Dillon Powder Measure Changes

[PJ Hardtack]

A while back, I got tired of changing my dedicated .44/.45 Dillon powder measure back and forth, adjusting as required after a run of cartridges.
At a gun show, I bought a new Dillon measure, and like my other two, it has springs that return the powder slide as well as the option of a mechanical linkage that precludes the possibility of the powder bar not returning. I've never had that problem, so I didn't install it.

More recently, I ordered yet another Dillon measure and it arrived sans springs, but it did have the operating rod mentioned above. I called Dillon and was informed that they no longer offer the springs with their measures. The tech gave me the run down on installation and I've installed it as per instructions, but have not as yet loaded any rounds with it.

Anybody got any experience/advice with this spring-less system they'd like to pass along? I've still got one more dedicated tool head that needs a permanent measure and life at the loading bench will be a little less complicated.

Addendum:

I just set up and adjusted the measure on a .44 Spl. tool head. It was throwing erratic powder charges as I was adjusting the weight until it dawned on me why. The destruction sheet said to "push the operating handle firmly forward to adjust the linkage correctly", as if seating a primer. Once I satrted doing that, it worked fine. Fancy that .... ;>)

With the old spring return system, it wasn't necessary to do that, the powder bar returning without the forward seating motion. It's gonna take a while for me to be comfortable with this new system.

[PJ Hardtack]

Further to my above posting .....

After loading three hundred rounds utilizing the Dillon powder measure linkage rod, I removed it and installed one of the two springs from another Dillon measure.
It worked just fine, without the decided 'clunk' of the powder bar caused by the linkage rod. The only advantage to the rod is that the 'clunk' it causes has the effect of setting the owder charge, much like the 'knocker' on some of the old powder measures.

I was using 2400, and the 'clunk' definitely had that effect, giving me consistently accurate charges. Using other powders with coarser granulations may not benefit from that effect.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

PJ, Howdy!

I went through the same consternation about 10 yrs. ago.  With the "new" system which physically pulls the powder bar back into place, the old springs are no longer needed.  I've only loaded a hundred thousand or so rounds with the "new" system, but I think it's safe to say it'll be all right for you, too.  Just so you know, Dillon will sell you the conversion plates assembly so you CAN convert any older types to the new system.  Seems like I remember a price under $5, but I have slept since then and the price may have changed somewhat.  It IS a better (and safer) system now.