HOGRIDER

@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!

Not sure if anyone makes one specifically for the LUDD........... I ended up going this route; several options/price ranges: https://fwarms.com/product-category/reloading/decapping-dies/

@boatdoc173 I have also found when loading my standard PD 124g JHP, that I can rotate the finished round and get different OALs! This is using a Mitutoyo 0.0005" Resolution digital caliper. I attribute this to the slight variances in the hollow point forming of the bullet; plus my Redding micrometer seating die is seating off the ogive. But I can still get a "standard" variation of +/-.002" once the press has filled the shell plate. Just have to make sure the round is in the "sweet spot" when measuring.......

Many, including myself, are using .057" decapping pins to deal with the standard & small flash holes. IIRC, all the major die suppliers are offering pins in this approximate size. Redding refers to them as their "benchrest" decapping pins...... https://www.google.com/search?q=.057+decapping+pin&oq=.057+decap&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCAgBEAAYFhgeMgYIABBFGDkyCAgBEAAYFhgeMg0IAhAAGIYDGIAEGIoF0gEKMTE4OTRqMGoxNagCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#ip=1

IMO, Mark 7 could easily integrate an aftermarket Primer Orientation Sensor into their software for a Dillon loader as they now have that exact integration with their own POS on the Apex10/Evolutions presses.........

@ddc Glad to hear your enjoying your MPA and that awesome 2011 platform!

@Chapo Also have to ask if your using the FW Indexing Pawl that comes with their plate? https://fwarms.com/shop/reloading/shell-plates/indexing-pawl-for-dillon-1050-1100-cp2000/

@Chapo Since your using the M7 Autodrive, did you ever play with the Index Speed Adjustments to slow down/smooth out the shellplate rotation? Or was your issue unrelated?

Another Premier Dealer showing in stock.......... https://battlehawkarmory.com/product-manufacturer/masterpiece-arms Have purchased other pistols from them; excellent Customer Service and shipping!

IMO, the steel grips are very similar to the LSI.......... https://lonestarinnovations.com/lsi-outlaw-1/

Yea, taking the grip safety out definitely gives us a "window" to so much of the 1911/2011 fire control group. One of my first steps when doing any inspection and/or trouble-shooting!

Good point that many don't take into consideration. And Kuhnhausen's Shop Manual Vol.2 mentions the disconnector over 100 times! IMO, a highly important part that also makes a great "connector"....... For those that want further understanding from some of the experts in the platform, this thread is an excellent read: https://www.1911forum.com/threads/disconnector-test.545601/

Same for me!

After owning the Apex 10 for just over a year, and now having a MUCH better understanding of it's quirks, maintenance, settings requirements, and especially the priming system, I took advantage of the Black Friday Autodrive special pricing! Ordered the Autodrive, free Bullet Sense, Primer Orientation Sensor, and Digital Powder Sense. As I use same headstamp, fully pre-processed, roll sized brass, I didn't feel the need for Primer Sense and/or Swage Sense at this time. Another goal that's coming to fruition...........

They've extended the sale for a few more days......... https://mailchi.mp/markvii-loading/mark-7s-black-friday-deal-is-coming-soon-2612248?fbclid=IwAR3mXq5UCE-VTT6Pb4uncMrZt0MjOPXH2jeavSyIFWv6nl7XjepA98FnOC0 Great way to save money on the Autodrive; plus you can get a $350 Bullet Sense for FREE!

Having sent my MAXX to Robert Burke for his competition action job and custom barrel, I would highly recommend you talk to him about doing the install/fitting! Highly recommended! And he'll take time to discuss your needs and his recommendations over the phone! https://www.thesigarmorer.com/#home-1

Ran into some Fed NT a few years ago; and after contacting Federal they confirmed it was for the Non-Toxic primers. Developed, I think, for indoor ranges........ They definitely had crimped pockets....