HOGRIDER

Thanks Teed for your input! Think I'll try the Endoscope route.......if it doesn't satisfy my needs, I'll send it back and go with plan B.

Rob: That sure looks trick! I've got 3 extra Dillon Cam Guide Bolts, but IMO, after talking to other users of RL1050/S1050 machines, it appears the older Guide Bolts were of superior quality compared to the current offerings! Heard that a couple users had the same bolt in machines 20+ years old and older! I even saw where the "hump" on the rear cam plate had been worn almost completely away on a high volume machine; and it was still using the original Guide Bolt! So, I'm also not sure if there's a safety factor built in to the current bolts. After talking with Rick about an aftermarket Guide Bolt, I'm just not sure if there's enough interest in covering the expense of creating a billet replacement................. Anyway, your mod sure looks great! Did you use an SS bolt?

Teed: I definitely understand your position and appreciate your honest feedback! Since I've never purchased an Endoscope, I'm wondering if the "semi rigid" cable is strong enough to support the camera being placed near the shell plate for a solid, non-shaking, view during operation? I've had my eye on this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QV83RSS/?coliid=IOA9DR8P09GA6&colid=1MM0GJ6KCYV6I&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it Right now I have a spare 10" Samsung (Android) tablet that I can mount/use with the Endoscope. Also have a 7" vga monitor that I could hook up directly to an automotive back-up camera. I'm thinking that the Android Tablet with the Endoscope camera will be the way to go; but I'm open for suggestions! Thanks!

This is correct! I have verified the same info with an earlier phone call to EGW..............

Rob: I mounted the MBF on a pipe platform with Rick's delrin mount. After installing the new motor/gearbox assembly, the Pro Dropper Assembly, and the correct Collator Nose Guide Spacer, I was AMAZED at how easily the RL1100 operated with my only input of pulling the handle and paying attention to the powder measure assembly operation!!!!! Since this is my first foray into the 1050/1100 platform, I've got a gut feeling that I need to set up some sort of camera system to monitor my powder drops. Many experienced loaders will probably chime in and say it's not necessary; but my better judgement says to monitor it until I've had several thousand, problem free reloads that only require my attention to keep the powder hopper full of N320! Is this a fair assessment?

After talking with Rick (http://www.mrbulletfeeder.biz/), he also recommended upgrading to the Pro unit.... I purchased from here and received EXCELLENT SERVICE! https://www.doublealpha.biz/us/mr-bulletfeeder-machines-and-accessories?max_items=128 IMO, the extra $50+ (above the standard dropper) is well worth the upgraded parts.

As someone that was loading on the RL1100 without a MBF, I can attest that it's a bit awkward reaching in to place the bullet on a case. It does give you a chance to take a good look at the powder level though. I also had, prior to the MBF, the Dillon Bullet Tray installed and that made for a harder "reach in" .......... IMO, Boomstick303 has provided some excellent advice on an alternative of hand feeding the Bullet Dropper Assembly vs placing each bullet on the case by hand! I opted to start my MBF experience with the Pro Dropper Assembly, and it easily holds 14-15 bullets when full! Crank out over a dozen rounds with ease; drop a handful in the Dropper, and go at it again! This would definitely be my process if I had to give up/do without the complete MBF!

Yea, I forgot to mention that the built in primer pocket swager is another significant advantage over the 650/750 platform! Especially for those reloading range brass!

D_J: As a new RL1100 owner, I'll chime in with my findings............ After many, many, years of loading on the XL650 platform for competition and now recreational shooting, I made the jump to the RL1100 platform. I had read so many posts here on the forum about the merits of the S1050. Just about the time I was ready to order, the RL1100 is gaining all the spotlight and coming with an additional 1 year warranty for the SAME MONEY! My biggest disappointment was I went through 14 WEEKS of aggravation waiting on an order that was supposed to arrive in 6-8 weeks. It was supposedly due to Covid-19; but was still a stressful time! And calling/talking to the reps at Dillon Precision just added fuel to the fire! So, if you decide to make the jump just be prepared for a substantial wait. Hold onto the 750 until your RL1100 arrives at your doorstep if you don't want your reloading process to be interrupted. Just today, I loaded my first 100 rounds with the RL1100 optimized (to my standards) plus I have just added the Mr. BulletFeeder along with the Pro Series Dropper. Let me just say that I was so impressed with how well the press and MBF functioned that I just stood back and said: "why did I wait so long to do this!" Yes, it's that good! However, I have loaded several hundred rounds without the MBF; and IMO, once you get the RL1100 set up to your standards, it's still an absolute joy to load on compared to the XL650/750 platform. And, I AM NOT putting down the 650/750 platform in any way; it's just I now like knowing that I have additional Stations that IMO improve the quality of ammo being produced plus I absolutely love the 1050/1100 priming process! I still don't have my camera system set up for monitoring the powder level, but today I knocked out 100 rounds in about 15 minutes using the MBF; and I was still stopping a few times to weigh the powder drop! Not the first rejected round; and the finished rounds were excellent in OALs, etc. Yea, the finished bullet bin is always in the way; but you just learn to work around it. Visibility is not restricted in any way IMO! Bottom line is I definitely recommend making the jump to the RL1100; and later on you can add the MBF which just offers the icing on the cake!

