mccoy

Thanks Pedro and sorry for the late reply, the problem goes on, I was just checking this thread before writing to Dillon, I'm going to check all the details you indicated, the adjustment of the primer station with the primer punched into the case pocket also sounds pretty good to me.

Thanks you all for the tips I'm just back home, I'm going to check that index lever ASAP I'm sure I checked the detent ball before reassembing the shellplate and it was on top of its spring in its pocket. I could feel no click of the shellplate... All right, I'll mail Dillon if unable to fix the problem.

I'm a beginner with the XL650, purchased it a few months ago and reloaded a few thousands rounds, all of'em 38 special. Lately I'm experiencing serious problems with the priming station: press will just stop, primes won't slide into their box, trying to rotate manually the shellplate back and forth sometimes works some other times will result in deformed primers. This was lately occurring every other time or one third of the times. I removed the shell plate, cleaned it, greased it on the underside, removed and cleaned also the primer feeding assembly with the primer plate, cleaned what I could, did not disassemble the whole thing completely though. I visually noticed a misalignemnt between the priming punch and the center of the case seat at the shellplate. I tried to correct it acting on the two allen keys keeping the primer tube on the press. This worked only in part. I think the shellplate rotates just a fraction of degree beyond the exact centerline of punch. I can partially solve the problem by using my finger as a brake at the shellplate at the end of the cycle, doesn't work all the time unfortunately. I have often to remove the case from station 2, realign manually the shellplate (one fraction of a degree counterclockwise) and proceed. It's just a tiny fraction of degree, almost imperceptible but it does seem to be the cause of malfunction. Now I searched thru similar posts, I realize I have to adjust the settings somehow but I didn't grasp exactly how, the details of the ops. Could you please indicate me some available material, or clearly elucidate what and how to adjust it. My production currently sucks!! P.S:: my bench is firmly secured to the wall. I tightened the shellplate screw as per manual's spec. I'll be out a couple of days so I may not be answering soon but I'll sure consider carefully every suggestion you'll be sending.

Cuzinvinny, after a brief examination of handload data available, it would seem that AA#5 is not that far from the VVN340 I'm using with 158 gr SWCs. AA#5 requires more powder mass, and your data suggest something close to the upper bound at 900 fps, if I'm not totally wrong here. So, I think I'm going to behave likewise, start from something like medium range the way up (at the VVN340, from 5.3 grs up). I also ordered the VVN320 which is a littel faster burning. I still do not know wether accurate is available here. Also, thanks to the other friends and their tips. I'll try and find some of the suggested brand powders, now I'm using Vihtavuori because it's the hi-quality powder most readily available here in my place. My 8-shooter has at last arrived (a beauty indeed!!) and I'm going to experiment the handloads next weekend (today I also fired some, mildly loaded, they were good).

Cuzinvinny, let's suppose you were exclusively interested in high accuracy with the 627, those killer groupings resembling a single irregular hole, regardless of power factor. Which combination would you use then?

Timmy, I'm really drooling over your 629 PC. Pretty sleek looks and I'm sure sleek performance as well. Have fun!

Ciao Bones, interesting to know Italy is pretty active in IDPA revolver contests, as soon as I'll refine my shooting I'll sure start to ask around and probably partecipate to competions. May be we'll have an opportunity to meet up. And drink Prosecco together (not too much of it though, I'm the man who drives the car) Now the dumb question: I've noticed you guys all agree on fast or very fast burning powders, with the specified caliber (38 sp)and bullet weight (158 grs). Why exactly so ? What would be the difference in using a slower powder such as N340 (located in between Accurate No. 5 and No. 7, or equal to hodgdon's longshot, or Ramshot's silhouette) ? I might start out with VV N340 for safety reasons (harder to double-charge during first reloads) and then, when I'll be familiar with the technique, sure switch to the N310 or N320 powders. Also: what about use of lighter bullets? Alla salute

Well Carmoney, that's a start, isn't it? True, that Sicilian lingo though may come in handy in other parts of Italy as well

Grazie Daniele, io sono Luca dall'abruzzo. Piacerissimo incontrarti e sapere che ci sono altri italiani nel forum, Non me l'aspettavo! Translation: just saying hello to the Italian gunslingers whose presence I did not expect round here.

Molte grazie per il caloroso benvenuto! (Thanks very much for the very nice welcome) I downloaded the VV datasheets. And thanks for the tips, I'm going to work on'em

Hi all, this is my first post in these boards. Italy, old Europe, is my place. I'm an absolute beginner with revos and handguns in general. at the beginning of this year I decided I would start shooting an handgun. I went to the local range, rented the only revolver they have, an old S&W 686 and shot so far about 800 rounds. I'm definitely a revolver guy, just shot a semi in .40 S&W and hated it. I noticed I can be pretty good at it with some practice. My groupings in slow fire at 15 yds start being not too shabby. I've also been browsing the gun fora. I soon realized my handgun is the 627PC-8 shots 5" barrel. I ordered it yesterday, chambered in .357 mag. Now, I'd like to start handloading while I'm waiting for it. May be I'm OT, but in the reloading section almost every post was on 9mm's in semiauto. So, I beg your pardon but I decided this was the right forum. I've 800 once-fired (with the 686) .38 special cases. I got 158 grains hard-cast SWC bullets (only choice from the shelves of the local gunshop). I also got N340 VV powder. I'll take winchester primers. They suggested I start with 5 grs loads, the suggestion was general though and not specific to the 627 gun. Please note: right now I'm only into paper punching, at 15 yards distance, later on I'll try 25 yards out. My questions: what would be your suggested loads with the specified SWC 158 gs hard-cast bullets, in 38 special? I may change the VV 340 powder to another more suited, better if VV because other brands may not be available here. I'll check for availability anyway. Any other successful combination you experimented with the 627 in .38 sp would be great. I can order any other type of bullets, subject to avalaibility. Looking forward to your insight!!