Cavediver

jmorris, Any chance you can share a couple of dimensions with me? I'm playing with the feeder portion of your design and I've no idea how big to make the space between the "gear teeth." Also, can you tell me the size of the pass-thru slot at the top? I don't know how far I will get with this. I'm playing around with evaluating some engineering software during my spare time. I thought it would be neat to design one of these from common parts and materials while limiting the construction difficulty. I don't really intend to build one, but I'll be happy to post any drawings I do (provided it's OK with jmorris). Shell_wheel___Sheet1.pdf Michael, what is a "Freeloader?" Any chance you can send me a picture?

Condoor, For what it's worth, I'm in your shoes. I looked at charts and read web forums for weeks, agonizing over several decisions. I finally decided to pick a very popular powder that has a lot of posted data. It's worked well for me so far, but it's also giving me time to do more research and find that elusive "better load." Also for what it's worth, I ordered a batch of Precision bullets. My understanding is that they are similar to MaterBlasters. I asked the folks at Precision what powder they use. The answer they gave me confirmed much of my prior research. As a new reloader, I really don't feel comfortable dishing out load data. However, I'd say you could or even should call or email the people (person?) at MasterBlaster and see if they have load data to share, or at least a preferred powder to start. Good luck!

I bought the same pet feeders as well. I found the brass didn't flow well; 2 minutes, a razor knife and a rotozip fixed that I bought a larger Akro catch bin for the finished rounds. I bought dedicated allen wrenches in the necessary sizes; t-handle, ball end, etc. On the list of things to get: dedicated box wrenches and sockets for adjusting the dies and powder measure. The Dillon multi wrench does work, but its a PITA to use. A small hook tie-wrapped to the primer magazine tube holds my safety glasses (right in front of my face so that I don't forget to put them on). After dropping one of the brass shell plate buttons on the floor and having it bounce under my workbench, I drilled a few small holes to keep them safe (when pulling shells to check length, powder charge, etc).

Update: As I guessed, it was the powder die. It looks like the bottom was not milled out enough. I called Dillon on Wednesday; they said they'd get a replacement in the mail. I was expecting Monday or Tuesday, but it arrived today! Thank you Dillon customer service!

I'm converting my .40 SDB to a 9mm press. While installing my powder die & funnel, I ran into a problem. The powder funnel does not drop thru the bottom of the die nearly as far as the old .40 setup. You can see the difference in opening size at the bottom of the dies; .531 old in the tool head vs .436 new. Is the new die wrong, or it the old die, or is it me? This is my first attempt at reloading so be kind I just called Dillon and they're sending a new die my way. However, I'd still like to know if it's me or the die

Indeed it is. I called today and talked with a service rep. I ordered a couple of pieces-n-parts including the alarm, plus a couple of springs and a powder clamp assembly (under warranty). He (the dillon rep) shared a few reloading tips as well. Then he talked me into another manual and some case lube

Thanks guys. I meant to say that I do not have the warning system (yet). I'll set one up for now and order the alarm next week.

Hi all, I bought a used SDB this week. While looking things over today, I found there's no "follower rod" for the primer magazine. Is that something that's used only with the primer warning system? If I need one, is there an easy home fix, or is this a part I need to order? I'm sure this is a pretty silly question, but this is my first experience with magazine tube priming systems. Thanks

From experience, I'd say he's getting to the first "O" of Oooohhh SSHHHIII....

Well, we've got fundamentals. I don't know that I would call them good fundamentals... We'll be shooting slow and deliberate. Competition really isn't the name of the game just yet.

Just curious. I've read a few posts from you folks that make the larger winter / spring match, but I'd like to know if anyone makes it out there on a regular basis. My wife and I (both new shooters) are going to try and attend this weekend, weather permitting. I know the area 6 championship is this weekend as well, so I'm guessing attendance will be down. Good for us, there won't be as many people for us to slow down