dillon rl1050 User Guide

RL 1050

Instruction Manual

Version 3.3

illon

recision

Products, Inc.

Manufacturers of
The World's Finest
Loading Equipment

#13385 Spot Manuals RL1050 Man Folder RL1050 Manual V3.3 9/01 WJC

On the cover…

The RL 1050 is pictured with optional accessories:
Powdercheck System #21044
Low Powder Sensor #16306
Bullet Tray #22215

Other accessories available for the RL 1050 include:
Machine Cover #13239
Maintenance Kit & Spare Parts Kit #97018

The Blue Press, Dillon’s monthly catalog, has a complete listing
of accessories available for all machines.

Table of Contents

Warranty Agreement 4

Mandatory Safety Measures 4

RL1050 Assembly 5

Powder Measure Adjustment 8

Primer Magazine 9

Electric Casefeeder 10

How the RL1050 Works – Stations 1 - 8 10

To Begin Reloading 11

Adjustments and Conversions: 11

Casefeeder 11

Handle 12

Swager 12

Swage Conversion & Adjustment 12

Primer System Change Over Instructions 12

Toolhead Removal 13

Shellplate Removal 14

Casefeed Plunger Conversion 14

Die Adjustments 14

Older Model Users 15

Trouble Shooting 16

Maintenance 17

Definitions 17

Caliber Conversion Chart 19

Parts List 20

Schematics 21 - 25

4

Warranty Agreement

The Dillon RL1050 reloader has been designed as a
commercial machine. Our expectation is that its life
expectancy will be in excess of two million rounds of
loaded ammunition. All RL1050 machines are
warranted for life from defects in material or
workmanship, plus a one year 100% warranty against
normal wear. All electrical/electronic components in
Dillon equipment are covered by a one year warranty.
However, the RL1050 is a complex machine and we
need your cooperation. So there’s a hitch. All we ask is
that you take the time to read the following information
and fill out the warranty registration card stating that
you have done so.

Mandatory Safety Measures

The reloading of ammunition and the handling of
components (gun powder and primers) is inherently
dangerous, indeed shooting firearms is inherently
dangerous. Accidents can and do occur, sometimes with
disastrous results including, but not limited to, loss of
vision, hearing or life. These accidents are
nondiscriminatory, they occur with both the novice and
the experienced reloader.

Dillon Precision Products has consciously designed
the RL1050 with this in mind. We’ve shielded the primer
magazine and machined clearance holes for the
elimination of powder and primer residue. In short, we
have done everything we know how, to make the use of
our machine as safe as possible. We cannot however,
guarantee your complete safety. In order to minimize
your risk, use common sense when reloading and follow
these basic rules:

Never operate the machine without ear and eye
protection on. Call our customer service department at
[phone] for information on the wide variety of
shooting/safety glasses and hearing protection that
Dillon has to offer.

• PAY ATTENTION: Load only when you can give your
complete attention to the loading process. Don’t watch
television or try to carry on a conversation and load at
the same time. Watch the automatic systems operate and
make sure they are functioning properly. If you are
interrupted or must leave and come back to your
loading, always inspect the cases at every station to
insure that the proper operations have been
accomplished.

• SMOKING: Do not smoke while reloading or allow
anyone else to smoke in your reloading area. Do not
allow open flames in reloading area.

• SAFETY DEVICES: Do not remove any safety devices
from your machine or modify your machine in any way.

• LEAD WARNING: Be sure to have proper ventilation
while handling lead components or when shooting lead
bullets. Lead is known to cause birth defects, other
reproductive harm and cancer. Wash your hands
thoroughly after handling anything made of lead.

• LOADS AND LENGTHS: Avoid maximum loads and
pressures at all times. Use only recommended loads
from manuals and information supplied by reliable
component manufacturers and suppliers. Since Dillon
Precision has no control over the components which
may be used on their equipment, no responsibility is
implied or assumed for results obtained through the use
of any such components.

Dillon Precision Products, Inc.

8009 E. Dillon’s Way

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

[phone]

FAX [phone]

Web Site: www.dillonprecision.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

Technical Support & Customer Service

[phone]

5

* Indicates a caliber specific part – see the caliber conversion
chart on page 19 for the caliber you are loading for.

Seat bullets as close to maximum cartridge length as
possible. Under some conditions, seating bullets
excessively deep can raise pressures to unsafe levels.
Refer to a reliable loading manual for overall length
(OAL).

