDT
[#3]
Originally Posted By Brian10:
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q637/Brian5011/Reloading/IMG_2043.jpg This is using the rotating Lee Case feeder parts. It's not as stable as I'd like with the offset columns of bullets though, so I might just end up going with the single tube method. Any updates on using the Lee bullet feeder? |
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NC, USA
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Posted: 1/22/2013 11:30:40 AM EDT
[#4]
Originally Posted By COF:
Originally Posted By Brian10:
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q637/Brian5011/Reloading/IMG_2043.jpg This is using the rotating Lee Case feeder parts. It's not as stable as I'd like with the offset columns of bullets though, so I might just end up going with the single tube method. Any updates on using the Lee bullet feeder? This. |
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Posted: 1/29/2013 7:58:30 PM EDT
[#5]
Any word on This for a dillon 550?
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NC, USA
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Posted: 2/4/2013 11:27:57 AM EDT
[#6]
I'm getting ready to set up something for a bullet feeder to use with my LNL AP. Any recc. at this point on what to go with? Is there something coming out soon that I should wait for? Or just build the $28 homemade verion?
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Posted: 2/4/2013 12:40:31 PM EDT
[#7]
You're gonna use the bullet feed dies anyway so the minimal expense of the plastic tubing makes this a no-brainer, even if you plan to go with a system later on.
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Posted: 2/4/2013 9:22:06 PM EDT
[#8]
just a thought, but for stability why not just form copper tubing for the tube?
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Posted: 2/5/2013 1:05:08 AM EDT
[#9]
Because you can't see though it.
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Posted: 2/5/2013 9:51:28 AM EDT
[#10]
Any word on rifle bullet feeder dies? Just wondering as i like this a lot!
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Posted: 2/5/2013 9:53:15 AM EDT
[#11]
Originally Posted By GWhis:
Because you can't see though it. Nothing a few small holes drilled wouldn't take care of |
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USA
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Posted: 2/5/2013 12:58:24 PM EDT
[Last Edit: feffrey]
[#12]
Has anyone tried this with a lead bullet with a lube ring? I tried a rcbs bullet feeder and it would not work with the lead bullets I am using. The collets would grab the lube ring and and they would not let go. it aslo got gummed up really fast from the lube ring.
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Posted: 2/5/2013 3:31:27 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GWhis]
[#13]
Originally Posted By Scorpius:
Originally Posted By GWhis:
Because you can't see though it. Nothing a few small holes drilled wouldn't take care of Not trying to rain on your parade. If you have free copper pipe and want to drill a bunch of holes in it (and somehow clean up the insides where the drilled holes leave burrs) then go for it. The plastic is very cheap, freight free, and simple to cut and fit, and no holes to drill.  I admit to being the reason for the O.P. using this clear tubing, since he was reading my Hornady bullet feeder mod post (where I found and used it) and he got the great idea for the $28 bullet feeder using the same tubing. Made him famous!
Originally Posted By feffrey:
Has anyone tried this with a lead bullet with a lube ring? I tried a rcbs bullet feeder and it would not work with the lead bullets I am using. The collets would crab the lube ring and and they would not let go. it aslo got gummed up really fast from the lube ring. That's pretty much what others have reported. Some have reported successfully using dry-lubed lead boolits, but I'm not one of them. Might like to do some casting one of these days....but no time for that until I retire. Wishing that was tomorrow. I haven't seen the O.P. on the forum for a long time.....he may have some boolit experience, if you can find him.  (I think he has a web site of his own listed in his first post.)
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Posted: 2/5/2013 4:42:13 PM EDT
[#14]
Originally Posted By Cag40Navy:
Any word on rifle bullet feeder dies? Just wondering as i like this a lot! According to Hornady they're due out sometime in 2011. 
I assume that just downsizing the internals of the pistol dies won't work with rifle bullets and there must be some issues that have caused rifle dies to be put on hold. If/when they do come out I'm sure the common round dies will sell like 30 round mags after an Obama election. |
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CA, USA
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Posted: 2/14/2013 11:56:18 AM EDT
[#15]
Thanks! I use this on my XL650 and works great.
