The RCBS Lock-Out Die is also compatible with some Dillon and Hornady Progressive Presses. We recommend that you purchase a Lock-Out Die if you use a progressive press to load pistol or rifle ammunition. This unique reloading tool will prevent your progressive presses from advancing when the powder charge is less or more than 0.3 grains. The Lock-Out Die works. Your Editor uses it with his RCBS progressive press. I can confirm that a Lock-Out Die “saved me bacon” over the years a half-dozen time when there was a Kaboom or a low-charge (which may have caused a squib-load). The Lock-Out Die is a die detection rod which adjusts its vertical position according to the height of powder column in the case. The rod will lock in place if the powder is too high or low. This stops the press before it can lift the ram and advance the cartridge plate. The Lock-Out Die stops the press ram from moving and prevents bullets from being seated into the “problem” case. This is unlike a beeping system that can be ignored or beaten. The Lock-Out Die requires some tweaking to find the right position for the detection rod. Once it is in place, the Lock-Out Die will work smoothly. The Lock-Out Die will not interfere with the loading cycle unless it detects an excessive or low charge. The RCBS Lock-Out Die is designed for progressive presses by RCBS, but it can also be used with a Dillon XL Progressive or Hornady Lock-N-Load Progressive (see the video below), though this takes up a station that could be used to place a final crimping die (after seating die). The RCBS 2000 is a platform that’s ideal for using the Lock-Out Die. It has one more station compared to a Dillon 550/650. Learn More at UltimateReloader.com
You’ll find a two-part series on RCBS Lock-Out Die function and setup on the UltimateReloader.com site, run by Gavin Gear. Part One uses cut-away illustrations to explain how the Lock-Out Die works. Part Two explains how to install and set up the Lock-Out Die for various progressive presses. The Ultimate Reloader Video at the top of the article shows the setup of the RCBS Lock-Out die on the Dillon XL-650 Progressive Press, while the Reloading bench video below shows the Lock-Out die on a Hornady lnL progressive. Images (c) 2011 UltimateReloader.com, used by permission.