• QUALITY CHECKS: Every 50-100 rounds, perform
periodic quality control checks on the ammunition being
produced. Check the amount of powder being dropped
and primer supply.

• RELOADING AREA: Keep your components safely
stored. Clear your work area of loose powder, primers
and other flammables before loading.

• COMPONENTS: Never have more than one type of
powder in your reloading area at a time. The risk of a
mix-up is too great. Keep powder containers closed.

Be sure to inspect brass prior to reloading for flaws,
cracks, splits or defects. Throw these cases away.

Keep components and ammunition out of reach of
children.

• BLACK POWDER: Do not use black powder or black
powder substitutes in any Dillon powder measure.
Loading black powder cartridges requires specialized
loading equipment and techniques. Failure to do so can
result in severe injury or death.

• PRIMERS: Never force primers. If they get stuck in
the operation of the machine, disassemble it and gently
remove the obstruction.

Never attempt to clear primers that are stuck in
either the primer pickup tube or the primer magazine
tube. Never, under any circumstances, insert any type of
rod to attempt to force stuck primers out of these tubes.
Trying to force primers out of the tube will cause the
primers to explode causing serious injury or even death.

If primers get stuck in a primer magazine or pickup
tube flood the tube with a penetrating oil (WD-40),
throw the tube in the garbage and call us for a free
replacement.

Never attempt to deprime live primers – eventually
one will go off. When it does it will detonate the others
in the spent primer cup. Depriming live primers is the
single most dangerous thing you can do in reloading
and can cause grave injury or death.

• LOADED AMMUNITION: Properly label all of your
loaded ammunition (Date, Type of Bullet, Primer,
Powder, Powder Charge, etc.).

• BE PATIENT: Our loading equipment is
conservatively rated and you should have no trouble
achieving the published rates with a smooth, steady
hand. If something doesn’t seem right, stop, look and
listen. If the problem or the solution isn’t obvious,
call us.

The reloading bench is no place to get into a hurry.

We have done everything we know how to make
your machine as safe as possible. We cannot, however,
guarantee your complete safety. To minimize your risk,
use common sense when reloading and follow these
basic rules.

• REMEMBER: If your machine does not perform to
your expectations, or if you are having technical
difficulties, give us a call. Technical Support (800) 223-

4570.

How the RL1050 Works

Stations 1 - 8 (counterclockwise)

Station 1: In this station the empty cases are
automatically inserted into the shellplate via the electric
casefeeder.

Station 2: Here the spent cartridge cases are resized
and deprimed.

Station 3: This station is totally unique. The case is
supported from the inside and slightly expanded (not
belled) while simultaneously a swager is driven into the
primer pocket to remove any crimp.

Station 4: In this station a new primer is installed.
The spring driven primer slide is extremely smooth. The
steel shrouded primer magazine is capped with an
electronic Early Warning Device to let you know when
you’re down to approximately three primers.

Station 5: Here the case is belled and powder is
dropped by the case activated powder measure. It is
extremely accurate and will not drop powder unless a
case is present. Dillon Precision offers an optional
accessory to be utilized with the automatic powder
measure at this station – Dillon’s Low Powder Sensor
provides an audible and visual reminder when it’s time
to refill the powder reservoir.

Station 6: This station is open to allow for case
inspection.

Station 7: In this station the bullet is seated to its
proper depth.

Station 8: In this station the bullet is crimped into
place. The cartridge is then automatically ejected into a
collection bin.

Your dies have been adjusted at the factory. Before
you change anything, try it the way it is, once you
thoroughly understand the machine’s operation, make
whatever adjustments to the dies you feel necessary.

Reminder: There may be some variation due to
components.

RL1050 Assembly

Your new RL1050 has been assembled at the factory.
All of the adjustments necessary to reload have already
been made, in fact we’ve even adjusted the dies to
reload the caliber you have chosen. However, before
you can reload you must do some minor assembly.

Due to variations in components, check all stations
for proper settings before loading ammunition. It is
absolutely necessary that you read the following
instructions.

* Indicates a caliber specific part – see the caliber conversion
chart on page 19 for the caliber you are loading for.

6

If you get stuck on something that you don’t

understand, call [phone] for technical assistance.