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CA, USA
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Posted: 2/14/2013 11:58:15 AM EDT
[#16]
Isn't that basically the same thing? Doesn't matter what press it is used for since it uses up a die station. |
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Posted: 5/2/2013 8:41:22 AM EDT
[#17]
Bumping this up for the new reloaders (and to save it from the Archives for a while)
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CA, USA
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Posted: 5/16/2013 3:46:23 AM EDT
[#18]
Originally Posted By Dogue:
Bumping this up for the new reloaders (and to save it from the Archives for a while) Excellent idea. |
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Posted: 5/16/2013 1:38:03 PM EDT
[#19]
Stop bumping this thread please.
The toggle was previously been set on this thread. (means it won't go into the archives) This thread will always be on the back pages of this forum. The "Useful Threads" tacked thread is where these kinds of threads can be found very easily. Hint, hint. |
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Posted: 5/16/2013 2:26:52 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Dogue]
[#20]
Gotcha. Just figured bringing it back to the first page would be helpful to all the new reloaders showing up. Glad it won't get achieved.
This is not a bump... 
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Posted: 5/17/2013 7:07:20 AM EDT
[#21]
Originally Posted By BIGGDAWG:
the thing I have found with my dies is you can't have too many bullets in the tube. like for 45 acp you can have a max of 40 bullets and you have to play with the adjustment so when the tube is full i have to tighten it a little or it drops a bunch of bullets but when it gets down to 20 or so i back it off just a touch I've been thinking about this. I looked at the other bullet feeding systems. Rather than a completely vertical feeding system they use a spring tube coming from the collator at an angle. This puts less pressure on the feed die/collet due to the lack of the high stack of bullets. This provides a more even pressure on the collet making the feeding trouble free once adjusted. I haven't gotted as far as some of you here so if any of you could try angling your feed tube and using a spring tube in between, please let us know if it helps. |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 9/23/2013 4:03:51 PM EDT
[#22]
Thanks for posting this. Great concept! I have been fine tuning the setup and have it running most of the time for 9mm. Fighting a little bit with the tube figment, but huts trial and error stuff. Great idea!!!
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Posted: 9/30/2013 11:16:28 AM EDT
[#23]
I gave the Hornady die a shot on my 550. The die seems to be finicky depending on the brass. Heavy wall brass isn't a problem but with the thinner stuff, the die wants to close up the bell on the case and not feed a bullet. Overall the idea is good, I'm just not happy with the Hornady die.
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Posted: 9/30/2013 12:16:23 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GWhis]
[#24]
Where are you AlliedArmory? You have "customers" with questions!
I'm thinking you may be adjusting the die too far in so that it allows the brass to go in too deep. Obviously it has to go in enough to make the bullet drop, but no further. What bullets are you using? You may have to open the die just a little so that the bullets drop sooner. Just spreading the metal fingers a tad may do it, as I had to do on my .45 ACB die (I shoved a wood dowel in there to spread 'em), or you may have to resort to doing what was done in the following video. Keep in mind that Hornady told us that their bullet feeder is designed for jacketed bullets only. Besides the problems with waxy lube on lead bullets, there is the problem with the differing diameters of lead bullets, and even bullets plated over soft lead. So the first and most important thing to discover is what diameter your bullets are, and modify the dies to work with them. I myself have only used jacketed bullets, and plated bullets from Speer (Gold Dots) and Berry's. It works for what I've tried so far. There are others who have successfully modified the dies to work with other bullets....but keep in mind that once opened up, you'll need another die for jacketed bullets. One thing pointed out in the following video, is that the tube bullet feeder will be easier to keep clean (think waxy lube) than a full collated factory bullet feeder. Video below (by Motorcycle Sniper) shows such a modification. One other point is that RCBS makes a tube system for about $30 (yes they copied Allied Armory's idea) using their dies......they claim it works for lead bullets....I have not personally verified that, but a person can buy their Universal Bullet Feeder Die and fiddle with it and its plastic fingers too. The universal die lacks the caliber specific tubes and tube couplers, but I made those parts from the telescoping tubes from Linens N Things. Don't remember if those mods are on this thread or on my Hornady Bullet Feeder Part 3 thread reference in my post on the subject in the tacked "Read First" gateway thread. 
