Frank I had the exact same problem with the exact same press and loading dynamics. Mine were with both powder and shot. I used 800X powder and had continuing issues with powder bridging in the drop tube which I eventually partially solved by running a very fine thin copper wire up to a water pipe in my gun room overhead to dissipate static electricity, which all the reloading gurus diagnosed as the problem.
So far as shot bridging, it occured much less frequently, but became most annoying. I solved that by "washing" my shot (Lawrence brand #8 Magnum (high antimony) with powdered graphite I bought cheaply from the local locksmith. I would pour the whole 25 lb. bag of shot into a plastic bucket and churn it around thoroughly with a plastic spatula then sieve it and load it. I eventually found that the automotive engine reassembly product "Motor Mica" worked just as well. During my reloading career loading 12, 20, and 28 guage the latter was the only gauge that continually gave me problems. All my presses were MEC progressives, which proved to be very good machines.
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