650 Arm Bushing Issue

[Topgunner]

So, I've noticed that while operating the press, I get a failure to feed a round into the case arm - it hangs up on the edge of the case arm bushing. I called Dillon and they said there was no way to adjust the press.

There's a little screw that the case arm hits which acts as a stop, but it doesn't really adjust anything. If I could just eke out a little farther travel on the case arm, I'm sure the the problem would be solved. Too bad it's not screw-adjustable like the Primer Station Locator Tab.

Maybe taking off a little bit of metal where the case arm hits the stop, but I hate to be a file/Dremmel butcher.

Any suggestions?

Topgunner

 

[LAH]

Are you being brisk enough with the handle?

One thing for sure........I wouldn't put up with it the way it is. If I thought I could make it work..........I would.........Creeker

 

[stoky]

This happens with mine once in a while too. Does it do this with every case? This is probably not the solution you are looking for, but if you pay attention at the top of the stroke if the case doesn't drop you can nudge it in with your finger. You didn't say what cartridge you are loading for. It seems to me like the 650 is really optomized for the .45ACP or .308 diameter cases. It works better with some cartridges than others, .45-70 being a particular PIA. A couple of really stupid questions: Do you have the right bushing in it as in the color matches what's in the chart? They sent me the wrong bushing in a .357 conversion. Is the bushing seated all the way down in the arm? The top of the plastic should be even with or a little below the top surface of the arm. Is the top of the bushing smooth, no molding flash or deformations? If there is a light touch with some 220 sandpaper or a fine file might remedy this. If there is any satisfaction to be had reloading in general and with progressives in particular, you have to enjoy tinkering with stuff.

 

[Rico567]

I think what "stoky" discusses is a factor that is too often not considered when the thread turns to those nagging little problems that take quite a while to resolve. But it's true. There IS a "tinker factor," and some people like to do it and some don't. If you're going to enjoy reloading, you'd best be one of the former....

 

[Topgunner]

Thanks Folks!

It not that I absolutely don't want to modify the press, it's just that I want to make sure there isn't something simple I can nudge before resorting to more work-intensive and less reversible changes.

After seeing what some people can do to a gun with a file or a Dremmel because they thought they could make it "better" - I wanted to make sure that whatever modification I was contemplating would be a "good" one.

I've experienced the problem with 357 sig and 44 magnum - I can't recall if I had any problems with 30-06, but then I only loaded about 120 rounds.

I'll get some good lighting and check the arm, the bushings, and everything else to make sure everything is in order.

After that, I'll report on any simple fixes I find or submit some ideas for modifications that cure the problem.

I LOVE to tinker, I just have the wisdom to restrain myself sometimes. I've got a few products of overzealous filing that I keep around to remind me of the unintended cost that can result from well-meaning but less than adequately understood "improvements."

I love this forum.

Topgunner