The RCBS Lock-Out Die is compatible with certain Hornady and Dillon progressive presses. A Lock-Out Die from RCBS is recommended if you load pistol or rifle ammunition with a progressive presses. This unique reloading device will stop your progressive press from moving if the powder charge is more than 0.3 grains too high, or too low. The Lock-Out Die works. It is used by your Editor on his RCBS2000 progressive press. I can confirm that the Lock-Out Die “saved me bacon” at least a dozen times when there was an over-charge (which might cause a Kaboom), or a low-charge (which could result in a squib-load). The Lock-Out Die uses a central detection rod to adjust its vertical position according to the height of the powder columns in the case. The rod locks in place when the powder column height is too low, or too high, thanks to an ingenious design. This stops the press from lifting and allowing the cartridge plate to advance. The Lock-Out Die stops the movement of a press ram and prevents a bullet from being seated in the “problem case” unlike a beeping alarm system that can be ignored or defeated. Although it takes some time to get the Lock-Out Die detection Rod setting right, once it is, the Lock-Out Die runs smoothly in the background. The Lock-Out Die will not interfere with the loading process unless the detection of a high or lower charge is made. If it does, it will stop the progressive loading cycle. The RCBS Lock-Out Die is designed for use on RCBS progressive presses. However, it can also be used with Hornady Lock-N-Load and Dillon XL Progressives (see video below). It does take up one station that could be used for a final crimp (after the seating den). The Lock-Out Die can be used on the RCBS 2000 because it has one more station than a Dillon 550/650. Learn more at UltimateReloader.com
Gavin, our friend, has created a two-part series about the function and setup of the RCBS Lock-Out Die. It is available on the UltimateReloader.com website. Part One explains the Lock-Out Die’s functions using cut-away illustrations. Part 2 demonstrates how to adjust and install the Lock-Out Die on different progressive presses. The Ultimate Reloader video at top shows how to set up the RCBS Lock-Out die on the Dillon XL-650 progressive press. The Reloading Bench video below shows how to use the Lock-Out die on a Hornady lnL progressive. Images (c) 2011 UltimateReloader.com, used by permission.
