[Ummagumma]

Anyone have experience with using the alignment tool when reinstalling the platform on the 650 press? I had to install a new platform and since installation had some alignment issues with the dies. I now learned Dillon has a tool for this which they are sending me.

When Dillon sent me a replacement platform, the alignment process was never discussed which caused a number of ongoing problems. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this and the outcome of using the alignment tool.

 

[Starvingboy]

Define “platform”... I take the base off the ram on occasion to clean it, and never had any trouble putting it all back together.

 

[Ummagumma]

You got it, it’s the base the shell plate and all the other goodies are attached to. Apparently the 2 holes in the platform for fasteners have enough play that alignment can be off upon assembly.

 

[Gregg]

Yes, I had the two screws come loose during reloading 308 ammo.
It caused all sorts of issues, binding up the machine, finally the indexing ring broke.
I used the spare indexing ring out of the spare parts kit to get the 650 back in operation (that's when I found the loose screws).
I ordered a replacement indexing ring from Dillion, and they sent the alignment tool with instructions.
I redid the platform install using the alignment tool, and six months later, all it still running smoothly.
Hint, put lock-tight (low strength) on those screws.

 

[Sigguy552]

Ahhh something I can chime in on. I recently had to take apart my 650 and thankfully, my neighbor had the indexer/alignment tool. It took about 15minutes and was very simply to do. The tool comes with a 1 pager instructions and all you need to do is drop the indexer into the powder die(no other dies can be screwed in) and just jiggle the base until it aligns perfectly and then tighten down the 2 screws.

 

[Sigguy552]

if you have the tool but need the instructions, I can scan them over to you. Just email me at sigguy552 at gmail.com

 

[Rory]

well, they originally told me that this was not an issue that could happen with their presses. then after a year of calls they magically had a tool for it. the tool did not help me either.

i had a 650 that would regularly have primers offset by a fraction that would just mess up priming stage. i ended up priming as a separate step before trading it off to an ambitions friend who thought he could get it to work. 7 years and many calls to dillon later it was finally sent in for repair/replacement.

 

[Sigguy552]

well, they originally told me that this was not an issue that could happen with their presses. then after a year of calls they magically had a tool for it. the tool did not help me either.

i had a 650 that would regularly have primers offset by a fraction that would just mess up priming stage. i ended up priming as a separate step before trading it off to an ambitions friend who thought he could get it to work. 7 years and many calls to dillon later it was finally sent in for repair/replacement.

Perhaps your press was defective? I had a similar issue and it was the indexer piece that was just slightly loose so that on the upstroke, it wouldn't full rotate the primer disc causing the issue you described. Also, I had a lot of gunk/powder in the platform where the primer disc sat which caused friction and the disc to bind up. I tore everything down and cleaned it a few years ago which almost eliminated the issue 99% and also bought the snowshooze upgrades which fixed it 100% and eliminated the powder throwing issue.

Here's a link to his stuff on ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/snowshooze/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

His stuff is AWESOME!!!

 

[Rory]

i did everything under the sun.

dillon eventually fixed it for the new owner.

 

[MG08]

I had one high mileage 650 with a bent ( ever so slightly) platform Dillon replaced the part and rebuilt it to new with the upgrades for the princely sum of $0.00. Side note- pretty sure I bent it. I know every so often guys have problem presses, but I have used a number of different brands over the last hundred years or so, and for the money you cannot beat dillon. I had all three of my 650s rebuilt, and I load a boatload of pistol / SMG ammo on them. They are probably the most trouble free piece of hardware I own, including drills, and tractors. I sent a Square deal B back that I got at an auction as it appeared to be broken internally- they just replaced the entire press. It came back adjusted to exactly where I had the dies set too. I did have to pay to ship it there though. I mean - really :rofl:

The Brian Enos forums are really a great source of reloader info though - check them out. It covers other brands as well. And yes, I have broken a RCBS rockchucker.

 

[Sigguy552]

.....and yes, I have broken a RCBS rockchucker.

How is that even possible?!?!?!?!?!?

I'm actually going to be in scottsdale and plan to drop off my press to them to get it overhauled. Mine is the old one without the grease nipples and they offered to retrofit it for free.....dillon is truly the gold standard in service.