I also have both; but I did get the Armanov Case Gauge 3-in-1 bundle that included the OAL Checker and Brass Marking Stencil. I find myself primarily using the Armanov which comes with the free flip cover. And, I like using the OAL Checker! This video offers up some of the highlights............... https://youtu.be/JQwHfFfmMJs

This might help........... https://www.egwguns.com/evolved-1911-sear-spring-2-pack

Just bought my first MBF (USED)to go on the new RL1100. While bench testing and checking proper flip for my Zero 147 JHP, the motor started to fail by getting hot and slowing down substantially. Called DAA and all they asked was what date code was stamped on the motor. Was 20121122; or 11/22/2012. So I was a bit shocked with the motor being that old. Come to find out it, the age of my MBF was estimated to be 5-6 years old. All in all this has been as excellent learning experience as I've been able to do some trouble shooting while learning the intricate features and operation of the MBF! And, moving forward, I have ordered the new motor/gearbox assembly, which IMO is very reasonably priced at $24.50. Also needed a new Dislodge Arm Spring which was N/C. Ordered a Collator Nose Guide Spacer Set since there was only one with the machine; and after talking with Rick K., I went ahead and upgraded to the new Pro Dropper Assembly. Have to say while dealing with Tom at DAA, he provided me with Excellent Customer Service! Highly recommend anyone needing MBF support, to ask for Tom in Sales and Technical Support!

Rich: I think this is what DJ was referring to....... https://www.hasgrok.com/?product=feedinator-1000-case-feeder

A visual comparison for the 1050/1100 users.............

If anyone needs the alignment instructions...................... https://www.dropbox.com/s/2y87plof7106hbr/Dillon Alignment.pdf?dl=0

Highly recommend calling Dillon and getting the free alignment tools!

I was experiencing this with my previous XL650 in 9mm, but didn't really notice it since the shell plate is much smaller (rigid) than the RL1100's. I posted this in another thread, and right now it's still proving true; however, I still have a bit more testing to do.

As noted above, there are a few options......... https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/285434-issues-with-rl1100/page/2/

ozzyj: When I started primarily shooting 9mm, and having to experiment with all the different weights of bullets, I always came back to the 147g for my standard loading. I have dabbled in loading/testing the 135g Coated Lead, but again I've always gravitated back to the 147g weights. IMHO, my experiences have found that using the right (burn rate) VV powder (N320, N330, N340) with your preferred bullet weight will produce the lowest ES/SD once you find what that particular pistol/barrel likes. Here's a great example of how the VV line of powders can improve your bullet performance; start at 12:40: https://youtu.be/w88kQT8JKaI?t=760 Finally, if I had a pistol/situation where the 124g/125g bullets were optimized, I would definitely take a hard look at the N330/N340 loadings!

Though I never load 115g ammo, IMO N330 would be more applicable to the lighter bullet weights............

As a LONG TIME user of N320, I've always found that VV provides a lot of info that helps us taylor a specific load to our intended purpose! https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/handgun-reloading/?cartridge=89

Sarge: Thanks for that reminder! I did give them a thorough check by individually gauging along with dropping in the Hundo. Also going to try a few, new Starlines along with some of the aftermarket fully processed. So far, so good..........

Not sure if this bullet is Truncated Cone or Flat Point; but they produced this grouping in my STI Gen1 Staccato P (4.15" barrel), at 20 yards, from a Ransom Rest: https://www.federalpremium.com/handgun/american-eagle/american-eagle-handgun/11-AE9FP.html

Some related info from users with the same dilemma......... https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/285434-issues-with-rl1100/page/2/ The guide bolt appears to now be a MIM part that is, IMO, a poor quality part! Several users here with much older machines have never experienced a failure using the same part. Some for over 20 years! According to Dillon, this part is NOT supposed to be installed with any loctite! Call Dillon they'll send you replacements; or just buy several spares to keep on hand. And yes, they are included in the RL1100 spare parts kit.

Thought I'd chime in with some new findings concerning the MBF funnel............ Exchanging ideas with someone that FULLY understands the design principle of the MBF style funnel, I was informed that the reason our new/wet tumbled brass "stick" during extraction was due to surface friction. So, at his recommendation, he machined the upper step down to .357" and sent the funnel for me to try. Using nothing but Hornady One Shot case lube along with a swipe of Imperial Wax on the MBF style funnel expander with Imperial Wax, I was able to load 100 rounds with little to no sticking whatsoever from start to finish. The Zero 147g JHPs are . 355" to .3555" while two different brands of coated lead I checked were averaging .356" to .3565 max. With the .357" upper step on the funnel, there was no reason to use the stock funnel that averages .358" to .3585"! I could easily seat either bullet style/size, by hand, after coming out of the expander funnel. Got some aftermarket fully processed brass I want to try also; but my "initial impression" with this slight modification has me thinking this definitely looks very promising and deserves more thorough testing.