HOGRIDER

I can remember users saying the Redding sizing dies actually have a bit smaller opening than the Dillon dies. Inside micrometer could easily verify. Can remember on the XL650 that the black case insert slide cam had to be adjusted perfectly to keep the case from springing/backing out of the shellplate as the cam retracted; or there would be case mouths catching on the sizing die....

@boatdoc173If you haven't already, disassemble the die and remove the spring! Give it a thorough cleaning and try again..... Pretty good read from a few years ago. Many have experienced your same issue: And another good thread............ HTHs!

I was in the same boat.....and still have many pounds of N320 sealed in a climate controlled room. Don't think it'll go stale...........

IMO, that's a lot of questions/variables that only YOU can answer depending on your likes/dislikes........ My MPA really likes the 124 JHP with VV N330 per my bench results:

Worth noting: Photo Escape is manufacturing these funnels to the MBF OEM specifications! Available at the PE website; and UniqueTek has been selling them for some time! https://uniquetek.com/shop/ols/categories/powder-handling The DAA unit is "now" of their own manufacture............

OEM instructions from the "man" himself.........have always worked for me!

Not a significant amount of experience with "mixed" brass; but the standard MBF type expander always worked fine with 135g or 147g bullets. Here was an initial experience I had many years ago; and it has served me ever since: https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/205711-fix-for-shaving-lead-bullets/?do=findComment&comment=2284453 If for some reason I had to use .357" or .358" coated bullets, I would then resort to the necessary expander: https://www.photoescapeinc.com/products/9htc-ptu.html I set my expanders per the OEM instructions and never experienced having the pocket too deep. Same setup for loading automated at 2K rounds per hour if needed. Bullet topple nor bullet setback has been an issue. However, I have not loaded Blazer brass.......

Trying to imagine why you would want to adapt the NOE expanders when the Dillon powder measure works so well with the MBF type expanders? Used these for MANY YEARS on the XL650s; and still using on my Mark 7! https://www.photoescapeinc.com/products/index.html

Good luck!

I have not taken the opportunity to use my previous 1100 and my current Apex10; but if I were processing AND reloading I think loading on the Apex10 and using the 1100 strictly for processing would be my plan. Plus automating the Apex10 asap if I needed the output. And this is based on many discussions of experienced loaders doing both processes.........

Having spent right at 2 years with the RL1100, I can say I had my fair share of problems! And the priming system gave the most problems; even though I was meticulous in keeping it clean and set correctly. First failure I experienced was with the Priming system during the first 50 rounds I loaded! Had to wait several days on replacement parts And after a year operating the Apex10 "manually" I can honestly say it had some primer issues in the beginning also. However, the press is, IMO, a precision built piece of equipment; and Mark 7's Tech Support is second to none! A lot of the initial priming issues were also attributable to my lack of familiarity with their rotary priming system vs the Dillon's slide type. I can honestly say I feel like I have a pretty good handle on how to keep the priming system operating with less than 1% failure rate! And I strictly use Federal Match primers which are known to be a bit finicky on some machines to begin with...... Having the 10 Station tool head along with and easy upgrade path to a "digital" Autodrive system, I would never consider going back to the RL1100. I can say there are thousands of satisfied loaders using the Dillon 1000/1050/1100 series successfully. Since I do "single pass" loading, I can't imagine doing it without the Apex10; and now the Autodrive with digital sensors! IMO, the optional HD toolhead retaining bolt system is a definite plus in maintaining toolhead stability! And only takes a few extra minutes to setup/install vs the single bolt system. My final config.........for now.....

I can see your reasoning; however the Apex 10 doesn't know what I'm running since I have all stations set up for un-processed brass. FW Arms decapper, fully functional hold down/swaging, FL sizing and priming, expander, powder drop w/MBF funnel, digital powder check, MBF, micrometer seater, and finally taper crimp. May sound a bit "anal", but I like having this setup! Plus it's ready, just in case I want to run a batch of unprocessed brass for myself or a friend..... Have to say that after installing/setting up the autodrive, sensors, and tweaking a few minor settings, the Mark 7 has definitely been a positive investment! Thanks Don!

@pmspaulUsed to spend a lot of time wet cleaning and sorting my brass. Few years ago a poster here recommended someone that sells FULLY pre-process/roll sized brass; and also offers it in same headstamp. So I went that route and never looked back. Great person to do business with! IMO, doing single pass loading is so much smoother and consistent based on many years with Dillons; and now the Apex 10! If I were still doing my own processing, I would definitely be using a roll sizer. Not saying it's a must have; but definitely makes single pass processing easier going through the machine with excellent consistency.

