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Posted: 4/26/2015 3:25:52 PM EDT
Thanks to the various threads here I bought a Hornady Bullet Feeder die for 9mm (45 is in transit), some clear plastic tubing and as an additional safeguard against squibs, a $14 USB camera.
Please excuse the cluttered garage, but that's the way it's always been and always will be. The reloading table is an old router table I built about 25 years ago. Here are some pics of my bullet feeder support rigging: Overall view: 
The support base improvised: 
The Eyebolt with wingnut for easy adjustment: 
The camera set up in the empty die socket before the Feeder came: 
The current setup with feeder die in place: 
Cellophane on my old laptop screen so I can mark the level of powder I'm supposed to see (that's 6.2 grains of Accurate No. 7 there) 
Closeup of camera looking at case: (note the paracord around the LNL so I can grab it when seating a primer. Those edges are hard on the hands)... 
Can I get away without the camera? Yes. But it adds a different and closer view of something I have to see under my bifocals. It makes it easier for me... |
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Posted: 4/26/2015 3:33:14 PM EDT
[#1]
The camera idea is pretty cool.
I've never seen a setup like that before, |
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Posted: 4/26/2015 3:55:06 PM EDT
[#2]
Awesome.
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Posted: 4/26/2015 3:59:46 PM EDT
[#3]
that's a great idea
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Posted: 4/26/2015 5:54:01 PM EDT
[#4]
I wish I could take credit for the idea, but I read about it somewhere, and only copied the idea.
The thing I'd really like is to use an Arduino or Raspberry microcontroller and be able to program it to read the image and recognize an empty case, a perfect drop and an overcharged case. I'd have a red LED flashing and a buzzer for an empty/low charge or overcharge, and a green LED for OK within limits. I have lock out dies coming to see how they work, but that takes up a station which I don't have now, so I'm going to have to seat and crimp at the same station. |
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Posted: 4/26/2015 10:22:51 PM EDT
[#5]
Two questions
1. have you tried to load lead bullets with the Hornady bullet drop. 2. Where did you get the camera for $14. I found one but costs $26 thanks |
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Posted: 4/26/2015 10:27:22 PM EDT
[#6]
$12.50 from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/VicTsing-Waterproof-Endoscope-Borescope-Inspection/dp/B00J5EE22O#mobile-twister_size_name_1430101611873
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Posted: 4/26/2015 10:37:01 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Two questions 1. have you tried to load lead bullets with the Hornady bullet drop. 2. Where did you get the camera for $14. I found one but costs $26 thanks 1) I just started using it today: I used RMR Plated 124 gr RN bullets and they worked like a charm with hardly any adjustment. Lead might not work, especially since the tolerances are close. Wax buildup will cause problems. I have 200+ bullets down the chute so far, and I'm feeling a bit strange not having anything to do except putting on a case now that the feeder is doing the bullets for me. 2) Amazon: with Prime it got here in 2 days. The seller I got it from doesn't seem to have any at this time, there is another seller, and there are others available, check for Prime shipping, it varies: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AF1UMJ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=viglink20251-20 http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Endoscope-Borescope-Inspection-Camera/dp/B007UZ6RVO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1430101778&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+camera There are many other designs some of which have clips or mounts, and some are even cheaper... http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=usb+camera |
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Posted: 4/27/2015 6:20:25 AM EDT
[#8]
The camera is great!
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Posted: 4/27/2015 11:53:13 AM EDT
[#9]
Nice.
The pipe support for your feed tube needs just a little work as to the securing method. With mine, I replaced one of the presses rear mounting bolts with a 3' length of 3/8" threaded rod and fabbed up the tube support out of some 1/2" PVC pipe pieces.  |
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Posted: 4/27/2015 2:43:04 PM EDT
[#10]
Yes, I'm going to add some tape to beef it up...
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Posted: 4/28/2015 9:40:13 PM EDT
[#11]
I tried tape: using aluminum foil it was real solid but kind of unsightly.
So here is my home made clamp: it snaps onto the pillar. The screw is in the threaded hole in the clamp, goes through the one side of the pipe but not the other, so it can press against the pipe and that secures the top. The bottom is secured on the bolt with the zip tie. It's not perfectly vertical but close enough. I don't want to make another clamp. 
