Source for a powder check die?

[EddieCoyle]

I just started using a Hornady L&L AP to load 10 mm. The press has 5 stations and I'm using 4. I'd like to add a powder check die. Can someone recommend a source? I've checked the Lee, Hornady, and RCBS sites but did not see one.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[dmftoy1]

I've got one from RCBS that I bought from http://www.midwayusa.com

Regards,
Dave

 

[jcims]

Check midwayusa.com, they carry the Hornday Powder Cop and i believe the RCBS powder check die (can't remember the name).

My brother and i reload and we bought the hornady powder cop. It's OK, but it doesn't physically lock up the press if there is an under or over powder condition...the little donut on the pole just goes up more (or less).

The RCBS unit does lock up the die, but i believe there are some fitment issues with the LNL...i think you need to use the passthrough expander die and move the powder drop back one station... If you can make it work, i would use that one...better peace of mind.

 

[EddieCoyle]

Thanks! I knew you guys would have the answer.

 

[LHB1]

Both Hornady and RCBS make powder check dies. At least one also makes a powder lock die. I use RCBS powder check dies (does NOT lock press) on both my Hornady LNL presses simply because I found them first. Sources include Midway, Brownells, Hornady, and RCBS.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[MarkV]

I don't mean to hijack but it's on this topic.

Is one of the two better then the other? The lock out die and powder checker. What's the difference. I read what they said about them on RCBS's website and couldn't really tell a differance. Also will these dies fit a Lee press?

 

[Car Knocker]

In a nutshell, a powder check die requires you to look at it every round to verify there is powder in the case. It will indicate whether there is too much powder or too little. A lock out die will prevent the press from continuing the stroke if powder level varies too much from the parameter you set. It does not require any attention from the operator.

These dies will fit any press that will accept a standard 7/8"-14 reloading die.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

While I own a Lock N Load progressive, I recommend and use the RCBS Lock Out Powder die because it locks up the press for an under or over charge. Since I got it, it's locked up a time or two when I screwed up operation of the press someone fiddling with something.

The Hornady one is "ok," but I think RCBS has the better product of those two.

Another more expensive option is the Dillon powder charge alarm system which can be adapted to the Hornady, as can the Dillon powder measure with expander dies, if one so choices. (Note: The Dillon measure works very well with pistol powders, appears to be a little less expensive than the new Hornady CAPD and already has an expander for .30 carbine.) and can be adapted to the Hornady using the springs the Dillon originally was designed with, part number 14036, you'll need two.

Hope this helps,

Dave

 

[Matt-man]

With respect to the Hornady and RCBS powder checkers - I have the Hornady and I think I'd rather have the RCBS. The Hornady simply has an indicator rod which moves up and down. The RCBS has that, but it also appears to have a second rod with a white O-ring that can be moved to match the correct height of the indicator rod. So the RCBS would seem to be quicker and more accurate - just check the height of the indicator rod against the height of the little O-ring. With the Hornady I know there's some powder there, but I can't clearly see if it's a little higher or lower than where it should be. I suppose if I were clever I could come up with something similar for my Hornady powder checker.

Dave in GA - did you have to do anything special with the RCBS lock-out die, or did it work in your LnL right out of the box? Inquiring LnL owners want to know.