Powder Cop on LCT

[splattergun]

I don't have an easy time looking down into the shell to verify powder drop while using my Lee Classic Turret press, even with a light shining into it.
Since it's a 4-hole turret, are any of you using a powder cop die after the drop on your LCT?

 

[ponchh]

Not on pistol, but yes on bottle necks. I resize and prime off press, so I have the extra position for the powder cop

 

[kmw1954]

Not on a Turret but I have considered adding one to my new Breech Lock Pro when I use the Lee 3 die pistol set dies.

 

[Dudedog]

If you have a free station no reason you couldn't.
For pistol I prefer the RCBS lockout die to a powder cop.
http://ultimatereloader.com/2010/09/19/rcbs-lock-out-die-part-i-theory-of-operation/

 

[splattergun]

thanks y'all

 

[Tilos]

If you have a free station...leave it empty and check for powder when the case holder or shell plate is up and the case is sticking up through the die plate.
After doing the powder check, place a bullet in the case.

 

[GT1]

If it is something you need to look at(you have to watch these indicator/flag dies), why not just set up so you can look in the case?

Lock outs are awesome on a progressive though, I won't go without on my 650 since I have the slot.

 

[splattergun]

Even with a light it is difficult to see down into the pistol cases, particularly low volume charges in deep cases like .357 mag. So the powder cop will be delivered today.

 

[Livin_Cincy]

If you have a free station...leave it empty and check for powder when the case holder or plate is up and the case is sticking up through the die plate.
After doing the powder check, place a bullet in the case.

bbbbbbbbbut... What if ??? The Klingons for example.

 

[snakeye]

If you have a free station...leave it empty and check for powder when the case holder or shell plate is up and the case is sticking up through the die plate.
After doing the powder check, place a bullet in the case.

Haven't ever seen or operated a Lee Classic Turret press have we

 

[RealGun]

My LCT has a flexlight on it, and I work at a height that puts my view well above a case mouth. I still choose powders that have the better case fill for a given charge. The problem is mostly with relatively long revolver cartridges that have a black powder heritage but are loaded with fast burning, low bulk powders, i.e 38 Special and 45 Colt, especially 357 Magnum, and definitely 44-40. A powder like Trailboss handles that, while real magnum loadings take advantage of slow burners designed for magnum loading and magnum case capacities. I suppose I have worked around needing an aid verifying powder charges, but playing the powder choice, lighting, and viewing position game is another approach.

 

[Tilos]

Haven't ever seen or operated a Lee Classic Turret press have we

Thanks for reading/quoting my post
Nope, don't own one, have seen/cycled one though, and have a Pro1000 and LM with the same die plate design, 3 and 5 holes though.
Are you only considering pistol, you know you can load rifle (longer cases) on a Lee turret too.

I can see where reaching around the primer dispenser and dies to place a bullet in the up position could be tedious, but a visual powder check is doable.
With the primer pez dispenser removed/priming off the press, would make it easier too.
It's something I do on "other" progressives I own and thought it might apply here.
If your opinion is it won't work,
never mind...

 

[ATLDave]

Two words: Dental mirror. Rig up a dental mirror so that you can see down into the case without having to crane/hunt around.

 

[Livin_Cincy]

Thanks for reading/quoting my post
Nope, don't own one, have seen/cycled one though, and have a Pro1000 and LM with the same die plate design, 3 and 5 holes though.
Are you only considering pistol, you know you can load rifle (longer cases) on a Lee turret too.

I can see where reaching around the primer dispenser and dies to place a bullet in the up position could be tedious, but a visual powder check is doable.
With the primer pez dispenser removed/priming off the press, would make it easier too.
It's something I do on "other" progressives I own and thought it might apply here.
If your opinion is it won't work,
never mind...

I understood your suggestion.

Looking down the empty die hole above the ram at the front of the press seems to simple. Look, insert Bullet, lower & carry on. If you size & deprime before cleaning you have a station open. My revolver brass never hits the floor or ground so I have no issued with pushing it thru a carbide sizing die before cleaning.

"Once I started sorting my reloading dies by Caliber it made a big difference."

 

[boom boom]

I use one on the LCT when actually loading pistol brass and it helps. I resize and deprime as a first separate step after I clean the range brass. I use a separate turret that hold a 9mm, .38 Spec, .45 ACP, and .357 sizer and depriming dies. Then I prime whatever I am going to load off the press with a handheld primer. After that, I 1) drop powder, bell the case, 2) powder checker die, 3) seat bullet, and 4) apply factory crimp die, 5) remove loaded ammo and start again.

