What kind of light do you use on your Hornady lock-n-load?
- Thread starter Gasitman
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Best tip you'll see is get yourself an RCBS powder cop die. I've owned progressive presses for 10 years now. I sold my first a Dillon 550 after the 3rd squib. The 550 had 4 stations without room for a powder check die. I moved on to a 650 and 1050, both with powder check dies. Without a powder check die it's a matter of time before you get into trouble.
I tell everyone thinking of going progressive to add these dies. You'll save yourself some grief.
I tell everyone thinking of going progressive to add these dies. You'll save yourself some grief.
dredd
Member
I have seen some folks rig a little LED. I can't remember if it was here, or on another Forum.
dredd
Member
Spend the extra money on an RCBS Lock-Out die.
You don't need to look at it. It will stop everything is the load is lighter or heavier then it was set for.
The powder cop dies have to be looked at, and I am looking at the bullet being seated.
For me, one of the big advantages of the L-N-L vs other progressives I've used is that the seating station is virtually under my nose and it is easy to look into and the lighting from the over head lights are sufficient.
Agree that a press mounted light would be best and Walkalong's looks very good.
On the Dillons I've used, I have to get up and bend over to see into the case and I find that I really need a light with those.
You don't need to look at it. It will stop everything is the load is lighter or heavier then it was set for.
The powder cop dies have to be looked at, and I am looking at the bullet being seated.
For me, one of the big advantages of the L-N-L vs other progressives I've used is that the seating station is virtually under my nose and it is easy to look into and the lighting from the over head lights are sufficient.
Agree that a press mounted light would be best and Walkalong's looks very good.
On the Dillons I've used, I have to get up and bend over to see into the case and I find that I really need a light with those.
I use a powder cop die.
Currently, my Hornady is mounted too high to see in the cases without standing up.
I just bought a Dillon SDB and will build the stand lower so that I can see in the case from my chair. If that works, I'll cut down the stand on the Hornady.
My reloading room has lots of overhead fluorescent lights so I am not sure if I will need additional lights on the press.
Side note, all my presses and powder measures are mounted on their own free standing floor stand.
Currently, my Hornady is mounted too high to see in the cases without standing up.
I just bought a Dillon SDB and will build the stand lower so that I can see in the case from my chair. If that works, I'll cut down the stand on the Hornady.
My reloading room has lots of overhead fluorescent lights so I am not sure if I will need additional lights on the press.
Side note, all my presses and powder measures are mounted on their own free standing floor stand.
Tim the student
Member
Does it work with bottleneck rifle brass too?
I use a flexible neck LED light that is battery operated. These can be found in the BBQ area at Walmart for about $15. They also have a magnetic base and clamp for attachment.
I prefer to visually check for powder charge versus the Powder cop die: i.e. if you have to look at the powder cop, you can also look into your case.
I prefer to visually check for powder charge versus the Powder cop die: i.e. if you have to look at the powder cop, you can also look into your case.
gaucho
Member
I use an LED bore light with a flexible shaft.
MickKennedy29
Member
I bought a book light from amazon for this problem. It has a plastic clamp that fits right on the press and a flexible head that I can position to point directly into the case at an angle. I just use it for 45 colt and 38/357 as those cases can make it difficult to see into the case.
I may need to find a flashlight that fits in the center hole though, that seems like a great idea.
I may need to find a flashlight that fits in the center hole though, that seems like a great idea.
I have a powder check die, but with the other problems I have with the press (it is at hornady right now) it is hard to keep track sometimes. I had a squib and I do not want another one.
I tried the flashlight in the middle, but it really does not focus where I want it. I found a book reading light at Barnes and noble, but I cant figure out how to attach it.
I wish dillon would make it so I can use their audible powder check, but noooooooo, they want to keep it proprietary.
I tried the flashlight in the middle, but it really does not focus where I want it. I found a book reading light at Barnes and noble, but I cant figure out how to attach it.
I wish dillon would make it so I can use their audible powder check, but noooooooo, they want to keep it proprietary.
I painted everything that doesn't move gloss white, mounted the light to be postioned above/behind my head.
Everything white, even the inside of the press frame.
That helped to see everything, everywhere.
Perhaps a mirror would help, not to look at but to reflect the light to were it's needed.
Everything white, even the inside of the press frame.
That helped to see everything, everywhere.
Perhaps a mirror would help, not to look at but to reflect the light to were it's needed.
ric426
Member
I converted a Powder Cop die to be audible because I kept forgetting to look at it. It stays silent if the powder level is too low, gives a 1 second beep for a proper powder level and screeches like hell if it's got too much of a charge. I've got myself trained to not pick up a bullet until I hear the beep. Haven't had a squib or even a low charge since I started using it. It's cheap and easy to make if you have basic electronics skills or know someone who does.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=6443143&postcount=579
GW Staar
Member
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- Feb 26, 2009
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When I'm short a station for a lock-out die or powder cop, this is how I do it....a flexible LED light and a reflecting mirror trick.
The big lower mirror means I can see it from my sitting/cranking position.
Mirrors I bought from a Craft store. "Third Hand" contraption from a hobby shop, and the $5 Led light from Hastings Book store. Orrrr.........you can buy this......
HERE
....for $15 plus shipping. I just epoxied the lower mirror to a clip, and plastic tack under the top mirror made it position adjustable.
The big lower mirror means I can see it from my sitting/cranking position.
Mirrors I bought from a Craft store. "Third Hand" contraption from a hobby shop, and the $5 Led light from Hastings Book store. Orrrr.........you can buy this......
HERE
....for $15 plus shipping. I just epoxied the lower mirror to a clip, and plastic tack under the top mirror made it position adjustable.
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