RCBS Lock-Out Die- demistified!

UltimateReloader · 09-21-2010, 09:57

Hey all- thanks for all of your input and feedback.

I've posted a couple of articles that include HD videos, exploded parts views, functional diagrams and more, showing everything you need to know about how to setup, use, and maintain the RCBS Lock-Out Die. And you'll also know exactly how this thing works

Here's the links:
RCBS Lock-Out Die Part I: Theory of Operation
RCBS Lock-Out Die Part II: Setup and Maintenance

You can subscribe here:
http://ultimatereloader.com/subscribe

Boxerglocker · 09-21-2010, 16:16

Very interesting... I'm debating the RBCS lockout versus the Dillon powder check for my upcoming XL650 purchase.

Is there a optimum case charge range that these work in? How do you think it would fair with a 9mm 4.1g Titegroup charge (low case volume)?

UltimateReloader · 09-21-2010, 16:31

I'd say the smaller the charge the less deviation in charge weight if you're using the small cavity in the powder measure- this is not always true, but for the charge you list, I think you'd see little deviation, and the RCBS Lock-Out Die should work great. On the XL-650 you can use the Dillon Powder Check system (only works on XL-650 and super 1050) and it's nice because you don't ever get "false positives" which can occur occasionally with the RCBS Lock-Out Die. The Dillon unit costs more, but it's really a matter of what features you're after.

Colorado4Wheel · 09-21-2010, 16:43

So it doesn't always work. That's confidence inspiring. I would hate a lockout die that locked up my press when everything was fine. It would also make me not trust it for other things. At least you told the truth.

UltimateReloader · 09-21-2010, 16:57

Actually, this die is much more likely to produce a false positive than a false negative (not find a problem). But yes, from time to time it will cause an inconvenience. I prefer this to no protection (better safe than sorry...

)

The Dillon unit will not lock up the press- so if you get a "false positive" you can just peer in the case when the ram goes back down. On the down side, it beeps whenever you cycle the press with no case in the powder check station.

Boxerglocker · 09-21-2010, 17:00

So of the two, given the load I mentioned... the Dillon powder check, is better... is that the concencus? What about the Horandy powder cop?

Colorado4Wheel · 09-21-2010, 17:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxerglocker

So of the two, given the load I mentioned... the Dillon powder check, is better... is that the concencus? What about the Horandy powder cop?

All the Hornady does is give you a visual indication of powder level using a rod and a black ring. In 9mm where you can easily see the powder level it's hardly much of a upgrade imo.

GioaJack · 09-21-2010, 17:08

I wish I hadn't watched that video, (I use the Powder Cop and have no complaints, works fine for me), now I've got a hankerin' for a couple bullet feeders.

Read a bunch of reviews, very mixed. Worrisome.

I only load lead but always use Blue Angle lube... up here unless it's just out of the sizer it stays very hard, not sticky at all. I'm wondering if the caution against using lead bullets is because of the lead or the possibility of soft lube gumming up the feeder.

(I'm kinda hoping it's because of the lead bullets themselves... that would save me close to a grand.

)

Jack

Colorado4Wheel · 09-21-2010, 17:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by GioaJack

I wish I hadn't watched that video, (I use the Powder Cop and have no complaints, works fine for me), now I've got a hankerin' for a couple bullet feeders.

Read a bunch of reviews, very mixed. Worrisome.

I only load lead but always use Blue Angle lube... up here unless it's just out of the sizer it stays very hard, not sticky at all. I'm wondering if the caution against using lead bullets is because of the lead or the possibility of soft lube gumming up the feeder.

(I'm kinda hoping it's because of the lead bullets themselves... that would save me close to a grand.

)

Jack

All the bullet feeder recommend not using Lead bullets.

GioaJack · 09-21-2010, 17:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado4Wheel

All the bullet feeder recommend not using Lead bullets.

People also recommend not getting married more than once, or twice, or thrice... do I listen?

Jack

Colorado4Wheel · 09-21-2010, 18:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by GioaJack

People also recommend not getting married more than once, or twice, or thrice... do I listen?

Jack

It will work with your harder lubes but eventually it will get gummed up and cause problems. I think Mr Bullet is the one people had the most success with using lead. Brian Enos Forums has the most people running bullet feeders. I would search over there if your serious.

UltimateReloader · 09-21-2010, 17:16

GioaJack- The reason for "no lead bullets" is due to more variation in diameter, and the lube "gumming up" issue you mentioned.

Boxerglocker- For the XL-650- the Dillon unit will serve you well. It may take more time to setup initially, but it is designed to work well with the XL-650.

The powder cop is handy for long cases where you can't easily do a visual (think 4 grains of W231 in a 357 Magnum case!). It's very easy to setup, and you just have to make sure you don't forget to look at the indicator. The RCBS die is good, but on the XL-650 you'll have to unscrew the die if you want to "check a jam" to see if the level is indeed off (if the Lock-Out die locks up). Ironically, the RCBS Lock-Out die works best on the Hornady Lock-N-Load for this reason