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Help For the XL 650. |
Sizing Questions
Primer Questions
Shellplate Questions
Powder and Powder Measure Questions
Bullet Seating Questions
Casefeeding Questions
Miscellaneous Topics
Getting marked cases at the sizing station
- Using the wrong sizing die for that caliber
- make sure to use the correct sizing die for the caliber being loaded
- Cases may be oversized from firing in a gun with an oversized chamber
- the case may have outlived its useful life
- start with new cases and fire only in a known chamber
- it could have also been too hot of a load or an over-pressured load
- Dirty cases
- clean the cases before loading
- Brass or nickel is adhering to the carbide insert
- lube cases properly to prevent this
- clean the insert with 600 grit to remove build-up
- use Sweets 762® solvent to clean the die
- Using new cases which have sharp edges at the case mouth
- deburr the case mouth with a deburring tool
- Die not tightened while the case is in place
- after setting the sizing die per instructions in the XL 650 manual, put the case
back into the shellplate, pull the operating handle down all of the way and then tighten
the die lock ring. This helps to keep the die straight in the toolhead
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Cases are not properly sized
- Not pulling the operating handle down all of the way
- pull the handle down all of the way and then push it up all of the way
- Case may be oversized from firing in a gun with an oversized chamber
- the case may have outlived its useful life
- start with new cases and fire only in a known chamber
- it could have also been too hot of a load or an over-pressured load
- Sizing die is not adjusted properly
- pull the operating handle down all of the way and screw the sizing die down all of
the way to the shellplate. Raise the handle and insert an unsized case into the
shellplate. Pull the handle down all of the way and tighten the die lock nut
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Cases are sticking in the sizing die
- Insufficient case lube was used
- cartridges for which Dillon recommends case lube are: .44-40, .44 Mag, .41 Mag,
.45LC and all rifle calibers
- spread the lube evenly on the cases
- Alcohol has not yet evaporated from Dillon Case Lube (part #13733)
- allow ten minutes for the alcohol from the case lube to dry before sizing the cases
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Dents in cases after sizing
- Excessive sizing lube was used -- this applies only to cases with shoulders
- spread the lube evenly and lightly on cases
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Decap pin is not working or is breaking
- Smaller caliber case may be stuck inside a larger case, media and/or polish has
formed a hard mixture in the bottom of the case, or there is debris in the case
- examine cases before depriming. Make sure they are free of debris
- Berdan cases
- has one or two flash holes that are offset from the middle. Berdan cases cannot be
reloaded and should be discarded
- Point of decap pin is squared off, rather than rounded
- pin gets stuck in anvil of primer and pulls it back up
- clean the brass build-up off the pin using steel wool
- Burrs around the flash hole
- use a flash hole deburring/uniformer tool
- Using non-Dillon dies that do not have a tapered opening
- screw the decapping assembly down further
- Sizing Die is not adjusted properly
- pull the operating handle down all of the way and screw the sizing die down all of
the way to the shellplate. Raise the handle and insert an unsized case into the
shellplate. Pull the handle down all of the way and tighten the die lock nut
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Cases are not getting primers
- Dillon recommends standing up in front of the machine while operating it
- Be sure to have the machine mounted on a solid surface. If the bench moves or
flexes this may result in priming problems. Again, be sure to be standing up to operate
the machine
- Magazine tube (part # 13471 or 13510) is empty
- see the XL 650 instruction manual for instructions on filling the magazine tube
- Using the wrong size primer for the caliber being loaded
- consult a loading or powder manual for the correct primer size for the desired
caliber
- Primers are stuck in the magazine tube (part #13471 or 13510)
- Do not
try to force primers out of the magazine tube. Dispose of the tube
safely
- spray lube inside the tube and tape both ends. Dispose of the tube safely
- E-mail or call Dillon for a replacement. Phone1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Crushed, sideways, upside down or improperly seated primers
- It is important to be standing up rather than sitting down while operating the
machine
- the Dillon strong mount (part # 22051 or 22052) optimizes the machine's height for
the best operation
