Powder Check Systems

[NorCalNative]

Any opinions on a system to double check powder loads? Two approaches that I see are an indicator rod and a lockout system. Is there a system that has an audible alarm? I'll be using for pistol and .223 reloading on a LNL AP. THANKS!

[Bill Steele]

Dillon makes an audible system, I think I read somewhere you could adapt it to a LnL AP.

I personally don't use a powder check, but if I were to use one, I would probably favor the Dillon setup first, otherwise the RCBS lockout setup.

The Hornaday Powder Cop die just doesn't make sense to me. If you have to look anyway, why not just look into the case before you set the bullet, my preferred method.

Good luck, have fun.

[morrow]

Dillon's audible system is the best IMO, works wonderful for rifle and pistol.
Lockout dies are pistol (straight wall) cartridges only.
For rifle dies you have to use the indicator rods, which IMO are corny at best.

In addition to any (or none) of the above you can setup a light or purchase a LED lighting system and visually check every case. Don't get complacent though; check each one!!

[Divernhunter]

I have a Dillon 650 with their powder check system and like it. I like the buzzer as well as the rod. That way if I am not looking I stop when any buzzer goes off. Also have low primer and powder in powder measure buzzers

[NorCalNative]

In addition to any (or none) of the above you can setup a light or purchase a LED lighting system and visually check every case. Don't get complacent though; check each one!!

I hear you. I do the visual check system now (using a slick light from Ikea), but I feel redundancy is a good thing here.

[dartbrandx]

I've got the dillon 650 with the powder check system. It's one of the best things on the machine! It allows me to keep my eyes on everything else going on with the process that IS making bullets. It beeps if the charge is too low or too high. On top of that, the measuring device (dipper) has an hourglass at the top of the rod. I can visually see exactly where the charge is in each round by checking that rod.

I liked it so much, I did mount the powder check on my fathers LnL. You have to drill a small hole on the top of the turrent so the rod can go through and down to activate the system as the shell plate comes up. He say's it works great. It's just another safety feature. You can never have too many safety devices on a LnL!

[Fyathyrio]

Hornady powder cop is silly, RCBS Lockout is nice for pistol. The Dillon can be adapted to the Hornady by drilling a small hole in the top to run the rod through. I've not done it, and likely won't as I feel RCBS is fine.