HOGRIDER

I don't have any experience with the Frankford Arsenal X-10; however I can give my opinion with regards to the RL1100 and the Apex 10; as I have owned/operated both for single pass loading. Starting with Station 3 I think the RL1100 offers a very restricted form of using the hold down station to also provide Case Neck Expansion. As the Dillon back-up rod is a fixed length, the only way to get deeper expansion would be to cut/grind off a few thousands; then re-harden the end of the rod. Apex 10 has separate case neck expansion at Station 5. Moving to Station 4, the ever so important Priming Station, an RL1100 provides no standard threads located in the Tool head for a hold down, sizing die, etc. That can be rectified using aftermarket hold down inserts; or with the additional purchase of an optional Tool Head. Apex 10 provides fully threaded hole at this location that accommodates a hold down die or sizing die with the decapper removed. RL1100 uses Station 5 to dispense Powder; the Apex 10 is at Station 6 with Station 5 being used for Case Neck Expansion as mentioned above. With the RL1100, Stations 6, 7, and 8 are described in the Manual for (6)"Optional Powder Check OR Bullet Feeder; (7)Place and Seat Bullet, and (8) Crimp Bullet/Eject Completed Reload." IMO, here's were 10 Stations, as offered with the Apex 10, really start to "shine" as you end up with: (7) Powder Check (8) Bullet Drop (MBF) (9) Bullet Seat (10) Bullet Crimp Some have successfully utilized a combo seat/crimp die at Station 8 on the RL1100/S1050 series in order to use a powder sensor at Station 6 along with a MBF in Station 7. I personally have ALWAYS used/preferred separate seat and crimp stations. Finally, one of the biggest selling points that swayed me to the Apex 10 was the option to utilize a full suite of digital sensors after automating. And the most important one (for me)? The Primer Orientation Sensor that works flawlessly! Sorry to be so long winded..........but for those that choose to "single pass reload" the 10 stations offer additional important features and peace of mind! HTHs!

As I’m out of pocket, I hope those that load “single pass” pistol will give the details! IMO, 10 has huge advantages over 8!

@slavex automated the Apex 10 about 5 months ago; and one of the bonuses were the digital sensors. However, with the Digital Powder Sensor having a swing of +/- 2g, and given the N320/N330 9mm powder I load, that's just way too much variation! So, I too am in the planning stages of upgrading to the Keyence style laser sensor that will integrate into the M7 autodrive system.

Sarge: Been in an area with little to no cell service! Did send you a PM that I believe went through earlier........ Thanks!

Seriously considering trying a pair for competition...... Any other buying options for first time buyers other than paying full retail online? Thanks!

@Hoops Just sold my MAXX here in the classifieds...... But to answer your question, yes there is a recessed set screw on the rear that allows easy magwell removal. Good luck with your MAXX!

Take a look at Page 59 in the manual with reference to the STOP function: https://www.mark7reloading.com/amfile/file/download/file/4/ Then look at Page 27: Manually Operating the 1050 Autodrive........ HTHs

Have you tried putting the autodrive in "neutral" and operating the 1100 manually to see if you feel any resistance/issue during the full stroke?

Curious if the endoscope is still working for you? These options (below) may be cost prohibitive for most users; but several are using them in place of bullet sensors and/or powder sensors on the Mark7 Presses. https://www.keyence.com/products/sensor/photoelectric/lr-z/models/lr-zb250cp/ If this or the LR-X100C could be mounted to see up through the RL1100's "hole", it could easily stop the M7 Automation or set off an alarm for manual operation! https://www.keyence.com/products/sensor/photoelectric/lr-x/models/lr-x100c/

Been using FULLY pre-processed WIN brass for years without issue. The in the last couple of boxes I received, started having same issues as OP. All WIN headstamped and from a trusted source. Decided to take 1K and hand check with the Ballistic gauge. Just over 200 failed the gauge. They had tight and/or shallow pockets in the area below the case head! None were Mil with crimped pockets! Of course I'm now trending to another premium headstamp........... Seems Winchester's QC of their primers and brass have started to deteriorate significantly! SMH...........

