Indispensable tool - RCBS Lock-Out Reloading Dies

If you have ever had a squib load and a projectile stuck in your barrel then you need an RCBS Lock-out Die. I will not reload pistol loads with out one. When I first started reloading, I had a squib load that got stuck in the barrel of my .40 S&W. At first I didn't understand why my pistol would not lock into battery. I discovered that I was lucky. Evidently the power of the primer was just strong enough to lodge the projectile between the chamber and the barrel blocking the next round from fully locking into battery.

Reloading on a progressive press is wonderful, but it is still a complicated task. There are several things to monitor on each round. The casing must feed right side up in the first station. You must also monitor the powder in each and every casing. It is easier to get distracted than you might think. You might get lucky but I do not want to trust my hands and eyes to luck.

Using a powder that flows well is important. Using reliable powder charge equipment is important. But there are those occasions when something goes wrong. A short stroke, an unexpected clog, or an empty powder hopper, coupled with a momentary distraction can net an under charged casing. Some stoppage that needs to be adjusted, can net you a double charge. The Lock-out die will catch what you might miss.

I wish there was one that worked on my 223s.

I have two Lock-out dies. One for 9MM and one for 40s. They are worth their price. I have not had a squib since I began using Lock-out dies.