- Not pushing the handle fully forward or hard enough
- make sure that full forward movement is not being blocked
- Locator buttons are missing or are the wrong size
- see the XL 650 instruction manual for the correct placement and size locator
buttons for the caliber being loaded
- Using the wrong size primer for the caliber being loaded
- consult a loading or powder manual for the correct size primer for the desired
caliber
- large rifle primers are .008" taller than large pistol primers. Do not
substitute
- Primers were loaded upside down
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the proper procedure for loading primers
into the machine
- Using large magazine tube (part #13510) for small primers
- use the proper magazine tube for the primer size you are loading
- Index ball (part # 13891) is stuck in a hole in the shellplate platform (part #
12796)
- insert a small slotted screwdriver into the slot around the hole to remove the
index ball
- Not pausing in the neutral position prior to pushing forward to prime
- pull the operating handle down all of the way. Bring the handle back up to the
neutral position and pause one second (this allows everything to rotate into place) then
push forward to prime
- Shellplate is too loose
- shellplate must turn freely, but not be too loose
- tighten down the shellplate bolt all of the way, then back it out 1/16 of a turn.
Now tighten the shellplate bolt set screw on the left side of the shaft to hold adjustment
- Primer station locator tab (part #13242) is out of adjustment
- adjust primer station locator tab so it is 10 thousandths of an inch from the case
rim (about the thickness of a business card)
- Military primer pocket needs swaging
- use a swaging tool, such as the Dillon Super Swage 600, to modify the primer pocket
to commercial specifications
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Spent primers are not dropping into the spent primer cup
- Spent primer cup bracket (part #13421) is missing
- check the diagram in the XL 650 instruction manual for the correct placement of the
spent primer cup bracket
- Spent primer cup (part #13420) is missing, or not pushed in all the way
- check the diagram in the XL 650 instruction manual for the correct placement of the
spent primer cup
- Spent primer cup (part #13420) is full
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Shellplate is not indexing smoothly
- Not going full stroke on the handle
- pull the handle down all of the way and then push it up all of the way
- Index pawl (part #13667) is in backwards
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for proper placement of the index pawl
- Primers, powder or other debris is trapped under the shellplate
- keep the shellplate clean.
- when replacing the shellplate bolt (part #13418), lube the bolt with a little
all-purpose grease
- Shellplate is too tight
- shellplate must turn freely, but not be too loose
- tighten down the shellplate bolt all of the way, then back out 1/16 of a turn. Now
tighten the shellplate bolt set screw on the left side of the shaft to hold the adjustment
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Cases are misaligned or are not fitting into the shellplate
- Wrong shellplate for that caliber
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the correct size shellplate for the
caliber being loaded
- Wrong case for that caliber shellplate
- check the case headstamp for caliber markings
- Locator buttons are missing or are the wrong size
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the correct placement and size locator
buttons for the caliber being loaded
- Shellplate is upside down
- number or letter in a circle must face up
- Rim of the case is damaged or the case was shot in an open-bolt gun
- an example of an open-bolt gun would be a 9mm sub-machine gun
- discard any damaged cases
- Worn out case from overuse or from hot loads
- useful life of the case is over and it should be thrown away
- Debris has collected in the grooves of the shellplate
- clean out the debris with an awl or with a toothbrush
- Primer station locator tab (part #13242) needs to be adjusted
- adjust the primer station locator tab so that it is 10 thousandths of an inch from
the case rim (about the thickness of a business card)
- Openings of the shellplate are pointed or burred
- round off with a file
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Shellplate keeps tightening
- Brass-tipped set screw (part #13923) is loose or missing
- tighten the set screw; consult the XL 650 instruction manual for proper adjustment
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Cases are not being pushed all the way into the shellplate
by the case insert slide
- Not pushing forward far enough on operating handle
- Camming pin (part #13371) needs to be adjusted
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for adjustment procedure
