mannparks Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 whats the thoughts out there on powder check dies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oskino Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 (edited) whats the thoughts out there on powder check dies?I have been using a lee loadmaster for over a year, and had 2 squibs then about a month ago got me a 650 with the powder check die, I really like it as it a lot cheaper than buying a barrel and just another safety feature for us reloaders. I'm glad I have it Edited August 17, 2014 by Oskino Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reinz Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 whats the thoughts out there on powder check dies? I'm glad I have mine on my 1050's. Now, I just don't listen for the buzzer, I keep my eye on the notch in the rod on every throw as well. This way I know exactly what's going on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowboy1629 Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 I have one and use it on some loads but it was making a mess with my 9Major round because the case is so full. When the brass tip would drop into the case to measure the powder it would spill onto the shell plate so I had to quit using it on that round. Honestly I have loaded for years on a 550 without one and a couple of years on the 650 with no problems. I do keep full attention on what I'm doing and check cases as they come around. The low powder volume cases it would be helpful on when you really need to be at the right angle to see down in them. I think if they don't cause problems when using them or if you have distractions when loading they would be a good tool to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregJ Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 (edited) I tried the Powder Cop, did not like it. I now have the RCBS lock out die, and it does it's job nicely. Won't reload without it. Edited August 27, 2014 by GregJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigarm Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 Which do you prefer - the lock out type or the Dillon type? I am debating on whether to get another 550 or a 650. Really the main reason for the 650 would be the extra spot for the powder check. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
safeactionjackson Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 When I purchased my Dillon s1050 early this year it was ordered with a Dillon Powder Check. About a month ago I started to notice it wasn't alerting when it should. I pulled it apart and noticed it had some corrosion on the electrical contact going to the battery. After cleaning it... it seemed to work, about a week or two later I went down to crank out a small batch of ammo for the NER. I noticed again that it seemed to be working intermittently.... at best. This has not been a confidence installing experience to say the least. Last week while in a local shop I purchased both an RCBS Powder Check and Lockout dies. Wasn't sure which one I would like, and since the cost wasn't a big factor I decided to snag both. I set up the Powder Check die first, setup was simple and easy and the die works well. I then tried the Lockout die, again setup was extremely simple and fast, and again the die works extremely well. At this point the Lockout die will remain in the s1050, doubtful that I'd purchase another Dillon Powder Check die...... I think either mechanical device is better than the electronic device dillon sells. ~g Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mannparks Posted August 28, 2014 Author Share Posted August 28, 2014 thanks for all your input. got the RCBS and it works great. [peace of mind] charles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reinz Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 As I stated in post #3 , but maybe did not make it obvious enough, nor has Dillon; the Dillon Powder Check IS VISUAL LIKE the RCBS and L/L, as well as Audible. Which makes it superior. The problem with the Dillon having an Audible feature, is that folks get lazy and just rely on only the audible and don't look at the more accurate visual feature. This is how the visual works: The button on the blue alarm that makes it go beep should fall dead center into the notch on the powder rod. If it falls somewhere in the notch, you will get a chirp. This is normally acceptable, unless you are running min/max. If the button hits a flat, then pull the case and check it. Most likely, it is unacceptable. If you want to make it easier to read, paint the notch red. If I could post pics with an iPad I would. So if your Dillon audible breaks down, you still have the visual just like everyone else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mannparks Posted August 30, 2014 Author Share Posted August 30, 2014 Reins, thanks for that info. Don't know if everyone knows, but RCBS has two powder check dies one is visual and the other Is a true lock out the press die. This is the die witch I am using and recommended. No charge or a double charge in the case and the press will shut down until the problem is fixed. Charles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstagn Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 Could someone explain the RCBS powder lockout die?. How does it work and can I just add it to my XL650 with the standard dillion dies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueeyephil Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 Take a look. http://ultimatereloader.com/2010/09/19/rcbs-lock-out-die-part-i-theory-of-operation/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstagn Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 Thanks, great explanation.............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstagn Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 Read all the material, but still have some questions for an xl650: What happens when the die locks the press, how do you get it unlocked ? Does it only detect double and no powder charge ? What happens if the charge is off by say 20% because you are now using a different powder? THANKS... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xrayfk05 Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 It doesn't really lock the press, it only locks the uptravel of the shellplate. I have only used mine for a little while but I wouldn't count on it detecting a charge which is 20% off, I don't mind either I'm only concerned about double charges and zero charges. Mine had to go to be replaced by a bullet feeder and I don't miss it at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mannparks Posted September 1, 2014 Author Share Posted September 1, 2014 Mine had to go to be replaced by a bullet feeder and I don't miss it at all. So do want to sell it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xrayfk05 Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Hehe, not really worth it since I am from overseas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatland Shooter Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 I reload on a 550 and after all these years I've found something lacking. Started reloading .223 recently (in the past year) and would really like to add a Powder Cop to the mix but on the on the 550 there's just no good place to put it. As it is, after dumping the powder I drop a small pin into the shell casing to assure there is some powder in there. Not the fastest or most efficient way to do it, but I do what I need to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mannparks Posted September 2, 2014 Author Share Posted September 2, 2014 (edited) Where there's a Will there is a way. Edited September 2, 2014 by mannparks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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