Step 1: Mounting the RL1050

Select a clear area on your reloading bench. Be certain
your bench is free from vibration and is strong enough to
support your RL1050’s mass and operating force. If
possible attach your bench to the wall using screws.

Remove the RL1050 main frame from the packaging
and place it on your selected area. The crank extension
(#12901) should be to your right. Bring the machine to
the forward edge of your bench – be sure to allow
clearance for operation of the handle. Mark the four
mounting holes using the machine as a template.
Remove the machine and drill four 1/4” holes through
the bench. Replace the machine and bolt securely. Fig. 1

Install the handle (#12727) as indicated in the parts
schematic. Secure in place with the handle set screw
(#13432). You will note that there are three different
positions for mounting the operating handle. Choose
the one that feels best for you. The longer the handle is,
the less force is required but the stroke is longer.

The toolhead (#20420) is held down on the main
frame for shipping by the use of plastic ties. Remove the
ties while holding the handle.

Slowly move the handle up. This will move the
toolhead approximately three inches to its “up”
position. Note: If the handle is not moving freely,
carefully inspect for shipping damage.

Install the six brass locator buttons (#20637*) around

the shellplate (#12600*). Fig. 2

Step 2: Installing the Casefeed Assembly

Using the screw provided (#13377) install the

cartridge bin bracket (#13238) to the main frame. Fig. 3

Screw the casefeed post studs (#13271) to the main
frame (place the washer provided on the bottom post
only), tighten securely with an Allen wrench through
the cross hole provided. Fig. 3

Install the bullet bin bracket (#12144) to the casefeed
post (#20641) using the screw (#13685). See the
schematic on page 24.

The casefeed mounting post assembly (#20641) is
attached to the casefeed post studs (#13271) by the use
of two post bolts (#13205). Attach the power cable and
clamp as shown in the schematic on page 24.

Fig. 2: Locator button being inserted into its proper position.

Fig. 3: Place an Allen wrench into the cross hole and use it for
leverage to tighten the casefeed post studs.

Fig. 1: Be sure the machine is to the forward edge of the table or
bench when marking the four holes to be drilled.

7

* Indicates a caliber specific part – see the caliber conversion
chart on page 19 for the caliber you are loading for.

The casefeed bowl assembly needs to be placed on
the casefeed post with the Dillon logo and the on/off
switch facing you.

The casefeed tube (#13761) should now be inserted
into the casefeed adapter (#13654*) Fig. 4 Note that the
tube is marked “up” on one end. Press this end into the
tube clip (#13859) attached to the casefeeder motor
housing Fig. 5. This assembly is now complete.

Step 3: Installing the Powder Measure

Remove the blue cap from the powder die (#20320)
and loosely clamp the powder measure in position.
Fig. 6 Install the powder measure return rod (#13960)
through the 3/8” eyebolt (#13089) mounted on the left
rear of the main frame. Fig. 7 Now attach the rod to the
powder measure bellcrank using the clip. Fig. 7 Install

Fig. 6: See arrow. A slight gap allows the powder die to be
adjusted without removing the powder measure.

Fig. 7: Note how the spring above the wingnut is slightly
compressed.

Clip

Spring

Fig. 4: The proper location and positioning of the casefeed tube
and adapter is as shown above.

Fig. 5: The end of the casefeed tube marked “up” snaps into the
clip at the base of the casefeeder motor housing.

* Indicates a caliber specific part – see the caliber conversion
chart on page 19 for the caliber you are loading for.

8

the spring (#14033) and wing nut (#13799) on the rod
and screw the wing nut up until you feel light tension
on the spring. Tighten the powder measure clamp
screws (#14037).

Step 4: Installing the Spent Primer Cup

and Bullet Bin

Install the spent primer cup (#13650) on the right

side as shown on the schematic on page 21.

Hook the bullet bin (#13756) and the loaded
cartridge collection box (#13484) on their respective
bracket. Fig. 8

Step 5: Cycling the Machine

At this point your assembly should be complete.
Gently pull the operating handle towards you, make a
full stroke to the bottom and up again. The shellplate
should be indexing and the primer slide (#20318*)
should function. The casefeed plunger (#13073*)
should travel forward to the shellplate. Make sure that
you repeat this several times to gain an understanding
of the various functions of the machine before you
start reloading.

Now plug in the casefeed motor and activate the
switch. The casefeed plate should turn smoothly within
the casefeed bowl.

