Dillon powder check die, yay or nay.

[TATER313]

I am Ordering a dillion XL650 with 9 mm and 40 conversions, what are your opinions on the powder check die? I do not think I will need it with the 9mm and 40 because I can visually check powder drop. I have been reloading years on a turret press and learned my lesson early after having a couple of squibs. No distractions check or complete round before placing bullet onto case. I want to hear your experiences with it, tweaks etc? thanks in advance.

[rcslotcar]

I bought my first RCBS single stage press in 1973. I recently upgraded to a new Dillon xl650. I have the powder check for peace of mind. Look on ebay for upgrades that make the indexing ( no snap ) of the shell plate, smooth and no loss of powder. There are other upgrades that make the Dillon run great!!!

[Rwnielsen]

I have a powder check die on each of my toolheads. They're easy to adjust and obnoxious when they go off. Just like the low primer warning

[liber]

I use a Dillon 650 and don't have any powder checks.

I bought an LED light that is very useful from MaxMySafe (they runs ads in the main parts and accessories for sale forum here). Helps to be able to see the cases and look inside of them. Seemed like a better investment to me.

I agree though, probably can't hurt to have, but I've read a few comments on calguns about them being a waste of money.

[TATER313]

I use a Dillon 650 and don't have any powder checks.

I bought an LED light that is very useful from MaxMySafe (they runs ads in the main parts and accessories for sale forum here). Helps to be able to see the cases and look inside of them. Seemed like a better investment to me.

I agree though, probably can't hurt to have, but I've read a few comments on calguns about them being a waste of money.

I have LED set up currently on my lee turret and it works great, I will do the same with the Dillon I just ordered. 9 and 40 are easier to visualize, the powder drops, i have heard of a lot of people dumping them after using them. Thanks for everyone's input.

[stranded1980]

I vote Yay. I have Dillon powder checks on my Dillon 650 for my 9, 40, and 223 toolheads. I really like them. I think of them as an insurance policy in case I somehow get distracted or zone out during a reloading session. I rely on my eyes to confirm that there is powder, but the powder check die does indeed give me sense of assurance that I didn't miss anything.

[waawaaweenie]

I say yes, you have been loading on a single stage and only doing one task at a time, now you are going to be doing multiple things at a time and can be distracted

almost every safe guard feature you can get will make the rounds better

[LeadPilot]

Yay! I didn't care for them at first, but after doing 500+ round sessions, it's nice to have a second set of eyes.

[Luv1911's]

I started reloading from the start with a Dillon XL650 for 9mm and .45. I installed a LED light in the center hole of the tool head so I can clearly see into every casing. As mentioned above, its nice to have a back up in case of distractions. I like the powder check.

[buruli]

Had one and don't care for it. Would rather visually check with LED light mounted by tool head

[anyracoon]

Use them on all my 650 reloading. I have my 650 on a strong mount which is on a higher bench so not very easy to look into a shell to check powder charge, especially rifle shells.

[CAL.BAR]

YES ALWAYS GET IT. VERY USEFUL. When you get a progressive press like the 650 moving, things happen FAST. If you have to stop and check each powder throw, you will obviate the purpose of the progressive press - speed

[bruce381]

I use it really is nice when you zone out and DO NOT LOOK.

One thing I do is get seperate Powder/checker Dies and adjust and mount on each shell plate same with the powder messure.

Have 7 or 8 shell heads with dies and only 1 powder messure and 1 checker i just move them as needed with preset dies no problem.

[mikeyr]

I have the LED light AND powder check die, I believe in double checking my loads, 1. with the LED to look into the case and 2. the powder check for insurance.

[Eljay]

You can't trust them, which means you have to check every case visually anyway. I don't buy the whole "backup in case of distractions" argument. If you're distracted stop pulling the lever.

I have one for 9mm, didn't really feel like it added anything, and I run a bulletfeeder on my 650 now so it's moot. Just keep the eyes glued to that station and if I somehow miss the powder level I stop, pop the bullet out of the next station (before it gets seated) and check that before continuing.