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Posted: 3/6/2024 12:59:23 AM EDT
I was just gifted a Square Deal by my neighbor. It looks new. I need to figure out what's needed to get it running.
Looks like it's now configured for 9mm. It also came with 40SW and 45acp conversion kits, plus a spares parts kit. Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Suppose I should mount it first then figure out and gather any additional parts it needs. Just ordered a mounting plate for it. A question I have is with the powder measure and reservoir. This PM doesn't have holes drilled for set screws to hold the reservoir. Is this an anomaly? Do I need to drill and tap a couple holes for a couple screws or am I missing something? The linkage on this PM is different than what Dillon shows in their manual. Not sure if there's an upgrade option or if it's even necessary. Attached File Attached File Attached File Any assistance on what I have here would be appreciated. |
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[#2]
You can send literally everything into Dillon for a refurbishment. They will replace or repair everything under warranty without charge normally, but if they do charge, it should be no more than $75 for the service.
I've sent in a few SQDB packages for the service. I've been charged once. I currently have 2 square deal b presses and a 650XL press. I use my SQDBs just as much as the 650. They are fantastic pistol caliber presses. One of my powder measures had the old fail safe like yours, I did pay the $29 for the new assembly just recently and converted it myself. Very easy to do. There are a few differences between the Square Deal B and older Square Deal, but everything is upgradable to current specs. Congratulations on your new press! The 40sw kit will also work for 10mm btw. |
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[Last Edit: Blowout]
[#3]
Originally Posted By dryflash3: That is a very old SDB with the original powder measure. Call Dillon and tell them what you have and they will probably sent you the correct fail safe linkage. Newer Dillon PM hoppers are secured to the base with a screw on either side. https://i.imgur.com/rnUmea0l.jpg Very top of the pic, left side you can see the screw next to the black primer mag. Do you have the locating tabs? 3 per caliber change. Those are always missing on a used Dillon. View Quote I'll call Dillon about the linkage and PM not having screws. Tabs are in the 40/10mm and 45acp conversion kits. No tabs on the press with the 9mm set up, but there are some tabs in the spares kit. Do you know what # tab is used for 9mm? ETA: three #3 pins were in the spares bag. |
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[#4]
Originally Posted By -JC-: You can send literally everything into Dillon for a refurbishment. They will replace or repair everything under warranty without charge normally, but if they do charge, it should be no more than $75 for the service. I've sent in a few SQDB packages for the service. I've been charged once. I currently have 2 square deal b presses and a 650XL press. I use my SQDBs just as much as the 650. They are fantastic pistol caliber presses. One of my powder measures had the old fail safe like yours, I did pay the $29 for the new assembly just recently and converted it myself. Very easy to do. There are a few differences between the Square Deal B and older Square Deal, but everything is upgradable to current specs. Congratulations on your new press! The 40sw kit will also work for 10mm btw. View Quote That's a definite possibility. I'll give Dillon a call. Looks like $50 for prepaid shipping label and box for the press to ship in. Appreciate the input! |
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[#5]
Your #3 locator buttons are the proper size for 9x19.
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[#6]
Originally Posted By Blowout: That's a definite possibility. I'll give Dillon a call. Looks like $50 for prepaid shipping label and box for the press to ship in. Appreciate the input! View Quote It is a great deal for a factory service, however if you are really serious about getting to know that fine press, DIY. They may look complex, but there is not that much to them. Dryflash has some excellent threads on the subject. It really doesn’t look like it has seen much use. |
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"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."
G. K. Chesterton |
[#7]
Send it in. Have Dillon do the rebuild. That way you are not guessing....
It is well worth the money! |
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jme and I am a NRA Endowment Member
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. R W Emerson |
[#9]
That's a lot of SDB's!
