In the first RCBS Lock-Out Die article, I discussed how the RCBS Lock-Out Die works. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to setup the die, and also how to disassemble and reassemble the die for cleaning and maintenance.
There are multiple ways to skin a cat, and likewise, there are multiple ways to setup the RCBS Lock-Out Die. You can either set it up on the bench, or on the press. I’ll demonstrate how to setup the die on the bench, and fine tune on the press. I feel this is the easiest and quickest way to get this die setup.
Here are the basic steps:
- Charge a case (with spent primer) and set it on your bench
- Install the correct foot on the RCBS Lock-Out die
- Place the die on top of the case and press down, note the level of the indicator line on the die detector rod
- Adjust as needed by rotating the ends of the die detector rod assembly (tighten or loosen) – the goal is to “split the line” where the top of the die body meets up with the die detector rod
- Install the die on the press – exact height is not critical, but instructions suggest bottom of die approximately 1/4″ from the shellplate
- Check the setting and fine tune by cycling the press with a charged case in the RCBS Lock-Out Die station, adjust die detector rod as needed
- Validate setting by cycling the press a few times with charged case in place
So those are the basic setup steps- but if you’re like me, you’d rather “see” the setup, so here’s an HD video showing setup of the RCBS Lock-Out die on the Dillon XL-650:
So now that you know how to setup the die, how about disassembly, cleaning, and re-assembly? Before we jump into this procedure, let’s review the parts that make up the die, this time in more detail (we covered conceptual part assemblies in the first RCBS Lock-Out Die article):
Top: Complete RCBS Lock-Out Die assembly, Bottom: Disassembled RCBS Lock-Out Die assembly - Image copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader
Here, we see a complete die assembly, and a disassembled RCBS Lock-Out Die next to each other. In order to make sense of these parts and assemblies, I’ll show you the complete disassembly and assembly process by means of an HD video of course!
Now that we’ve covered the basic bases for the RCBS Lock-Out Die, you should be ready to claim “RCBS Armorer” status, or something like that.
Do you have tips and tricks that you’d like to share? Please submit your comments and join in on the discussion!
Tags: RCBS, RCBS Lock-Out Die, Reloading, Reloading Blog, Reloading Safety, Reloading Videos
Can this die be used in other reloaders such as the Hornady AP?
Yes. and it’s better than the Hornady Powder Cop!
I am glad to find you web site. Awesome! So, does the powder checker die and the lock out die do the same thing? If so, which is better? Do either of these dies work with both hand gun and necked rifle cases, such as the .223, .308, etc?
Thanks, Richard
They both work with pistol and rifle cartridges, but one locks up the press (lock-out die) and the other just shows you the powder level in the case, much like the Hornady Powder Cop die. The lock-out die is the most safe I think… (but takes more setup)
[...] RCBS Lockout Die Setup and Maintenance [...]
So how does the RCBS Lockout die work ? You show what happens when a properly charged case is inserted into the lockout die but what happens when an impropperly charged case is inserted ? Please explain both overcharged case and undercharged case warnings. I don’t believe your video deals with the benefit the die offers for the reloader
Joe- please see the following post which includes diagrams showing undercharge, proper charge, and overcharge.
http://ultimatereloader.com/2010/09/19/rcbs-lock-out-die-part-i-theory-of-operation/
Have you used the lock-out die with Rifle cartridge like 30-06? I read it is for handgun only. Can you confiirm it works well with rifle?
thx
I haven’t tried it, but I have used the powder cop die on rifle cartridges… The RCBS powder checker would be another option.
[...] RCBS Lock-Out Die. Part One explains how the Lock-Out Die functions, using cut-away illustrations. Part Two shows how to install and adjust the Lock-Out Die on various progressive presses. The video below [...]
very good vids thank you, i would like to see how the press locks up when the load is incorrect, and how to clear the lock, and then get the press going again, you have done a great job showing the operation and parts, but i think it would be helpful to see it “lock-up” thanks again keep up the good work