Dillon Precision SL 900 Instruction Manual

							Using a fired hull, measure the diameter of the
brass base. Place the hull into the machine’s
shellplate at station one and resize the hull. Remove
the hull from the machine and again measure the
diameter. The brass base should be .804 diameter.
Fig. 58  See page 17 for shotshell dimensions.
To make the brass base smaller, turn the die
clockwise using one-quarter turn increments. Using
another fired hull to test the new setting, resize the
hull in the machine. Again, measure the diameter of
the brass base. When you’re finished, tighten the die
lock bolt (#17351).
2. Powder Die/Funnel Adjustments– When a
powder charge is dropped into a hull, it is very
important that the bell crank also makes a complete
stroke simultaneously. Fig 59Turning the powder
die (#16744) clockwise lowers the powder system
and increases  the stroke of the bellcrank. Be careful
not to  go down too far or you may crush a hull.
Turning the powder die (#16744) counterclockwise
will raise the powder system, reducing the amount
of stroke the bellcrank has. Fig. 603. Adjusting the Automatic Powder System
Powder Charge Weight– Place a hull at station two
and cycle the handle. Weigh the powder charge from
the hull and write that weight down. Using a 7/16”
wrench, rotate the bolt located on the end of the
powder bar. Fig. 61 Counterclockwise will reduce
the powder charge weight, adjust as needed.
Helpful hint: operate the powder bar a minimum of
four times so you are assured of a uniform powder
charge, then weigh the fifth charge.
4. Adjusting the Wad and Shot Station– Shot charge
weight adjustments: Weigh the shot charge from a
hull and write that weight down. Refer to your
loading manual to decide whether you need to
increase or decrease the shot charge weight. Using a
7/16” wrench, rotate the bolt on the shot bar (#16738)
clockwise to increase the weight or counterclockwise
to reduce the weight. Adjust as needed.
Adjusting the Plastic Wad Depth– A sample
plastic wad was included with your SL 900 machine
when it was built and adjusted at the factory. If you
have selected a wad that uses a lighter or heavier
load of shot, you’ll need to readjust the position of
the shot dispenser. Using a 5/32” Allen wrench,
loosen the two screws on the collar guide/clamp
(#16737). Fig. 62  A 3/16” Allen wrench is used to
rotate the body collar adjustment screw (#16736).
32
Fig. 62
Fig. 61Fig. 58
Fig. 59Complete Stroke
Fig. 60Incomplete Stroke 
						

							When reloading with light shot load plastic
wadsit may be necessary to adjust the shot
dispenser position. Rotate the body collar
adjustment screw (#16736) clockwise to raise the
shot dispenser. Tighten all the collar screws, then
test the changes. Fig. 63
When reloading with heavy shot load plastic
wadsit may be necessary to adjust the shot
dispenser position. Rotate the body collar
adjustment screw (#16736) counterclockwise to
lower the shot dispenser. Tighten all the screws, then
test the changes.
5. Adjusting the starter crimp Die – This die has
been adjusted at the factory using Winchester AA
hulls. If you have another brand of hull you’d like to
reload, it may be necessary to readjust this die. Test
run a hull through the machine to decide if any
changes are needed.
What we like to see is a 60% closure of the top,
formed and folded. This is important so that station
five’s final crimp/seat can produce a uniform folded
crimp. Fig. 64
We found that when we reloaded Remington
hulls and wads, we would need to adjust the starter
crimp die (#16747) down. The heavier walled
Remington hulls appear to be somewhat more
resistant to being formed and folded. Turn the
starter crimp die (#16747) down approximately one-
half turn clockwise as needed.Reloading with Federal hulls and wads requires
a little readjusting as well. Raise the starter crimp
die (#16747) approximately one-half turn counter-
clockwise. This will help produce a uniform folded
crimp/seat.
Winchester hulls and Versatile wads loaded fine
and required little or no adjustment at all.
Remington hulls and Versatile wads also loaded
fine. Remington hulls and Figure 8 wads require
adjustment. The stiffer style Figure 8 wad needs to
be compressed; do so by lowering the wad seated
depth 1 to 2 full turns (as detailed under step 4 of
Changes and Adjustments). Also, reducing the shot
charge weight may be necessary when using this
wad. Follow the above changes with a readjustment
of the starter crimp die (#16747), turn the die down
approximately one-half turn clockwise as needed (as
detailed under step 5 of Changes and Adjustments).
6. Adjusting the final crimp Die – Two adjustments
are available here on the final crimp die. Example, if
some of the reloads you have just finished appear
shallow as shown on page 17, then turn the seat
plug clockwise (down), using 1/4 turn increments.
Or, you can turn the whole die clockwise (down)
using 1/4 turn increments. You will then see the
next reload with more taper on its end and the
seated depth will be deeper.
Another example relating to the final crimp die
adjustment when reloading different shotshells:
“When I have made some reloads, some of the
shotshells have buckled in the middle, but it doesn’t
happen all the time.” You will need to raise the
whole die by turning the assembly counterclockwise
(up) at least 1/4 to 1/2 a turn.
Removing the Shot from the Machine: 
When it’s time to switch to another shot size,
place a plastic container or coffee can next to the
shot dispenser drain. Rotate the plastic shot drain
with your index finger and hold it there until all the
shot has emptied. Any remaining shot in the shot
bar (#16738) and dispenser can be removed by
running a hull through the machine.Fig. 65
33
Fig. 65
Fig. 63
Fig. 64 
						

