Dillon Precision XL 650 User Manual
Manufacturers of
The World's Finest
Loading Equipment
XL 650
Instruction Manual
Version 6.1
illon
recision
Products, Inc.
Dillon Precision Products, Inc.
8009 E. Dillon’s Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 948-8009
FAX (480) 998-2786
Web Site: www.dillonprecision.com
E-mail: dillon@dillonprecision.com
Technical Support & Customer Service
(800) 223-4570
On the cover…
The XL 650 is pictured with optional accessories:
Strong Mount (550/650) #22051
Strong Mount (650 only) #22052
Aluminum Roller Handle #17950
Low Powder Sensor #16306
Bullet Tray #22214
Powdercheck System #21044
Electric Casefeeder (four sizes available)
Other accessories available for the XL 650 include:
Video Instruction Manual #15064
Machine Cover #10443
Maintenance Kit & Spare Parts Kit #97017
The Blue Press, Dillon’s monthly catalog, has a complete listing
of accessories available for all machines.
Part #13524 Spot Manuals XL 650 Folder XL 650 Man. 6.1 10/01 WJC
Page #
Mandatory Safety Measures 5
Getting Started 6
1. Unboxing your machine 6
2. Mounting your XL 650 7
3. Initial Set-Up 7
A. Installation of Handle 7
B. Installation of the Spent Primer Cup and Cartridge Bin 8
C. Installation of the Casefeed Post 8
D. Installation of the Casefeed Tube Bracket 8
E. Installation of the Optional Casefeeder 9
4. Toolhead Overview 11
Lubricating Brass 11
Pistol Section – Toolhead Set Up 12
A. Station One – Installation of the Sizing/Decapping Die 12
B. Station One – The Decapping assembly 12
C. Station Two – Installation of the Powder Measure Assembly 12
D. Station Two – About Powder Bars 13
E. Station Two – Adjustment of the Powder Die/Powder Funnel 14
F. Station Two – Installation of the Failsafe Rod Assembly 15
G. Station Three – Installation of the Powder Check System 16
H. Station Four – General Information on Bullet Seating 17
I. Station Four – Seating Stems 18
J. Station Four – Installation and Adjustment of the Seating Die 18
K. Station Five – Installation and Adjustment of the Crimp Die 18
Rifle Section – Toolhead Set Up 20
A. Station One – About the Case Gage 20
B. How to Use the Case Gage 20
C. Station One – Installation of the Sizing/Decapping Die 21
D. Station One – The Decapping assembly 22
E. Station Two – Installation of the Powder Measure Assembly 22
F. Station Two – About Powder Bars 23
G. Station Two – Adjustment of the Powder Die/Powder Funnel 23
H. Station Two – Installation of the Failsafe Rod Assembly 25
I. Station Three – Installation of the Powder Check System 25
J. Station Four – How to Determine the Proper Seating Depth 26
K. Station Four – Seating Stems 27
L. Station Four – Installation and Adjustment of the Seating Die 27
M. Station Five – Installation and Adjustment of the Crimp Die 28
Final Assembly 29
1. The Primer Magazine 29
2. Installation of the Primer Early Warning System 29
3. Installation of the Locator Buttons 30
Loading Components Section
1. Primer System Overview (how it works) 30
2. Powder Bar Adjustment 30
3. Powder Check System Adjustment 31
A. Installation and Adjustment of the Powder Check Rods 31
B. Powder Check System demonstration 32
4. Filling the Primer System 32
Station Orientation and Loading Functions 34
Caliber Conversion Section 35-42
Trouble Shooting 43-45
Caliber Conversion Chart 46-48
Schematics 49-58
Table of Contents
Reloading small arms ammunition involves the use of highly
explosive primers and powder.
Handling these materials is inherently dangerous. You should recognize this danger and take certain
minimum precautions to lessen
your exposure to injury.
Never operate the machine
without ear and eye protection on.
Call our customer service department at (800) 223-4570 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.
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 50100 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
A
LL ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC COM-
PONENTS IN DILLON EQUIPMENT ARE
COVERED BY A ONE
-YEAR WARRANTY.
5
MANDATORY SAFETY MEASURES
6
GETTING STARTED
1.Unboxing Your
Machine:
After opening the box, check the contents against the list below. If any items are
missing or damaged, call us right away so
we can send out a replacement at no
charge.