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Powder throw is inconsistent
- Erratic handle (part #21280) movement
- smoothly cycle the handle all the way down and then all of the way up
- Not going full stroke on the handle (part #21280)
- pull the handle down all of the way and then push it up all of the way
- Machine is not secured properly
- look for loose bolts or an unstable bench
- Powder has not settled in the hopper (part #13691)
- cycle the handle (part #21280) four or five times
- keep the powder measure hopper at least half full
- Wrong size powder bar for the powder throw requirements
- use the small bar for ten grains or less and the large bar for more than ten grains
- Bellcrank bolt (part #13904) is loose
- this allows the bellcrank cube to slip out of engagement with the powder bar
- tighten the bolt
- Powder funnel, drop tube or powder measure body is dirty or is clogged
- soak the powder funnel in rubbing alcohol or in acetone
- swab out the drop tube with a dry cotton swab
- wipe out the powder measure body with a dry cloth
- Powder die (part #21077) is not screwed down far enough to allow full travel of the
powder bar (part #21276 or #21277)
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the proper adjustment of the powder die
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Powder bar is sticking
- Powder bar (part #21276 OR 21277) is dirty
- clean with acetone or with rubbing alcohol. The powder bar must remain clean. Do
not lube
- do not use sandpaper, a file, or anything else abrasive on the powder bar
- Powder bar insert (part #13853 or 13818) or powder bar bolt (part #13943) is
over-adjusted or adjusted in the wrong direction
- this can bind the powder bar insert (part #13853 or 13818) causing the powder bar
(part #21276 or 21277) to drag or break off the head of the powder bar bolt
- turn the powder bar bolt clockwise to drop more powder. Turn counter-clockwise to
drop less powder
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Over-flared or under-flared cases
- No funnel is installed
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the proper funnel for the desired caliber
- Wrong funnel for desired caliber
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the proper funnel for the desired caliber
- Improper powder die (part #21077) adjustment
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the proper adjustment of the powder die
- Funnel is dragging in a dirty powder die
- soak the funnel and the powder die in rubbing alcohol or in acetone
- Variations in case length
- trim cases
- Using an old 543G powder funnel for .44-40
- E-mail or call Dillon for the correct funnel (part # 5344). Phone1-800-762-3845 or
602-948-8009
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Cases are sticking to the powder funnel
- New cases
- deburr the case mouth of new cases with a deburring tool
- Powder funnel is dirty
- soak funnel in rubbing alcohol or in acetone
- wipe with steel wool or Scotch-Brite® pad
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Powder is spilling from the machine
- Powder measure lid (part #13882) is off of the powder measure hopper (part #13691)
- replace the lid onto the hopper
- Operating the machine too fast
- this does not allow the powder a chance to dispense completely into the case
- smooth cycling of the handle, down all of the way and then up all of the way, works
best
- Case is full
- this is common in 9mm
- slow down the operation of the handle
- Machine is not secured properly
- look for loose bolts or an unstable bench
- No primer in the case
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the primer loading procedure
- Small powder bar spacer plug (part #13921) is missing
- long end down for the small bar; short end down for the large bar
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Machine is not throwing a powder charge
- Powder measure is out of powder
- make sure that there is powder in the powder measure hopper
- No case is in the shellplate
- a case must be in the shellplate to activate the powder measure
- Powder die (part #21077) is not screwed down far enough to allow full travel of the
powder bar (part #21276 or 21277)
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the proper adjustment of the powder die
- No funnel is installed
- consult the XL 650 Instruction manual for the proper funnel for the desired caliber
- Powder measure is plugged
- empty the powder from the powder measure hopper and look for obstructions in the
powder measure and in the powder bar
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Shaving lead or lube when seating the bullet
- Wrong size bullet
- make sure to use the correct bullet for the case being loaded
- Case is not belled enough
- increase the case bell by turning down the powder die. To do this, turn the die
clockwise in 1/2 turn increments