Below is from the Dillon website. The upgrades seem worthwhile. Sent an email to Dillon with pics to see what they suggest. We have implemented several design improvements to current machines, all of which may be retrofitted to previous versions. The Square Deal B now has machined brass link arm bearings. This gives tighter tolerances and greater rigidity than the molded Delrin bearings used previously. Another change is the innovative “lock-link” bellcrank for the powder measures on all machines. This design requires no return springs on the powder bars, and prevents the powder bar from returning until the platform is lowered to the at-rest position. This virtually eliminates ANY chance of an accidental double charge on the auto indexing machines. This design update will fit most older powder measures. Yep, this one has nylon bearings. Attached File Attached File Looks like some brass must have got dropped down that shoot from the slight discoloration seen... but not many. Attached File |
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Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
WA, USA
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[#10]
There was also a handle recall/upgrade back in the 80's, check the handle closely for cracks.
If you see some contact Dillon. My first SD I bought new had that issue. IIRC the price was $269. |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other. |
[#11]
Originally Posted By dryflash3: There was also a handle recall/upgrade back in the 80's, check the handle closely for cracks. If you see some contact Dillon. My first SD I bought new had that issue. IIRC the price was $269. View Quote I don't see any. Emailed Dillon with some pics to see if they want it back to upgrade or if they can send parts for me to do it myself. |
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Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
WA, USA
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[#12]
Let us know what they say.
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Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other. |
[#13]
So with the older type powder measure like this one, without the screws (I have one with a 450 I bought used) the measure hopper just sits there? Seems scary to me!
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[#14]
Originally Posted By penrod72: So with the older type powder measure like this one, without the screws (I have one with a 450 I bought used) the measure hopper just sits there? Seems scary to me! View Quote Definitely... no way I'd ever use it that way. The documentation that came with this unit is dated May 2007. Going through some videos on the Dillon website shows my unit isn't the very early version. The very early ones have a short return spring and delrin roller on the primer sled. Also a delrin support bracket for the slide. Mine has the longer spring, brass roller and no delrin bracket. https://www.dillonprecision.com/sdb-product-videos.html It also has a video showing where the frame/arm tends to crack and what to look for. Dillon emailed back they want me to call them for the necessary parts. |
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[#15]
You have a hellov a nice neighbor.
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Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
WA, USA
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[#16]
Originally Posted By Blowout: Definitely... no way I'd ever use it that way. The documentation that came with this unit is dated May 2007. Going through some videos on the Dillon website shows my unit isn't the very early version. The very early ones have a short return spring and delrin roller on the primer sled. Also a delrin support bracket for the slide. Mine has the longer spring, brass roller and no delrin bracket. https://www.dillonprecision.com/sdb-product-videos.html It also has a video showing where the frame/arm tends to crack and what to look for. Dillon emailed back they want me to call them for the necessary parts. View Quote |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other. |
[#17]
Originally Posted By IHC53: You have a hellov a nice neighbor. View Quote That’s for sure! I gave him a check for everything else he inherited from his BIL. He didn’t realize he also had a SDB and RL300 stuffed away. He doesn’t reload and has too many other hobbies to start now. I offered to help him and his son get started but wasn’t interested. |
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[Last Edit: Blowout]
[#18]
Talked to Dillon...