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/15/2013 8:20:09 PM EDT
[#25]
Must say, this thread is AWESOME. Wanted to share my results with everyone regarding the original post. Worked great. *SIDE NOTE* I'm loading 9mm, and the bullet feeder die had to have a little adjustment before it would drop the bullets consistently. The bottom collet was too tight and would not drop correctly. Upon LIGHTLY expanding it a little, I was able to correct this issue. I've read elsewhere that other people have had this issue with .40 as well.
But back to the topic at hand....Pictures below: Three tubes ready to load. 
One strip of black tape wrapped 2.5 times around the base. 5/8" Hitch Pin Clips on top and bottom, per original post instructions: 
Placed into the bullet feed die: 
Removed the hitch pin: 
View of Entire Loader: 
Where I actually changed up the original designs a little was in the stabilization of the bullet feeding tube. I didn't want to anchor it to anything like a wall or ceiling since the loader is on a stand-alone table. So instead, I ran an 18" piece of threaded 3/8" pipe through the mounting base of the press and used it to actually stabilize both the press to the table as well as a 3/8" eye bolt at the top to stabilize the feeding tube. Pictures below: Threaded through the base: 
Closer view: 
From below the base: 
Eye bolt stabilizing the top of the feeding tube: 
Hope that helps some other folks out. I've run a lot of rounds through this solution, and I must say- I love the ingenuity of it. VERY APPRECIATIVE of this type of community that can bring about such a great brainstorm of ideas and share it with others. |
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Posted: 10/15/2013 9:05:40 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By blueagle1829:
Must say, this thread is AWESOME. Wanted to share my results with everyone regarding the original post. Worked great. *SIDE NOTE* I'm loading 9mm, and the bullet feeder die had to have a little adjustment before it would drop the bullets consistently. The bottom collet was too tight and would not drop correctly. Upon LIGHTLY expanding it a little, I was able to correct this issue. I've read elsewhere that other people have had this issue with .40 as well. But back to the topic at hand....Pictures below: Three tubes ready to load. http://lawenforcementtactics.com/Reloading/Pics/IMG_2949.JPG One strip of black tape wrapped 2.5 times around the base. 5/8" Hitch Pin Clips on top and bottom, per original post instructions: http://lawenforcementtactics.com/Reloading/Pics/IMG_2950.JPG Placed into the bullet feed die: http://lawenforcementtactics.com/Reloading/Pics/IMG_2952.JPG Removed the hitch pin: http://lawenforcementtactics.com/Reloading/Pics/IMG_2953.JPG View of Entire Loader: http://lawenforcementtactics.com/Reloading/Pics/IMG_2951.JPG Where I actually changed up the original designs a little was in the stabilization of the bullet feeding tube. I didn't want to anchor it to anything like a wall or ceiling since the loader is on a stand-alone table. So instead, I ran an 18" piece of threaded 3/8" pipe through the mounting base of the press and used it to actually stabilize both the press to the table as well as a 3/8" eye bolt at the top to stabilize the feeding tube. Pictures below: Threaded through the base: http://lawenforcementtactics.com/Reloading/Pics/IMG_2956.JPG Closer view: http://lawenforcementtactics.com/Reloading/Pics/IMG_2958.JPG From below the base: http://lawenforcementtactics.com/Reloading/Pics/IMG_2957.JPG Eye bolt stabilizing the top of the feeding tube: http://lawenforcementtactics.com/Reloading/Pics/IMG_2955.JPG Hope that helps some other folks out. I've run a lot of rounds through this solution, and I must say- I love the ingenuity of it. VERY APPRECIATIVE of this type of community that can bring about such a great brainstorm of ideas and share it with others. Great idea for the stabilizing rod! |
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Posted: 10/15/2013 9:37:32 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By strahd_zarovich:
38/357 and 45ACP would be nice too, but the theory should work the same once you found the right tube. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By strahd_zarovich:
Originally Posted By TeeRex:
This is very cool. I'd be interested in a few other sizes too. 38/357 and 45ACP would be nice too, but the theory should work the same once you found the right tube. I've got the same setup with 45 and it works great. I used a 1/2" ID pipe from lowes (it's black) and sanded one end so it fits into the die. I also bought an extre set of internal parts from Hornady and sanded/expanded them so I could load lead bullets too (since the lead is 0.001" larger). So yes, it can and has been done in 45. Note: I hand load cases in since I'm tired of f-in large/small primer problems with the 45.... |
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CA, USA
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Posted: 10/24/2013 6:52:04 PM EDT
[Last Edit: tbravo30]
[#28]
This does work well, but make sure you "eye check" the powder charge to make sure powder is present. If you seat/crimp in the last stage and still run a powder check no need.
