Dillon Precision Dillon RL 1050 Instruction Manual
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RL 1050 Instruction Manual Version 3.3 illon recision Products, Inc. Manufacturers of The Worlds Finest Loading Equipment
#13385 Spot Manuals RL1050 Man Folder RL1050 Manual V3.3 9/01 WJC On the cover… The RL 1050 is pictured with optional accessories: Powdercheck System #21044 Low Powder Sensor #16306 Bullet Tray #22215 Other accessories available for the RL 1050 include: Machine Cover #13239 Maintenance Kit & Spare Parts Kit #97018 The Blue Press, Dillon’s monthly catalog, has a complete listing of accessories available for all machines.
Table of Contents Warranty Agreement 4 Mandatory Safety Measures 4 RL1050 Assembly 5 Powder Measure Adjustment 8 Primer Magazine 9 Electric Casefeeder 10 How the RL1050 Works – Stations 1 - 8 10 To Begin Reloading 11 Adjustments and Conversions: 11 Casefeeder 11 Handle 12 Swager 12 Swage Conversion & Adjustment 12 Primer System Change Over Instructions 12 Toolhead Removal 13 Shellplate Removal 14 Casefeed Plunger Conversion 14 Die Adjustments 14 Older Model Users 15 Trouble Shooting 16 Maintenance 17 Definitions 17 Caliber Conversion Chart 19 Parts List 20 Schematics 21 - 25
4 Warranty Agreement The Dillon RL1050 reloader has been designed as a commercial machine. Our expectation is that its life expectancy will be in excess of two million rounds of loaded ammunition. All RL1050 machines are warranted for life from defects in material or workmanship, plus a one year 100% warranty against normal wear. All electrical/electronic components in Dillon equipment are covered by a one year warranty. However, the RL1050 is a complex machine and we need your cooperation. So there’s a hitch. All we ask is that you take the time to read the following information and fill out the warranty registration card stating that you have done so. Mandatory Safety Measures The reloading of ammunition and the handling of components (gun powder and primers) is inherently dangerous, indeed shooting firearms is inherently dangerous. Accidents can and do occur, sometimes with disastrous results including, but not limited to, loss of vision, hearing or life. These accidents are nondiscriminatory, they occur with both the novice and the experienced reloader. Dillon Precision Products has consciously designed the RL1050 with this in mind. We’ve shielded the primer magazine and machined clearance holes for the elimination of powder and primer residue. In short, we have done everything we know how, to make the use of our machine as safe as possible. We cannot however, guarantee your complete safety. In order to minimize your risk, use common sense when reloading and follow these basic rules:Never operate the machine without ear and eye protection on. Call our customer service department at (800) 223-4570 for information on the wide variety of shooting/safety glasses and hearing protection that Dillon has to offer. • PAY ATTENTION: Load only when you can give your complete attention to the loading process. Don’t watch television or try to carry on a conversation and load at the same time. Watch the automatic systems operate and make sure they are functioning properly. If you are interrupted or must leave and come back to your loading, always inspect the cases at every station to insure that the proper operations have been accomplished. • SMOKING: Do not smoke while reloading or allow anyone else to smoke in your reloading area. Do not allow open flames in reloading area. • SAFETY DEVICES: Do not remove any safety devices from your machine or modify your machine in any way. • LEAD WARNING: Be sure to have proper ventilation while handling lead components or when shooting lead bullets. Lead is known to cause birth defects, other reproductive harm and cancer. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling anything made of lead. • LOADS AND LENGTHS: Avoid maximum loads and pressures at all times. Use only recommended loads from manuals and information supplied by reliable component manufacturers and suppliers. Since Dillon Precision has no control over the components which may be used on their equipment, no responsibility is implied or assumed for results obtained through the use of any such components. Dillon Precision Products, Inc. 8009 E. Dillon’s Way Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 948-8009 FAX (480) 998-2786 Web Site: www.dillonprecision.com E-mail: [email protected] Technical Support & Customer Service (800) 223-4570