 

[boom boom]

I use one on the LCT when actually loading pistol brass and it helps. I resize and deprime as a first separate step after I clean the range brass. I use a separate turret that hold a 9mm, .38 Spec, .45 ACP, and .357 sizer and depriming dies. Then I prime whatever I am going to load off the press with a handheld primer. After that, I 1) drop powder, bell the case, 2) powder checker die, 3) seat bullet, and 4) apply factory crimp die, 5) remove loaded ammo and start again.

 

[RealGun]

I use one on the LCT when actually loading pistol brass and it helps. I resize and deprime as a first separate step after I clean the range brass. I use a separate turret that hold a 9mm, .38 Spec, .45 ACP, and .357 sizer and depriming dies. Then I prime whatever I am going to load off the press with a handheld primer. After that, I 1) drop powder, bell the case, 2) powder checker die, 3) seat bullet, and 4) apply factory crimp die, 5) remove loaded ammo and start again.

I am glad that works for you but it strikes me as more case handling and press strokes than I would prefer to invest. I have the luxury of having a progressive with a case feeder and an additional set of suitable dies, so I can use the case feeder to process brass for sizing and priming without disturbing the rest of the setup I use for volume loading. A finished case comes off with each stroke. I have the option of including an expander, if the powder measure is not expanding exactly the way I need it. I can then have an LCT station open for something like a powder check.

 

[boom boom]

I am glad that works for you but it strikes me as more case handling and press strokes than I would prefer to invest. I have the luxury of having a progressive with a case feeder and an additional set of suitable dies, so I can use the case feeder to process brass for sizing and priming without disturbing the rest of the setup I use for volume loading. A finished case comes off with each stroke. I have the option of including an expander, if the powder measure is not expanding exactly the way I need it. I can then have an LCT station open for something like a powder check.

It does involve more case handling but I am only working for myself and need only to please myself. It also allows me to closely inspect cases multiple times for problems. I do not like ANY of the prime on the press devices and prefer to hand prime brass as needed.

Volume does not interest me, the process does.

 

[boom boom]

cross posted sorry

 

[RealGun]

It does involve more case handling but I am only working for myself and need only to please myself. It also allows me to closely inspect cases multiple times for problems. I do not like ANY of the prime on the press devices and prefer to hand prime brass as needed.

Volume does not interest me, the process does.

Yes, priming on a press can be problematic, but I did learn to do it without much hassle

 

[kmw1954]

Yes, priming on a press can be problematic, but I did learn to do it without much hassle

I too have learned how to use the on press priming tools and at least for me they all work very well and do not add another whole process. The whole purpose to me for buying a turret press and a progressive press was to reduce processes and movements not add to them. I'm also retired so time spent at the bench is not an issue like some of you who are still working and trying to make a living. So no I do not really need a turret press or a progressive press yet I have 2 of each. I use the progressive press to reduce strokes/workload not to speed up output! With that said I still have a hard time understanding why people buy a progressive press and then do half the work off the press. Just makes no sense.

But again the beauty of this whole thing is that each of us are allowed to buy the tools we like, the brands we like and then to use them in a way that suites each of us. There is no right or wrong way just different ways. If you don't like or approve of the way I do it then don't watch me!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO if you are using the auto-index feature on the LCT press it's almost impossible to double charge a case unless you really try to. On the turret press you will need to pull the handle an extra time each round to use the powder cop. I see no need but of course do what you think is best.

 

[Whiterook808]

Double charges are one thing to watch out for, but the other is the possibility that your measure threw no charge or a partial charge.

 

[boom boom]

Double charges are one thing to watch out for, but the other is the possibility that your measure threw no charge or a partial charge.

I agree, the overcharge thing is easier to avoid than no charge or partial if you use powder that will essentially overflow upon a double charge.

 

[splattergun]

squibs are my primary concern on the LCT. I haven't experienced one yet, but I can imagine a powder bridge or some other drop failure happening eventually. So I took out the crimping die and put the seating die in its place, then put in the powder cop after the sizing/charging die. this weekend when I have more time I will adjust the powder cop and give it a whirl. Sure would be easier for old eyes.