HOGRIDER

https://www.dillonprecision.com/rl-1100-toolhead_8_2_26786.html https://www.bobcatarmament.com/dillon-rl1100-toolhead.html https://immortobot.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13_43&products_id=379 Purchased one of the Everglades Primer Hold Down Dies for my RL1100; and as stated in their documentation, the bushing had to be machined to fit the hole at Station #4 on the RL1100 toolhead. https://www.evergladesammo.com/ega-hold-down-die.html Basically, the RL1100 hole at Station #4 is 9/16".

From my RL1100 Manual that was downloaded from Dillon's website:

According to my RL1100 Manual and the latest edition of the Super 1050 Manual: S1050 uses Toolhead #20420 RL1100 uses Toolhead #66024.

Exactly why I use the DAA type powder funnel in my Station #5. And since it's been modified slightly, the stick/popping is a non issue.

I'm wondering if a "typical" user needs more/deeper expansion, how is this adjusted/setup with the Dillon backer/expander if it's adjusted for swage backup which is its primary function? The Dillon back-up rod is a fixed length... and the only way to get any deeper expansion would be to grind off a few thousandths and then re-harden the end of the rod. And on the other hand, if the stock swage backup/expander is expanding too much, do you raise the die which defeats the swage backup feature? If one is not needing the swage feature, then removing the Dillon die and using a die such as the Redding or Lyman M die has the advantage of adjustable expansion. 650/750 press users do receive the benefit of excellent expansion with the MBF funnel design as there's not a spare station to use a seperate adjustable expander; and they don't experience the excessive "sticking/popping" since the shell plate of that series is much smaller than the 1050/1100 which, due to being much larger in size, suffers from greater leverage/flexing of the edge of the shell plate when the case is removed from the powder funnel. Guess I'm one of the non-typical users that tried using the non-adjustable expansion of the #3 die, and the stock powder funnel; and experienced less than desirable results with my loaded ammo. I enjoy quality before quantity!

Since I discovered the MBF funnel, 6 years ago, that's all I've ever used for 9 and 45. Carrying over from my XL650 days to the current RL1100. I fully understand the purpose behind that "Patented" design............

Always glad to help!

The upper step is actually creating a "seat" for the bullet that's very similar to the MBF powder funnel.

My measurement above is the upper step including whatever coating is on the shaft. Here's the bottom step that's too small for final expand: Then the expander portion for bullet seating:

For those using mixed brass, their claim of: might be a selling point. But can't see the expander portion doing anything more than the stock Dillon expander that's at Station 3:

Robert: Glad to hear you got everything worked out to your satisfaction! I agree, Dillon should go ahead and utilize the "hole" at Station 4 for more that just an empty opening. I decided to use the Everglades Primer Hold Down Die at Station 4 to at least provide a good stabilizer for seating primers exactly where I like them. Guess I'm still uncertain due to my inexperience with the press, but I feel a backer rod similar to what Dillon uses at Station #3 is necessary to complete a correct primer pocket swage. I've just experienced that the stock Dillon shell plate will flex a bit at various stations! Of course, if there was a sizing die with the face screwed down against the shell plate, I guess that would stabilize the brass enough to allow a complete swage; but I still like knowing that solid backer rod is there just in case a nasty crimped case slips by....... I do think the Redding M Die is a much better alternative for expanding the brass than the stock expander/swage backer at station #3. And, IMO, adjustability is the big factor for the M die! Look forward to hearing about your M Die setup once you get it in production.

Thanks for the info!