You need to pay for any upgrade or lost parts. Warranty parts/service include return shipping to customer. IF I sent it in for them to look at it would cost $85 and they would lube and replace any damaged parts. $50 for a return box. He recommended I do my own repairs to get to know the machine better. Said some like the old style bell crank w/o the fail safe linkage. Didn't have access to the right computer to look at the pictures I sent in on a ticket, so everything had to be explained back and forth several times. The screw holding the bell crank on my unit threads into the PM. In order to upgrade to the fail safe bell crank, the unit needs to be sent back. He said they would likely just replace with a new unit. This will also address having to drill and tap holes for screws to hold the PM reservoir. Seems earlier versions had the reservoir glued in place, but there is no sign of glue residue on the PM I've got. He said $25 for the upgrade kit, plus shipping and tax = $36.83. On the website it shows $39 for the kit which is a bit confusing. I bought this upgrade kit, but they don't install it. I'll receive it in a separate shipment. Also was told for the brass bearings I'd need to buy the arm assemblies. Thought the delrin bushings were just fine and would last a couple decades. They only replace with brass bearings if the arms are damaged under warranty. After the call I found them on their website separately for $17/4. ETA: Seems the newer style link arms are machined to accept the brass bearings. The older links arms with the delrin bearing won't accept the brass bearing. |
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Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
WA, USA
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[Last Edit: dryflash3]
[#19]
Originally Posted By Blowout: Talked to Dillon... You need to pay for any upgrade or lost parts. Warranty parts/service include return shipping to customer. IF I sent it in for them to look at it would cost $85 and they would lube and replace any damaged parts. $50 for a return box. He recommended I do my own repairs to get to know the machine better. Said some like the old style bell crank w/o the fail safe linkage. Didn't have access to the right computer to look at the pictures I sent in on a ticket, so everything had to be explained back and forth several times. The screw holding the bell crank on my unit threads into the PM. In order to upgrade to the fail safe bell crank, the unit needs to be sent back. He said they would likely just replace with a new unit. This will also address having to drill and tap holes for screws to hold the PM reservoir. Seems earlier versions had the reservoir glued in place, but there is no sign of glue residue on the PM I've got. He said $25 for the upgrade kit, plus shipping and tax = $36.83. On the website it shows $39 for the kit which is a bit confusing. I bought this upgrade kit, but they don't install it. I'll receive it in a separate shipment. Also was told for the brass bearings I'd need to buy the arm assemblies. Thought the delrin bushings were just fine and would last a couple decades. They only replace with brass bearings if the arms are damaged under warranty. After the call I found them on their website separately for $17/4. View Quote If it were me I would get a new PM and fail safe linkage. Also get a set of 4 wave bearings, if bushing are worn out, they will be too. |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other. |
[#20]
Originally Posted By dryflash3: Not a hard press to work on. If it were me I would get a new PM and fail safe linkage. Also get a set of 4 wave bearings, if bushing are worn out, they will be too. View Quote Sending back the PM to be replaced/retrofitted under warranty and have the fail safe on order. |
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Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
WA, USA
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[#21]
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Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other. |
[#22]
bought one years ago been pretty good but would act up at times especially after it sat.Fought some issues with it as sometimes primers ended up flipped as they seated,or wouldnt load from the tube.
Got a rebuild kit changed some things helped primer feeding but occasionally upside down primer.Took it completely apart went through it found the part that rotates the shell plate had a broken part got it back together still some issues looked online and found out it was out of timing.Adjusted that and now it seems to work great once again.Ran it troublefree since then. Currently set up for .45 but may get 9mm conversion too just not sure if i will buy a complete tool head or change the dies and primer tube and readjust everything.Could set up for one load a bunch of one caliber change again do the same too.or spend 2 minutes to swap calibers |
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[#23]
I did get it mounted using the Lee bench plate kit. I already had the Lee APP, rock chucker and RC Jr mounted this way, so just had to buy another top plate and make holes in the right places.
Dillon thought a strong mount would be necessary for the spent primer catch mount/cup to fit, but I got lucky. It fits under the lip of the bench with just enough room for the primer cup to slide in and out of the mounting bracket. Akro bins will fit on each side of the press using the bin rail I added on the front of the bench when it was built. I'll make a bracket to hang another bin for bullets somewhere on the left side of the press. Kinda crazy that Dillon charges $69 for their bullet bin and mount. Attached File Attached File |
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Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
WA, USA
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[#24]
Your getting there.