And what I know of your experience level and skill set, I don't think your 1050/Mk7 doing single-pass loading is out of the box/stock.......

IMO, unlike Mark 7, Dillon never designed the "commercial grade" machines to have an option to detect/verify correct primer orientation. With primer issues being the #1 complaint for those doing singe pass loading, I'm just surprised that most manufacturers don't have some sort of primer sensing options for the upper level progressives. Maybe doing multiple pass loading helps to sell more equipment.......... Sounds like a doable option!

While I understand your reasoning; and dealing with "generate calls" supporting a different manufacturer's press, I do see that Mark7 offers a pretty large suite of sensors available for their Autodrive for Dillon machines! I also remember the "hole" in the RL1100 where users were sticking an endoscope to verify that there was at least a primer present: IMO, if there were enough requests offered to M7, and they could justify a market for; they may be able to design a sensor/camera to at least detect a primer present.......... Just thinking out loud....

@CuzYou have the Mark 7 Autodrive for your 1100? If so, IMO, you'll love it once you get it set up and in production!

@esquared Inquired to M7 Tech Support about removing the spring since I was adding automation. Here's the reply I received from upper level support: I have left the spring installed. During my initial testing and final sensor(s) setup, press and autodrive are excellent in operation. Placed the drive in "neutral" for a final belt adjustment; and the toolhead had zero sag/movement. BTW: after almost 10 years of using a Dillon Powder Measure on 650s, an RL1100, and now the Apex 10; a polished Photo Escape powder funnel along with some Hornady One Shot has proven stick/problem free with the MBF loading 45acp and primarily 9mm!

You may want to call Tech Support as my machine has Firmware V2.18 and I'm not sure it's on the website yet. I'd also ask about any software updates too.......

Right at 1 year...........definitely glad I operated it manually as this allowed me to learn all the "quirks"/settings/maintenance it likes; especially with the priming system! FWIW, I do single pass loading with pre-processed, same headstamp brass. Definitely makes operation easier; but is not "mandatory" vs using mixed headstamp range brass. IMO, ANY brass needs to have reasonable prep, before use, in most progressive presses.

And the adventure begins! Just finished resetting the shell plate indexing, and considering an alternate location for the tablet. Having the press/autodrive in this config, with the tablet in the conventional location, definitely puts a strain on the power and usb cables! I did order the HD tablet mounting kit that will give me even more placement options! Next is installing the Primer Orientation Sensor, digital Powder Sense, and finally Bullet Sense! So far, setup has been simple using the included Manual; and if necessary any of the vast online resources. I did disconnect the MBF and remove the powder measure in anticipation of removing the tool head for installation of the POS.

@m700 not sure if your on FB, but there's a ton of knowledge over on the Mark 7 Reloaders Group page. And John and Tom drop in there quiet often: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Mark7Reloaders If not then I would definitely call Tech Support in the morning and ask for Jason Olson. If he doesn't have the answers, he'll connect you with someone that does! Jason Olson Technical Service Supervisor Mark 7 Reloading Jolson@markvii-loading.com Office: 1-888-462-7577 Option 3

You'll love the Autodrive!

Having moved from the RL1100 to a manually operated Apex10 for the last year, I have the autodrive coming for installation in the next coupe of days. Like you, I've also had several questions that I have discussed at length with Mark 7 support. IMO, they should be your first resource for specific questions as they have an extremely helpful/knowledgeable staff! I too questioned removal of the tool head spring on the Apex 10, and was told it is now recommended leave the spring in place since the tool head is carrying/supporting a lot of weight. And, the Autodrive has the option to be manually placed into "neutral". Of course check your Manual for the specifics. Also note in this recent YouTube video, Gavin leaves the spring/tube in place: With regards to your shellplate index ball, I also think you'll want to leave that in place as the Autodrive offers "Index Speed" adjustments in the tablet that allow the user to slow down the shellplate rotation speed in order to prevent/eliminate powder spill/case wobble/toppling bullets! Right off the top of my head, there are several things that come to mind prior to adding the Autodrive. Definitely remove the RL1100's ratchet system (Page 14 of the Owner's Manual). Would also give the press AND priming system a thorough cleaning and lubrication. On thing that's very important, IMO, is to cycle your RL1100 manually and make sure you have "NO" dies touching the shell plate when the press is at the bottom of the stroke/toolhead all the way down! During initial calibration, which is one of the first steps during setup, the autodrive needs to find the top and bottom limits of the travel of the toolhead via the press's internal stops. After this calibration, it will then set the press's travel limits about .005" off/less than those two mechanical stops. Then you can set/readjust your dies to achieve your desired results. HTHs!