You should have the following:
1. Machine with toolhead and toolhead
retaining pins installed
2. Operating handle assembly with washer
and lock nut
3. Casefeed mounting post
4. Casefeed tube
5. Casefeed support bracket
6. Primer Early Warning System bag
containing:
a. Primer Early Warning System (with
AAA battery included)
b. Primer follower rod (16” black plastic
rod)
7. Primer system parts bag containing:
a. Powder Measure Failsafe assembly
(10” black metal rod w/ hardware)
b. One small and one large primer pickup
tube – 12” aluminum tube each with
plastic tip - green tip (large), yellow tip
(small)
c. One large and one small plastic tip,
(spares)
d. Primer feed disk (2” diameter metal
disk w/16 small holes)
e. Primer magazine (15” aluminum tube
w/ brass tip)
f. Primer punch assembly. (metal
w/spring, approximately 2 x 1/2”)
g. Two steel hitchpins
8. Conversion kit box (empty)
9. Conversion kit includes caliber specific:
a. Powder funnel
b. Casefeed adapter
c. Three locator buttons
d. Shellplate (installed)
e. Station 1 locator (installed)
f. Casefeed arm bushing (installed)
g. Body bushing (installed)
10. Powder system with powder die
11. Accessory box containing:
a. Cartridge bin (blue plastic,
approximately 3 x 4 x7”)
b. Ejected cartridge chute (black
metal, wrapped in bubble pack)
c. Two 1/4” x 20 x 3”: hex bolts and two
1/4” x 20 nuts
d. Two Aluminum tube clamps
e. Spent primer cup (blue plastic)
f. Extra powder bar
g. Three die lockrings (7/8 x 14” thread)
h. Seven Allen wrenches (1/4”, 3/16”,
5/32”, 9/64”, 1/8”, 3/32”, 5/64”)
12. Casefeed assembly (optional)
13. Casefeed accessory bag containing:
a. Casefeed funnel adapter (white)
b. Spacer washer
c. Casefeed mounting post set screw
14. Mounting hardware kit (optional)
15. Three die set (optional)
16. Powder check system (optional)
11
1
16
4
5
3
8
6
7
2
9
13
14 15
12
10
7
2.Mounting your XL 650:
A. Locate a sturdy bench at least
24” wide and 14” deep, with 44” of
overhead clearance. We suggest a
minimum of 1” plywood or equivalent,
secured to the back wall. The workbench should be tall enough to place
your eye level about 18” above the
bench.
Note: It is important that the leading edge
of the bench has an overhang of at
least 3/4”. If the overhang is less
than 3/4”, the crank will interfere
with the front of the bench when the
operating handle is lowered. Unless
you have Strong Mounts, then none
of this is necessary.
B. Tools Needed:
You will need the following to mount and
set up your machine:
1. Electric drill
2. 17/64” drill bit preferred, 1/4” – 9/32” OK
3. Mounting Hardware Kit (#14355) or
four 1/4” through bolts with nuts and
washers
Note: The bolts should be at least 1 1/2”
longer than the thickness of the
mounting surface.
4. Two 7/16” wrenches if using kit
FIG 1
C. Drill the mounting holes FIG 1:
1. Using the machine as a template, mark
the four holes.
2. Using a 1/4” bit, drill the holes.
FIG 2
D. Bolting the machine to the
bench FIG 2:
Note: If you do not have a Mounting Hard-
ware Kit, ensure that you use 1/4”
or equivalent through bolts (with
large area washers if mounting to
wood). Do not use lag bolts or wood
screws!
FIG 3
1. Mount the left side of the machine with
the small washers on top and the large
washers on the bottom FIG 3. Run
the two left side nuts down finger tight.
2. Place the chute/bin bracket FIG 2 on
the right side of the machine. As
before, place the small washer on top
and the large washers on the bottom
and thread the nuts.
Note: The chute/bin mount goes under
the two right hand mounting bolts so
it must be installed as you are
mounting the machine FIG 2.
Check the fit of the chute/bin
mount. The chute/bin mount
should rest snugly against the
frame. Also, make sure that the
walls of the chute are parallel and
have not been bent during shipping or installation.
3. Using two 7/16” wrenches, tighten all
four bolts down.
3.Initial Set Up
If you ordered your XL 650 for a specific
caliber, it comes factory adjusted for that
caliber (minus dies) with the appropriate
“caliber specific” parts included. In fact, a
Dillon technician runs casings and primers
through the machine to check its function.
