Doug in Alaska

Thanks bernmart!

First of all, I'm new to this forum so I'd like to say, "Hello" to everyone and this looks to be a very interesting forum. I've been reloading on a Dillon 550B for quite some time now and have loaded somewhere around 8 to 10 thousand rounds with it. Last weekend while loading .45 ACP, I noticed my cases weren't flaring. I adjusted the powder die down until the cases started showing a flare (it took about an eighth of a turn). After loading about four more rounds the cast body collar broke (part #13940). Dillon sent the new part this week and I'm back in business, I think. After replacing the part and while re-adusting the die I have noticed that after the cases contacted the powder funnel and fully actuated the powder die, I had to screw the die down quite a ways in order for flaring of the case to take place. I'm worried I may had to bring the die down a little too far. Also, the powder measure fail safe rod adjustment has me a little worried. The Dillon manual says that with the operating handle in the priming position, to press the handle firmly forward and then tighten the blue wingnut until the top of the spring just touches the underside of the return bracket. On my machine this isn't enough to fully return the powder bar to its closed positon. I had to tighten the wingnut quite a bit more to return the bar to its closed position. Perhaps this is normal but I'm a little worried about breaking another body collar. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.