I just installed 9 halo recessed fixtures in my living room. I ran 14/3 wire to three lights to create two circuits. When I installed the Lutron Maestro dimmers, and turned on the power, one of the dimmers popped (it's toast) and the circuit breaker tripped. After some trouble-shooting I've isolated the problem to one of the fixtures. When it's in the circuit, the breaker blows, when it's out all's well. Can recessed cans cause a short circuit? Is this a manufacturing error? I noticed that this box of lights was missing some of the screws for retaining the romex in the box.

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Sounds like you crossed your switch legs or neutrals when making the connections.  I would remove the dimmers and test the system for shorts before reinstalling the dimmers.  That way, if you still have problems you will trip the breaker and not ruin the other dimmer.  Having a missing screw on the strain relief clamp would not cause the problem.  You might want to consult a local electrician.  Good Luck!

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