5* Indicates a caliber specific part – see the caliber conversion chart on page 19 for the caliber you are loading for. Seat bullets as close to maximum cartridge length as possible. Under some conditions, seating bullets excessively deep can raise pressures to unsafe levels. Refer to a reliable loading manual for overall length (OAL). • QUALITY CHECKS: Every 50-100 rounds, perform periodic quality control checks on the ammunition being produced. Check the amount of powder being dropped and primer supply. • RELOADING AREA: Keep your components safely stored. Clear your work area of loose powder, primers and other flammables before loading. • COMPONENTS: Never have more than one type of powder in your reloading area at a time. The risk of a mix-up is too great. Keep powder containers closed. Be sure to inspect brass prior to reloading for flaws, cracks, splits or defects. Throw these cases away. Keep components and ammunition out of reach of children. • BLACK POWDER: Do not use black powder or black powder substitutes in any Dillon powder measure. Loading black powder cartridges requires specialized loading equipment and techniques. Failure to do so can result in severe injury or death. • PRIMERS: Never force primers. If they get stuck in the operation of the machine, disassemble it and gently remove the obstruction. Never attempt to clear primers that are stuck in either the primer pickup tube or the primer magazine tube. Never, under any circumstances, insert any type of rod to attempt to force stuck primers out of these tubes. Trying to force primers out of the tube will cause the primers to explode causing serious injury or even death. If primers get stuck in a primer magazine or pickup tube flood the tube with a penetrating oil (WD-40), throw the tube in the garbage and call us for a free replacement. Never attempt to deprime live primers – eventually one will go off. When it does it will detonate the others in the spent primer cup. Depriming live primers is the single most dangerous thing you can do in reloading and can cause grave injury or death. • LOADED AMMUNITION: Properly label all of your loaded ammunition (Date, Type of Bullet, Primer, Powder, Powder Charge, etc.). • BE PATIENT: Our loading equipment is conservatively rated and you should have no trouble achieving the published rates with a smooth, steady hand. If something doesn’t seem right, stop, look and listen. If the problem or the solution isn’t obvious, call us. The reloading bench is no place to get into a hurry. We have done everything we know how to make your machine as safe as possible. We cannot, however, guarantee your complete safety. To minimize your risk, use common sense when reloading and follow these basic rules.• REMEMBER: If your machine does not perform to your expectations, or if you are having technical difficulties, give us a call. Technical Support (800) 223- 4570. How the RL1050 Works Stations 1 - 8 (counterclockwise) Station 1: In this station the empty cases are automatically inserted into the shellplate via the electric casefeeder. Station 2: Here the spent cartridge cases are resized and deprimed. Station 3: This station is totally unique. The case is supported from the inside and slightly expanded (not belled) while simultaneously a swager is driven into the primer pocket to remove any crimp. Station 4: In this station a new primer is installed. The spring driven primer slide is extremely smooth. The steel shrouded primer magazine is capped with an electronic Early Warning Device to let you know when you’re down to approximately three primers. Station 5: Here the case is belled and powder is dropped by the case activated powder measure. It is extremely accurate and will not drop powder unless a case is present. Dillon Precision offers an optional accessory to be utilized with the automatic powder measure at this station – Dillon’s Low Powder Sensor provides an audible and visual reminder when it’s time to refill the powder reservoir. Station 6: This station is open to allow for case inspection. Station 7: In this station the bullet is seated to its proper depth. Station 8: In this station the bullet is crimped into place. The cartridge is then automatically ejected into a collection bin. Your dies have been adjusted at the factory. Before you change anything, try it the way it is, once you thoroughly understand the machine’s operation, make whatever adjustments to the dies you feel necessary. Reminder: There may be some variation due to components. RL1050 Assembly Your new RL1050 has been assembled at the factory. All of the adjustments necessary to reload have already been made, in fact we’ve even adjusted the dies to reload the caliber you have chosen. However, before you can reload you must do some minor assembly. Due to variations in components, check all stations for proper settings before loading ammunition. It is absolutely necessary that you read the following instructions.
