Dillon 650 for 223?

[long40shot]

Hello,

Do any of you guys load for the 223 Rem on the Dillon 650? I am just wondering how well H4895 meters through the powder measurer?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[fdshuster]

I've never been able to get any "stick" powder like 4895, Varget, etc. to measure reliably through a powder measure. The kernals always get hung up and are "cut" by the drum, or slide. My first powder choice, for the 223, is H335: measures accurately, and is one of the cleaner burning of the ball powders.

 

[memilanuk]

Changing out the powder measure to something like an RCBS Uniflow or a Hornady BR measure with a case-activated powder drop (both rotary drum style measures) with a heavy spring so it 'snaps' open and closed can have a surprisingly positive effect on stick powders like Varget or RE-15. Otherwise I'd say stick with ball powders like H335 or TAC.

 

[zedsdead]

Although I have never loaded on a 650 I do own a 550 that I have loaded quite a few 223 rounds on and I believe (not positive) the powder dispensers are the same style. If you are wanting to keep your charge weights fairly consistent H4895 is probably going to disappoint you in a progressive press. If you are wanting to load with a non-ball powder I would recommend using Hodgdon Benchmark. Around .3gr was usually the extreme spread in my 550 and it is a very accurate in most 223s. Hope this helps.

Jason

 

[SooStan]

Ball powders work well in my 650. Stick powders like has been said are not as accurate. Depending on how accurate you want it stick powder maybe OK, just use the powder return arm to ensure positive return and go slow so all of the powder goes into the case. (close quarters battle practice or 100yds or less) An after market powder measure rigged to the 650 was no better for me. I use 2 heads on my 650. First head is set with a universal decapper, dillion rapid trim die and trimmer and a lyman m die to remove the burr. Very little flair setting on the M-die. Second head powder die, prime, seater and a lee factory crimp die to remove the flair. Fast easy and dependable for AR ammo. High power ammo do slightly different, I prime during the first trip thru powder each case by hand and then finish seating in the 650 with no factory crimp. Works for me.

 

[Rustystud]

Re: Dillon 223?

I have tried every measure out there and the Quick measure on a 550 or 650 is the most accurate +/- .1 but you have to learn how to use a quick measure. You have to have a delay in your stoke so the powder can fall. I found the rotary powder measures from Hornady and Redding were the next best answer. I found beefing up and making some modifications to the leavers and springs helped alot.

When accuracy matters I use a special powder funnel die and a RCBS 1500 Charge master.
Nat Lambeth

 

[long40shot]

Thanks for all the help! I was thinking that a stick powder wouldn't meter to well, but I think I might give benchmark a try. It has pretty small grains, if it won't work I am hoping that H335 or something else will work. Has anyone tried HV100 in a 223 yet? Thanks again, keep it coming.

-Matt

 

[msnations]

I shoot heavy bullets so I recently tested R15, Varget and AA2520 through my dillon measure, checked on my acculab scale. Varget and Reloader 15 would only hold about +/- .25 grn (100% certainty), while the AA2520 would hold +/- .1 (also 100% certainty).

-Mark

 

[Rust]

I worked on my Dillon powder measure a little bit, polished the aluminum funnel/bottom section to a mirror polish, radiused it just a very little bit. It helps with IMR 4198 a little bit, seems to like H 4198 a little bit more. Fine for plinking ammo.

For serious accuracy I do as Nate said, a drop through die and the Chargemaster.

For match ammunition it's still the old single stage with Redding dies and the Chargemaster.

 

[acloco]

Double up the spring on your 550 powder drop, it helps as well.

I use H48985, H4198, and Benchmark in my Dillon 550B with very good results. NOT perfect, but definitely "minute of prairie dog"......

 

[jonbearman]

I heard that dillon was pretty close on an upgrade to finally meter stick powders.Call them and ask about it. It may be a rumor but it is worth looking into.H322 meters very accurately with my rl550 and any short kernal stick powder. Ball poder like h335 works nicely with .223 rem.