Note: As you assemble your machine,
we recommend that you cross
check caliber specific parts, included with your machine, with those
specified in the caliber conversion
chart (pages 42-44). The
point being – if we sent you the
wrong part, you’ll want to know it
before getting started. Reference
page 35 for instructions on how to
use the caliber conversion chart.
FIG 4
A. Installation of the handle FIG 4:
1. Hold the washer (see arrow FIG 4)
over the hole on the right side of the
crank and insert the handle.
2. Place a 5/32” Allen wrench or screw
driver through the hole in the handle to
help your grip.
3. Tighten the nut using a 7/8” wrench.
FIG 5
Operate the handle slowly to ensure that
the machine operates smoothly. Make sure
that the handle and the crank completely
clear the bench. Contact with the bench may
hinder its range of movement. Observe the
movement of the shellplate platform and verify that there is no interference or contact of
the case insert slide and the chute/bin mount
FIG 5.
FIG 6
B. Installation of the Spent
Primer Cup FIG 7 and
Cartridge Bin FIG 6:
1. Raise the platform (i.e., lower the
handle all the way).
FIG 7
2. Slide the spent primer cup onto the
rails as shown. Make sure when
installing the cup that it is on both
rails.
FIG 8
3. Place the cartridge bin on the
chute/bin bracket. Push the handle aft
FIG 8 while sliding the bin toward
the handle as shown. With the handle
pushed to its full aft position, there
should be a space between the handle and bin.
FIG 9
C. Installation of the Casefeed
Post
1. Remove the bolts, nuts and clamp
from the spacer kit and assemble
them as shown in FIG 9.
FIG 10
FIG 11
2. Install the casefeed post as shown in
FIG 10. Make sure the bend in the
post is facing away from you FIG 11.
3. Using two 7/16” wrenches, tighten
the bolts.
D. Installation of the Casefeed
Tube Bracket FIG 11.
Install as shown in FIG11.
Note: If you ordered your machine with
the optional casefeed assembly,
you won’t need to use the casefeed
tube bracket. This is because the
upper end of the casefeed tube is
supported by the casefeed bowl.
8
9
E. Installation of the Optional
Casefeeder FIG 12:
FIG 12
1. Remove the casefeed parts bag
from the casefeed bowl and remove
the casefeed assembly from the box
FIG 12.
FIG 13
a. Spacer Washer FIG 13: (see casefeed-
er schematic page 57)
Some calibers call for a spacer washer to
be used under the casefeed plate.
Installation of this washer raises the plate up
a bit to make the feeder function properly
with longer pistol cases (such as .357
Magnum, .44 Magnum and .30 M1 – this
listing of calibers requiring the spacer is
repeated in the caliber conversion chart on
pages 46-48 of this manual).
Note: The spacer washer does not come
factory installed.
FIG 14
To Install the Spacer Washer:
a.1. FIG 14 Remove the casefeed plate.
a.2. With the casefeed plate removed, dis-
assemble the clutch drive. To do so
unscrew the two clutch screws.
a.3. Install the spacer washer as illustrated
in the casefeed schematic (page 57).
IMPORTANT: The spacer washer goes
between the lower clutch and the casefeed plate.
a.4. Reassemble the clutch drive and rein-
stall the casefeed plate. (Note how the
clutch drive engages the drive pin).
FIG 15
b. Clutch Adjustment FIG 15:
Note: The clutch comes factory adjusted
(if you don’t have to install the
spacer washer you shouldn’t have
to adjust the clutch drive).
The two socket-head machine screws (pt#
13732) should be just tight enough for the
clutch to drive the casefeed plate under a
normal load of brass. To check this, place
the casefeed assembly in front of you on the
bench. With the switch off, plug the casefeeder in. Turn the switch to the down (low)
position and observe the movement of the
plate. You should be able to cause the
clutch to slip, using moderate finger pres-
sure, without stalling the motor. Alternately
tighten and loosen the two machine screws
evenly, observing the effect on the holding
power of the clutch. The correct setting
will stall the plate before stalling the motor,
yet not slip when the casefeed bowl is
about half full of brass.
Note: The casefeed bowl is not designed
to be completely filled with brass. If
it is fully loaded it will not function
reliably. The rated capacity of the
casefeeder is about 1/2 of the
bowl’s physical capacity.