* Indicates a caliber specific part – see the caliber conversion chart on page 19 for the caliber you are loading for.6 If you get stuck on something that you don’t understand, call (800) 223-4570 for technical assistance. Step 1: Mounting the RL1050 Select a clear area on your reloading bench. Be certain your bench is free from vibration and is strong enough to support your RL1050’s mass and operating force. If possible attach your bench to the wall using screws. Remove the RL1050 main frame from the packaging and place it on your selected area. The crank extension (#12901) should be to your right. Bring the machine to the forward edge of your bench – be sure to allow clearance for operation of the handle. Mark the four mounting holes using the machine as a template. Remove the machine and drill four 1/4” holes through the bench. Replace the machine and bolt securely. Fig. 1 Install the handle (#12727) as indicated in the parts schematic. Secure in place with the handle set screw (#13432). You will note that there are three different positions for mounting the operating handle. Choose the one that feels best for you. The longer the handle is, the less force is required but the stroke is longer. The toolhead (#20420) is held down on the main frame for shipping by the use of plastic ties. Remove the ties while holding the handle. Slowly move the handle up. This will move the toolhead approximately three inches to its “up” position. Note: If the handle is not moving freely, carefully inspect for shipping damage.Install the six brass locator buttons (#20637*) around the shellplate (#12600*). Fig. 2 Step 2: Installing the Casefeed Assembly Using the screw provided (#13377) install the cartridge bin bracket (#13238) to the main frame. Fig. 3 Screw the casefeed post studs (#13271) to the main frame (place the washer provided on the bottom post only), tighten securely with an Allen wrench through the cross hole provided. Fig. 3 Install the bullet bin bracket (#12144) to the casefeed post (#20641) using the screw (#13685). See the schematic on page 24. The casefeed mounting post assembly (#20641) is attached to the casefeed post studs (#13271) by the use of two post bolts (#13205). Attach the power cable and clamp as shown in the schematic on page 24. Fig. 2: Locator button being inserted into its proper position. Fig. 3: Place an Allen wrench into the cross hole and use it for leverage to tighten the casefeed post studs. Fig. 1: Be sure the machine is to the forward edge of the table or bench when marking the four holes to be drilled.
7* Indicates a caliber specific part – see the caliber conversion chart on page 19 for the caliber you are loading for. The casefeed bowl assembly needs to be placed on the casefeed post with the Dillon logo and the on/off switch facing you. The casefeed tube (#13761) should now be inserted into the casefeed adapter (#13654*) Fig. 4Note that the tube is marked “up” on one end. Press this end into the tube clip (#13859) attached to the casefeeder motor housing Fig. 5. This assembly is now complete. Step 3: Installing the Powder Measure Remove the blue cap from the powder die (#20320) and loosely clamp the powder measure in position. Fig. 6Install the powder measure return rod (#13960) through the 3/8” eyebolt (#13089) mounted on the left rear of the main frame. Fig. 7Now attach the rod to the powder measure bellcrank using the clip. Fig. 7 Install Fig. 6: See arrow. A slight gap allows the powder die to be adjusted without removing the powder measure. Fig. 7: Note how the spring above the wingnut is slightly compressed. Clip Spring Fig. 4: The proper location and positioning of the casefeed tube and adapter is as shown above. Fig. 5: The end of the casefeed tube marked “up” snaps into the clip at the base of the casefeeder motor housing.
