ToolZero

I ran into this problem when I started wet stainless cleaning my 45ACP cases. It got to the point where it took 2 hands for me to pull the upstroke. The problem is if the powder funnel has any imperfections brass will stick to them, and more brass will stick on that, and it snowballs until you have vertical lines of brass all the way around the powder funnel. I used my Dremel to sand the brass lines off, but that only made things worse because I created so many more imperfections. I called Dillon and they said this was normal for new or really clean brass, and that I should clean the powder funnel every 25-35 rounds. That is stupid and completely defeats the purpose of a progressive press, so I kept searching for a solution. I removed the powder funnel and basically put it in a lathe. I started with 400 grit sandpaper to polish the funnel and went to 800, 1000, 1500, and finished with 2000 grit. My powder funnel is magically smooth now. It's also 0.003" slimmer in diameter which I believe reduces friction slightly. I have since run 2000 rounds of 45ACP through it, and it is still perfectly polished, with no resistance on the upstroke at all. I wish I had taken a picture of my funnel before I cleaned it the first time. The brass lines were so thick they created actual ridges you could feel. There was zero shine. This picture is after I polished with my Dremel and ran 100 rounds through it.

Thanks guys! I could not have put that bench together without the help of my 4yr old son and Bob the Builder. I did my homework and it sounds like the 650 is the right press for me, and the press many people wish they had started with. I've taken very seriously all the the advice and recommendations people have given me and posted. I know I've got a long way to go, but I'm confident my start is good and I take great comfort from know this excellent community is here for support and friendship. -Grant

Hi, My name is Grant and I am just getting into reloading. I have yet to reload my first round yet, but I'm almost ready. I think I finally have everything I need (including a friend who knows what he's doing). More than anything I would simply like to introduce myself and show off my new bench. I know I have a long way to go, but I'm very proud of it so far.