A different approach to verifying a powder drop

 When operating a progressive reloading press, there are two commonly accepted methods for verifying accurate powder charges:

1. Visual Inspection

2. Powder Check Die

Each method presents distinct advantages and limitations.

Visual inspection is the most economical approach, requiring no additional equipment and consuming no extra turret or toolhead station. This method relies on the operator visually confirming the presence and approximate volume of powder in each case prior to bullet seating. While effective, it can slow the reloading process and requires consistent operator focus, adequate lighting, and unobstructed visibility into the case. Fatigue, distractions, or suboptimal lighting conditions can reduce its effectiveness.

A powder check die provides an additional mechanical or electronic safeguard by detecting undercharges, overcharges, or no-charge conditions. However, it introduces its own tradeoffs. The die must be purchased separately and occupies a valuable turret or toolhead station—often a limiting factor when using a case feeder, bullet feeder, or bullet dropper. Additionally, while the powder check die provides an alert or indication, it does not eliminate the need for visual confirmation. The operator must still respond to the warning and verify the powder condition before proceeding.

In practice, both methods ultimately rely on operator awareness. The powder check die serves as a redundancy rather than a replacement for visual verification, while visual inspection alone demands heightened attention and consistency throughout the loading process.

Several manufacturers offer powder check dies of varying complexity. Hornady, Lee, and RCBS provide relatively simple designs that utilize a mechanical rod with hash marks or visual indicators to confirm the presence and approximate level of powder in the case. These systems are inexpensive and mechanically simple but still require the operator to visually monitor the indicator during operation.

At the more advanced end of the spectrum, Dillon offers a powder check die that incorporates an audible alarm to alert the operator to a no-charge or double-charge condition. While effective, this system is proprietary and limited to Dillon presses, restricting its applicability for reloaders using other platforms.

To address these limitations, I opted for an alternative approach that does not consume a turret slot and is significantly more cost-effective. I purchased a USB-C 1080p endoscope with an integrated light from Amazon for approximately $22 and paired it with an unused tablet. The camera is positioned to provide a direct, real-time view into the case mouth immediately after the powder drop.

The endoscope is currently secured using adhesive zip-tie mounts, which provide adequate stability for testing and initial use. These will eventually be replaced with reusable cable clips to allow quick repositioning and easy transfer between my two Lee Load-Master presses. This setup provides continuous visual confirmation of powder charges without reducing press capacity or slowing production, while also minimizing additional cost.

After routing and securing the cables and fine-tuning the camera position, the system functioned as intended without interfering with press operation. The camera placement did not impede the carrier or the nut that actuates the primer rocker arm, and full mechanical travel was maintained throughout the cycle. Following a test pull, the setup performed reliably, providing a clear and unobstructed view of the powder charge with no adverse impact on press function.

A short video demonstrating the system in operation is provided above. Based on initial testing and live operation, this approach offers a more practical solution than a traditional powder check die. It is significantly less expensive than dedicated powder check systems, does not consume a valuable turret or toolhead station, and provides continuous, real-time visual confirmation of the powder charge. As a result, it enhances situational awareness without compromising press capacity or workflow efficiency.