[Wayne02]

Do you use any sort of powder check on your press? What type? How do you like it?

Thanks

[Chief-7700]

Dillon powder check on my 650 in station three on the tool head. Would not reload without one.
Chief-7700

[Kentucky Jelly]

I use the Hornady Powder Cop in my LnL.

[Car Knocker]

I have the RCBS Powder Lock-out die on my old Hornady Pro-jector. It doesn't require that the operator watch the plunger stem at each stroke yet stops the process in its tracks if the powder level is out of the range. It works best with slower powders that have some bulk to them.

[Uncle Chan]

Nope. The 550B doesn't have enough stations. But, wish it did.

[Idano]

Nope, I have developed all my loads so that in the case of a double charge it the powder will overflow the case so I don't see a need. Besides I have a high intensity light that shines into the case after the powder drop to look for a no dispense.

[dmftoy1]

+1 on Dillon 650, station 3

I like it because it's a double check. (I still do a visual on each round as well.

[presspuller]

I made one. It lights a green light if the powder level is correct. If its too high or too low it will not come on.
So far it has never had to catch a bad round.

[cpttango30]

Nope. The 550B doesn't have enough stations. But, wish it did.

That's odd because my 550 runs just fine with the RCBS powder cop die in it?

I just negated the bell die because the powder funnel does that. Placed the cop die in station #3 and seat and crimp at station #4. Are you using an extra crimp die?

[pinkymingeo]

I use the RCBS Lock-Out on my LnL. With powder-thru expanders, you can still use FCDs in station 5. First time a squib stops the machine cold, you'll make the decision never to load without one.

[DEDON45]

pinkymingeo, you can probably answer this question for me... I've been considering getting a Lee Carbide FCD Die for my LnL to iron out my "lumpy" .45ACP rounds... are you using that die in your LnL? I've heard that they conflict with the ejector wire....

[Uncle Chan]

Yep. I use a lee factory crimp. I use my 550 almost exclusively for 45LC. The way it is setup, I produce the exact load I need for competition. The factory crimp die gives me the perfect crimp. I don't want to put it in my single stage press.

[DEDON45]

Thanks for chiming in Uncle Chan, but I'm looking specifically for info about using the Factory Crimp Die with the Hornady Lock 'n Load Progressive Press --- I've read in some places that there are issues with those dies on this particular press.

[hoptob]

I too use Dillon powder check die in 650 and love it.

Mike

[1911user]

My powdercheck is inspecting the case just before seating a bullet. I load on a Dillon 550B.

Dedon45, you WILL have problems using a stock Lee FCD in station number 5 on a Hornady LNL-AP. The problem is you'll crunch the ejector wire then have to replace it. Either use it in station #4 as is or modify it to work in station #5. I don't know exactly where to grind on the FCD because I sold my LNL-AP setup and went back to Dillon for reloading bliss.

[Wayne02]

Can somebody explain how the RCBS lock-out mechanism works to physically lock up the press when powder level is too low or high?

Thanks

[Galil5.56]

Set of eyeballs, good lighting, and paying attention.

considering getting a Lee Carbide FCD Die for my LnL to iron out my "lumpy" .45ACP rounds

If you mean the nice circular bulge in the case wall, might think twice before you want to eliminate it especially with cast/swaged bullets. If the rounds chamber easily, I like the bulge cause I know they have good neck tension and just a little taper crimp finishes the round. If you like to run cast bullets, the FCD can/will alter their diameter, especially bullets over the nominal spec unless you order an over-sized die. An even bulge around the case is a definite asset in my experience if the rounds chamber/function as intended.

[jenrob]

I use a Dillon powder check die on my Hornady LNL station 3. Wouldn't be with out it.

I also use a Lee FCD in station 5. All I did was to grind off a little and make a taper on the side of the die that the ejector wire is on.

[Walkalong]

I just look at every charge I seat a bullet over. I also use a smal LED light shining down into the case. :)

[cpttango30]

Can somebody explain how the RCBS lock-out mechanism works to physically lock up the press when powder level is too low or high?

Thanks

I think it is the rod in it that takes a bite on the die body at a slight angle and that is what locks the press up.

[DEDON45]

Hey PressPuller, can you share with us how you rigged up the indicator? I'm envisioning something that I would attach to my Powder Cop die...

[Wayne02]

I use a Dillon powder check die on my Hornady LNL station 3. Wouldn't be with out it.

Hmm, how much modification is needed to put the dillion on the LNL? I kind of like the idea of an audible or physical lock-up in addition to visual verification.

I wonder if I could build a Hornady powder cop clone with an old LEE universal decapping die I have and a length of rod similar to the Hornady.

[jenrob]

Hmm, how much modification is needed to put the dillion on the LNL?
It's pretty easy you need a lttle bit bigger washer to reach the ram. I had to trim a washer down a little to get it right, but it works great.

I also had to put a notch in the press frame.
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee13/jen-rob/100_1528.jpg
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee13/jen-rob/100_1527.jpg
It looks better now that I have touched up the paint. (Ford red touch-up paint is the best match to it).

[presspuller]

Hey PressPuller, can you share with us how you rigged up the indicator? I'm envisioning something that I would attach to my Powder Cop die...

I will post some pictures tomorrow. I am on slow speed dial up at home and it would take all night to get them posted.

[DEDON45]

Cool!

[Hunter0924]

I use the Hornady Powder Cop Die.

[presspuller]

Here is a picture of my powder check die between the powder measure and the seating die.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/556/medium/Misc_101.jpg

The brass rod is free to slide inside the die body and raises with the case/powder. The "ring" below the nut mates with the micro switch above it at the correct level. I have it adjusted to where it just barely makes, if the powder is too low it will not make and if its too high it goes past the switch.

The thing at the top of the rod is simply there for a weight to make certain the rod goes back down after each stroke.

This picture just shows the switch being made and the indicator light. The wires going down from the light just go to a 9 volt battery.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/556/medium/Misc_103.jpg

Hope this helps somebody.

I can't get the pictures to post so here are the links.