- Using a combination seat and crimp die
- bullet gets crimped before being fully seated
- adjust the the seating stem depth first, then adjust the crimp after the seating
depth is correct
- Cracked case mouth
- throw the case away
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Brass shavings fall when the bullet is seated
- New cases
- the symptom will usually go away after one or two firings
- Case mouth is worn or thinned out
- the case is worn out, and should be discarded
- Too much flare in case
- decrease the bell by turning the powder die upwards. To do this, turn the die
counter clockwise in 1/4 turn increments
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Bullet is tilted after seating or the loaded round varies in
overall length
- Bullet was not straight on the case prior to seating
- Case is belled too much or not enough
- set the bell so that the bullet sits on top of the case without falling off but not
so much that the bullet falls into the case
- Wrong seating stem for that bullet or caliber
- make sure to use the correct seating stem for the desired caliber
- use the stem that makes the best contact with the bullet
- Using the wrong diameter bullet
- make sure that the bullet diameter is correct for the bore being used
- some brands and shapes of bullets give greater variation than others
- Using wrong locator buttons
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the right size locator buttons for the
desired caliber
- No case in station two when tightening the powder die nut (part # 516)
- this leaves the bell uneven and slants the funnel
- after adjustment of the bell, put the case back into the shellplate, pull the
handle down all of the way and then tighten everything up
- Variations in case wall thickness
- if case appears thicker than usual, chamfer the case mouth
- check the case length, it may need trimming
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Bullets are being deformed at the seating station
- Wrong seating stem for that bullet or caliber
- make sure to use the correct seating stem for the desired caliber
- use the stem that makes the best contact with the bullet
- Case is not belled enough
- increase the bell by turning down the powder die. To do this, turn the die
clockwise in 1/2 turn increments
- Lead or wax has built up in the die
- soak the die in rubbing alcohol or in acetone
- Soft lead
- use Dillon hard cast bullets
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Bullet is too loose or too tight in the case
- New cases have not been sized
- new cases should always be sized
- Bullet is undersized
- check the bullet diameter with a pair of calipers
- Wrong size bullet for that caliber
- consult a loading or powder manual for the correct size bullet for the desired
caliber
- Using wrong crimp die for that size case
- look on the die body for caliber identification
- Not going full stroke on the handle (part #21280)
- pull the handle down all of the way and then push it up all of the way
- Over-belled case
- over-belling in station two will require an over-adjustment of the crimp die to
take out the excessive flare
- set the bell so that the bullet sits on top of case without falling off, but not so
much that the bullet falls into the case
- Over-crimping
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for adjustment instructions
- Variations in case lengths
- trim cases
- Using an old 543G powder funnel for .44-40 (with .427" or .428" bullets)
- E-mail or call Dillon for the correct funnel (part # 5344). Phone1-800-762-3845 or
602-948-8009
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Casefeeder does not turn on or off
- Casefeeder is not plugged in
- Casefeed tube is full and the micro switch (part #13779) is tripped
- Metal tab on micro switch is bent down and not making full contact with cases
- bend metal tab on micro switch back into the path of the falling cases
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Casefeeder is on, but the casefeed plate will not rotate
- Cases are caught under the casefeed plate
- remove the casefeed plate and remove any trapped cases
- Cases are jamming on the casefeeder guide block (part #13536)
- furthest counter-clockwise position for 45 ACP
- move the guide block to another position
- Casefeeder is too full
- a full one pound coffee can is about right
- Casefeed plate clutch screws (part #13732) are too loose
- tighten the screws down all of the way
- Bad micro switch
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Cases are jamming or falling down the tube upside down
- Using the wrong casefeed plate for that caliber
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the correct casefeed plate for the
desired caliber
- 9mm/380 casefeed baffle (part #13688) is not in
- if loading 9mm or 380 ACP, consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the correct
installation of the casefeed baffle