 :
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Posted: 4/28/2015 10:51:12 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
1) I just started using it today: I used RMR Plated 124 gr RN bullets and they worked like a charm with hardly any adjustment. Lead might not work, especially since the tolerances are close. Wax buildup will cause problems. I have 200+ bullets down the chute so far, and I'm feeling a bit strange not having anything to do except putting on a case now that the feeder is doing the bullets for me. 2) Amazon: with Prime it got here in 2 days. The seller I got it from doesn't seem to have any at this time, there is another seller, and there are others available, check for Prime shipping, it varies: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AF1UMJ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=viglink20251-20 http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Endoscope-Borescope-Inspection-Camera/dp/B007UZ6RVO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1430101778&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+camera There are many other designs some of which have clips or mounts, and some are even cheaper... http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=usb+camera Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Two questions 1. have you tried to load lead bullets with the Hornady bullet drop. 2. Where did you get the camera for $14. I found one but costs $26 thanks 1) I just started using it today: I used RMR Plated 124 gr RN bullets and they worked like a charm with hardly any adjustment. Lead might not work, especially since the tolerances are close. Wax buildup will cause problems. I have 200+ bullets down the chute so far, and I'm feeling a bit strange not having anything to do except putting on a case now that the feeder is doing the bullets for me. 2) Amazon: with Prime it got here in 2 days. The seller I got it from doesn't seem to have any at this time, there is another seller, and there are others available, check for Prime shipping, it varies: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AF1UMJ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=viglink20251-20 http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Endoscope-Borescope-Inspection-Camera/dp/B007UZ6RVO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1430101778&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+camera There are many other designs some of which have clips or mounts, and some are even cheaper... http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=usb+camera There are also a bunch on Ebay for less than $10.00 |
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Posted: 4/29/2015 12:53:30 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I tried tape: using aluminum foil it was real solid but kind of unsightly. So here is my home made clamp: it snaps onto the pillar. The screw is in the threaded hole in the clamp, goes through the one side of the pipe but not the other, so it can press against the pipe and that secures the top. The bottom is secured on the bolt with the zip tie. It's not perfectly vertical but close enough. I don't want to make another clamp. I was heading that direction myself for my LnL AP, but came across the Bully adapter that allows you to adapt the Hornady feeder die for use with the Lee Multi-tube feeder. I just got done setting mine up and it works great without having to hang a long tube from the ceiling. No clamps, no hangers. Pretty simple, really. Much less bulky to handle and refill. Just another option, that's all. http://www.bullyadapter.com/home-1.html http://www.brownells.com/reloading/reloading-presses/reloading-press-accessories/lee-multi-tube-feeder-prod56285.aspx |
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Posted: 4/30/2015 8:14:28 PM EDT
[#14]
I think I read about this adapter a while back but forgot about it.
If I get tired of the long tubes it's a great option. But I've already invested in them and at least for 9mm they work great. If the adapter was less costly than the Lee kit I'd probably go for it. |
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Posted: 4/30/2015 8:45:30 PM EDT
[#15]
Where'd you get the camera? It looks like one of the "USB Borescope/endoscope" things I've been seeing offered. It would be a great option to use, since keeping an eye on the powder level is kinda un-easy on the LnL AP.
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Posted: 4/30/2015 9:25:13 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Where'd you get the camera? It looks like one of the "USB Borescope/endoscope" things I've been seeing offered. It would be a great option to use, since keeping an eye on the powder level is kinda un-easy on the LnL AP. Up 4 posts I have some links at Amazon.com. It's much easier to see in the case, but my rigged camera mount needs to be more stable. Between the camera and a new RCBS lockout die I feel a lot better about avoiding squibs and over charges. |
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Posted: 4/30/2015 11:57:15 PM EDT
[#17]
They even make a camera that's wifi and connects to your phone.