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USA
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Posted: 12/12/2013 4:45:25 PM EDT
[#29]
Has anyone gotten this to work for .223 yet? As of now it seems our only options for this caliber are $400+.
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NJ, USA
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Posted: 12/12/2013 10:48:21 PM EDT
[#30]
GWhis,
SC_Dave and blueagle1829 have given me a bit of an idea to make a multi-tube setup like that from Lee that people are trying to adapt. It will certainly be a homemade product for a relatively low price, but given your(Allied's) bullet feed tube design, I think it may fit in pretty well.
If no one else has an idea, or you guys would still like to have another option, please say so. I dont reload pistol (yet), but I have a LnL AP for several rifle calibers, and I originally intended to major in Mechanical Engineering. Plus Ive been around racecars and the automotive/aero scene since my diaper days lol, so I can come up with a design pretty quickly. All it should ***theoretically*** need for different calibers is one dimension change, or possibly nothing at all. A prototype would have to get put together and tested to know for sure. |
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Posted: 12/13/2013 11:13:22 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By dhopkinson17:
GWhis, SC_Dave and blueagle1829 have given me a bit of an idea to make a multi-tube setup like that from Lee that people are trying to adapt. It will certainly be a homemade product for a relatively low price, but given your(Allied's) bullet feed tube design, I think it may fit in pretty well.
If no one else has an idea, or you guys would still like to have another option, please say so. I dont reload pistol (yet), but I have a LnL AP for several rifle calibers, and I originally intended to major in Mechanical Engineering. Plus Ive been around racecars and the automotive/aero scene since my diaper days lol, so I can come up with a design pretty quickly. All it should ***theoretically*** need for different calibers is one dimension change, or possibly nothing at all. A prototype would have to get put together and tested to know for sure. Allied Armory got the idea for the $28 Bullet Feeder after reading my thread on improving Hornady's bullet feeder.....I just supplied info to him on tube sizes for to use on various dies and bullet calibers....he did the rest. I use the modified Hornady Collator, to drop my bullets, but I did use Allied Armory's idea to supply cases to my inexpensive case feeder I built for my RCBS Pro 2000. I originally planned to either build a collator for it or just buy a Dillon case collator for it, but I found that four tubes loaded Lee style is just about as fast. (I had built a lee style improved case collator/tube filler as a temporary measure....it collates all pistol and rifle case with equal ease) I built a tube rack to make changing tubes a breeze, and it works so well I'm not personally planning on complicating the case feeder with a revolving tube feeder. That doesn't mean others using tubes to feed bullets wouldn't find your revolving bullet tube idea more than worthwhile! I'd go for it.......please do post some picture results here! 
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Posted: 1/15/2014 1:37:05 AM EDT
[#32]
Having read through this thread a couple of times, I find myself hoping for some clarification.
