Dillon 750 Load Sticky: Why Cases Get Stuck and How to Fix It
By Amis Thains Published 5 min read
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On this page (7 sections)
You are cranking through a batch on your Dillon 750 and suddenly the cycle hesitates, a case doesn’t drop, or the powder charge looks wrong. This page breaks down exactly where the stick happens and how to stop it.
In short: A sticky load on a Dillon 750 is almost always caused by dry cases, a misaligned case feeder, or powder compacting in the measure. Fixing the case lube and ensuring the feeder is clean usually resolves the issue immediately.
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Applying this non-aerosol spray eliminates stuck cases without contaminating your powder or primers.
Allows you to safely halt the feeder to clean or adjust without accidental cycling.
What 'Load Sticky' Actually Means on a Dillon 750
When a shooter says the load is ‘sticky,’ they are usually describing one of two distinct mechanical failures. First, the brass case becomes too dry to slide down the charger or up into the headspace. Second, the powder measure clogs, delivering a charge that is heavy, compacted, or completely blocked. For the detail, see our notes on following nosler reloading procedures.
The Dillon 750 relies on a specific sequence: the case feeder drops a case into the die, the bolt pulls it down, and the powder dispenser fills it. If the case surface is rough or old, it grips the funnel.
This friction stops the cycle halfway. The machine may make a clunk sound, and the case might remain in the feeder instead of dropping into the die.
Case stick is the most common complaint. It happens because factory lube wears off after a few reloads. Without a fresh coating, the metal surfaces of the case and the charger rub against each other, generating heat and friction. This is not a defect in the press; it is a maintenance requirement of progressive reloading.
This spray is designed to eliminate stuck cases while keeping the powder and primer areas clean.
- Plastic, 8 oz spray bottle
- Environmentally-friendly, non-aerosol spray bottle for easy application to cases
Why Cases Get Stuck in the Feeder
The case feeder is the primary choke point. As you cycle the handle, the feeder moves up and down. If the case is not lubricated, it can bind in the funnel.
- Dry Brass: The number one cause. Brass from the range is often dirty, and factory lube is minimal. You must re-lube cases before they go into the 750.
- Debris in the Charger: Small fragments of case head or dirt can get lodged in the feeder path. This creates a physical barrier.
- Feeder Misalignment: If the feeder is not centered over the case funnel, the case hangs off one side and catches on the rim.
To fix this, you need to stop the machine safely and inspect the feeder path. You cannot just keep cranking, or you risk bending a case or damaging the feeder spring.
This tool lets you quickly and safely stop the feeder to inspect or clean without accidental feeding.
- For Dillon XL 650/750 Reloading Press: Specifically designed for Dillon XL 650 and XL
- Promote Efficiency: By allowing you to quickly halt the case feeder, this case feeder
Powder Measures and Sticky Dispensing
Sometimes the ‘stick’ is not the case, but the powder. The Dillon 750 uses a linear powder measure. If you are using a very fine powder, or if you have not cleaned the measure for a while, the powder can bridge. For the detail, see our notes on industrial media separation tools.
A bridged measure means the powder locks up in the tube. When you cycle, no powder falls into the case. The case might stick simply because the weight of the powder is not there to assist the drop, or the machine detects the lack of powder and hesitates.
Check the powder tube for clumps. Tap the side of the measure gently with a soft mallet to break up any bridges. Never use your finger to push powder down, as this is a safety hazard.
Safety first: Always stop the press and open the case door before inspecting the powder measure. Never reach into a live measure.
Myths About Fixing a Sticky Dillon
Many online forums suggest using WD-40 or heavy grease on the cases. This is wrong. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant, and it will not hold up to the heat and pressure of reloading. It can also contaminate the primer pocket, causing ignition delays.
Myth: ‘A sticky press means the dies are worn.’
Fact: Dies do not cause case stick. Dies are rigid steel. Case stick is almost always a friction issue in the feeder, not the die. If the case sits loosely in the headspace, check your die sizing, but the stick itself is a lubrication or feeder issue.
Myth: ‘I should just pull the case out by hand.’
Fact: Pulling a case that is bound in the feeder can shear the primer or bend the case neck. Use the feeder stop to raise the feeder, then extract the case gently. There is more on configuring the four stations in a separate guide.
Choosing the Right Lube and Maintenance Routine
You need a dedicated case lube. The two main types are liquid sprays and liquid oils. For the Dillon 750, a spray bottle is often preferred because it allows you to charge the funnel directly. Look for a product that is non-aerosol to avoid overspray getting into the powder measure.
Apply the lube before you load the cases into the feeder. You can also apply it to the cases while they are in the tray, but this is less efficient. If you are doing high-volume, lube the cases as they enter the hopper.
If you are switching between calibers, you must change the case lube application based on the case size. Larger cases need more lube. Small pistol cases need less to avoid dripping.
The bottom line
If your Dillon 750 is sticking, check your case lube first. Buy a dedicated non-aerosol case lube spray and apply it before every batch. If the problem persists, use a feeder stop tool to safely inspect the feeder path for debris. The next step is to clean your powder measure and ensure the feeder is aligned.
- Plastic, 8 oz spray bottle
- Environmentally-friendly, non-aerosol spray bottle for easy application to cases
Frequently asked questions
Will adding more case lube make my loads sticky?
No, proper lube makes loads run smoother. However, if you use too much of a heavy oil, it can drip into the case head. Use a spray bottle and apply a light, even coat. If you see oil pooling in the primer pocket, you used too much.
Can I use any oil on my Dillon 750 cases?
No. Do not use cooking oil, motor oil, or WD-40. These products can contaminate the primer and affect ignition. Use a dedicated reloading case lube that is designed for high-friction metal-on-metal contact. Before you buy anything, it is worth looking at endoscope diameter specs.
Why does my case stick only in the first few cycles?
This usually happens because the case is slightly out of round or has a rough neck from previous reloads. The first few cases might not slide as easily. If it happens every time, your cases are too dry or your feeder is misaligned.
Does a dirty powder measure cause sticky loads?
Yes. If the powder measure is clogged with old powder or debris, it can bridge. This stops the powder from flowing. The case might stick because the weight of the powder is missing. Always clean your measure between powders.
How do I align the case feeder on a 750?
Loosen the two screws that hold the feeder. The feeder should sit exactly in the center of the case funnel. Use a mirror or a small light to check alignment. Tighten the screws firmly but do not over-tighten, which can warp the feeder plate.