Hornady Powder Cop Die Review: A Key Safety Tool for Reloaders

Checking powder charges on a turret or progressive press can often be difficult, and is sometimes ignored, but it is an important safety consideration. Although a small mirror and torch can be used to check a case occasionally, it slows down the entire reloading process, and inspecting every case this way is not really practical.

What is the Hornady Powder Cop Die and How Does it Work?

The Hornady Powder Cop is a very clever die that uses a stem as a probe to check the level of the powder inside each and every case. Once the die is correctly installed on the press, the stem, which has a small rubber ‘O’ ring seated in a groove, will not move if there is no powder charge, will rise slightly when a correct charge is present, and will rise much higher if a double charge is detected.

How Do You Set Up the Powder Cop Die?

Suitable for cases that accommodate .22 calibre or larger, the die is relatively easy to set up, and once installed, it remains set for that particular calibre and powder charge. The stem is thinner at one end, with the thicker end being intended for use with larger cases, and a small ring of plastic ‘fingers’ is included to act as a guide to centre the stem into smaller calibre cases.

Is the Hornady Powder Cop Die a Worthwhile Addition?

Hornady actually uses a similar device in their own ammunition manufacturing presses, and it is a really simple but effective design. If you have any space on your press, it is a worthwhile addition. GM

Reviewer: Mark Underwood

Technical Specifications

 
• Product: Hornady Powder Cop Die
 
• Price: £53.65
 
• Contact: Edgar Brothers - www.edgarbrothers.com
 
• Function: Visually indicates no powder, correct powder charge, or a double charge in a case.
 
• Compatibility: Suitable for cases from .22 calibre and larger.
 
• Key Components:
         
  • Die body
         
  • Reversible probe stem (for large and small cases)
         
  • White rubber ‘O’ ring indicator
         
  • Plastic guide for small calibre cases