I have a a Dillon 550b, I also have the RCBS bulelt feeder die system. In order to make this work, I will need to do the following: Station 1 and 2 stay the same, station 3 becomes the bullet drop die, and station four will have to have a seating/crimp die such as Lee installed. I currently use Dillond it's, but replaced my decapping/sizing die with RCBS due to issues with the Dillon to sizing far enough down the case. It seems like I should just get a 9mm Lee die set and use the first and last stations with Lee and 3 the RCBS bullet drop. Does this sound about right? |
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Posted: 1/15/2014 11:51:58 AM EDT
[Last Edit: GWhis]
[#33]
This sounds like a question for a Dillon 550 user, like Dryflash3. I've played with a Dillon 650 before, but I've never even seen a 550, so I have little worthwhile insight. It would seem that being limited to four stations your options to shoehorn a bullet feeder in there is more limited. It would be less a problem if the bullet feed die also seated bullets....but they don't except for the very pricey GSI feeder for Dillon 650's. Yes, RCBS and Hornady also make such a thing for rifle calibers, but no dice for pistol.
Combining the seating/crimp die in station four would seem to be your only choice unless you seated them all, then moved over to a single stage press set up with a taper crimper and you ran them all through it as a final step. Again with only four stations, YOU have to be the powder cop....no room to use a station for that or a lockout die. One important step is to expand your cases enough to hold the bullet upright while you advance to the seating station. I have no experience with Dillon's powder through expanders, so again I can't comment. I have used both Hornady's and RCBS's PTX's under my Uniflows and both work well enough.....IME the Lee powder-thru expander only caused problems....not enough adjustment under the Die head....clarifying....it only caused problems in my Pro 2000. I would think the Dillon Powder Measure/expander set up would be your best bet on a 550. It's a proven on the 650, but again I don't know more than that. |
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Posted: 1/15/2014 2:43:49 PM EDT
[#34]
If you use a bullet feeder in station 3, then you have no choice but to seat/crimp in station 4.
You should think about a 5 station press to take full advantage of your bullet feeder. |
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CA, USA
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Posted: 4/5/2014 2:28:19 AM EDT
[#35]
I'm running 147gr .356 moly bullets that would not drop initially.
If polished correctly, should the bullet drop freely through collet A? I think too much got polished on collet A. |
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Posted: 4/5/2014 9:28:01 AM EDT
[#36]
I've noticed that lead bullets need a somewhat more pronounced bell, and that the feed die needs to be tinkered with to get them to feed consistently. I ran some .(probably .452") lead bullets in loading .45 ACP, and the die wouldn't drop the bullets at all when left as set for jacketed bullets. I had to tweak the adjustments for the two collets to let the case push harder in order to get the bullets to drop. I didn't polish anything, but I need to clean the collets after feeding lead bullets.
To be honest, I'm sort of afraid of polishing the collets, since they're so crucial to the dies' function. Cleaning? Sure. Maybe shining them up with a little Flitz? Maybe But any polishing that's more aggressive than using rouge and a cotton wheel? No way. |
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Posted: 4/5/2014 10:22:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GWhis]
[#37]
Let's help make this clearer by saying:
Collet B is the upper collet Collt A is the lower collet Yes it should drop through the upper collet B. However, when it's placed in the die barrel over the lower collet A, the lower collet should pinch the upper such that the the upper's fingers close enough to stop the bullet from falling. If that's not happening you can carefully bend the fingers in a little around a smaller drill bit shaft until the lower can stop bullets when lowered onto the lower collet, yet still allow bullets to fall through when free of the lower collet. Then as you shove a flared case up into the lower collet, there should be a point in which the upper collet is raised enough off the lower to allow the fingers of the upper (holding the bullets secure) to spring back open & drop the bullet through to the case. Then as the case in removed from the die, the upper collet falls back onto the lower collet again, fingers of the upper again pinched to stop the next bullet. |
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CA, USA
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Posted: 4/6/2014 9:13:22 PM EDT
[Last Edit: psychbiker]
[#38]
Here's a pic of my Collet A. This is the first collet to go into the die. The "355 A" faces up with the flared end to be clear. Collet B with its radiused end rests inside the flared part of Collet A, right?