							Example: you’ve just finished making some
rounds using #9 lead shot, the next size you’ll be
using is #7 1/2 lead shot. Remember to always
weigh the shot charge when doing this switch.
Please use a quality scale. Fig. 66
Removing the Toolhead: 
One of the great features on a Dillon machine is
the removable toolhead (#16667). The removable
toolhead (#16667) allows you to convert from one
hull brand to another hull brand or another caliber
in a matter of minutes. Let’s use the following steps
to remove and install a toolhead (#16667) on the SL
900 machine.
1. Empty all the shot from the shot hopper
(#16724) and clear tube via the shot drain.
2. Remove the shot fitting e-clip and the shot
fitting from the shot dispenser top (#17142). Fig. 673. Remove the shot bar return rod (#16733).
Fig. 68
4. Remove the powder bar return rod (#17350).
Fig. 69
5. Remove the two toolhead pins (#14008)
located on the front and rear of the toolhead and
frame. Fig. 70
6. Slide the toolhead assembly out of the machine
and set it aside.
34
Fig. 68
Fig. 69
Fig. 70
Fig. 67
Fig. 66 
						

							7. Pick up your other toolhead (#16667) and slide
it onto the frame.
8. Insert the two toolhead pins (#14008) into the
holes located on the front and rear of the frame.
9. Install the powder bar return rod (#17350).
10. Install the shot bar return rod (#16733).
11. Attach the shot fitting to the shot dispenser
top (#17142).
12. Install the shot fitting e-clip.
You’ve now completed the toolhead swap – the
only step that remains is refilling the components
(powder and shot) and you’re ready to go again.
SHELLPLATEREMOVAL
When you service your SL 900 machine –
cleaning, lubing, or switching to another caliber –
please follow these steps to remove the shellplate.
1. Remove the ejector wire (#16676). Using a small,
flat blade screwdriver, hook it beneath the ejector wire
(#16676) and lift upward to remove it. Fig. 71
2. Move the roller handle (#22183) halfway down
its stroke.
3. Use a 1/8” Allen wrench to loosen the 1/4-28
brass tip set screw (#13923) located on the left sideof the machine, below the platform, in the mainshaft
(#13485). Fig. 72
4. Return the roller handle (#22183) to its rest
position.
5. Use a 1/4” Allen wrench to unscrew the
shellplate bolt (#13418).
6. Remove the shellplate from the machine. Fig.
73  Be careful not to lose the 3/8” index ball (#13891) and
index pawl (#13667) when cleaning and lubing your
machine. Fig. 74 When you install your shellplate onto
the machine, remember to wipe a light amount of grease
in the center hole of the shellplate. 
7. Reinstall the shellplate.
35
Fig. 73
Fig. 74
Fig. 71
Fig. 72 
						

