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Posted: 1/18/2010 2:55:20 AM EDT
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I've never been able to get this thing to run trouble-free, and I'm fairly handy and adept at simple machines. Can read and follow directions, too. Have thoroughly discussed adjustments/problems with a number of RCBS tech-types, all of whom were knowledgable and helpful.
Problems are the nylon bushing in one-way bearing getting sloppy and sometimes hanging up altogether. This locks up the works, and often spills powder, a huge annoyance and PITA. RCBS suggested lubing the central, screw-twist shaft with some graphite. RCBS sent a new head with new bearing, for free, but haven't installed it yet. They also mentioned that removing the old linkage-actuated powder dispensing mechanism and installing a new-style case-actuated powder-dispensing system would help. This seems to make sense, as it eliminates a lot of drag-inducing gear, and is, of course, a positive way of dispensing powder. The new PD mechanism is about $70. I might mention that the new Piggyback III has the case-activated powder dispenser, and, IIRC, a manual indexing system like Dillon's. Apparently, there is no easy way to retrofit the manual indexer to the PB II. FWIW, I do have a Dillon 550B, but If I can get the PB II to function reliably, I can either use that also, or sell it off. Right now, it's useless as it sits. Anyway, your observations, suggestions, and tips would be welcome. |
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I started out with this as my first progressive machine. In the beginning it did work woll for me. I qould make ammo at a good steady pace of about 600-700 rounds an hour. The current powder linkage is in my opinion a pain in the butt. If the set screw on the powder measure moves at all then you can have cases with no charge or stations dropping charges with no case in them.
As time went on I also started having problems with the maching. The very same ones you are having. I also called RCBS for a slurry of replacement parts on the suggestion of the tech guys. I tried every trick they told me about. One of the first things I did was change to the case activated linkage. I did not however buy it from them. I was able to find it on the net for about $45 new. Don't remember where, sorry. I also replaced bushings, bearings, indexing shafts and a few other parts. It all seemed to help a little for a little. I got frustrated so I sent the whole rig back to RCBS for a full service. They had it for about 2 weeks or so. I got it back and they had replaced the whole top plate, but nothing else from what I remember. It seemed to work better for a while. A short while. It started to have problems again so I changed the bushing and cleaned it up and sold it on Ebay. I needed the money at the time, so I sold it. In hind sight I wish I would have saved it as I would have liked to try and get it to work for some of the smaller calibers that the bigger machines cannot do. All told I am not sure what your outcome will be. It seems hit or miss with this perticular unit. If you keep it I hope you can get it to work. IM inbound. |
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