Also, the funnel I modified was the one manufactured by Photo Express. Also sold by Lee at Uniquetek. https://uniquetek.com/product/T1582 This funnel is being manufactured to "original" MBF specifications!

chgo: Thought you may had seen my remarks earlier............but working with Rick Koskela, it was determined that the "sticking" by the MBF powder funnel is caused by surface friction which is amplified with new or wet tumbled brass. In my loading, the Zero 147 JHP and Coated lead are averaging .355-.3555", and .356-.3565" respectively. The upper step on the MBF/PE type funnels has a standard diameter of .358". IMO, it's just a bit larger than necessary with quality bullets. Had a master machinist turn down one of my funnels to .357" and highly polish. To my total surprise, this has reduced my sticking by 99%! Before a loading session, I do a light swipe to the expander with some One Shot; and also put a dab on the stock Dillon Expander/Backer in Station #3. Lube the brass with One Shot prior to loading, and I have the smoothest loading experience I ever had! BTW: I also purchased a SI Alpha Dropper, and IMO it's just a coated version of the Dillon XL650 powder funnel. For all the years I've used the MBF/PE style funnel, I've not found anything that can create that expanded "seat" for incoming bullets as the MBF funnel does. That "patented" design just simply works! The 3 funnels I've used..............and a close-up of the SI Alpha Dropper.

78: Glad you got your unit in and it's working to your expectations. I ended up mounting the smaller 5Mp camera in the same location as this one from my previous post: https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/285855-video-reloading-9mm-on-my-rl1100/?do=findComment&comment=3208796 So far, it's not really been in the way as I can reach below it to pull brass to check powder levels on the scale, etc. And if I do end up bumping it, it seems to return pretty much to the original set location. I'm currently using the Starlight Lighting system, and it's got plenty of light for the press; I'm just not sold on the mounting brackets. They work, but sometimes the large one in the rear doesn't want to stay put and it's definitely in the way for any MBF dropper die adjustments. Next time I have the tool head off, I'm going to replace the retaining brackets with a dab of silicone adhesive. I'll just have to purchase another wafer when I upgrade to another tool head..............

Old: This may not be a large enough number of loaded rounds for a true representation............... but after running some rounds for a future ladder test, I decided to take the Starrett digital slide caliper and measure a group's COAL. There were 45 rounds reloaded in this particular batch. All Winchester once fired cases, Zero 147g JHP with base COAL set for 1.125". For this entire group of rounds, the shortest COAL was a -0.0013". On the positive side I measured a +0.0021" variance. Over 70% of this batch was within 0.001" of my target COAL. IMO, when EVERYTHING is working together, the Redding Micrometer Seating Die is capable of producing COALs that meet or exceed our strictest expectations.

And for comparison purposes, a 6 3/8"(?) iPhone view vs a 10" tablet view..............

78: I use components made by Ram Mounts. My setup is very similar to this one, and yes it mounts to the case feeder upright: https://www.markvii-loading.com/accessories/mark-7-spare-parts/101-1134-02.html I had a spare 10" tablet laying around......but to be honest, I think it's a bit big. A 4"-7" would probably give plenty of viewing space..........

May pay you to contact the manufacturer and specify the press your wanting to use it on............. https://www.photoescapeinc.com/products/index.html

From the Redding Instructions: Remember, the seat stem is "precision ground" and needs to move freely! I always give the inside of the die a light coating of oil prior to assembly. Wipe any excess off the mouth of the die. Keep the area of the stem that contacts the bullet clean and clear!

IMO, the type of bullet your using should not matter to the Redding die! I've used them in 9mm, 40S&W, and 45ACp, and they never cared what length or profile of bullet I was using as long as I initially set them up correctly. That's the beauty of the Micrometer! I'm sure if you call into Redding first thing tomorrow morning someone will work with you to rectify the issue. May have to send the die back to the factory as it could be defective............ Good luck!

Looks like your running a Mark7 press............... Here's a copy of the Redding Instructions in case you need them........ Seat Die Instructions.pdf

I think you were referring to an COAL of 1.125".......... So, this states that you put in your old seating die and had no COAL issues? What was the min/max on those rounds? What type of die? You stated above you were experiencing -0.19"/+0.11" which definitely seems excessive.

Old: Recent thread that had a lot of discussion on the Redding Mic Seating Die: https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/288207-lots-of-gauge-failures-with-redding-comp-seating-die-and-blue-bullets-147-rn/

OLD: Just to make sure, did you follow the instructions for disassembling and cleaning/lubing the die before setup? You probably did.....but just wanted to check........... Next, remove the spring and reinstall exactly by the instructions. Also, might help if you share your specific components.......... HTHs!