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Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other. |
[#25]
Originally Posted By -JC-: You can send literally everything into Dillon for a refurbishment. They will replace or repair everything under warranty without charge normally, but if they do charge, it should be no more than $75 for the service. I've sent in a few SQDB packages for the service. I've been charged once. I currently have 2 square deal b presses and a 650XL press. I use my SQDBs just as much as the 650. They are fantastic pistol caliber presses. One of my powder measures had the old fail safe like yours, I did pay the $29 for the new assembly just recently and converted it myself. Very easy to do. There are a few differences between the Square Deal B and older Square Deal, but everything is upgradable to current specs. Congratulations on your new press! The 40sw kit will also work for 10mm btw. View Quote Can you expand on how you converted the linkage yourself? When I asked them if I could just do it myself, I was told it had to be sent to Dillon to convert and likely they would just replace the PM with a new one. |
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[#26]
https://www.dillonprecision.com/20304
Here is what you need. Price is $39 now. Super easy instructions. |
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[#27]
Just so you know OP, we ran Dillon powder measures for years without a failsafe linkage, only the spring on the powder bar. My first 550 and SDB came new, without one.
Some guys still ditch the link, preferring that spring. Probably best to use the link, but a polished up powder measure runs smooth and really slick. My 750 link was a pain in the azz to get working right. It involved heating and bending the rod, with a little file work too. They really could have done better on it. Attached File |
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"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."
G. K. Chesterton |
[#28]
Originally Posted By -JC-: https://www.dillonprecision.com/20304 Here is what you need. Price is $39 now. Super easy instructions. View Quote Not sure why the guy at Dillon insisted I had to send it in. He didn't even want to entertain me doing it myself. Charged $25 for just the fail safe rod. Guess I get the fail safe linkage after I send mine back. |
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[#29]
Finally got around to mailing the PM back to Dillion for replacement/upgrade to the failsafe linkage end of last week. Should be 2-3weeks before I get it back, per Dillion CS.
In the meantime I made a bracket for an akro bin to hold empty cases that's positioned in front of the finished round bin. Just replaced a cheap HF drill press with a craftsman and it gave me a chance to try it out. Attached File Attached File I'm going to add a camera positioned over the bullet seating station for checking powder levels. Ordered a gooseneck led with magnetic base for illuminating the deck. Figure this has the most flexibility for light placement. I'll need to get an expander/powder funnel for 9mm for the press. Only thing missing that I can determine so far. I'll ask Dillon if they sell them separately. Haven't been able to find it online so far. |
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[#30]
Bin locations look good to me. Nice work.
Dillon does sell the powder funnel separately. https://www.dillonprecision.com/s000233 Also, the top screws for the toolhead that are rusty on yours, I found stainless replacements at ace hardware very inexpensive. I've replaced all of mine. |
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[#31]
Originally Posted By -JC-: Bin locations look good to me. Nice work. Dillon does sell the powder funnel separately. https://www.dillonprecision.com/s000233 Also, the top screws for the toolhead that are rusty on yours, I found stainless replacements at ace hardware very inexpensive. I've replaced all of mine. View Quote Thank you for the link, just placed an order! I think this press was stored for years and why some superficial rust is on parts. I might have some cap screws...just need to check thread size/pitch and look. I'll check out Ace too. |
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[Last Edit: -JC-]
[#32]
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[Last Edit: Blowout]
[#33]
Originally Posted By -JC-: They should be 10-24 x .750. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/45582/s000269-49_1-3169560.jpg Ace hardware carries these: 10-24 stainless View Quote Thanks! Should probably disassemble and lube this machine before using it. Looks like it uses a moly based wheel bearing grease and motor oil on the ram. ETA: oops, there's no cylindrical ram on this machine. |
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[#34]
Originally Posted By Blowout: Thanks! Should probably disassemble and lube this machine before using it. Looks like it uses a moly based wheel bearing grease and motor oil on the ram. View Quote Highly recommend doing that. A clean and lubed progressive will be much nicer than a dirty one with dried grease. They are not that hard to tear down and clean up. |
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"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."