- Casefeeder is too full
- a full one pound coffee can is about right
- Need washer(s) (part #13703) under the casefeed plate for certain calibers
- one washer for 41, 44, 45LC, 357, and 30 Carbine
- two washers for 7.62 x 39
- no washer for all others
- Casefeeder guide block is in the wrong position
- furthest counter-clockwise position for 45 ACP
- move the guide block to another position
- Casefeeder mouth is damaged
- call for a casefeed cuff (part #15433)
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Cases are jamming at the casefeed arm
- Dented or squashed cases
- throw away any damaged cases
- Short stroking the machine
- pull the handle down all of the way and then push it up all of the way
- Operating the machine too fast
- this does not allow the case a chance to fall down all of the way
- smooth cycling of the handle, down all of the way and up all of the way, works best
- Wrong size or loose body bushing for the caliber being loaded
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the correct placement and size body or
arm bushing for the caliber being loaded
- Holes are not lining up at the casefeed arm
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for adjustment procedures
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Cartridges won't feed into the gun's chamber
- Over-all length of the cartridge is too long
- bullet is hitting the rifling
- consult a loading or powder manual for the over-all length specifications
- Too much flare has been left on the cases
- over-belling in station two will require over-adjustment of the crimp die to take
out excessive flare
- set the bell so that the bullet sits on top of the case without falling off, but
not so much that the bullet falls into the case
- Not enough or too much crimp
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the proper die adjustment
- Using range brass that has been shot in someone else's gun. Especially those with
extra large or unsupported chambers
- start with new cases and shoot only in a known chamber
- Incorrect headspace
- purchase a headspace gage (Rifle)
- for proper use, see the case preparation manual
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Dies are too short
- Need Dillon lock rings (part #14067)
- three extra lock rings come with each machine
- There is no need to over-tighten--only one thread above the toolhead is sufficient
enough to hold the dies
- Use Dillon Dies
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Early Warning System is inoperative
- Follower rod (part #13707) is not properly placed
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for proper placement of the follower rod
- Battery is low on power or is missing
- replace the battery
- Primers are stuck in the magazine tube (part #13510 or #13471)
- do not
try to force primers out of the magazine tube. Dispose of the tube
safely
- spray lube inside the tube and tape both ends. Dispose of the tube safely
- E-mail or call Dillon for a replacement. Phone1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Rounds are not ejecting after station five
- Ejector wire (part #13298) is missing
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the correct placement of the ejector wire
- Ejector wire (part #13298) is set too high
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for the correct placement of the ejector wire
- Wrong locator buttons
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for proper placement and size locator buttons
for the desired caliber
- Openings of the shellplate are pointed or may have a burr
- round off with a file
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Handle movement is difficult
- Primers are trapped under the shellplate
- remove the shellplate and remove any trapped primers
- Main shaft is dirty or dry
- clean and lubricate the shaft and cylinder with 30 WT motor oil
- Link arms (part #13583) and/or upper link arm pins (part #13700) need to be greased
- use an all purpose grease. Do not use aerosol lubricants
- Frame (part #21278) is marred where the shellplate“s brass-tipped set screw (part
#13923) was backed out too far
- consult the XL 650 instruction manual for proper adjustment
- If you are still having difficulty, please E-mail Dillon's Technical Support staff or
call1-800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009
Dillon Precision Products, Inc.
8009 E. Dillon's Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85260 U.S.A.
Call Toll Free 800-762-3845 or 602-948-8009 ° Fax 602-998-2786
Open 7-6 MST, M-F; 8-3 Sat.
Have technical questions about Dillon Precision's
products? Please send them to dillon@dillonprecision.com
Have comments about this web site? Please send them to comments@dillondigital.com
Copyright © 1998 Dillon Digital Innovations, LLC
Last modified: December 2, 1998
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