That said, collet B did not need any polishing. The bullet dropped freely. What got polished was the inside here of Collet A as you can see. From about the top of the circle down about 1/4". A 147gr now drops freely through collet A when not in the die. I can get a bullet to stop in collet B if I screw down the top of the die enough. I can get a bullet to stop in Collet A with less turning of the top of the die. BUT I cant get it to consistently drop onto a case. It will drop 5 bullets but not a single one. I'm not sure if too much got polished from the inside of Collet A OR if its a matter of bending either collet and/or tinkering with pressure from the top kob of the die. Thats where I need help on. Thanks again for the help. 
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Posted: 4/18/2014 10:06:09 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Army03CRNA]
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By BIGGDAWG:
my 9mm die will drop all the bullets. it took a bit to get the adjustment right and had to clean it several times. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By BIGGDAWG:
Originally Posted By Dogue:
Anyone else have issues with the 9mm die not wanting to feed the last handful of bullets? I assume it just needs the weight of the stack to keep pushing down but I just wanted to check to see if it's just my setup or if this is pretty common. BTW, still waiting on Hornady to come out with the rifle bullet feed dies... my 9mm die will drop all the bullets. it took a bit to get the adjustment right and had to clean it several times. Mine quit on me today (9mm). I've got over 2K bullets through it. I even had it running 100% for 38 SPL (all I did was adjust for the different case height) Funny thing is, I just loaded 200 rds a week ago, it worked perfect. I cleaned the powder measure out, and left everything else as it was. Now, nothing. I've torn it apart half-a-dozen times reset it according to this thread and nothing. It's maybe dropped two bullets today. I measured the OD of the expanded cases and they're gtg @ .387" I'm scratching my head as to what is up. I've tried different bullets to eliminate that variable. There is an IDPA match tomorrow--luckily I'm okay with ammo for that. But, I can't figure out why it just stopped--it went from 100% to 0. I'll try to open the bottom Collet up, as per some research here and you tube. Any other thoughts? edit: spelling |
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Posted: 4/18/2014 10:36:35 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GWhis]
[#40]
Looking at the picture above (.45's but all calibers work the same), two things have to happen for the bullets to drop. Reason1. The top collet (left in the picture) has to let bullets fall freely through it unless the fingers are pressed together by the bottom collet. If it doesn't, clean the inside good, sand any burrs if any, and pry the fingers out a smidgen with a dowel if necessary. 
Bullets are ONLY supposed to stop in the top collet if a case is inserted into the bottom collet (right in the top picture) deep enough to open the other fingers in the bottom collet and drop the single bullet in the upper portion of the lower collet. Reason 2. The bottom collet only opens wide enough to drop a bullet, if the bell is wide enough and the case is deep enough. To make the case deep enough you may have to turn the die in more. The first thing you have to discover is where the bullets hang up....top collet or bottom collet. Top collet....clean it, deburr it, and/or rod it out a little if it has worked beyond where the springyness lets it return to open. Hangs in the bottom collet? most likely the case isn't belled enough (.30" bigger than your bullets) or the die isn't screwed in enough. Last picture shows how deep a .45 has to be into the bottom collet to allow the bullet to drop. Bullet shown in the top collet are pinched by my fingers simulating what happens as the case is pushed into the lower collet and in turn pushed collets together to pinch the top one. Hope this is of help. 
Do let us know if you solved the dilemma. |
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Posted: 4/20/2014 9:36:08 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GWhis:
http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad195/gstrad/Hornady%20Bullet%20Feeder/IMG_0778.jpg Looking at the picture above (.45's but all calibers work the same), two things have to happen for the bullets to drop. Reason1. The top collet (left in the picture) has to let bullets fall freely through it unless the fingers are pressed together by the bottom collet. If it doesn't, clean the inside good, sand any burrs if any, and pry the fingers out a smidgen with a dowel if necessary. http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad195/gstrad/Hornady%20Bullet%20Feeder/IMG_0784.jpg Bullets are ONLY supposed to stop in the top collet if a case is inserted into the bottom collet (right in the top picture) deep enough to open the other fingers in the bottom collet and drop the single bullet in the upper portion of the lower collet. Reason 2. The bottom collet only opens wide enough to drop a bullet, if the bell is wide enough and the case is deep enough. To make the case deep enough you may have to turn the die in more. The first thing you have to discover is where the bullets hang up....top collet or bottom collet. Top collet....clean it, deburr it, and/or rod it out a little if it has worked beyond where the springyness lets it return to open. Hangs in the bottom collet? most likely the case isn't belled enough (.30" bigger than your bullets) or the die isn't screwed in enough. Last picture shows how deep a .45 has to be into the bottom collet to allow the bullet to drop. Bullet shown in the top collet are pinched by my fingers simulating what happens as the case is pushed into the lower collet and in turn pushed collets together to pinch the top one. Hope this is of help. http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad195/gstrad/Hornady%20Bullet%20Feeder/IMG_0780.jpg Do let us know if you solved the dilemma. THANKS! I wont' get to this til mid-week. But, I'll certainly post back my findings and fix! My preliminary finding suggests the top collet needs polished and opened up.
