HOGRIDER

Agree! I have seen several videos/posts about how the X10 will run just fine once it's set up "correctly". But have not seen anyone discuss/talk about consistent primer seating depths and/or consistent OALs of finished cartridges. Would also like to hear how well the powder measure dispenses with popular powders........... Hopefully after SHOT they will be hitting distributors warehouses for shipment. I've read that Midway USA has 200 units that will be available shortly................. https://www.midwayusa.com/reloading-presses-and-accessories/br?cid=23847&Brand=Frankford Arsenal

Yes, Dillon has had brand loyalty for a long time! But, IMO, since Mike passed I don't think they have been aggressive enough in their development department..... Prior to buying the Apex10, I had serious reservations based on what I had heard and read about their primer issues. However, I felt that I had the ability to learn the system and maintain it just as I had to do with the RL1100. Supposedly the current setup has helped tremendously, and so far I have had ZERO issues with the priming system. Of all the years I owned/operated the XL650 series, I never remember having any priming issues whatsoever. IMO, it was one of the easiest priming systems to operate and maintain! With that being said, the first major issue I had with the RL1100 was the priming system! And it jammed the press up solid! All due to poor quality control on whomever did the assembly on my machine prior to shipment. I do think that competition is a good thing for us consumers; and I hope the X10 proves to be a great product. Time will tell...........

Understand the additional cash layout; but I feel 110% confident you'll appreciate the quality and smoothness of the premium Redding die. This has been my ONLY sizing die for the last 10 years!

@erwos IMO, you need to remove/file/stone a bit off the trigger's overtravel stop. If possible, install a stock trigger to verify prior to modification..........

I definitely respect and understand your opinion! After moving from a "dedicated" Dillon customer who most recently owned an RL1100, to the Mark 7 Apex10, my experience of having/utilizing a 10 station press has far exceeded my expectations! I feel confident that those considering the 8 station, RL1100 at $2200 vs the 10 station FX10 at $1200 will lean towards the FA unit if they fully understand the benefits of a 10 station press! And I feel FA is committed to standing behind and fully supporting this press! Yea, the MK7 is definitely more expensive; but again IMO, the quality and CNC machining of components justifies that additional cost............

Before going back to the U-Die, I'd like to recommend an alternative: The Redding Pro Carbide Sizing Die! https://www.accuratearmsandammo.com/searchquick-submit.sc?keywords=87172 After also dealing with what IMO felt like excessive sizing with the U-Die, I returned to the Redding and it has worked flawlessly for my .356" coated bullets along with my match .357" JHP bullets. Experienced this "adventure" a couple of years ago: https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/285234-lee-9mm-u-die-new-user-setup/?do=findComment&comment=3179600 Also, if your decapping a lot of "range" type brass, I would have to recommend having these decapping pins as my default: https://www.accuratearmsandammo.com/searchquick-submit.sc?keywords=01059 HTH's

++100%

Edmond (SIG Mechanics) collaborated with Robert (TSA) to develop a V2 of the TSA Access Tool. Should be available soon.......... https://www.instagram.com/p/CnLD9BsLLm3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link BTW, have really old steel armorer blocks, CZ delrin blocks, 1911/2011 blocks, and the trusty roll of masking tape; and have found the TSA Access Tool along with good quality roll pin, pin punch, and roll pin holders is all I need for the P320 pistols......... https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/index.htm Good tools are a life-long investment!

Really? Help me understand your reason(s) for this statement.............

@Boomstick303good point!

Sounds like he may have re-assembled it before installing the take down lever, assembled without the take down lever in the fully down/7:00 position, or try lifting the slide catch lever to reset......... https://youtu.be/lfFpQ_0GQpY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6Gu2-P6nWI

IF you can get your hands on some Federal American Eagle, try them as a comparison to the Syntech. Their clean also; but a bit faster. IMO, if the Syntech is tumbling, they need chrono'd to check for weak/low PF......... https://www.federalpremium.com/handgun/american-eagle/american-eagle-handgun/11-AE9FP.html

