HOGRIDER

From their site:

Next time my Cam Guide Bolt is out, I'm going this direction with a replacement since I'm not using the Toolhead Ratchet............ https://www.mcmaster.com/precision-shoulder-bolts/alloy-steel-precision-shoulder-screws-8/

OS: Could you possibly find the time to get some detailed measurements of the MBF powder funnel and compare it to the new Alpha Dropper? Hopefully in 9mm........... If I had both in my hands right now, I'd be taking detailed measurements of the (MBF) very bottom expansion flare, and then the 2nd step up as Dazhi depicted above in red. We all know the benefits of the second step in the MBF as it creates a sort of "cavity" for bullets to drop into and stay pretty well up right without wobbling and/or falling off the mouth of the case during shell plate rotation. From looking at the pics of the Alpha, it appears they are only using one "cavity" that could very well represent a single, slightly deeper version of the "cavity" that's produced by the upper step of the MBF. That bit of "design change" may also have been required to eliminate any "patent" infringement of DAA/MBF's design. And the right industrial coating "could" provide some lubricity properties that might greatly reduce or eliminate the sticking issues we have with the MBF............. Just me thinking out loud............

Congratulations!

Well, that's great news! Hope some users post up details of their experiences.

thanks for that info!

^^^^Agree 100% I'm hoping the coating on the Alpha Dropper won't require the light coating of case lube in the mouth of the case to be stick-free.............. Time will tell!

Thanks for that info! I see that the 1100 and S1050 have totally different part numbers too.

chev: THANK YOU for the info.......glad to hear your pleased with it! Can you comment on the "stability" of how your bullets sit in the brass expanded/flared with the Alpha as compared to the 2-step design of the MBF funnel?

SMH...........your absolutely right!

Even though I ordered one of the Alpha Dropper powder funnels in 9mm, I'm still not sold that it will be an improvement/direct replacement for the MBF powder funnel! That 2-step design of the MBF is, IMO, what sets it apart from all the other expander/flare powder funnels; and provides a very stable platform for holding the bullet in perfect position heading to the seating die!

Dirt: Since this is my first time dealing with a Mighty Armory Die, I will share my thoughts as to why they are different............ As you can see, with the MA Hold Down/Swage Backup Die, it comes with rods to do rifle and pistol. Pistol would be the one on the right: https://www.mightyarmory.com/collections/swage-dies/products/the-backer-swage-station-die-for-automated-press-toolheads Also, if I'm understanding the documentation on their website correctly, this die body can be converted to a universal decapper with the addition of the decapping pin and flicker spring. Again, I could be wrong on this............ As shown on page 26 of the Dillon Owners Manual, the Pistol (circled in red) backup not only serves as a swage backer, it MUST also expand the mouth and upper body of the case (9mm in my instance) if used as provided.

With the S1050 AND RL1100 using the same toolhead, it would surprise me that Dillon did not have a spare toolhead for a Customer's valid request!

ddc: Thought I'd share some info straight from DAA/MBF concerning the MBF powder funnel. Tech highly recommended applying a light amount of case lube to the inside mouth of cases prior to reloading. His preferred was Hornady One Shot, and he applied light sprays while in the Case Feeder! Said it would give sufficient coating to the outside of the cases while allowing a small amount inside the mouths while rotating in the case feeder............. I decided to try the MA Swager Backup Die as the stock Dillon expander dimensions would never allow, IMO, sufficient expansion for holding the 147 Zero FMJs I like. And wouldn't come close for supporting Hy-Tec Coated lead..........

Decided to order the MA Backer die and give it a go........ Thanks for the recommendation.

Early this morning, I sent an email to a specific Dillon Rep that provides me with excellent customer service. Included my pics from above to substantiate my concerns with the Dillon Expander maybe being out of spec. He replied that my measurements were spot on.......... So, at this point, I'm going to either machine the expander down to non-expansion specs, or purchase one of the aftermarket dies that allow me to have a solid solution to keeping the swager backup working properly. Recommendations are welcomed! Thanks!

I really hate to hear that this is the direction Dillon is wanting to take with your new machine! I'm wondering if it would be worth one more call......my reason is that I happened to notice this on DILLON'S BILL of RIGHTS FOR RELOADERS as posted in the Blue Press on page 4: IMO, that's pretty strong statement that's in writing..........

I'm very interested in the MA swage backer die..........can you tell me if it uses the "flicker spring" above the backer shaft? I'm thinking it would fit under the top cap of the die, and possibly allow a bit of "wiggle room" for the backer shaft in case of using different brass with different thicknesses at the case head......... Thanks!

Thanks for that link. Looks like another, solid, option for a Station #3 swage backer!

ddc: Still thinking about modding the Dillon Expander.....machine it down..........and was wondering if you had a final diameter you finished up with to stop the expanding on any preferred 9mm case? I'm also wondering if one of these could be substituted? http://fastandfriendlybrass.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=62 Swaging backup shaft is .300", and only requires an additional Dillon Rifle Expander die body and a locknut............

You are correct that "Immortobot" is one of the Dealers offering the CNC upgraded tool head. I too thought, wow! It's got an extra station! Come to find out the extra "station" is actually 7/8"x14 standard die threads over the primer station. So, we still wouldn't have that extra station just after powder drop..........if I'm understanding it correctly......... https://immortobot.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_24&products_id=229

Same here..........I've read MANY posts with users of both types complaining of powder spillage.........

Sig: Looking forward to details on your setup. I've got nice 7" monitor, and have not been able to test the back-up camera yet to see if I get the image I'm after.......

AHI: I couldn't remember if you were using a standard Sizer/Decapper or the Lee U Die? Thanks!

Just stuck a couple pics up, and I've confirmed the dimensions with both the Starrett micrometer and digital slide micrometer. At this point, I'm going to contact Dillon first thing in the morning to see if maybe the expander is not correctly machined. Then, if they say it's "within specs", then I'll just purchase another for a backup and have this one machined down to about .350" diameter. The lower tip that meets the case head for swaging is coming in right at .250". Thanks!