RL550 powder check question

[Fatelvis]

I've been using my 550 for about 13 years in the progressive mode for pistol ctgs, and was wondering: do any of you have a step in your loading routine to assure a correct powder drop? The only thing I wish for is an extra station for a powder check die, but I don't want to start all over with a 650. A powder check die would add a little warm and fuzzy feeling of confidence for me. Thanks!

 

[Hangingrock]

I only use the RL550 for reloading 45ACP and 9mm-Luger thus I mounted a mirror angled down in conjunction with a lighting source to ascertain the powder charge visually. One is able to ascertain a double charge as an example 5.6 Grs of W231 compared to 11.2Grs is discernible for the 45ACP.

 

[cfullgraf]

On all of my progressives, I resize cases at shortly after shooting them, clean them and store them away for a future loading session.

So, on my BL550, I drop powder in station one and then can have a powder cop die in station two.

If separating resizing from loading is not your thing, you could seat and crimp in station 4 freeing up station 3 for a powder cop die. I am not sure about Dillon seater dies, but the seating dies from the other mainstream manufacturers have a crimping ring machined in the seating dies.