brandrum Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Been debating if I want to get a powder check for my 650. What do you guy's think? Is it worth it? or would I be better off getting a powder check die? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gose Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 I've loaded a couple hundred k rounds on my 650s, not a single squib so far, so I dont really see the need for the powder check die. The powder hopper is right in your face, so unless you have an automated setup I dont really see how you could miss that you're running low So I dont really see the need for either. Spend the money on components instead.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Vigilante Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Agree. I have a light shining right into the cases and rely on my eyesight. I got rid of my powder checker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Don't need either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nj mike Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 no powder check either have a clip on led light from staples attached to case feeder to shine into cases also Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckS Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 Until I got a bullet feeder for my 650, the powder measure lived in hole #3. That way there was only one move for "powder dance". Now the bullet dropper lives in hole #3. I got a nifty Ikea light for checking powder. Later, Chuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike7461 Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 (edited) I think it's worth getting a powder check die. I've caught one squib with my RCBS lockout die out of the last 2 thousand rounds. The RCBS lock die will lock the press up...it's impossible to ignore a press that locks up! The RCBS is very reasonably priced as well, but it is only good for pistol cases. If I start doing rifle on my 650 I'll get the Dillon Powder check die that does it all, but is only audible. I would still use the Lockup die for Pistol because I would rather have the press lock up for improper powder level in the cases. Edited May 31, 2012 by Mike7461 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retarmyaviator Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 I load for subguns in addition to pistols so having the powder check die is a bit of piece of mind for me. Replacing a Thompson barrel is pretty darn expensive these days. Never had a squib loading on my 550 but with the 650 I like having the option of an extra set of "eyes" looking at the powder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BE Fred Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 I find that the powder check station is very comforting. It enables me to load faster...800/hr for 38 special is no trouble at all. The powder check station allows me to watch other things. 2 cents Fred Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KentG Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 I use one for pistol but cant get it to work reliably for rifle. I think just the auto indexing pretty much takes out the powder not getting dropped issue. I have loaded for close to a decade and have yet to have a squib. Im sure now I have jixed myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osageid Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 I have it on mine, ordered at time of purchase, I just wanted something just in case kind of thing. I still check but this does keep "me honest" I have tried to trick it with no powder and double charges. Been reliable, I like the insurance . I am sure I will outgrow it?! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcracco Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Never had a squib in 30 years of reloading. But the question remains the same; take a chance on blowing up a gun and lose an eye or spend $80 more on a safety device that lessens the likelihood of a squib. I opted for a powder check on my 1050 and every caliber change will have one as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueeyedme Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 I started loading on a 650 and had the Powder check for piece of mind. When I moved up to the 1050 I skipped the powder check - but I look in ever case without fail before the bullet is dropped in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlmiller1 Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 I always look in each pistol case so I don't use one for that but for 223, I can't see the powder. I like the dillon ok for that. It won't give you a real reliable feedback for exactly how much powder, just like the instructions say, but you can tell if it has way too much or too little. I like the reassurance it gives. I prefer to trust my eyes on the pistol ammo, though. JMHO! MLM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sounder Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 I get the odd false alarm when loading 223 on the 650. Never really investigated why. Using ADI Benchmark 2 I can eyeball it when seating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remoandiris Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 (edited) When reloading, do you pay attention to what you're doing or do you just pull the handle like a one-armed bandit at a casino? What do you trust more, your own eyes or a mechanical device? WTH am I saying...the whole thing is a mechanical device!! I'm in no rush when reloading and don't use a powder checker. I just look into the case. Edited June 21, 2012 by remoandiris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewcolglazier Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 I use a powder check die on my 650. IMO this is the best system. The die has a white flag on the end of a rod which will indicate proper powder load, no powder, or excessive powder loads. The flag is located right at eye level and much easier to keep an eye on than trying to look down into cases. I have seen more than a few guns blown up, usually by squib loads, and always recommend the use of a powder check system. I used to load on a single stage press, and checked cases visually. I had an unacceptable level of squibs, as visually checking just didn't do the job. How many squibs out of a few thousand loaded rounds is acceptable? None. I've had at least two shooting buddies who pooh-poohed the idea of powder-check systems on their reloaders who blew up guns . Now they have dies. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L3324temp Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 On an auto indexing press you really don't need it. But I do have an RCBS lockout die on all my pistol tool heads. The $40 or so is worth the extra safety for me. Now, even with the auto-index and powder check die, it is still possible to have an issue if you get sloppy. Your technique and habits are the most important thing and that is the point the others are making here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Harrington Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 I have the Dillon powder check die. It sits on my load bench. I found myself still looking into EVERY case so I decided that the die wasn't needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FAZZ Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 I watch my powder all the time, or just put enough powder so you don't have to worry about it. I would spend the money elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StealthyBlagga Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 I run the Dillon Powder Check die on all my toolheads. Cheap insurance and reassuring that I am not making a dumb mistake, especially when things get hung up and out of phase. I use one for pistol but cant get it to work reliably for rifle. I get the odd false alarm when loading 223 on the 650. I had the same problem - the chamfered tip of the .22 sensor rod hangs up in the mouth of a .223 case. I stuck mine in a drill press and turned it down... works like silk now. Before on the left, after on the right: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CocoBolo Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scootertheshooter Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 It may have saved me once when the powder bar Allen screw backed out and didn't throw powder. I heard the buzz and stopped and discovered what had happen. Now I too look into the case when placing a bullet so I probably would have caught it, or not. I like mine for another safety device. The question should be why wouldn't you use it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueeyedme Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 The question should be why wouldn't you use it. Because I am adding a bullet feeder to my 1050 and don't have a spot for the powder checker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scootertheshooter Posted June 23, 2012 Share Posted June 23, 2012 The question should be why wouldn't you use it. Because I am adding a bullet feeder to my 1050 and don't have a spot for the powder checker. That would do it:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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