[wdphillips]

Is anyone out there reloading the .223/5.56 on a Lee Pro 1000?

If so how are you checking the powder level in the case?

I was setting up a Pro 1000 to crank out some AR-15 rounds when I asked myself the same question. And did not have a good answer.

On the Pro 1000 the case is located in such a position on the press that you really have to go out of your way to look into the case after the powder dump.

I may have to change my strategy and move to the LoadMaster! However I do love the simplicity of the Pro 1000.

[WiskyT]

It would be a small pita to remove each case from the seating stage and check it before placing it back. I do it about every 15 rounds or so with 38/357 cases.

[PCJim]

Different press (550b)... I bought a 18" flexible head led light from HF and tie-wrapped it to the rear frame mount. The head is positioned such that it shines light directly into the case mouth. I can just see the top of the charges (24.5gr AA2230 or 26.5gr BLC2, depending upon the projectiles to be loaded).

There are three pics in this series. Here is the first pic...
(excuse the background mess - it was a bad day for taking pics.)

[F106 Fan]

I'm convinced! I just ordered two of those LED lights.

That is a very nice solution to checking powder charges.

Richard

[unclebob]

<a href="http://s139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/Unclebob46/Reloading%20bench/?action=view&amp;current=100_0640.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/Unclebob46/Reloading%20bench/100_0640.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
This is how I did mine, On a 650. Plus no battery’s to change.

[wdphillips]

Originally Posted by PCJim

Different press (550b)... I bought a 18" flexible head led light from HF and tie-wrapped it to the rear frame mount. The head is positioned such that it shines light directly into the case mouth. I can just see the top of the charges (24.5gr AA2230 or 26.5gr BLC2, depending upon the projectiles to be loaded).

Given the amount of powder (23-24gr) in the 223 it puts the level very close to the neck. This is good, I can see it with a flashlight without taking the case out of the press.

Now... one of those nice flexible lights would work great but... what the heck is HF?

[unclebob]

Harbor Freight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/

[PCJim]

Thanks, Bob.

You will also note that I check the powder level before advancing the shellplate. The angle of vision is better when checking at station 2 as opposed to station 3, at least for the rifle cases. For shorter pistol (9,40,45), it doesn't much matter.

[wdphillips]

Originally Posted by unclebob

Harbor Freight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/

Ah yes, I knew it was something simple.

Thanks!