Calling all Hornady Lock-n-Load owners...

[deerslayer]

Please discuss pros/cons of your LnL. I initially plan to load .45 with a Lee Factory Crimp Die and Dillon size and seat dies. I have read that some non-Hornady crimp dies conflict with the cartridge ejector if used in the 5th station. Hornady recommends using non-Hornady crimp dies in the 4th station with their powder-thru-expander die in the 3rd station. Anybody use this type of setup? Any problems with the Hornady powder-thru-expander die? Also, anybody using a case feeder for one?

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Do you need the 5th station for that setup? The only time I've used the 5th station was

when i used the powder cop die. I don't use it, any more.My setup is with the powder

through setup. No problems with it.

1. decapper

2. expander

3. powder through

4. seater

5. nothing

I never saw the need to crimp .45's. The seating die does well enough.

Ordering the case feeder and bullet feeder. Only because I'm lazy.

[deerslayer]

6.8,

I want to set it up like this:

1. deprime/resize

2. powder thru expander (flare and charge)

3. seat

4. crimp

5. nothing

This should work fine if the Hornady's optional PTE is trouble-free (I have read of some people having problems with it on brian enos). Hornady says to buy their optional PTE die if you want to seat and crimp seperately with a non-Hornady crimp die. For various reasons, I want to use the Lee FCD. I want to use only four stations because Hornady says non-Hornady crimp dies may interfere with cartridge ejection if placed in the fifth station. Did you buy the optional powder-thru-expander die? If so, why are you flaring and charging on two different stations?

[Dolomite_supafly]

There is absolutely no need to crimp 45 ACP as long as your other dies are setup correctly. The sizer/decapper should bottom out because this shrinks the case and that is what holds the bullet in place without a crimp. You should be able to see the bullet through the case. Trust me if you are getting setback then you are not FL sizing your cases properly.

Next your powder thrower or expander should only bell the case just enough to keep the bullet from getting shaved. In most cases you can't even look at the case and see it has a bell. It doesn't take much and when you over bell your cases they will not last as long.

The bullet seater should provide enough of a crimp. If you over crimp the case mouth can get into the throat of the barrel and cause pressure spikes or even kabooms if it is bad enough. When loading any semi auto catridge you should have a definite ledge at the case mouth for it to headspace on.

On my setup I use this setup. Sizer/decapper in one then the powder measure that also bells the case then I seat the bullet with the bullet seating die.

Dolomite

[deerslayer]

I did not wish to start a debate about crimping vs. not crimping .45s. So, let's presume I will be loading 9mm.

[Caster]

Are you using Hornady's New Dimension Dies? I have a set in 9mm and I hate them. I just can't find anyone to trade me a set of Lee carbide dies for them. If you do tumble lubed cast bullets in 9mm, you do not want a Hornady seating die.

[deerslayer]

Since I already have them, I plan to use Dillon size and seat dies (9 & 45).

[Caster]

You're good to go then. Those are nice.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Everyone has problems with everything some time. That PTE is just a guide as far as I'm concerned.

I use the sizer to get it where I want it and the PTE is a delivery tube. Golden Sabers have a larger

diameter at the base and it suits my needs for that bullet. It works well with everything else I load,

also.

I don't crimp any more than the seating die should. I don't think there's any need, either. I haven't

had any problems with .45, 9mm and 10mm(which I just started loading).

From what I understand, crimping is useful for autoloaders on bullets with cannelures. Otherwise,

I don't have an opinion about that.

Your setup should work okay, but I would take heed to what Dolomite opined. No argument there.

[Guest Plus1Hdcp]

I feel confident you will be happy with the LNL, if you choose to go that route. I use Lee dies for 9mm just as I did/do with the single stage. I still use the crimp die which has been in use for a long time, can't remember when it was purchased. The Hornady powder measure is far superior, in my opinion, and you will like it. The case feeder would be nice but not in my budget this year, maybe a Christmas present but I have found a good rhythm without it.