FIG 16
c. Casefeed Funnel Adapter FIG 16:
Some calibers call for the white plastic
funnel adapter to be used, located in the
casefeed accessory bag FIG 16. It is used
for feeding 9mm, .38 Super, .32 H&R, and
.380 ACP. (This listing of calibers is repeated in the caliber conversion chart on pages
46-48). Without this funnel adapter these
calibers will occasionally hang up in the
clear plastic funnel FIG 17 at the top of the
casefeed tube.
FIG 17
Note: The casefeed funnel adapter does
not come factory installed.
10
To Install the casefeed funnel adapter
FIG 18:
FIG 18
Remove the screws that attach the clear
casefeed funnel. Slide the front cover down
a bit, and slip the white plastic funnel
adapter into the funnel FIG 18. Reassemble.
Note: Do not loosen the two screws that
are holding the microswitch (pt#
13779).
Note: Occasional jams will occur. To
keep them to a minimum, be sure
to use the spacer washer FIG 13
or white casefeed funnel adapter
FIG 16 when called for. Use the
low setting if it will keep up with
your loading pace, and do not overload the casefeed bowl. The rated
capacity of the casefeeder is about
1/2 of the bowl’s physical capacity.
Before placing the casefeed bowl on the
casefeed post, take a moment to look over
and understand the casefeed assembly and
how it works. If you like, you can run the
casefeeder before placing it on top of the
casefeed post. This will allow you to get a
better idea of how it works. To do so, plug
in the casefeeder and fill it with about 50
cases. Hold the casefeeder FIG 19 so the
funnel is vertical. Place the cartridge bin
under the funnel and turn it on. Experiment
using both the high and low settings.
FIG 19
FIG 20
2. Remove the set screw from the acces-
sory bag and thread it into the casefeed assembly FIG 20.
FIG 21
3. Place the casefeed bowl onto the
casefeed post FIG 21.
FIG 22
4. Place the casefeed adapter on the case-
feed body FIG 22. Note how the key
fits into the notch on the casefeed
body.
Note: Casefeed adapters are caliber spe-
cific. Cross-check your casefeed
adapter with the one listed in the
caliber conversion chart (for the caliber you’re loading) to ensure that
you have the correct one installed in
your machine.
FIG 23
5. Align the casefeed bowl so the spring
clamp is directly over the casefeed
adapter. Place the casefeed tube into
the casefeed adapter then snap the
tube into the clamp FIG 23.
11
Note: One end of the casefeed tube is
beveled and one end is squared off.
Insert the squared end of the tube
(down) into the top of the casefeed
adapter.
FIG 24
6. Using A 5/32” Allen wrench, snug
the machine screw against the casefeed mounting post FIG 24 to prevent the casefeed bowl from rotating.
4.Toolhead Overview
You’re now ready to install the toolhead
and adjust the dies. But first, we’ll give a
brief overview of the location and function
of each station, we’ll then follow up with a
detailed illustration.
FIG 25
Station 1
- Sizing/Decapping
The stations on the toolhead are numbered 1-5. Station 1 is for the sizing/decapping die FIG 25. This die can be easily
identified by the decapping pin sticking out
the bottom as well as by its label. This die
removes or “decaps” the old primer and
resizes the case.
Warning: Never decap live primers! (See
mandatory safety procedures.)
Station 2 - Powder Measure
FIG 26
Station 2 is for the powder die, which
comes attached to the powder measure
FIG 26. Here several operations are conducted. The case is primed, straightwalled
pistol cases are belled, and powder is
dropped. The purpose of the bell at the
mouth of the case is simply to help align
the bullet and to keep the case from shaving lead during the seating process. Note:
Only straight-walled cases receive a bell,
bottle-necked cases (rifle cartridges) are
not belled.
FIG 27
Station 3
- Powder Check
Station 3 is used for the optional powder
check system FIG 27. This system is located
in a separate package and can be identified
by the blue warning buzzer attached to a
die. This system is designed to detect gross
deviations in the powder charge, i.e. a double charge of powder or no powder at all.
Station 4 - Bullet Seating
Station 4 is for the seating die FIG 25.
This is where the bullet is pushed into the
case.
Station 5 - Crimp
Station 5 is for the crimp die FIG 25. This
die not only removes the bell created at
Station 2, but rolls the mouth of the case
inward to insure proper feeding and to
secure the bullet.
