Ever had self adjusting brakes overtighten?

I recently replaced rear brake pads and brake cylinders. I have 10 inch drum brakes on a '71 Duster. I called myself adjusting the brakes to where I could barely detect a drag during wheel rotation. Yesterday- I took the car out and, after a 15 mile highway drive, I detected the smell of hot brakes. The wheel wasn't much more than warm - so I headed home about an hour later. I sensed a drag after a few miles on the highway - so I pulled off and found the left rear brakes smoking hot. I jacked up the car, pulled the wheel, and backed the adjuster off all way to drive home. No problem on the way home (except maybe no brakes on back).

Question 1 - Anyone ever have the self adjusters cause the brakes to overtighten?

I'm considering disabling the automatic adjuster and manually adjusting the rear brakes. I don't put a lot of miles on my car and I'd prefer to manually adjust them a time or two each year than to have another episode like yesterday.

Question 2 - Is the brake adjustment likely to remain in place without the pressure of the self adjuster against the notched wheel?