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Posted: 4/24/2014 7:53:47 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GWhis:
http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad195/gstrad/Hornady%20Bullet%20Feeder/IMG_0778.jpg Looking at the picture above (.45's but all calibers work the same), two things have to happen for the bullets to drop. Reason1. The top collet (left in the picture) has to let bullets fall freely through it unless the fingers are pressed together by the bottom collet. If it doesn't, clean the inside good, sand any burrs if any, and pry the fingers out a smidgen with a dowel if necessary. http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad195/gstrad/Hornady%20Bullet%20Feeder/IMG_0784.jpg Bullets are ONLY supposed to stop in the top collet if a case is inserted into the bottom collet (right in the top picture) deep enough to open the other fingers in the bottom collet and drop the single bullet in the upper portion of the lower collet. Reason 2. The bottom collet only opens wide enough to drop a bullet, if the bell is wide enough and the case is deep enough. To make the case deep enough you may have to turn the die in more. The first thing you have to discover is where the bullets hang up....top collet or bottom collet. Top collet....clean it, deburr it, and/or rod it out a little if it has worked beyond where the springyness lets it return to open. Hangs in the bottom collet? most likely the case isn't belled enough (.30" bigger than your bullets) or the die isn't screwed in enough. Last picture shows how deep a .45 has to be into the bottom collet to allow the bullet to drop. Bullet shown in the top collet are pinched by my fingers simulating what happens as the case is pushed into the lower collet and in turn pushed collets together to pinch the top one. Hope this is of help. http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad195/gstrad/Hornady%20Bullet%20Feeder/IMG_0780.jpg Do let us know if you solved the dilemma. I think I'm back in business 30 seconds with some sand paper as shown in you second pic (which also might have opened the collet up some) and bullets now slide through it without issues. I've only loaded a few bullets for testing (see the thread on CFE powder) but so far so good.
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Posted: 4/24/2014 8:54:56 PM EDT
[#43]
Good deal! Glad you're back in business!
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GA, USA
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Posted: 5/5/2014 11:05:21 AM EDT
[Last Edit: blueagle1829]
[#44]
Just wanted to add an update to this thread. After my original setup worked with mixed results for a time, I found that the weight of the bullets when the tube was full seemed to push down too much on the feeding dye, preventing the collet from moving up and down freely. This meant it would jam and would not allow the projectiles to drop. As the tube were closer to empty, it worked fine. If I removed the tube and only use the dye, I never had a problem.
Thus, I updated my tubes. I figured out that 9 of my 115 gr. 9mm projectiles (exactly the number that fit into the dye) were 5" inside the tube. So every 5" I drilled another hole and added another hitch pin. This allows me to segment out 9 projectiles at a time. As I get about mid-way through the tube, I can remove all of the pins and let it run freely. This has DRASTICALLY reduced my failures (virtually eliminated them). GREAT news for me as I was having very mixed results before. HERE is a link to my entire setup for anyone interested, and it includes a video demonstrating how the the additional hitch pins work. Thanks guys! |
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Posted: 5/15/2014 6:27:39 PM EDT
[#45]
I picked up the RCBS bullet feeder die and tubes from Midway. I'll get it setup in the next day or two. Will use it for my .38 Super loads. I've already been using Lee dies, so I've got the extra spot in my 550 anyway, seemed silly not to use it!
