[mobocracy]

I don't load 9mm or 40S&W much, but I've noticed in both calibers that the powder funnel is sticking in cases, making removal very stiff. I haven't checked, but I'm pretty sure those calibers use a different powder funnel and I know for sure it's a different physical funnel as I buy and segregate my conversion kits by caliber even though there are some parts overlap.

This isn't a problem I've had with any of the other calibers I've loaded (10mm, .44 Spl & Mag, .41 Mag, .45 Colt, .32 Auto, .45 Auto).

I've tried lubing the cases (even though I use Dillon or Redding carbide dies), and even a dash of case lube on the powder funnel itself without any improvement. It's worse with nickel cases but is noticable with yellow brass as well.

Strangely enough, I did run into this FAQ entry on Starline's web site.

Quote

Why is it very hard to get expander and powder funnel back out of case?
There are two situations that create this problem. The first is one we have just recently identified. It seems to be associated with the dillon powder funnel and only a couple of calibers (45 Auto and 40 S&W). The land for expanding case mouth is too long and when you begin to bell mouth the bottom of expander gets into the thicker taper of case and wedges causing it to be very hard to get back out. We have modified several by increasing radius on end and slightly shortening expanding land and this eliminated the problem completely. Call Starline and we will take care of it if you wish. One other cause can be a burr at case mouth created by the final trim operation, which grabs onto expander as it comes back up. This situation does not often appear and can be fixed by deburring case mouth or inside lubing cases.

Burrs aren't an issue for me. Has anyone else seen this? It's annoying enough -- clunky press operation, spilled powder, etc -- that I am tempted to take up Starline on their offer.

[fred fague]

I have the same problem with 9mm about one in ten rounds. I tried heavy buffing and a spray on dry lube on the funnel. It helps but is not a complete cure. I hope there is someone out there whom might have the answer.

[racerba]

Considering I've only loaded 9mm and .40 cal on my 650, I don't notice the stickyness. Maybe it's sticking and I am not aware of it. Now i'm wondering what it's supposed to feel like...

[mobocracy]

racerba, on Oct 2 2009, 01:34 PM, said:

Considering I've only loaded 9mm and .40 cal on my 650, I don't notice the stickyness. Maybe it's sticking and I am not aware of it. Now i'm wondering what it's supposed to feel like...

Usually its very smooth, with the only real resistance being some slight downstroke resistance when sizing larger cases and the slightly perceptable resistence encountered when seating a primer. I noticed it less with yellow brass 9mm than I did with yellow 40s, but it is really bothersome with nickel 9s and .40s.

Since I have a good supply of .40s right now I really should (item 87 on my "really should..." list) call Starline and possibly send my .40 powder die in and see if it makes a difference.

I wonder if the relatively short 9mm and .40 cases require a sharper shoulder on the expander, thus causing it to go too deep, compounded by the stiffer nature of nickel cases.