							8. Insert the shellplate bolt (#13418). Thread the
shellplate bolt until it stops, then loosen it no more
than one-quarter of a turn. Fig. 75
9. Again, move the roller handle (#22183)
halfway down its stroke. 
10. Secure the 1/4-28 brass tipped set screw
(#13923). Refer to Fig. 74
11. Install the ejector wire (#16676). Fig. 76
SWITCHING TOANOTHERPOWDER
Example: you’ve been using brand X powder for
some of your ammo and it’s time to change to brand
Q. Let’s explain how to switch powder.
1. Remove the powder bar return rod (#17350)
from the machine.Fig. 77
2. Using a 5/32” Allen wrench, unscrew the two
10-24 screws that hold the clamp and slide the clamp
away from the powder die (#16744). Fig. 78
3. Remove the powder system.
4. Pour the powder out of the hopper back into
its original container.
36
Fig. 77
Fig. 78
Fig. 75
Fig. 76 
						

							5. Turn the powder system upright and position
the unit over the opening of the powder container
and cycle the powder bar with your thumb. Fig. 79
6. Once the powder system is completely empty,
reinstall the powder system and tighten the two 10-
24 screws using a 5/32” Allen wrench.
7. Reattach the powder bar return rod (#17350).
8. Refill the powder hopper with the new
powder.
9. Please use a quality powder scale to determine
the new powder charge weight.
The Primer System:
The primer feed system on the SL 900 machine is
a fully mechanical system. Every complete stroke of
the roller handle (#22183) will feed a new shotshell
primer into the machine. Fig. 80  Two very
important but simple points:
#1. Always keep the machine and its primer feed
system clean and free of dirt. Do not place any oils
or grease on the primer feed plate. This hinders the
free flowing operation of the system.
#2. Never allow excess powder or dirt to build
up on the deck where the primer transfer arm
(#16691) swings in and out of the machine.If you decide to service your machine or don’t
wish to have any primers feeding, install the “stop
block” into the primer system as shown. When
you’re ready to resume, simply remove the “stop
block” and the primers will begin feeding again the
next time you cycle the handle.
37
Fig. 79Fig. 81
Fig. 80 
						

							38
A 28 gauge conversion package (#22139),
includes the following items:
1.) A complete toolhead assembly with dies
installed; Station 1, collet sizer & depriming pin
assembly. Station 2, powder die with 28 gauge
powder funnel and retaining clip. Station 3,
complete shot dispenser assembly with 1/2 oz – 1.0
oz shot bar and 28 gauge shot drop tube. Station 4,
starter crimp star/radius form insert. Station 5, new
spring/over floating taper crimp die.
2.) A 28 gauge conversion kit box containing:
(a) one 28 gauge shellplate (#10625), (b) three
locator buttons (#16753) with locator rings
(#10602) and springs (#17126), (c) one green
station 2 locator insert (#10624), (d) two green wad
guides (1 spare, #10620), (e) one 28 gauge casefeed
sleeve assembly (#22129). Fig. 1
CONVERTING THEMACHINE
The following is a step by step routine to use for
converting your machine to reload other gauges.
Refer to your SL 900 reloading manual as needed.
1. Drain the shot via the shot dispenser drain.
Hint, use an old coffee can, widemouth water jug or
shot bag to catch the shot.
2. Disconnect the return rods on both the shot
and powder dispensers.
3. Remove the shot fitting e-clip on the shot
dispenser and slide the fitting out of the
dispenser housing.
4. Remove the two black toolhead pins and
remove the toolhead from the machine.5. Install the red flag block into the primer feed
assembly. Fig. 2
REPLACING THE SHELLPLATE AND PARTS
IN THE PLATFORM
1. Remove the ejector wire (#16676).
2. Move the roller handle to the down position.
3. Use a 1/8" Allen wrench to loosen the 1/4-28
brass tip set screw 1/2 a turn. The brass tip set screw
is located on the left side of the machine, below the
platform, in the mainshaft.
4. While the machine is in this configuration, it is
a good time to exchange the red wad guide (12
gauge) with the green wad guide (28 gauge). Fig. 3
28 Gauge Conversion Instructions
Fig. 1
Fig. 3
Fig. 2
atoolhead
assembly
b (3)
c
de 
						

