Dillon Case Feeder

[Jackalope33B]

I have a Dillon 650. Just got a press mount and other goodies from Inline Fabrications. Well, now my dang Case Feeder is like 7+' tall. Has anyone done anything to lower the heigth on the case feeder? I would hate to start chopping at something that Im not 100% sure on what Im doing lol..
Any ideas, pictures etc are appreciated!

 

[turbo54]

Re: Dillon Case Feeder

Haven't done it, but I can't see any reason why there would be a problem in chopping down the tube that serves as the casefeeder mount, and then chopping down the feed tube appropriately...

...the switch that turns the casefeeder motor on/off is part of the feeder itself, so that should continue to work

If the experiment fails, you'd only be out the casefeeder mount tube and the drop tube - which Dillon would probably replace for free if you said "they broke", but even if you don't lie and actually pay for them, I suspect they're not too expensive.

 

[Deadshot2]

Re: Dillon Case Feeder

Assuming the mounting tube is "stock" the reason it's so tall is that by the time the tube clears the top of the press and makes the 45 dergee offset to clear the apparatus at the top of the press, there's really no room to mount the actual feeder much lower.

One could fabricate their own mount tube and secure it to the bench making the support more of a straight tube. Two things to consider though, when one gets to ripping along with a 650 with case feeder attached they could very well outrun the supply in the case tube. Especially so if loading rifle ammo where the tube doesn't hold as many cases at a time as with pistol brass. I regularly look at the case tube and see it less than 1/3 full when loading .223 and that's even on Hi Speed for the case feeder.

I kind of follow the credo "You can do just about anything to modify a machine, as long as it still works in the end, preferably better."

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Dillon Case Feeder

lowering the case feeder may get it in your way of rleoading, I load standing up and am 6'2" ,it is just fine where it is. I use a small box to dump brass in it though.

 

[pmclaine]

Re: Dillon Case Feeder

On the Enos forum many have shortened the tube that supports the feeder as well as the case drop tube. They used a tubing cutter and ended up with professional results.

One thing I would consider is how the chopping will affect any offset bent into the tube. You want your case feeded to be somewhat level across the top. Take a look at whether you would need to cut the tube top and bottom to get your overall desired length modification. I assume this would require drilling new mount holes.

I dont have a 650 so unsure if the offset problem I mention will be a factor. Key point of my post is that it can be/has been done.

 

[c ward]

Re: Dillon Case Feeder

Cut down mine about 10 inches to clear the roof where its set up at and it works fine .

 

[Jackalope33B]

Re: Dillon Case Feeder

Got in contact with a fella who did the mod with some Copper Pipe. Sent me instructions and a parts list.. Im off to Lowes tomorrow...

 

[Deadshot2]

Re: Dillon Case Feeder

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jackalope33B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Got in contact with a fella who did the mod with some Copper Pipe. Sent me instructions and a parts list.. Im off to Lowes tomorrow... </div></div>

I found it cheaper to just use the step stool my wife uses for house cleaning

 

[Jackalope33B]

Re: Dillon Case Feeder

Instead of using Copper which is freaking expensive BTW, I found this at Lowes. 8' steel pipe, 90deg pipe already bent and a 90deg angle. $12, for all.. Just need to degrease, rough it up and paint it black.

 

[Jackalope33B]

Re: Dillon Case Feeder

All painted, leveled and ready to use.. The powder hopper is at eye level for reference. Not too shabby!!

 

[Jackalope33B]

Re: Dillon Case Feeder

F*$K!!!!! Well, I went to use my case feeder today and loaded her up with some shells. The Case Feeder tilted sideways a little bit. After taking the pipe out from where you insert it in the case feeder I noticed that in the end of the hole there is a little lip that allows the pipe to slide into sideways. So after measuring the after market pipe and the factory pipe, there is about 1/8" difference in size with the aftermarket pipe being smaller. Guess I didnt take into consideration the weight of the cases in the hopper

So, back to Lowes I went and saw that they have a 1" square Aluminum pipe. It fits the Case Feeder perfectly! Only thing is the Pipe is squared on both ends. Not sure how to make a base plate that I can attach one square end to and then screw it down to the bench. Any ideas?