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Posted: 4/27/2018 2:33:42 PM EDT
Regarding Dillon powder measure & bar de-burring and polishing:
To those who’ve done this... what are the results? Is it worth the time and effort? |
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Posted: 4/27/2018 2:51:13 PM EDT
[#1]
I found it to be worth doing. The throws are definitely more consistent.
I eventually need to do all of my PM's but right now I did the 2 most used (9mm/45ACP). You can also use some wax on the metal as well (dryflash suggests this) to further make the metal very slick. Just don't go overboard with it. 
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/27/2018 3:10:00 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Mav3rick:
I found it to be worth doing. The throws are definitely more consistent. I eventually need to do all of my PM's but right now I did the 2 most used (9mm/45ACP). You can also use some wax on the metal as well (dryflash suggests this) to further make the metal very slick. Just don't go overboard with it. |
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Posted: 4/27/2018 3:34:25 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By acman145acp:
I'm curios what powder you were using and the variation before and after? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By acman145acp:
Originally Posted By Mav3rick:
I found it to be worth doing. The throws are definitely more consistent. I eventually need to do all of my PM's but right now I did the 2 most used (9mm/45ACP). You can also use some wax on the metal as well (dryflash suggests this) to further make the metal very slick. Just don't go overboard with it. With a little polishing, the Dillon PM will throw small grain flake powder (Bullseye) exact with good technique. Large flake powder (Unique, Trail Boss, 700 X, Blue Dot ect) + or - .1 gr. Folks that can't throw these powders to this standard are not "using good technique". When you move up to short cut extruded powders, (Re-15, IMR 8208 XBR, H-4198, ect) polish and the wax job makes a large difference. With good technique throws of + or - .2 grs is possible. This results in accurate loads with these powders. Wax mentioned is Minwax paste wax. Wipe on let dry wipe off, metal is now very smooth and slick. No the wax does not effect the powder. When polishing a Dillon PM, don't forget the inside of the powder drop tube. |
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Posted: 4/27/2018 3:37:10 PM EDT
[#4]
More on Good Technique tonight.
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Posted: 4/27/2018 4:26:04 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By dryflash3:
More on Good Technique tonight. |
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Posted: 4/27/2018 5:30:04 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Mav3rick]
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By acman145acp: I'm curios what powder you were using and the variation before and after? |
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Posted: 4/27/2018 5:34:37 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Mav3rick:
DF pretty much summed up my experience with most powders. I have now moved to pretty much all ball powders but still have some flake powders that is +/- .1 grain. RCBS, Hornady, and Redding PM's. Have owned all of these, never found a Lyman at my price. The good price for these are $30 at my funshow and I buy every one I come across. Same with scales. Next funshow is tomorrow.
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Posted: 4/27/2018 5:36:17 PM EDT
[#8]
All it takes is a small white buffer wheel on your Dremel and some Mothers or Wenol. It doesn't take 5 minutes to make it into a mirror. You will use one white buff per measure.
Who cares if it works, it just eliminates one more thing. I also put an aquarium pump on my measure when I am reloading rifle rounds. |
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Posted: 4/27/2018 5:38:42 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By dryflash3:
More on Good Technique tonight. 
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Posted: 4/27/2018 5:41:02 PM EDT
[#10]
I've been having issues in my powder funnel with A2230.
It appears static electricity or something else is causing a few kernels to stick to the sides of the funnel. When I lower the shell plate and seat the next primer, it knocks some powder loose from the funnel walls. My powder is off by up to .3 grains, because not all of it drops in the case. Should I polish the funnel to correct this? Any suggestions on a dremel attachment? |
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Posted: 4/27/2018 6:12:17 PM EDT
[#11]
You need to have good rhythm or technique. A stop at the top of the stroke so the powder can drain. Especially when using stick/extruded powders.
Make sure the fail safe rod is functioning properly. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/27/2018 6:40:27 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By dryflash3:
If all you use is ball powder, the Dillon PM needs no tuning. It will throw ball powder exact with good technique. With a little polishing, the Dillon PM will throw small grain flake powder (Bullseye) exact with good technique. Large flake powder (Unique, Trail Boss, 700 X, Blue Dot ect) + or - .1 gr. Folks that can't throw these powders to this standard are not "using good technique". When you move up to short cut extruded powders, (Re-15, IMR 8208 XBR, H-4198, ect) polish and the wax job makes a large difference. With good technique throws of + or - .2 grs is possible. This results in accurate loads with these powders. Wax mentioned is Minwax paste wax. Wipe on let dry wipe off, metal is now very smooth and slick. No the wax does not effect the powder. When polishing a Dillon PM, don't forget the inside of the powder drop tube. No polishing Bullsey , 335 , tac throw exact or less than a tenth. Unique . titegroup never over a tenth that i've seen. IMR 4064 + or - .3 I'm curious what "difference" was made? IE it threw + or- .2 better with stick etc |
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Posted: 4/27/2018 10:51:31 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By acman145acp: I guess i've been pretty lucky with dillon powder measurers most of mine are 25~ years old. No polishing Bullsey , 335 , tac throw exact or less than a tenth. Unique . titegroup never over a tenth that i've seen. IMR 4064 + or - .3 I'm curious what "difference" was made? IE it threw + or- .2 better with stick etc |
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Posted: 4/27/2018 10:54:47 PM EDT
[Last Edit: dryflash3]
[#14]
My post on "Good Technique" I saved it as I've typed this out too many times...
