The Hornady Powder Cop Powder Checker (Item #050063) installs into an open station on progressive reloading presses directly following the powder drop to provide visual verification of powder levels. Using standard 7/8"-14 die threads, this passive, purely mechanical check die inserts a sensing rod into the charged case mouth as the ram cycles. The rod rests on top of the powder column, raising an indicator O-ring flush with the die body's counterbore to instantly flag squibs, empty cases, or dangerous overcharges before bullet seating.

Key Features

• Visual Powder Level Monitoring: The internal sensing rod rises with the powder column, positioning a white reference O-ring against machined reference grooves to confirm uniform charges at a glance.
• Reversible Sensing Rod: Features a dual-ended probe design—one end fits .22 to .30 calibre cases, while the reverse end accommodates larger case mouths.
• Snap-On Centering Guides: Includes plastic alignment fingers that guide narrower cartridge necks squarely into the probe stem to prevent case-mouth hang-ups.
• Passive Mechanical Reliability: Operates entirely without batteries, electrical plugs, or wiring, making it fully compliant for standard Australian reloading benches without electrical certifications.
• Standard Press Mounting: Threads directly into standard 7/8"-14 station openings on progressive presses, such as the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, Dillon, or RCBS models.

Product Specifications

• Thread Pattern: Standard 7/8"-14 die threading
• Calibre Range: .22 calibre minimum up to .458 Winchester maximum (handgun and rifle)
• Groove Spacing: Reference grooves machined 0.5 inches apart on the sensing stem
• Weight: Approximately 0.22 kg to 0.25 kg
• Operation: Mechanical rod displacement (no electrical supply required)
• Box Contents: Die body, die locking ring, reversible sensing rod, indicator O-ring, centering fingers, and plastic storage case

Who is the Hornady Powder Cop Powder Checker for?

• High-volume reloaders operating progressive presses — threads into an open 7/8"-14 station to provide real-time, cycling visual inspection without interrupting loading rhythm.
• Handloaders seeking physical safeguards against double charges and squibs — uses reference grooves machined 0.5 inches apart on the probe to clearly show gross level discrepancies across loads spanning .22 calibre up to .458 Winchester magnum.

Less suitable for: Cartridges smaller than the .22 calibre minimum (such as .17 or .20 calibre bores); reloaders working with these sub-calibre cases require specialized, calibre-specific sub-.22 mechanical probes or visual case inspection before seating.