Assuming that all is well, proceed with components.

Loading Components

Your RL1050 is equipped with a cartridge activated
powder measure that will dispense powder only when a
cartridge is in Station 5.

It is important to understand that the adjustable
powder bar should reach the end of its travel at the
same time that the handle reaches the bottom of its
stroke against the frame stop. Fig. 9 To achieve this
adjustment, the die body must be screwed up or down
as needed.

The powder die has already been adjusted at the
factory. An empty case must be placed in the shellplate
at Station 5 in order to check this adjustment. Note that
the case used to adjust the powder measure die must
already be sized.

NOTE: If you are adjusting for a straight wall case, start
your powder die adjustment with the die obviously too high
and work down. This will avoid over belling the case.

If you are adjusting a case with a shoulder, such as a .223,
do not turn the die down too far or the shoulder will buckle.

Use a reloading manual to determine how much
powder you need for a particular load and an accurate
powder scale to determine the weight. Caution: While
you do not have to use a Dillon Precision powder scale,
you should use a scale of equal quality. Do not use
scales with plastic frames or scales that do not have
jeweled pivot points versus “razor blade” pivots. Razor
blade pivots can dig into the frame of the scale and give
dangerously inaccurate readings.

Powder Measure Adjustments

In Station 5 we adjust the powder measure. It works
like this: first screw the powder die into the toolhead
and insert the pistol powder funnel expander or a rifle
powder funnel with the grooved end toward the top of
the powder die. The funnel should move freely in the
die, leaving a loose fit between the top of the die and the
powder measure collar. This will enable you to adjust
the die to give you a bell on the mouth of your pistol
cases making it easier to start the bullet.

On rifle cases, the die should be adjusted so that the
powder funnel will contact the mouth of the case and
then fully actuate the powder bar. These adjustments are
accomplished with a sized case in the shellplate and

Fig. 9: This photo shows the powder bar at the end of its travel.

Fig. 8: Shown is the proper location of the cartridge collection
bin. Note the bullet bin bracket in the background.

9

* Indicates a caliber specific part – see the caliber conversion
chart on page 19 for the caliber you are loading for.

alternately raising and lowing the operating handle
while adjusting the powder die.

When properly adjusted, the powder bar will be

moved to the end of its travel by the cartridge case Fig. 9.

When you have determined that your adjustments
are correct, tighten the lock ring (#14067) and locking
collar (#13939). Fig. 10

Failsafe Assembly

The purpose of the powder measure failsafe rod is to
return the powder bar to its closed position.

Remove the blue cap from the powder die (#20320)
and loosely clamp the powder measure in position.

To install the failsafe rod (#13960) remove the blue
wing nut (#13799) and rod spring (#14033) from the
rod, then insert the bottom end through the 3/8”
eyebolt (#13089) that’s mounted on the left rear of the
main frame.

Next, using your thumb and index finger of your left
hand, move the locklink down and align the hole with
the slot on the bellcrank. Then, insert the rod through
the two holes and insert the failsafe rod clip (#13929).

Install the spring (#14033) and wing nut (#13799) on
the rod and screw the wing nut up until you feel light
tension on the spring. Tighten the powder measure
clamp screws (#14037).

You will notice an adjusting bolt on the front of the
powder bar. Counterclockwise reduces the powder
charge, clockwise increases the charge. Fig. 11

Your machine comes with two powder bars. Fig. 12
One large (#20063) and one small (#20062). Rule of
thumb: Use the large bar whenever possible.

Index a sized and primed case under the measure
and operate the machine’s handle. Turning the powder
bar adjustment bolt clockwise increases the powder
charge – counterclockwise turns decreases the powder
charge. By trial and error, determine the correct weight
of your powder charge by using a powder scale. Fig. 11

When the correct powder charge had been set, cycle
several cases through the machine and check the load
with a scale.

Primer Magazine

Select the proper size primer pick-up tube and fill it
by placing the plastic tip over loose primers and
pressing down.

Fig. 10: Be sure to tighten the lock ring and locking collar when
adjustments are completed.

Collar

Fig. 12: Small powder bar (left), large powder bar (right).

Spacer

Fig. 11: Clockwise turns of the powder bar adjustment bolt will
increase the powder charge while counterclockwise turns will
decrease the powder charge.