							39
5. Return the roller handle to the up position.
6. Use a 1/4" Allen wrench to unscrew the
shellplate bolt.
7. Remove the shellplate from the machine.
8. Change the locator buttons. First, remove the
locator buttons by pressing and holding the locator
button down. Reach below the platform and rotate
the locator button until it snaps free. Fig. 4Remove
all three locator buttons. Next, retrieve the new
locator buttons from the 28 gauge conversion box.
Place the spring on the locator button, place it in the
platform, press down and rotate as needed to allow
the locator button to snap into place. Fig. 4a9. At Station 2, place the green locator insert (28
gauge) onto the Station 2 locator. Fig. 5
10. Move the roller handle to the down position.
11. Place the 28 gauge shellplate on the
platform. Fig. 6
12. Insert the shellplate bolt. Use a 1/4" Allen
wrench to thread the shellplate bolt down until it
stops, then loosen no more than 1/4 of a turn.
13. Use a 1/8" Allen wrench to secure the 1/4-28
brass tip set screw. Do not over-tighten
Fig. 6
Fig. 5
Fig. 4a
Fig. 4 
						

							40
14. Reinstall the ejector wire (#16676). Fig. 7
15. Return the roller handle to the up position.
CASEFEEDASSEMBLYCONVERSION
(RIGHT-REAR OF THE MACHINE)
1. Remove the hulls and the clear casefeed tube
from the machine.
2. Use a 9/64" Allen wrench to remove the screw
and washer on the casefeed sleeve assembly.
Remove the 12 gauge casefeed sleeve off the
casefeed body. Fig. 83. From the 28 gauge conversion box, retrieve the
28 gauge casefeed sleeve and place it on the casefeed
body. Reinstall the screw and washer onto the
casefeed sleeve assembly. Note the difference in
diamter between the two pieces. Fig. 9
4. Remove the 12 gauge disc from the casefeed
bowl. Fig. 10
Fig. 10
Fig. 9
Fig. 8
Fig. 7
12 ga.28 ga. 
						

							41
Both 20 and 28 gauge hulls use the small gauge
disc. Fig. 11
5. Install the small gauge disc into the casefeed
bowl. Rotate as needed until the motor driveshaft
enters the slot in the casefeed disc clutch. Fig. 12
6. Reinstall the clear casefeed tube.
7. Test run the assembly by placing 3-5 empty,
once-fired hulls into the casefeed bowl and turn the
unit on. Once all the hulls have been fed into the
clear feed tube, turn the unit off.
8. Move the roller handle up and down until all
the hulls have cycled through the machine.
TOOLHEADCONVERSION&
F
INALASSEMBLY
1. Slide the 28 gauge toolhead into the frame and
insert the two toolhead pins. Fig. 13
2. Install the powder measure; loosen the two
clamp screws and place the powder measure on the
powder die. Press the clamp forward into the groove
in the powder die and secure the two clamp screws
using a 5/32” Allen wrench.
3. Install both return rods onto the shot dispenser
and the powder measure.
4. Realign the shot hopper tube fitting with the
shot dispenser. Insert the fitting and the e-clip into
the dispenser top.
5. Cycle the roller handle two complete cycles to
insure everything is free to move.
6. Fill the shot dispenser with one cup of shot.
7. Remove the lid on the powder measure and fill
with your powder of choice.
8. Use a once-fired hull, place the hull in Station
2 where the powder measure is located. Fig. 14
Fig. 14
Fig. 13
Fig. 12
Fig. 11