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2/15/2012 8:19:05 AM EDT
I just got a Dillon 650 and an extra powder measure that way I have one that I can always keep the small powder bar in and one for the large powder bar.  Now I would love to get a powder measure for  each caliber that I make but at present I don't have the funds for it.  I was thinking though that I could get extra powder measure dies and mount them to the tool heads of my different calibers (I have a tool head for each caliber) and just take the measure and move it to the tool head that I'm going to be running with.  That way I only have to adjust the powder amount and verifty the belling when I load that caliber again.  Has anyone else done this?  Your thoughts and advice are welcomed.
2/15/2012 9:25:01 AM EDT
[#1]
I load probably 2 dozen or more calibers on my 550 and 650.  I have one powder measure and a powder bar for each load.  I set the bar and mark it on the end with a sharpie what it is for, ie: 44 Mag, 223, 308, 30/06, etc.  I keep the powder bar in the box with the conversion kit.  I have the powder die on each tool head and just move the measure to the tool head and install the powder bar for that load.  Takes just a couple of minutes to change the powder bar.
2/15/2012 1:19:15 PM EDT
[#2]
I pretty much do what Glock23c does.  Except I have one powder measure that I keep on my 223 tool head and another that I keep on my 45 ACP tool head, which are my most loaded cartridges.  I also have another powder measure or two that I have extra powder bars for that I use for the other calibers I reload.  
 
2/15/2012 1:45:12 PM EDT
[#3]
I load 2 calibers on my 550. 223 and 7.62x39.



I have toolheads with dies and PM's mounted on each toolhead.



Nothing wrong with swapping PM's around as needed, I just wanted the convenience.



Pistol rounds, I have a dedicated SDB for the 3 I bulk load for.



Single stage for everything else.
2/15/2012 2:18:29 PM EDT
[#4]
Have dedicated tool heads for 9mm, .38 Super, 45acp and .223. Each tool head has powder die. One measure works fine swapping between tool heads.

If I had one cartridge load per caliber then yea, I could see dedicated PMs.
2/15/2012 3:32:41 PM EDT
[#5]
Dedicated PM on each tool head, however, I only load 9mm and .223 at this time.  I do

intend to start loading .380 and .308, both will have their own PM as well just for convenience.
2/15/2012 5:06:02 PM EDT
[#6]
I have a complete tool head for all my loads 9mm 45acp 40 .223 and 6.8

If I was todo it again I would proable not get a pm fo each... maybe cut it in half..

but buy once cry once...
2/16/2012 5:05:50 AM EDT
[#7]
Rightnow I'm loading 9mm, 40S&W, 45ACP and .223.  I've got a tool head for each caliber and at this time I've got a PM dedicated to my .223 and one for my three pistol calibers.  I was thinking of just getting the powder die for each of the pistol calibers and move the one PM as needed but for a $150.00 I can get PM's for the last two tool heads.  So I think I'll try to scare up some overtime at work and maybe go that route.  If not I'm going to just go with powder dies in each one.
2/16/2012 5:52:13 AM EDT
[#8]
Look into the Dillon Quick Change kit.





I have a powder measure for each caliber.
2/16/2012 6:09:46 AM EDT
[#9]
I am in the same situation with the OP, was just thinking of getting dedicated toolheads for each caliber w/ 5 dies set up and then just change the bar, if needed and PM.
What is the advantage of having a PM and bar set up for each caliber, consistancy? transalating into accuracy?
2/16/2012 6:30:54 AM EDT
[#10]
Convenience that way when I change calibers all I have to do is verify the powder throw a couple of times and then check it at my regular intervals.  Other then the shellplate, case feeder set up and the primer assembly if needed.
2/16/2012 12:36:55 PM EDT
[#11]




Quoted:

I am in the same situation with the OP, was just thinking of getting dedicated toolheads for each caliber w/ 5 dies set up and then just change the bar, if needed and PM.

What is the advantage of having a PM and bar set up for each caliber, consistancy? transalating into accuracy?


Faster change over from one caliber to another.



Consistancy and accuracy are up to the reloading press operator.

2/16/2012 12:54:52 PM EDT
[#12]
I can see there is a unanimous concensus.

I guess we are helping the economy, i guess
2/16/2012 1:55:58 PM EDT
[#13]
I have ~20 tool heads.  Powder measures run ~$75 each.  For $1500 I can change the powder measure between tool heads and swap out powder bars.  
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