Hornady AP powder die questions

Steel185 · July 3, 2010, 09:40 PM

I'm getting going on my Hornady LNL AP press and I have ordered my first set of dies for it(standard 3 die set), and the taper crimp die (45 acp) and I was looking what type of powder COP/Lock-out die to get. I know the RCBS lock-out die is better leaving one less thing to look at vs the hornady powder cop, but does the RCBS work well on a Hornady AP?

Is there another version out there? a better option to make sure my powder is at the correct level?

thanks

mactex · July 4, 2010, 01:12 PM

It's not a lock out device, but Hornady makes the "Powder Cop." As long as you check it every time you pull the handle it will let you know if you have powder in the case.

impactco · July 4, 2010, 08:42 PM

I use this RCBS unit in my LNL AP:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=234716

It does not lock out the press on a charge error, but I just include the indicator in my visual scan with each pull. Works for me.

mongoose33 · July 5, 2010, 10:53 PM

I use the RCBS lockout die on my LnL AP.

I use it for exactly the reason you note, i.e., it works if I'm watching it or not. The powder cop simply announces the load, but you still have to look at it, just as if you were looking into the case.

In fact, while it's advertised to catch squib or double loads, mine is more sensitive than that. Here's a system I use for calibrating it, using corks driven down into the cases:

The middle case's cork simulates the correct load, and I use that to set up the die if I've changed it to something else. But the lockout die will catch--will lock up the press--if I have a low or no powder situation (as in the two cases on the left), or an excess powder situation (as in the two on the right).

In fact, I like the lockout die so much I bought a second, one set up for 9mm, one set up for .45.

July 3, 2010, 09:40 PM	#1
Steel185 Junior Member Join Date: May 10, 2010 Posts: 13	Hornady AP powder die questions I'm getting going on my Hornady LNL AP press and I have ordered my first set of dies for it(standard 3 die set), and the taper crimp die (45 acp) and I was looking what type of powder COP/Lock-out die to get. I know the RCBS lock-out die is better leaving one less thing to look at vs the hornady powder cop, but does the RCBS work well on a Hornady AP? Is there another version out there? a better option to make sure my powder is at the correct level? thanks Last edited by Steel185; July 3, 2010 at 09:54 PM.

July 4, 2010, 08:42 PM	#3
impactco Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Posts: 102	I use this RCBS unit in my LNL AP: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=234716 It does not lock out the press on a charge error, but I just include the indicator in my visual scan with each pull. Works for me. Last edited by impactco; July 4, 2010 at 08:57 PM.

July 4, 2010, 01:12 PM	#2
mactex Member Join Date: December 22, 2006 Posts: 62	It's not a lock out device, but Hornady makes the "Powder Cop." As long as you check it every time you pull the handle it will let you know if you have powder in the case.

July 5, 2010, 10:53 PM	#4
mongoose33 Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 228	I use the RCBS lockout die on my LnL AP. I use it for exactly the reason you note, i.e., it works if I'm watching it or not. The powder cop simply announces the load, but you still have to look at it, just as if you were looking into the case. In fact, while it's advertised to catch squib or double loads, mine is more sensitive than that. Here's a system I use for calibrating it, using corks driven down into the cases: The middle case's cork simulates the correct load, and I use that to set up the die if I've changed it to something else. But the lockout die will catch--will lock up the press--if I have a low or no powder situation (as in the two cases on the left), or an excess powder situation (as in the two on the right). In fact, I like the lockout die so much I bought a second, one set up for 9mm, one set up for .45.