Dillon 1050 ratchet lock detent ball set screw backing off

Helocat · May 12, 2019

I lately I have been experiencing the ratchet lock detent ball backing off after 1500 or so loads. This then does not hold the ratchet in the open position at the end of the stroke to allow it to all return to home. Just jams it up in the bottom of the stroke. Happens so much I moved the narrow screwdriver I use to turn the screw in 1/2 to 3/4 turn on, to be stored next to the press. I also now just reset the screw now and then preemptively adjusting it now and then.

Thinking others may have delt with this. I know the exact position it needs to be in to work correctly so thinking perhaps adding some blue locktite. Anyone else deal with this?

(9mm 165 grain sub-Sonics being loaded)

Adjusting the set screw. Again.

MrElectric03 · May 23, 2019

Never had it happen on mine. I'd get it set where you want it and put a drop of blue locktight in front of it. That way if you ever want to remove it you just chip the locktight away with a pick.

Helocat · May 24, 2019

MrElectric03 said:
Never had it happen on mine. I'd get it set where you want it and put a drop of blue locktight in front of it. That way if you ever want to remove it you just chip the locktight away with a pick.

@MrElectric03 thanks for the response. That's the plan right now. I have got to where it's part of my "pre-flight check" before starting to reload again from being off the press for some time to check and adjust the screw. But time to just drop the Locktite in there and call it done.

edzz · May 24, 2019

What was Dillon's response when you contacted them about this?

Helocat · May 24, 2019

edzz said:
What was Dillon's response when you contacted them about this?

I have not called them since nothing is broken. Figured they would say the same on the locktite. Not a bad idea will see if I get a moment to call them.

American123 · May 24, 2019

Different machine, but had a 550 slowly tightening on the manual indexing bolt.

I took a strip of duct tape, wrapped it around the threads, screwed it back in, didn't have any trouble afterward. It provided enough tension and easy to replace if I wanted to take it out.

Helocat · May 25, 2019

American123 said:
Different machine, but had a 550 slowly tightening on the manual indexing bolt.

I took a strip of duct tape, wrapped it around the threads, screwed it back in, didn't have any trouble afterward. It provided enough tension and easy to replace if I wanted to take it out.

I had the same issue with an aftermarket roller bearing indexer I put on my 550. It was pissing me off that I put the stock back in and never had an issue. Guess its like modifying a Glock is how they start to have problems.

Stomper · May 25, 2019

I realized it's a countersunk bolt-head, but if you don't want to deal with locktite residue you could also try a thin gauge star-washer that would "fold" to the tapered profile of the bolt-head and provide a bit of retaining tension.