G. K. Chesterton |
Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
WA, USA
|
[#35]
Originally Posted By DVCER: Highly recommend doing that. A clean and lubed progressive will be much nicer than a dirty one with dried grease. They are not that hard to tear down and clean up. View Quote Correct, the last 5 or so I have rebuilt I used Cherry Balm as the sole lubrication. I'm very happy how smooth press handle operates. https://www.cherrybalmz.com/product-page/black-rifle-balm This is one one I use, works great in AR's also. |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other. |
[#36]
I wouldn't use setscrews to hold the powder hopper on , I suspect the plastic wouldn't hold up well to pressure on only a small area.
I would use some silicone caulk/bathtub sealant type of product. fairly strong adhesive but still possible to twist it off if needed. I love my Square deals , I have one set for lg primers and one for small . I load 380,9mm,38super , 38/357 ,45acp and 44sp/44mag. One press is usually on 45acp and the other 38/357 . these two are 90% of my shooting , every now and then I will install one of the other calibers and go to town |
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[Last Edit: Blowout]
[#37]
Originally Posted By dryflash3: https://i.imgur.com/8e2iM54h.jpg Correct, the last 5 or so I have rebuilt I used Cherry Balm as the sole lubrication. I'm very happy how smooth press handle operates. https://www.cherrybalmz.com/product-page/black-rifle-balm This is one one I use, works great in AR's also. View Quote Thanks for the recommendation! I recall you added EZdials to your SDB PM's. Is Titan the only source for those? I'd like to install an ez-dial from the get-go to help simplify caliber conversions. I see some cheaper alternatives, but they don't keep track of multiple turns of the bolt head. |
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[#38]
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Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
WA, USA
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[#39]
Originally Posted By Blowout: Thanks for the recommendation! I recall you added EZdials to your SDB PM's. Is Titan the only source for those? I'd like to install an ez-dial from the get-go to help simplify caliber conversions. I see some cheaper alternatives, but they don't keep track of multiple turns of the bolt head. View Quote I have an Easy Dial on every one of my Dillon PM, a little over 20. So Ya, I like them. |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other. |
[#40]
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[#41]
Like your bin mount idea thanks.
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... .-.. .- ...- .- / ..- -.- .-. .- .. -. .
- .... . / --- -. .-.. -.-- / --. --- --- -.. / --- .-. -.-. / .. ... / .- / -.. . .- -.. / --- .-. -.-. |
[#42]
Originally Posted By meistermash: Like your bin mount idea thanks. View Quote Here's some better pictures. I'm too cheap to pay $60 for Dillion's mount. Used a 1" aluminum angle stock to mount to the OEM bracket and 1.5" flat steel stock. Attached File Attached File Akro bins have a wider mounting hook on the back when compared to the knock off brands at HD and other places. They firmly hook onto the flat steel stock and won't get bumped off easily. |
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Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
WA, USA
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[#43]
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Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other. |
[#44]
That bullet bowl is a work of art!
I thought about just hooking a bin for empty brass on the side of the finished round bin, but knowing me I'd probably bump it off at some point. Ordered the EZdial from Titan. $65 on sale. I like how they use excel to calibrate for different powders. Should make it easy to keep a log of dial settings for each load in each caliber. |
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Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
WA, USA
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[#45]
Just a Red Oak tray with 30 degree angles.
Nothing special when you have a table saw. |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other. |
[#46]
Sent Dillion this requesting the fail-safe upgrade.
Attached File and I got this back today. Attached File After the short call with CS they're sending out the failsafe linkage tomorrow. Guess that will give me both options now... with or w/o failsafe. |
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Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
WA, USA
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[#47]
Use the fail safe.
My PM's drop ball and flake powder exact with the fail safe linkages intact. |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other. |
[#48]
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[#49]
My personal opinion, keep the springs on top after upgrading the failsafe linkage below. The springs provide an extra layer of security and also have the added benefit of a "snap" that most people agree leads to a more consistent powder throw. There are quite a few videos out there on this topic.
I've been running my powder measures with new failsafe + top springs for years. |
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