LUBRICATING BRASS
To lubricate brass, use “Dillon Case
Lubricant” (item# 13733).
Pistol
– If you’re using a carbide sizing
die, you will not need to lubricate your
cases (before sizing) when loading straightwalled cases. If you’re not using a carbide
sizing die, you must lube the brass before
sizing. We do, however, recommend lubricating all brass.
Rifle
– Lubricate all bottle-necked cases,
even if you’re using a carbide sizing die.
To lubricate your cases, start by ensuring that they are clean. Place your clean
brass in a shallow box so the cases are laying on their side. Pump a couple of sprays
of Dillon Case Lubricant over the cases.
Shake the box so the cases will tumble and
roll. Repeat this process again making sure
that the lubricant is well distributed over the
cases.
Note: When loading rifle cartridges, if your
sizing die doesn’t have a carbide
case mouth expander, you may
want to allow a little bit of lube to get
inside the case mouth.
Note: When loading bottle-necked
cartridges, if you get an excessive
amount of lube on the shoulder of
the case, it will leave oil dents.
Regardless of whether you’re lubricating pistol or rifle cases – do not
drench the cases in lubricant. A light
film of lubricant is sufficient.
Toolhead Head Setup:
Pistol – go to page 12
Rifle – go to page 20
12
PISTOL SECTION –
Toolhead Set Up
To set up the toolhead you’ll need to have
empty brass, bullets, primers and powder
on hand. (For your convenience Dillon
Precision offers a wide variety of new
primed and unprimed brass, bullets, primers
and powder.) For easy access, place your
brass in an open container. Dillon Precision
also offers a variety of blue bin boxes which
come in handy for this purpose.
A. Station 1 – To install the
size/decap die FIG 25:
Warning: Never attempt to de-prime live
primers, an explosion may result in
serious injury or even death.
1. Raise the platform, by lowering the
handle all the way down.
2. Screw the sizing die into Station 1.
Continue to screw the die down until
it just touches the shellplate. Tighten
the die lockring finger tight Now
lower the platform by raising the handle to its upright position.
3. Place a case in the casefeed funnel.
Here, the case drops to the casefeed
arm bushing.
4. Raise the platform. The inserter cam
pushes the feed arm bushing over the
body, dropping the case onto the
Station 1 locator.
5. Lower the platform. The case is inserted into Station 1.
FIG 28
Note: After raising the handle, insure that
you push the handle against its full aft
stop FIG 28. This will insure
that the case is fully inserted into
Station 1.
Note: Also, when priming, pushing the
handle against its full aft stop, FIG
28, will insure that the primer is
fully seated.
6. Again, raise the platform. The case is
now sized. If the case has a spent
primer, it will be deprimed. Leave
the platform in the raised position
with the case fully inserted in the
die. This will ensure that the die
remains in alignment when tightening the lockring.
FIG 29
7. Using a 1-1/8” wrench to turn the
lockring, and bench wrench to hold
the die body, tighten the 1” lockring
FIG 29.
FIG 30
B. Station 1 – The decap-
ping assembly FIG 30:
Dillon decapping assemblies are made
with replaceable decap pins. One extra pin
is included with each sizing die. To replace
a bent or broken pin, simply:
1. Unscrew the decapping assembly
from the top of the die FIG 30.
FIG 31
2. Unscrew the knurled retaining nut,
see “A” FIG 31, remove the old pin
and replace it with a new one, see
“B” FIG 31.
3. Screw the decapping assembly back
into the sizing die.
Note: The decapping assembly can be
removed from the sizing die without
affecting the adjustment of the sizing die or sizing operation.
Note: The decapping assembly must be
removed when loading primed
cases. (Tip: Check prices of
components. You can often purchase primed cases for the price
of the primers and new empty
cases. Obviously, this is a good
deal since you pay the same price
and save time.)
FIG 32
C. Station 2 – Installation of
powder measure assembly
FIG 32:
A
B
13
FIG 33
FIG 34
1. Use a 5/32” Allen wrench to loosen
the two collar clamp screws and
remove the powder die FIG 33 & 34.
FIG 35
2. Screw the powder die into Station 2.
Stop when the die is flush with the
bottom of the toolhead FIG 35.
FIG 36
3. Remove the powder funnel FIG 36
from the bag containing the locator
buttons.
FIG 37
FIG 38
About Powder Funnels:
In FIG 37 are two examples of the many
powder funnels available for the XL 650.
