I recently acquired a NIB 550 Dillon that was purchased new in 1986. I have successfully loaded a couple thousand rounds of pistol ammo. My question lies with updating to include the powder-return bar. The three powder measures that came with this machine do not seem to be able to be updated to the new system. This all came into play when I ordered another die set/powder measure etc. It will not work without the powder bar return. Dillon, being an incredible company, shipped me the upgrade free of charge.
My question......... is it ok to modify this new powder measure to just work with the springs like the ancient ones I have?? They seem to work great, and I have been careful about visually verifying powder charge in each cartridge. If I install the upgrade, my old powder measures are obsolete, and I am unsure if I want to spring for 3 new ones. Also installing the new bracket will force me to reset all the dies. Not a huge deal, but definitely time-consuming.
I am an experienced reloader, this is my first progressive and I am definitely in love.
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.