You want to keep the hopper at least 1/2 full. Start with it full (1/2 inch from the top) and add to it as needed. One thing that has been missed so far is the most important part of what I call "good technique". That is settling the powder. Fill hopper with powder, tap on the side of the hopper with your finger, see how the powder level dropped? That is settling the powder. Now drop 5 charges into the pan to complete the settling, return the powder to the hopper. Measure the powder in the pan and adjust measure as needed. Drop 3 charges to resettle the powder. Drop charge and weigh. Repeat as needed, dropping 3 charges every time you make an adjustment. You should be able to measure ball powder exact. Flake powder like Unique and Trail Boss + or - .1 gr. (the reason folks have issues with these powders is they don't settle the powder). Short cut extruded line H-4198, and IMR-8208 XBR + or - .1 gr. Long extruded like Varget + or - .2 gr. So to review "good technique"; Settle the powder. Settle powder after every adjustment. Same force/speed for every throw. If a kernel of powder gets cut continue with the throw, don't stop. If throw didn't "feel right" return that throw to the hopper and do over. Keep hopper at least 1/2 full. Use a baffle Tune your measure by taking it apart and waxing all the internal parts. I use Minwax brand finishing wax. Waxing the parts makes the PM operate very smoothly and does not effect the powder. I have done this for over 10 years. If you have static issues, try a dryer sheet rubbed at the point of static. If dryer sheet doesn't work, get some powdered graphite and brush on then tap excess off. Graphite is good stuff but it's hard to get off your hands. I store my PM with 2 dryer sheets in the hopper and covered with a clear plastic bag. |
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Posted: 4/27/2018 11:37:38 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pointman66:
I've been having issues in my powder funnel with A2230. It appears static electricity or something else is causing a few kernels to stick to the sides of the funnel. When I lower the shell plate and seat the next primer, it knocks some powder loose from the funnel walls. My powder is off by up to .3 grains, because not all of it drops in the case. Should I polish the funnel to correct this? Any suggestions on a dremel attachment? They would be too short. https://www.amazon.com/Graphite-Micron-Powder-Ounces-Military/dp/B00AC0NUAA/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1524884916&sr=8-14&keywords=powdered+graphite Also ensure that funnel does not have any build up on the inside. Push a rag through it to be sure. Use alcohol if it needs to be cleaned. Take a trip to a Home Depot type store for what you need to polish the inside of the powder funnel; 1/4 dowel, https://www.homedepot.com/p/Builders-Choice-1-4-in-x-36-in-Oak-Round-Dowel-HDDO1436/206184687 Polishing compound for metal, normally comes in a short stick. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Hard-Metal-Cleaning-Compound-Set-3-Piece-A04HM11/205642393 Exacto saw. https://www.michaels.com/x-acto-precision-razor-saw-set/10223584.html Cut dowel to desired length to reach the full length of the powder funnel. Cut kerf (about 1/2 inch deep in the center of dowel) on one end of dowel to hold a rag that the polish is applied to. Turn dowel with a drill motor and polish the inside. Clean out the inside when you are done. Either apply paste wax or graphite to the inside when your finished. Hope your handy. 
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Posted: 4/28/2018 12:03:45 AM EDT
[#16]
Get a small pump spray bottle (about the size for the Dillon spray lube).
Mix part Downy anti-static fabric softener to 2-3 parts water. From 12 or more inches away lightly spray powder measure assy. with extra emphasis on powder hopper. Coating should be very fine, not enough to bead up or run. Let dry completely and repeat after 30-45 minutes. Overspray on the rest of the press is fine, just avoid the primer magazine. Do not spray inside the powder magazine unless unit is disassembled. |
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Posted: 4/28/2018 2:52:44 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ProfGAB101:
Get a small pump spray bottle (about the size for the Dillon spray lube). Mix part Downy anti-static fabric softener to 2-3 parts water. From 12 or more inches away lightly spray powder measure assy. with extra emphasis on powder hopper. Coating should be very fine, not enough to bead up or run. Let dry completely and repeat after 30-45 minutes. Overspray on the rest of the press is fine, just avoid the primer magazine. Do not spray inside the powder magazine unless unit is disassembled. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/28/2018 1:33:11 PM EDT
[#18]
To control static I dip the plastic hopper in soapy water and let dry, then the metal body of the measure is grounded to either an outlet or a water pipe above my bench (depending on where I an reloading... mobile press stand).