If anyone is still looking for feedback on the Apex10, then I can share my initial experience as EXCELLENT! I moved over to the Apex10 from an RL1100 as I wanted 10 fully-usable stations along with the option to upgrade to "digital" automation! As you can see in the pic, I did move my very precise Dillon powder measure over to the Apex10 as I have it set up (with micrometer) to deliver very consistent drops and I didn't have to take the time to learn the M7 powder measure system. And with the few hundred loads I've run though the Apex10, the Dillon powder measure has remained as consistent and accurate as when it was on the RL1100. One of the things I was dreading, based on other's past experiences, was dealing with those dreaded primer hang-ups and issues. So far, my primer system has been flawless; and the only adjustment I've made was a minor setting change for primer seating depth. Have the included Lyman hold down die over the swage station, a sizing die over the primer station, Redding Pro expander, and the DAA V2 powder check. The powder check die has made such a great improvement in my loading process as I now don't have to make sure I "also" glance at the video feed from an Endoscope camera. And the accuracy of the DAA powder checker is excellent! Of course I have my Redding NxGen Pro dies in the sizer, seat, and crimp stations. I did have a delay in my initial production, which I found during setup. During cycling of the press, there was a definite "drag" happening right about the middle of the stroke. And this was with an empty shell plate. While following the recommended procedure for aligning the tool head, I found that if I left the right guide pin alignment block loose, the "drag" was removed and the press cycled very smoothly. After taking some measurements, I found out that one of the tool head alignment pins had been incorrectly installed causing the pin to be off-center. A phone call to Mark7 support, and the next day I have a new, replacement tool head on it's way. After a couple of phone calls during initial setup, along with finding the defective tool head, I have found that Mark7 offers EXCELLENT Customer Service that is on par with any company I have experience with so far. The CSRs I've spoken with have gone out of their way to listen and readily help with any questions and/or concerns I've had. Also found a lot of support videos by the M7/Lyman Techs that thoroughly address a lot of setup/maintenance procedures that are not readily available in the Manual. Now to start saving for the Mark7 Autodrive and sensors! HTHs!

http://www.rozedist.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RZD&Category_Code=ZB-9MM https://benstoegerproshop.com/zero-9mm-147-gr-jacketed-hollow-point-jhp-bullet-projectiles-2-000/ https://czcustom.com/products/zero-bullets/9mm.html https://www.powdervalleyinc.com/product-category/reloading-supplies/bullets/pistol/?filter_brand=zero&query_type_brand=or Seems finding quantities that are available is hit or miss........and prices have definitely gone up! But what hasn't? Been satisfied using Precision Deltas as a backup!

A "classic" load for the Zero 147g JHPs is using 3.5g N320 with an OAL of 1.125". Accurate in several 9mm pistols I've tested!

As someone noted in another post, UniqueTek sells the Photo Escape powder funnels which BTW, are produced to the exact specifications as the OEM MBF funnels. Your choice on whom to purchase from; but they are identical product. Further, desired polish/finish of either can be accomplished by the end user. Also note, there are standard (9mm) funnels for .356"/.357" bullets AND .357"/.358" funnels for using oversized bullets! https://photoescapeinc.com/products/powder-funnel.html https://photoescapeinc.com/products/9htc-ptu.html Both products are also available from UniqueTek!

@oddjobOnce I got the Max I had already committed to using the 124/125g platform, and never took the time to test any of my 147 Match loads. If I decided to test the 147g match load I was using with the S2 Orange, which btw were producing under 1" groups, it would be with the 147g Zero or PD JHP with 3.5 N320 @ 1.120" - 1.125" OAL. Of course I would verify the OAL with the KKM barrel before testing. HTHs!

This was my final match load for the Max. I'm also using the KKM barrel........

@TheCaryBrassGuy If your on FB, you might get some feedback here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Mark7Reloaders/

Absolutely! And I'm sure those close fitted tolerances helped me achieve this level of accuracy. Don't think I'd experience this with the standard, bushing less S2............

Follow these instructions for perfect powder funnel settings! From the MBF founder himself!

If you after a tight-fitting S2, look at the S2 Orange or the S2 AccuShadow!

My understanding is also that the striker assembly should be run dry; though I've heard of putting a "dab" of grease on the end of the striker reset spring to aid retention during assembly..........

Anyone know why SSI chose to make their 9mm powder funnel longer than the 1050/1100 version?

IIRC: With regards to 1911/2011, empty chamber w/hammer down and loaded mag is condition 3. I'm thinking if we take a P320, for example, and rack an empty gun and pull the trigger; THEN insert a loaded mag, it would replicate condition 3 also but probably be called condition 2 with reference to a striker fired pistol. Of course, I may be way off base here...........