Description
The UniqueTek Toolhead Clamp Kit™ enables the toolhead of Dillon 550 & 650 presses, or the die plate of RCBS Pro 2000®/ Piggyback™ -3 & -4 presses, to be CLAMPED into the press frame. This corrects the loose fit between the toolhead and press frame, thus reducing OAL (overall length) variation and stabilizing die-to-shellplate alignment. Your press frame remains unmodified so you can still use standard toolheads/die plates with the original toolhead pins … and your original manufacturer’s warranty will not be affected.
Advantages
• Eliminates Loose Toolhead-to-Frame Fit
• Reduces OAL Variation*
• Improves Crimp Repeatability
• Improves Bullet Conentricity from Seating Die
• Reduces Jams at Size/Decap Die
♦ It also reduces vibration and stops toolhead rattling when using the Dillon Rapid Trim Case Trimmer!
Works With The Following Presses
• Dillon XL 650, RL 550B, BL 550, AT 500 and SL 900
• RCBS® Pro 2000® and Piggyback™ -3 & -4
RCBS® Presses?
Yes! The Toolhead Clamp Kit™ works equally well on RCBS® Pro 2000® and Piggyback™ -3 & -4 presses!
What Comes in the Kit
The UniqueTek Toolhead Clamp Kit™ comes complete with all the parts needed for 2 presses and 6 toolheads in a reclosable plastic bag (toolheads not included). Each kit includes*:
— Installation Tool for Threaded Inserts
— 9/64″ HSS Drill Bit
— STI Thread Tap, Carbon Steel †
— 12 Stainless Steel Thread Inserts
— 4 grade-8 Alloy Steel Clamp Screws with Moly Anti-seize Coating
— 4 Stainless Steel Washers
— Hex-key to Tighten the Clamp Screws
— Detailed Step By Step Instructions
* Quantities listed are for small sized kit.
† Intended for use on OEM toolheads. Not recommended for use on Whidden Gunworks or Dillon CNC Machined 6061 T6 aluminum toolheads. Tap breakage will occur. For 6061 T6 aluminum a High Speed Steel (HSS) STI tap is recommended and are available at Graingers and similar industrial supply outlets.
How it Works
Installation and use is quite simple. You tap threads into the two locator pin holes in the toolhead then install a stainless steel thread insert into each hole. The press frame is NOT modified. When you install the toolhead in the press frame, insert the clamp screws instead of locator pins to hold the toolhead into the frame. Leave the screws loose until you begin cycling the press and have all dies occupied by a round. Then, with the ram still in the up position, tighten the clamp screws. This procedure aligns the toohead to the shellplate, reducing jams. The clamp screws also create a preload force, clamping the toolhead against the top of the press frame, stopping the toolhead from moving during the press cycle and resulting in reduced OAL variation. Once the screws are tightened, just continue reloading as usual.
A: Let’s say you are loading to meet USPSA major power factor. Chamber pressures can rise dramatically if the bullet is seated too deeply (shorter OAL). On the other hand, if your OAL is too long, you can have feed and chambering failures. Either way, it is likely to ruin your day.
Q: I only load cartridges for Cowboy Action shooting. How can this help me?
A: In addition to reduced OAL variation yielding less problems with short action carbines, the light loads commonly used for Cowboy Action shooting require a consistent crimp to achieve uniform muzzle velocities. A light crimp will not build as much chamber pressure, resulting in a velocity reduction.
Q: I’m already using a Redding Competition Bullet Seating Die. How will clamping the toolhead improve on that?
A: The Redding Competition Bullet Seating Die is a GREAT product! But it can’t perform to its full potential if the toolhead is moving. With the toolhead clamped, you will achieve the full benefit of the seating die’s micrometer adjustment capability. In fact, we now carry Redding Competition Bullet Seating Dies in the most popular calibers!
Read reviews of the Toolhead Clamp Kit™ in the following publications!
Reloading Vault.com; Product Reviews/Aug 2008. Click Here to Read
IHMSA News; Volume 19, Issue 5, June 2008, Page 8. Click Here to Read
Handloader; February-March 2006, Page 90.
Customer Feedback
“Anyone who owns a Dillon 550/650 NEEDS this kit. The OAL variance for my XL650’s cartridges is now 0.002″ or less – looks like factory ammo should. The ammo shoots more consistently over the chrono (better standard variation). For a competitive shooter, the more accurate the ammo, the better the results. I can’t imagine using a XL 650 without the kit. Thanks again!”
— Cindy B. – Stewartstown, PA
“After switching over to the toolhead clamp I’m finding I went from .004″-.008″ of variance to .001″-.002″. I measure my variance using a ogive comparator tool to the base of the case.”
— Steven S. – Boise, ID
“I would say I reduced the OAL variations and the station one jams by half (conservative estimate). Congratulations on another product that needed developing.”
— James O. – Reno, NV
Reviews
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