I ran 650s/XL650s for MANY years! Got an RL1100 when they came out and used it approximately 2 years. Once I got it I knew automation would be my next goal. As I primarily do single pass loading, only 8 Stations on the Dillon were a bit of a challenge to work around. However, once I saw the "official" video of the DA3000, I knew it was time to look at the Mark 7 Apex 10 and their "digital" auto drive option. Caught a Black Friday Sale and purchased the Apex 10; fall of 2022. Set up the 10 Stations per their recommendations; and after a reasonable learning curve I was producing match (9mm) ammo with excellent consistency and ease of operation. Used it manually till December of 2023 when I caught a sale on the Autodrive along with a free digital sensor. Purchased the Autodrive with (free) Bullet Sense, digital Powder Sense, and my FAVORITE the Primer Orientation Sensor! Since I'm loading fully pre-processed brass, don't really have a need for Decap Sense or Swage Sense. I can 110% recommend the Mark 7 Apex 10 over a Dillon S1050 or RL1100! The 10 stations, IMO, are definitely a game changer; especially if your doing single pass loading. And the options to upgrade to DIGITAL Automation and Sensors are truly worth serious consideration if that goal is in your future. And Mark 7's Customer Service is second to none! Like many loaders here, I have used Dillon machines successfully for many years! And have dealt with their Customer Service many times; and found it to be excellent "IF" you talked to the right Rep. So my post is definitely not to bash Dillon Precision's products! I just feel they are way behind with their current "commercial" offerings; especially their automation. Just my $0.02 worth; and sorry for the long post!

If you like the MPA style grips, then definitely give Glenn a call about his LSI "Outlaw" Aluminum! https://lonestarinnovations.com/lsi-outlaw-aluminum/

I think as @Joe4ddid in his post above, you may want to look into trying another seating die. With a .358 bullet, and if your case wall thickness averages .012", then you'll end up with an OD of the round after the bullet is seated of ~0.382". Something to think about.........

@4n2t0: @ddc has given you some great advise. IMO, if I was loading coated bullets sized at .358", I would swap out my MBF powder funnel for one of these .358 funnels and try again! https://www.photoescapeinc.com/products/9htc-ptu.html And definitely reduce your flare which shouldn't be needed with the correct funnel. HTHS!

If Virgil is still involved with the business, I think he would know if there's a source available...... https://www.trippresearchinc.com/ Or Dave Dawson @Dawson Precision

This older posting may shed some insight..........

Thought of something that might be of interest.......... Several years ago while visiting Dawson Precision with a 2019 Staccato P (4.15"), I actually got to meet Dave and have a discussion about adjustable sights and his new Tool-Less Guide Rod made specifically for this first edition "P". Ended up buying the guide rod and he sent me a 3 pack of these recoil springs to test with the new guide rod: https://dawsonprecision.com/recoil-springs-for-dp-4-15-tool-less-guide-rod-9mm-by-dawson-precision/ They worked perfectly and offered enough difference in spring rate to use with any ammo I was loading!! Would these springs be an option for the OPs needs?

@scuba31 Thanks for sharing this info! Happy Easter! Ben

Never did load 9mm Major when I was running the RL1100; but like @ddc was loading somewhere between 4 and 5 grains of 9mm VV powder. Still had occasional kernels that would end up on the shell plate; especially when the indexing would stop on the "ball". Tried the Arredondo stabilizers but didn't like loosing the option to take a case in and out of a single station by using the Dillon brass tabs vs removing the entire stabilizer. https://www.arredondoaccessories.com/product/shell-stabilizer-3/ Ended up seeing another loader use some cable ties around his press. So I tried this and it worked perfectly at keeping the cases stabilized and not wobbling between stations. Pic of details:

Thank you! But I have to confess I have a good friend that's a CNC Master Machinist that made the "major" mods to my specs........

IF you did have an MPA, it would have taken a lot of "adjusting" to make the Cheely version fit!

Yea, RD makes a great looking and functioning trigger! What grip/pistol is yours in?

More detailed info: