Powder check die....pretty slick,anyone use one?

[Ks5shooter]

 

[Bob529]

I've never used one but it looks like it would work pretty good.

 

[Wombatz]

I use single stage, so don't have use for one, but I am replying anyway....

I really understand the need for powder checks since I switched to Titegroup for 9mm reloading. A zero charge has always had the worry if shooting too quickly and blowing the barrel.

With Titegroup we also have the issue of being able to easily fit a double charge with room to not even notice it if you don't check carefully.

I have been interrupted while loading and did find a double charge. That scared me and I now triple check with a bright light, loading 50 round loading blocks.

 

[Skgreen]

Link to product:

DAA Magnetic Powder Check 2.0

The DAA Magnetic Powder Check 2.0 (US Pat. Pending) is a great addition to any progressive reloading machine, helping to ensure the quality and safety of your reloaded ammo.The unique new design uses a high-tech Reed Sensor and a magnet assembled to the plunger Rod, to assess if the ...

www.doublealpha.biz

I use the RCBS lock-out die. Most likely not as sensitive as the DAA model, but a bit more compact.

RCBS Lock-Out Die

The RCBS Lock-Out Die is the perfect die to run in a progressive reloading press to determine if a case has been overcharged with powder or undercharged...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I use a Hornady powder check (COP) die.

 

[Click_Here]

dumb question is dumb but can this be used on a turret press?

 

[alfsauve]

I have used the RCBS lockout with my .38spl for several years, but have decided I need separate seat and crimp stations. (I only have 5 stations.) I'll just have to be more careful though in the n-thousands I've loaded with the checker I haven't once missed, or doubled, a charge. (Yes I ran some tests to make sure the checker worked.)

I could do a 2 pass process with .38spl where I size, prime and expand in one pass then change out the dies and run them through powder, powder check, seat, & crimp.

With 9mm it hasn't been a problem as I can easily see the powder. That and I'm too lazy to reset the checker and too cheap to buy another.

 

[SingleActionAndrew]

I use the Hornady which is a visual only version of the DAA, which has an audible alarm and light instead of watching a white ring. The DAA is interesting and I'd consider it if I were in the market for another powder cop.

 

[AJC1]

dumb question is dumb but can this be used on a turret press?

Yes, you have to shift to that die and raise the ram.

 

[Zendude]

I use a Hornady powder check die when reloading 38 special cartridges.

 

[lordpaxman]

I have the RCBS lock out die for my LNL and the Dillon powder check for well, you can guess. While I try to visually confirm powder in the case before placing the bullet I like having another check back me up.
They are not infallible. My first RCBS lock out die, the plunger rod would occasionally “stick” in the up position, rendering it useless. These others have batteries, gotta make sure it’s working and sounding.

 

[Ks5shooter]

Yes battery would be a concern,good point.

 

[blackd24]

I use the hornady powder cop die. My reloads aren’t near the top so as long as the white line is close to flush, it’s good. It’s been very reliable and it’s a good check for me since sometimes I can’t see down into deep cases like 38 special. I always test and weigh a few charges before a loading session and make sure it’s good to go.

Powder can also sometimes stick to the bottom of the powder cop insert so I use the dry lube occasionally.

 

[Bartojc]

I wish I would have known about these before I bought the Hornady powder cop. Pricing is very reasonable. One thing with the cop is I had to train myself to look at the darn thing. With this it’s more of an attention better when something is amiss.

Have to see if Santa has one this year.

Jeff

 

[jmorris]

I do, they can even be up to catch the small internal volume difference in stepped cases.



I wired into that one and cut off the buzzer on that machine because I automated it. If my eyes cant see the charge, I like to know something is checking.

 

[Ks5shooter]

Just ordered progressive press and found this and bought one.My biggest concern was powder issues that kept me away from progressive.Now Im giving it a go.

 

[burrhead]

I use an RCBS lockout on my Hornady LNL and won't load without it. I've been reloading for over 45 years and never had an incident until about 5 years ago when I double charged a 45 ACP with Bullseye. Blew up a G21. Never again.

 

[IALoder]

I use the DAA on my Six Pack Pro loading 9mm. Once you get it set up it's pretty awesome!

 

[Mark_Mark]

Dillion powder check die works good for me. I use the Qtip powder check with my Dillion SDB

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I use the Hornady powder cop die. It works well.

 

[Dudedog]

I really like my RCBS lockout die for loading pistol.
I purchased a Hornady powder cop die, but you have to watch it unlike the lockout die.

Edit: I like the Hornady lockout die I got PIF from Titegroup Tiger as well but it is no longer available.

 

[refuse2bafool]

I have a RCBS lockout die. In theory, these will only check for double charges and no charges. However, I have found they have a range that I think would be powder dependant, with bulkier powders allowing for more "wiggle" room for fine tuning. With denser powders the delta between a proper charge and a double charge would be much less.

I currently am using one with a 4.8 gr charge of 700X, which is quite bulky, and found it will "Lock Out" at about 6.3 grains or 31% overcharge. You can fine tune it more if you like, but if you crank it down to trip more quickly for an overcharge it will allow more of an undercharge.

I still look in every case before I seat a bullet.

 

[Larry in wyoming]

Reading this thread, I went ahead and ordered the DAA powder check. I've never had an over charge; but I've had squibs. And I've had an obstructed barrel and fired the next shot. It ain't fun. If I can avoid ever doing that again......

 

[refuse2bafool]

I use an RCBS lockout on my Hornady LNL and won't load without it. I've been reloading for over 45 years and never had an incident until about 5 years ago when I double charged a 45 ACP with Bullseye. Blew up a G21. Never again.

The main reason I purchased a Pro 6000 and shelved my Pro 1000 was because wanted to use a lock out die. Being able to have a seperate crimp die was a nice bonus.

I am sure it was painful, but I am glad you did not appear to suffer more serious injuries.

 

[ReloaderNoob]

I have a RCBS lockout die. In theory, these will only check for double charges and no charges. However, I have found they have a range that I think would be powder dependant, with bulkier powders allowing for more "wiggle" room for fine tuning. With denser powders the delta between a proper charge and a double charge would be much less.

I currently am using one with a 4.8 gr charge of 700X, which is quite bulky, and found it will "Lock Out" at about 6.3 grains or 31% overcharge. You can fine tune it more if you like, but if you crank it down to trip more quickly for an overcharge it will allow more of an undercharge.

I still look in every case before I seat a bullet.

I did the same test using ball powder (HS-6) and found that at 7 grains and 13 grains, the lockout die would activate at around 15% over and under charge. Use them on all my progressive presses, use the Hornady powder cop on turrets.