* Indicates a caliber specific part – see the caliber conversion chart on page 19 for the caliber you are loading for.8 the spring (#14033) and wing nut (#13799) on the rod and screw the wing nut up until you feel light tension on the spring. Tighten the powder measure clamp screws (#14037). Step 4: Installing the Spent Primer Cup and Bullet Bin Install the spent primer cup (#13650) on the right side as shown on the schematic on page 21. Hook the bullet bin (#13756) and the loaded cartridge collection box (#13484) on their respective bracket. Fig. 8 Step 5: Cycling the Machine At this point your assembly should be complete. Gently pull the operating handle towards you, make a full stroke to the bottom and up again. The shellplate should be indexing and the primer slide (#20318*) should function. The casefeed plunger (#13073*) should travel forward to the shellplate. Make sure that you repeat this several times to gain an understanding of the various functions of the machine before you start reloading. Now plug in the casefeed motor and activate the switch. The casefeed plate should turn smoothly within the casefeed bowl. Assuming that all is well, proceed with components. Loading Components Your RL1050 is equipped with a cartridge activated powder measure that will dispense powder only when a cartridge is in Station 5. It is important to understand that the adjustable powder bar should reach the end of its travel at the same time that the handle reaches the bottom of its stroke against the frame stop. Fig. 9To achieve this adjustment, the die body must be screwed up or down as needed. The powder die has already been adjusted at the factory. An empty case must be placed in the shellplate at Station 5 in order to check this adjustment. Note that the case used to adjust the powder measure die must already be sized. NOTE: If you are adjusting for a straight wall case, start your powder die adjustment with the die obviously too high and work down. This will avoid over belling the case. If you are adjusting a case with a shoulder, such as a .223, do not turn the die down too far or the shoulder will buckle. Use a reloading manual to determine how much powder you need for a particular load and an accurate powder scale to determine the weight. Caution: While you do not have to use a Dillon Precision powder scale, you should use a scale of equal quality. Do not use scales with plastic frames or scales that do not have jeweled pivot points versus “razor blade” pivots. Razor blade pivots can dig into the frame of the scale and give dangerously inaccurate readings. Powder Measure Adjustments In Station 5 we adjust the powder measure. It works like this: first screw the powder die into the toolhead and insert the pistol powder funnel expander or a rifle powder funnel with the grooved end toward the top of the powder die. The funnel should move freely in the die, leaving a loose fit between the top of the die and the powder measure collar. This will enable you to adjust the die to give you a bell on the mouth of your pistol cases making it easier to start the bullet. On rifle cases, the die should be adjusted so that the powder funnel will contact the mouth of the case and then fully actuate the powder bar. These adjustments are accomplished with a sized case in the shellplate and Fig. 9: This photo shows the powder bar at the end of its travel. Fig. 8: Shown is the proper location of the cartridge collection bin. Note the bullet bin bracket in the background.
9* Indicates a caliber specific part – see the caliber conversion chart on page 19 for the caliber you are loading for. alternately raising and lowing the operating handle while adjusting the powder die. When properly adjusted, the powder bar will be moved to the end of its travel by the cartridge case Fig. 9. When you have determined that your adjustments are correct, tighten the lock ring (#14067) and locking collar (#13939). Fig. 10 Failsafe Assembly The purpose of the powder measure failsafe rod is to return the powder bar to its closed position. Remove the blue cap from the powder die (#20320) and loosely clamp the powder measure in position. To install the failsafe rod (#13960) remove the blue wing nut (#13799) and rod spring (#14033) from the rod, then insert the bottom end through the 3/8” eyebolt (#13089) that’s mounted on the left rear of the main frame. Next, using your thumb and index finger of your left hand, move the locklink down and align the hole with the slot on the bellcrank. Then, insert the rod through the two holes and insert the failsafe rod clip (#13929). Install the spring (#14033) and wing nut (#13799) on the rod and screw the wing nut up until you feel light tension on the spring. Tighten the powder measure clamp screws (#14037).You will notice an adjusting bolt on the front of the powder bar. Counterclockwise reduces the powder charge, clockwise increases the charge. Fig. 11 Your machine comes with two powder bars. Fig. 12 One large (#20063) and one small (#20062). Rule of thumb: Use the large bar whenever possible. Index a sized and primed case under the measure and operate the machine’s handle. Turning the powder bar adjustment bolt clockwise increases the powder charge – counterclockwise turns decreases the powder charge. By trial and error, determine the correct weight of your powder charge by using a powder scale. Fig. 11 When the correct powder charge had been set, cycle several cases through the machine and check the load with a scale. Primer Magazine Select the proper size primer pick-up tube and fill it by placing the plastic tip over loose primers and pressing down. Fig. 10: Be sure to tighten the lock ring and locking collar when adjustments are completed. Collar Fig. 12: Small powder bar (left), large powder bar (right). Spacer Fig. 11: Clockwise turns of the powder bar adjustment bolt will increase the powder charge while counterclockwise turns will decrease the powder charge.
