powder check die
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I have the Hornady, and it works well. Easy to adjust. Just clean it well to prevent powder from sticking to the foot.
I had thought about the RCBS check die, but liked the simplicity of the Hornady one.
Hadn't tried the lockout die yet. I don't want to make it so automatic that I'm not thinking.
I had thought about the RCBS check die, but liked the simplicity of the Hornady one.
Hadn't tried the lockout die yet. I don't want to make it so automatic that I'm not thinking.
I also am using the Hornady powder cop die on my Hornady progressive. It is about the only place I use the Lee o-ring lock rings as this die gets adjusted with each cartridge change. I load 10 different cartridges on the Hornady changing the press frequently.
Easy to adjust and set as Spammy H said.
i also have not tried the RCBS lock out die. It looks like it is more difficult to adjust correctly and it is too expensive to buy one for each cartridge that I load. But, like i said, I have not used one and perception may not be reality.
Easy to adjust and set as Spammy H said.
i also have not tried the RCBS lock out die. It looks like it is more difficult to adjust correctly and it is too expensive to buy one for each cartridge that I load. But, like i said, I have not used one and perception may not be reality.
UnderTheGun
Member
I use the RCBS. No issues on changing from one caliber to another. Has functioned fine for several years.
I use lock outs.
The only thing about the Hornady, is you have to watch it, which kind of negates the point, might as well just set up a press light and look in every case(If you are properly set up in relation to your bench, press, to eyes, it is easy to do so, anyway).
The only thing about the Hornady, is you have to watch it, which kind of negates the point, might as well just set up a press light and look in every case(If you are properly set up in relation to your bench, press, to eyes, it is easy to do so, anyway).
Definitely get the RCBS lock out die.
The Hornady die just indicates where the powder is. You still have to be watching it.
The RCBS locks the press down.
When I first started reloading 9mm with my LNL, I had everything set up perfectly and was going along just fine when all of a sudden the press locked up. I knew I hadn't missed a round with the powder, so I start checking everything to see what was binding.
Finally, after at least five minutes, I checked the case under the lock out die and it had no powder. I would have bet you a thousand dollars that there was nothing wrong with any powder in any of the cases.
If I hadn't had the lock out die, I would have missed it.
Still to this day I don't know what happened to cause me to not charge that case, but I did, and it caught it. Kind of scared the hell out of me.
I will not run my LNL without that lock out die in place and set.
It's frustrating to set up the first couple of time, but keep trying until you figure it out.
The Hornady die just indicates where the powder is. You still have to be watching it.
The RCBS locks the press down.
When I first started reloading 9mm with my LNL, I had everything set up perfectly and was going along just fine when all of a sudden the press locked up. I knew I hadn't missed a round with the powder, so I start checking everything to see what was binding.
Finally, after at least five minutes, I checked the case under the lock out die and it had no powder. I would have bet you a thousand dollars that there was nothing wrong with any powder in any of the cases.
If I hadn't had the lock out die, I would have missed it.
Still to this day I don't know what happened to cause me to not charge that case, but I did, and it caught it. Kind of scared the hell out of me.
I will not run my LNL without that lock out die in place and set.
It's frustrating to set up the first couple of time, but keep trying until you figure it out.
ColtPythonElite
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- 10,473
The Hornady has worked well for me for several years. Yeah, you gotta pay attention to what you are doing. Of course, you should do that anyway.
sjd78
Member
Another vote for the RCBS lock out die. Once you learn how to adjust it, it's easy and quick to do. I won't reload without one!
ConcernedCitizen
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- Jun 25, 2004
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- 149
I also use the RCBS lockout die. I visually check every case too, but the lockout die always catches them before I do. I like being the second line of defense.
I've had a few empty cases lately due to powder buildup on the stem of the powder measure. It would occasionally stick in the up position, which wouldn't drop any powder in the next case. The lockout die caught them immediately. I've since cleaned the powder measure, and haven't had the problem since, but it's nice knowing that the lockout die is doing it's job.
I've also had the lockout die catch a .380 case that I missed during sizing. It was too short to activate the powder measure, and when it hit the lockout die, I somehow managed to use enough force to crush the case completely! I thought it was just a tough primer to decap, and it didn't take much more force than normal to buckle the .380 case completely. That lockout die is solid when it locks up.
I've had a few empty cases lately due to powder buildup on the stem of the powder measure. It would occasionally stick in the up position, which wouldn't drop any powder in the next case. The lockout die caught them immediately. I've since cleaned the powder measure, and haven't had the problem since, but it's nice knowing that the lockout die is doing it's job.
I've also had the lockout die catch a .380 case that I missed during sizing. It was too short to activate the powder measure, and when it hit the lockout die, I somehow managed to use enough force to crush the case completely! I thought it was just a tough primer to decap, and it didn't take much more force than normal to buckle the .380 case completely. That lockout die is solid when it locks up.
Mike 27
Member
The RCBS is awesome, set it and forget it. Let's you pay attention to everything else. I still watch the powder in the shell case before seating. Mine starts locking at between .2-.3 off of the adjustment.
I too load on the LNL AP and I use the RCBS lock out die with all the pistol cartridges and the Hornady Powder Cop with all rifle. I had some issues with the powder cop at first but after some easy fixes and learning how to make adjustments, it works great.
These are threads I started about the issues I had and how I resolved them.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=686876&highlight=powder+cop+issues
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=689380&highlight=powder+cop+issues
These are threads I started about the issues I had and how I resolved them.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=686876&highlight=powder+cop+issues
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=689380&highlight=powder+cop+issues
I began with the Hornady Powder Cop Die and it worked great but you must watch it every time you pull the handle which is not going to happen 100% of the time. I switched to the RCBS Lockout Die about about 1 1/2 years ago and it has been completely reliable. I now have one set up for each of my pistol calibers so I have no adjusting when changing from one to another. I think they are an excellent safety precaution.
dickttx
Member
I too would not reload on a progressive without the RCBS Lock-out die. And I still visually check the powder level before I set a bullet.
I am a cheap skate and only have one of the $50 dies. The biggest hassle is changing the plastic foot between 38 Super and 45 ACP. It is pretty easy to set off the press. I check it for no load, load, and double load each time I set up to reload. It has never failed a test.
I am a cheap skate and only have one of the $50 dies. The biggest hassle is changing the plastic foot between 38 Super and 45 ACP. It is pretty easy to set off the press. I check it for no load, load, and double load each time I set up to reload. It has never failed a test.
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