Lee Loadmaster and RBCS lockout die

[Thompsoncustom]

I'm thinking about upgrading from my hand press to a progressive press to speed things up but I want to be able to run a powder check/lock out die encase something were to be under/over charged.

Can you setup the lee loadmaster with a RBCS lock out die. I'm thinking you could put it in station 4 and seat bullets in station 5 just looks like placing bullets might be a little uncomfortable and slow things down.

 

[kingmt]

I don't like the idea but you can place the bullet at station 4 just before it rotates. It is almost a full stroke before it turns. I use a flash light over 4.

 

[Ken70]

That will work; it's a little tight in position 5, but if you have nimble fingers....not really that much slower than 4.

With a LM, use a heavy bench or table, and bolt it down. You'll get primer problems if the press is bouncing around, Lee doesn't have a positive method of grabbing the primer. It's just balanced on the primer post and will move around if the press does. I have a 2x4 wedged between the bottom the bench top and the floor. Limits the bench rocking forward when I'm yanking....

 

[Thompsoncustom]

Thanks for the tip! I'm gonna build a bench for reloading so I make sure the thing is rock solid maybe even secure it to the 2x4's in the wall.

 

[SSN Vet]

Another option is to prime off the press, and then mount your powder drop at station 2, lock-out die at station 3, seat at 4, and crimp at 5.

This requires some minor modification to the press, but there are pretty clear examples to reference over at the loadmastervideos.com site.

I mounted an LED flashlight at 4 and check visually.

 

[rajbcpa]

Why do you feel it is necessary to have a powder check die with a progressive press?

I go slow enough so I visually check each case for powder before the projectile goes on top. For each load recipe, I know what a double charge looks like and in nearly all situations a double charge would more than fill the case and overflow powder which is very evident.

If you plan on using separate dies for bullet seating and then crimping, you will probably need a 5 station press if a powder check die is a must have item.

I would watch many videos on youtube before you select a progressive. The Dillon presses costs a tad more but they work well - first time, every time.

I had a new Hornady LNL progressive and it refused to run - dozens of serious issues. I gave up on it in total frustration after 5 months of constant jams and parts breakage that stop your progress until you get parts which could take a week or more.

 

[Thompsoncustom]

I don't fell that I NEED a lock out die but I want to run one none the less.

One of my loads is a 173gr SWC loaded with AA#2 so it could be easily triple charged.

I'm not totally against priming off the press but would like to keep speed up as much as I can and I do all my crimping and seating on the same die.

Would consider other presses if they show some real advantage over another.