On the left is a typical pistol caliber fun-
nel. On the right, a rifle or bottle-necked
type. The bottom of the rifle-style funnel
fits snugly over the neck of the case,
allowing powder to drop in without
spilling (the rifle-style powder funnel does
not bell the mouth of the case). The bottom of the pistol funnel, on the other hand,
fits inside and actually expands and bells
as it guides the powder into the case.
Powder funnels are caliber specific, so be
sure you have the correct funnel by referring to the caliber conversion chart.
4. Insert the funnel into the die FIG 38.
Make sure that you insert the funnel
into the die with the grooved end up.
The funnel should move up and
down freely.
FIG 39
5. Remove the lid and the protective
cardboard tube from the powder
measure and place it onto the powder die FIG 39. Turn down the two
clamp screws until they are snug.
Then loosen them slightly. The measure should move freely atop the die.
D. Station 2: About Powder
Bars
Dillon Precision manufactures four types
of powder bars for the XL 650:
1. Extra Small – use for dropping less
than 3 grains of powder.
2. Small – use for dropping 3 to 20
grains of powder.
3. Large – use for dropping 20 to approx.
45-50 grains of powder.
4. Magnum – use for dropping more
than approx. 45-50 grains of powder.
The extra small powder bar is used when
loading .32 Auto, .32 S&W and .32 SWL.
Both the extra small powder bar and the
magnum powder bar are non-standard
items and are ordered separately. The large
14
and small powder bar, on the other hand,
are standard equipment and are included
with every XL 650. All powder measures
are shipped with small powder bars
installed . If you need to change the powder
bar – refer to “Powder Bar Adjustment” in
the Caliber Conversion Section on page 30.
E. Station 2 – Adjustment
of Powder Die & Powder
Funnel:
Note: Adjusting the powder die for a
straight wall case is not the same
as adjusting a powder die for a
bottle-necked case. This is
because straight wall cases are
given a bell and bottle-necked
cases are not given a bell.
Adjusting the powder die for a
bottle-necked case is covered in
the rifle section.
FIG 40
For the powder bar to properly dispense a
measured powder charge the powder bar
must travel its full distance. To travel its full
distance, the white cube must contact the
powder measure body (see arrow FIG 40).
FIG 41
Also the belling process does not begin until
after the powder bar has traveled its full dis-
tance. The angled portion on the bottom of
the powder funnel (see arrow FIG 41) is
what bells the cartridge. Once the white
cube has contacted the powder measure
body the case is forced upward against the
tapered portion of the powder funnel producing a bell. The more the powder die is
adjusted down (clockwise) the more the
case will be belled.
Note: If the powder die is not adjusted
down far enough to cause the
powder bar to travel its full distance the powder charge will be
erratic and the case will not
receive enough bell.
To adjust the powder die/powder
funnel:
1. Drop a case into the casefeed funnel
and cycle the handle. The case
should now be in the shellplate at
Station 1.
2. Raise the platform. Notice the resistance at the end of the downstroke.
This is the resistance of the case in
the sizing die. Lower the platform.
The case will index to Station 2.
3. Raise the platform. Check to see
how far the powder bar has traveled
FIG 40.
FIG 42
4. If the white cube has not traveled its
full distance, lower the platform just
enough to pull the case off of the
powder funnel (this will prevent the
shellplate from indexing while you
adjust the powder die). While holding
the powder measure, turn the die
down 1/8 of a turn FIG 42. Again
raise the platform and observe the
travel of the powder bar.
5. Repeat step four until the powder bar
travels its full distance FIG 40.
FIG 43
Once the powder bar travels fully across
you should continue to adjust the powder
die for the desired amount of bell (turn the
powder die 1/8 of a turn at a time). The
desired amount bell is just enough to allow
the bullet to sit on the case mouth without
falling off and to keep the case from shaving
lead during the seating process (see “A”
FIG 43).
Note: If you screw the die down too far,
the case will look like example “C”
FIG 43. You must then discard
this case, back the powder die off,
by turning it counter-clockwise, and
continue with a new sized case.
You’ll soon learn to judge the correct
amount of bell by simply looking at it. In
the meantime, you might want to use your
dial calipers to check it. Twenty thousandths of an inch greater (at the mouth of
the case) than its original diameter, should
about do it.
A
Correct amount of
bell.
B
Not enough bell.