This eliminates all static without sprays and sheets. |
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Posted: 4/28/2018 7:45:19 PM EDT
[#19]
Update: WOW, what a difference
I suppose I should’ve been more specific... I’m after very consistent powder throws for a precision load. TAC meters great of course but I’ve found that it gives up close to 100fps when compared the same cartridge with 8208-XBR. In my never-ending quest for better accuracy, tighter SD, etc. I’m experimenting with H4895 which is even grittier than 8208. Prior to hotrodding my Dillon PM I was seeing +/- .2-.3, or an extreme spread of six tenths. Which is simply too much, which is why I had been hand measuring each charge with 4895. The powder measure tuning has cut that deviation down to less than a tenth in either direction. It’s ~almost~ as consistent as ball powder Now I’m kicking myself for not having done this years ago 
I’m very happy with the results. Thanks fellas, much appreciated 
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Posted: 4/29/2018 12:00:22 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ch3no2:
Update: WOW, what a difference
I suppose I should've been more specific... I'm after very consistent powder throws for a precision load. TAC meters great of course but I've found that it gives up close to 100fps when compared the same cartridge with 8208-XBR. In my never-ending quest for better accuracy, tighter SD, etc. I'm experimenting with H4895 which is even grittier than 8208. Prior to hotrodding my Dillon PM I was seeing +/- .2-.3, or an extreme spread of six tenths. Which is simply too much, which is why I had been hand measuring each charge with 4895. The powder measure tuning has cut that deviation down to less than a tenth in either direction. It's ~almost~ as consistent as ball powder Now I'm kicking myself for not having done this years ago
I'm very happy with the results. Thanks fellas, much appreciated
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/29/2018 7:31:48 AM EDT
[#21]
Congratulations.
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Posted: 4/29/2018 3:52:24 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By dryflash3:
Is this for static? |
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Posted: 4/29/2018 8:50:13 PM EDT
[#23]
Just for kicks ‘n grins, I did the same tuneup on an old RCBS Uniflow.
I typically use that one for coarse extruded powders. It needed a bit more work as the ‘bowl’ portion was very rough compared to the Dillon. But it was well worth the effort
Smooth and consistent, +/- 0.1 with Varget. Which is incredible as far as I’m concerned. Once again I kick myself... why didn’t I do this years ago?
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Posted: 5/1/2018 9:15:44 AM EDT
[#24]
Lots of good info in this thread.
It will take me a while to give the polishing a try, but I'll update everyone one the results when I do. |
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Posted: 5/2/2018 11:37:20 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ch3no2]
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pointman66:
Lots of good info in this thread. It will take me a while to give the polishing a try, but I'll update everyone one the results when I do. What I did: 500 grit, 800, 1000,1200. Blue Magic metal polish (smells nasty, polishes incredibly well) Johnson’s Paste Wax (used primarily as a release agent for bedding jobs... had it sitting on the shelf) I took dryflash’s advice and did the drop tube as well. Which meant warming up the aluminum with a heat gun to wiggle the tube out (no big deal). The tube itself has a rough-ish machined funnel at the top so that took a bit of elbow grease. Still no big deal. Warmed up the PM body again to squeeze the tube back in using a bench vise. I’d rather not smack on this stuff if it can be avoided. All total I put maybe an hour and a half into it. Probably tripple what is necessary, but I tend to get a little carried away with this stuff
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Posted: 12/1/2022 2:42:56 PM EDT
[#26]
Back to page one for posters that might of missed this the first time.
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USA
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Posted: 12/1/2022 11:37:33 PM EDT
[#27]
Congrats! I was like why not try it too. I now follow DFs advise on any powder measure and it works great. I have one cheap Lyman Brass Smith I dedicated to 700-X for .38 loads, almost spot on when averaging 10 throws. Like + .1 or .2. I now really only use two Dillon PMs and they are extremely consistent with any powder, if not it's probably my fault.
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Posted: 12/2/2022 3:30:46 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By thenning: Congrats! I was like why not try it too. I now follow DFs advise on any powder measure and it works great. I have one cheap Lyman Brass Smith I dedicated to 700-X for .38 loads, almost spot on when averaging 10 throws. Like + .1 or .2. I now really only use two Dillon PMs and they are extremely consistent with any powder, if not it's probably my fault. |
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Posted: 12/2/2022 11:19:26 AM EDT
[Last Edit: wildearp]
[#29]
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