My only concern is this is probably going to make me want to get the case feeder more! |
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Posted: 5/15/2014 6:32:05 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GWhis:
http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad195/gstrad/Hornady%20Bullet%20Feeder/IMG_0778.jpg Looking at the picture above (.45's but all calibers work the same), two things have to happen for the bullets to drop. Reason1. The top collet (left in the picture) has to let bullets fall freely through it unless the fingers are pressed together by the bottom collet. If it doesn't, clean the inside good, sand any burrs if any, and pry the fingers out a smidgen with a dowel if necessary. http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad195/gstrad/Hornady%20Bullet%20Feeder/IMG_0784.jpg Bullets are ONLY supposed to stop in the top collet if a case is inserted into the bottom collet (right in the top picture) deep enough to open the other fingers in the bottom collet and drop the single bullet in the upper portion of the lower collet. Reason 2. The bottom collet only opens wide enough to drop a bullet, if the bell is wide enough and the case is deep enough. To make the case deep enough you may have to turn the die in more. The first thing you have to discover is where the bullets hang up....top collet or bottom collet. Top collet....clean it, deburr it, and/or rod it out a little if it has worked beyond where the springyness lets it return to open. Hangs in the bottom collet? most likely the case isn't belled enough (.30" bigger than your bullets) or the die isn't screwed in enough. Last picture shows how deep a .45 has to be into the bottom collet to allow the bullet to drop. Bullet shown in the top collet are pinched by my fingers simulating what happens as the case is pushed into the lower collet and in turn pushed collets together to pinch the top one. Hope this is of help. http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad195/gstrad/Hornady%20Bullet%20Feeder/IMG_0780.jpg Do let us know if you solved the dilemma. I really wish I had seen this post yesterday. |
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Posted: 5/17/2014 11:05:40 PM EDT
[#47]
Does anybody knowIif the hornady bullet feeder die still comes with the power through expander die? It doesn't say anything about it in the description that I saw
I apologize if this was covered somewhere between pages 3 and 6 of this thread, I tried to read it all but I'm too tired
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Posted: 5/17/2014 11:08:00 PM EDT
[Last Edit: DonKey153]
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Effenpig:
Does anybody knowIif the hornady bullet feeder die still comes with the power through expander die? It doesn't say anything about it in the description that I saw I apologize if this was covered somewhere between pages 3 and 6 of this thread, I tried to read it all but I'm too tired mine did, bought it last week. here's a pic of it from today. 
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Posted: 5/18/2014 1:37:24 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By DonKey153:
mine did, bought it last week. here's a pic of it from today. <a href="http://s69.photobucket.com/user/DonKey153/media/20140517_212426_zps81524436.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i43/DonKey153/20140517_212426_zps81524436.jpg</a> Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By DonKey153:
Originally Posted By Effenpig:
Does anybody knowIif the hornady bullet feeder die still comes with the power through expander die? It doesn't say anything about it in the description that I saw I apologize if this was covered somewhere between pages 3 and 6 of this thread, I tried to read it all but I'm too tired mine did, bought it last week. here's a pic of it from today. <a href="http://s69.photobucket.com/user/DonKey153/media/20140517_212426_zps81524436.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i43/DonKey153/20140517_212426_zps81524436.jpg</a> I don't know the answer to Effenpig's question.....companies change every month it seems, but I'm pretty sure DonKey153's picture doesn't show a PTX, just the feeder die and what looks like one of the two inner cylinders for it. Unless Hornady redesigned it split in three pieces, the inner cylinder got broken??? The picture below is a picture of the PTX (powder thru expander) that used to come with the feeder dies. 
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Posted: 5/18/2014 8:03:03 AM EDT
[#50]
In reference to the PTX die coming with the bullet feeder die, yes they do. I ended up with a few extra because it usually doesn't say it in the description, so I bought the expandera separately when I purchased the feeder dies.
The PTX is not in the above picture. That looks like the two collets (A & B) with one broken in two pieces and the other still in tact.. |
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