C
Too much bell.
15
FIG 44
6. Once you’ve achieved the desired
amount of bell – with the case in
Station 2, raise the platform. Run the
lockring down hand tight FIG 44.
FIG 45
FIG 46
7. Insure the bellcrank and the failsafe
bracket FIG 45 are aligned. Using a
5/32” Allen wrench, snug the collar
clamp screws FIG 46.
FIG 47
8. While holding the powder mea-
sure, snug the lockring using a 1
1/8 wrench FIG 47. Now lower the
platform.
FIG 48
F. Station 2 – Installation of
the failsafe rod assembly
FIG 48:
The purpose of the powder measure failsafe rod is to return the powder bar to its recharge position.
FIG 49
1. Using your forefinger, move the lock-
link (#17838) down to align the hole
with the slot on the Powder Measure
bellcrank (#97034) FIG 49.
FIG 50
2. Insert the rod (#13629) through the
holes FIG 50.
3. Loosen the blue plastic wing nut
(#13799).
FIG 51
4. Slide the failsafe rod into the failsafe
return bracket. Push the shoulder
washer up into place (arrow FIG 51)
and tighten the blue plastic wing nut
until the end of the threaded rod is
even with the wings of the wing nut.
Note: Do not fill the powder measure or
adjust the powder bar until the rest
of the dies are installed and adjusted.
16
FIG 52
G. Station 3 – Installation of
the Powder Check System
FIG 52:
Note: The powder check system does not
guarantee the accuracy of the powder charge. It is designed to warn
you if the powder charge is grossly
out of tolerance, i.e., no powder or a
double charge.
Warning: A double-charged round (a
loaded round with twice as much
powder as it should have) can damage your gun as well as cause bodily injury.
Warning: A round loaded without powder
can also damage your gun as well
as cause bodily injury. If a round
without powder is fired in your gun,
the detonation of the primer will
push the bullet part way down the
barrel. If the lodged bullet is not
removed before another round is
fired, the gun will be damaged
and bodily injury may occur.
FIG 53
1. Loosen the die clamp screw FIG 53
and remove the die.
FIG 54
2. Raise the platform and screw the pow-
der check die into Station 3. There
should be a 1/8 to 1/4 inch space
between the shellplate and the bottom
of the die FIG 54.
FIG 55
3. Run the lockring down. Using a
1 1/8” wrench snug the lockring
FIG 55.
FIG 56
FIG 57
4. Remove the 10-24 screw and nut
from the black push rod FIG 56 and
place the powder check system on
the powder check die FIG 57.
Center the black push rod (see arrow
FIG 57) in the hole that is to the left
of the die.
FIG 58
5. Reinstall and snug the die clamp screw
FIG 58.
FIG 59
17
FIG 60
6. FIG 59 Screw the 10-24 screw and
nut fully into the rod. Raise the platform. Unscrew the 10-24 screw until
it contacts the edge of the platform
FIG 59. Lower the platform part way
and unscrew the screw (counterclockwise) until raising the platform
causes the buzzer housing to gently
rock into the side of the die collar
FIG 60.
FIG 61
7. Secure the jam nut by holding the
black push rod while tightening it
using a 3/8” wrench FIG 61.
Note: Once you’ve adjusted the powder
bar for the desired powder charge,
adjustment of the powder check
system can be completed.
H. Station 4 – General
Information on Bullet
Seating
FIG 62
FIG 63
FIG 64
The purpose of the seating die FIG 62 is
to insert the bullet into the case and to push
it down into the case the proper amount.
How far the bullet is pushed into the case
will determine the overall length (OAL).
Several factors go into determining the
proper OAL – such as, the maximum recommended OAL, listed in the reloading
manual, and the type of bullet being
loaded. The type of bullet can determine
the OAL in one of two ways. If the bullet
has what is called a cannelure, or crimping
groove (items A&B in FIG 63), this will
determine the proper OAL. If the bullet
you’re using doesn’t have a cannelure or a
crimping groove (item C in FIG 63), then
you’ll need to refer to your reloading manual for the suggested OAL. The purpose of
the cannelure and crimping groove is to
secure the bullet by giving the mouth of the
case a place to go (without deforming the
bullet) when being crimped. When the bullet is properly seated, the mouth of the cartridge case should be near the top of the
cannelure/crimping groove FIG 64.