Much smaller footprint than a laptop. http://www.amazon.com/Vividia-Waterproof-Inspection-Borescope-Endoscope/dp/B009PMHUK2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430452417&sr=8-1&keywords=endoscope+wifi 
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Posted: 5/1/2015 7:21:50 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Up 4 posts I have some links at Amazon.com. It's much easier to see in the case, but my rigged camera mount needs to be more stable. Between the camera and a new RCBS lockout die I feel a lot better about avoiding squibs and over charges. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Where'd you get the camera? It looks like one of the "USB Borescope/endoscope" things I've been seeing offered. It would be a great option to use, since keeping an eye on the powder level is kinda un-easy on the LnL AP. Up 4 posts I have some links at Amazon.com. It's much easier to see in the case, but my rigged camera mount needs to be more stable. Between the camera and a new RCBS lockout die I feel a lot better about avoiding squibs and over charges. I missed that post completely. There are indeed lots of options. |
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Posted: 5/1/2015 12:32:54 PM EDT
[#19]
nice but much bigger price.
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They even make a camera that's wifi and connects to your phone. Much smaller footprint than a laptop. http://www.amazon.com/Vividia-Waterproof-Inspection-Borescope-Endoscope/dp/B009PMHUK2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430452417&sr=8-1&keywords=endoscope+wifi http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71hL9Yr-vqL._SL1500_.jpg |
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Posted: 5/1/2015 12:35:47 PM EDT
[#20]
maybe i missed this..
OP, where is the case feeder??????? progressive without case feeder is silly imo. i stand to right of my hornady to get better view of powder sometimes.. need case feeder for that. |
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Posted: 5/1/2015 1:52:43 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
maybe i missed this.. OP, where is the case feeder??????? progressive without case feeder is silly imo. i stand to right of my Hornady to get better view of powder sometimes.. need case feeder for that. You did miss the case feeder: that's ME... 
Does a case feeder save much time? A case feeder is noisy, and I don't need another thing hanging off my LNL... I guess I might like one but it's just so much money that I can't justify it. For the $300+ I could almost buy another LNL. Now that would save me time in changing out the parts between calibers. Then there's the rifle bullet feeder... This hobby is really saving me a lot of money... 
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Posted: 5/1/2015 3:08:39 PM EDT
[#22]
I ordered a camera to add to my LNL, thanks for the tip.
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Posted: 5/1/2015 6:13:10 PM EDT
[#23]
Hornady case feeders don't have the best rep' in terms of reliability but on some calibers (once tweaked), they are a huge time saver.
I would give up BF before case feeder. IMO, everything you can automate gives you more time to monitor the things that are already automated but not 100% reliable (powder drops and primers)... And those things are more important... No one ever blew up a gun because their round didn't have a case or bullet. Hard to cause a problem with a missing primer too I guess. But dang, powder is important. Thanks for posting this camera idea. I like it better than the backup camera I have been using.. Quote HistoryQuoted:
You did miss the case feeder: that's ME...
Does a case feeder save much time? A case feeder is noisy, and I don't need another thing hanging off my LNL... I guess I might like one but it's just so much money that I can't justify it. For the $300+ I could almost buy another LNL. Now that would save me time in changing out the parts between calibers. Then there's the rifle bullet feeder... This hobby is really saving me a lot of money... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
maybe i missed this.. OP, where is the case feeder??????? progressive without case feeder is silly imo. i stand to right of my Hornady to get better view of powder sometimes.. need case feeder for that. You did miss the case feeder: that's ME...
Does a case feeder save much time? A case feeder is noisy, and I don't need another thing hanging off my LNL... I guess I might like one but it's just so much money that I can't justify it. For the $300+ I could almost buy another LNL. Now that would save me time in changing out the parts between calibers. Then there's the rifle bullet feeder... This hobby is really saving me a lot of money... |
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Posted: 5/1/2015 11:04:16 PM EDT
[#24]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vYymZZe4lo
While you're tweaking, this guy had a great idea to check primers. |
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Posted: 5/2/2015 12:50:36 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vYymZZe4lo While you're tweaking, this guy had a great idea to check primers. That's pretty cool. When I saw it was a Lee, I almost stopped watching... Hate to drill into the subplate on the LNL but dang good idea. Somebody else do it first and report back! |
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Posted: 5/2/2015 10:16:36 PM EDT
[#26]
That's a great idea for a primer checker. I've been pondering using a microswitch, but either method would require drilling a hole in the sub-plate. More pondering (and beer) is called for.
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Posted: 5/4/2015 8:36:29 AM EDT
[#27]
If you deprime in station 1, and expand/charge in station 2, that LED thing wouldn't work for you, as you don't have a spot in the shell plate to mount it in, unless Hornady made a LED-core primer seater. :)
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