* Indicates a caliber specific part – see the caliber conversion chart on page 19 for the caliber you are loading for.10 You will notice that the primer magazines and primer pick-up tubes have different colored tips. They have been color coded to help you identify size more easily. The color code is as follows: Blue Small Primer Magazine Orifice Red Large Primer Magazine Orifice Yellow Small Primer Pick-up Tube Green Large Primer Pick-up Tube The shiny side of the primers should be facing up. This is most easily accomplished by use of a primer flip tray.Fig. 13 This quality cast metal flip tray is available from Dillon Precision and is a better choice than the smaller plastic trays which are difficult to use and have a tendency to warp. Once you’ve filled the pick-up tube, make sure the little retaining clip is in place at the top of the tube. Fig. 14Pivot the switch lever (#13864) away from the Early Warning System housing and invert the pick-up tube over the primer shield cap (#13957). You will noticethe cap has a bevel to help you funnel the primers in. Hold the tube in place as shown in Fig. 14, pull the retaining pin and allow the primers to drop into the magazine. Pivot the switch the lever back over the Early Warning System housing. Gently slide the follower rod down through the switch lever and into the primer magazine tube. When you are nearly out of primers, approximately three remaining, the follower will activate the buzzer. The Electric Casefeeder Use only clean cartridge cases that have been inspected for any potential problems; split cases, rocks or smaller caliber cartridges that may be hidden in larger caliber cartridges. Warning: Be sure that no loaded rounds are mixed with your empty cases. It is possible to feed a blunt nosed cartridge like a .38 WC into the shellplate upside down and explode it when it is hit by the decap pin. Now fill the casefeed bowl with approximately 500 pistol cases or about 350 .223 cases. Your RL1050 is now charged with components and ready to go, but before you start reloading, read the following explanation of the sequence of the eight reloading stations and the processes that are done at each station. How the RL1050 Works Stations 1 - 8 (counterclockwise) Station 1: In this station the empty cases are automatically inserted into the shellplate via the electric casefeeder. Station 2: Here the spent cartridge cases are resized and deprimed. Station 3: This station is totally unique. The case is supported from the inside and slightly expanded (not belled) while simultaneously a swager is driven into the primer pocket to remove any crimp. Station 4: In this station a new primer is installed. The spring driven primer slide is extremely smooth. The steel shrouded primer magazine is capped with an electronic Early Warning Device to let you know when you’re down to approximately three primers. Station 5: Here the case is belled and powder is dropped by the case activated powder measure. It is extremely accurate and will not drop powder unless a case is present. Dillon Precision offers an optional accessory to be utilized with the automatic powder measure at this station – Dillon’s Low Powder Sensor provides an audible and visual reminder when it’s time to refill the powder reservoir. Station 6: This station is open to allow for case inspection. Station 7: In this station the bullet is seated to its proper depth. Station 8: In this station the bullet is crimped into place. The cartridge is then automatically ejected into a collection bin. Fig. 14: When installing primers into the primer magazine, be sure the pick-up tube centers itself before pulling the clip. Fig. 13: All of the primers must be shiny side up.