Refer to your reloading manual. Under
the section specified for the caliber you’re
loading, you’ll find a schematic of the cartridge. For example, .38 Special lists a maximum OAL of 1.55” (Lyman Reloading
Handbook). If you’re seating the bullet to
the cannelure/crimping groove, the OAL
should be well within the maximum OAL
listed, however, use a set of dial calipers to
check it. (Dial calipers are available from
Dillon Precision). If the bullet you’re using
doesn’t have a cannelure/crimping groove,
refer to the specific type of bullet you’re
using in the reloading manual. For example
– if you’re loading a 158gr 38sp JHP and it
doesn’t have a cannelure/ crimping groove,
use the suggested OAL of 1.480 (Lyman
Reloading Handbook).
A
Sizing/Decapping Die
Seating Die Crimp Die
BC
18
FIG 65
I. Station 4 – Seating Stems
for pistol FIG 65
All pistol seating dies come with interchangeable seating stems. The seating stem
you should use will depend on the shape of
the bullet you’re loading. Three different
types of seating stems may be available –
wadcutter, semi-wadcutter and round nose.
Check to make sure that the seating stem
installed in your seating die matches the
bullet you are loading.
Dillon seating dies, which are being used
in this manual, are easily disassembled.
Simply remove the hitch pin from the top
and slide the seating stem out FIG 65.
Replace the seating stem and reassemble
the die.
FIG 66
J. Station 4 – Installation and
Adjustment of the
Seating Die:
1. Take the seating die from the die box
and screw it into Station 4. Screw
the die down until the bottom of the
die is flush with the bottom of the
toolhead FIG 66. Note: At this point
the die will not be screwed down far
enough to begin seating the bullet,
but it will give you a place to start.
2. Place a case (with a belled case
mouth) into Station 4.
3. Place a bullet on the belled case
mouth and raise the platform. Then,
lower the platform just enough to
inspect the bullet without indexing the
shellplate. If the bullet is not seated
deep enough, screw the seating die
down 1/2 turn at a time. As a guide,
one full turn moves the die down
about 70 thousandths of an inch,
about the thickness of a nickel.
Again, cycle the machine and inspect
the seating depth. Repeat these steps
as necessary until the correct overall
length is achieved. Use a dial caliper
or equivalent to measure the overall
length of the cartridge. Check the
overall length of the round against the
information in your reloading manual.
FIG 67
4. Once you have obtained the proper
OAL, replace the cartridge into
Station 4 and raise the platform.
Using a 1-1/8” wrench to turn the
lockring and a 7/8” wrench to hold
the die body, snug the lockring
FIG 67.
Note: If you should happen to seat the
bullet too deep, you can use a
Dillon bullet puller to reclaim your
components.
FIG 68
K. Station 5 – Installation and
adjustment of the Crimp
Die FIG 68:
1. Screw the crimp die into Station 5.
Screw it down until it is flush with the
bottom of the toolhead. This is a good
starting point for the crimp adjustment.
2. Place a cartridge with a properly seated bullet into Station 5.
FIG 69
3. Raise the platform and continue to
screw the die down until it touches
the cartridge FIG 69.
4. Lower the platform and give the die
an 1/8 turn down, again raise the
platform.
5. Lower the platform halfway and
inspect the cartridge. If the bell is still
present, or the desired amount of
crimp has not been achieved, give
the die a 1/8 turn down and try again.
Continue making small adjustments
to your crimp die until the desired
amount of crimp has been achieved.
6. Once the adjustment is complete,
place the case back into Station 5 and
raise the platform. Using a 1-1/8”
wrench to turn the lockring and a
7/8” wrench to hold the die body,
snug the lockring.
Sizing/Decapping Die
Seating Die Crimp Die
FIG 70
Note: FIG 70 When adjusting the crimp
die it is important to know what to
look for. Check that the crimp: Looks
OK, allows your firearm to function
consistently and the bullet feels tight
in the case.
The drawing of case #3 FIG 70 is a
depiction of a case that has been over
crimped by adjusting the crimp die down
(clockwise) too far. Note the defined line
below the mouth of the case and the bulge
below the line. This is not a proper crimp.
This line is the direct result of the cartridge
being over crimped. A line like this will
only appear if the crimp die is adjusted
down too far. Warning: Over crimping
.45ACP, .38 Super, 9mm, etc., can actually
cause the bullet to be loose in the case.
Go to Loading Components
Section – Page 30
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