Opinions on Hornady Lock-N-Load AP

[2006Blackpearl931]

So I currently have a Lee single stage press for decapping and resizing rifle(.223 & 300BLK). And I have a Lee Loadmaster I have done a ton of work to getting it to run right that I use to assemble rifle, and do 9mm. It has a Hornady powder drop that I love. But it just has too many small issues that drives me nuts. Sooooo, I'm thinking about buying a new press. I do not want a Dillon. Yes, they are premo. But they are also expensive. Tool heads for them are also expensive. I don't want to invest that much into a press. This Hornady lock-n-load is calling my name. I like the die bushing setup instead of a turret plate. I like the spring case retainer design. I like how it indexes. Not crazy about the 100 count primer tube, but I'm a machinist, so I'll modify it to accept more I'm sure. Anybody own one? Likes? Dislikes?

[Hozzie]

I have one and it works as expected.  As with any machine, it may take a bit of adjusting, but once adjusted, it turns out the rounds.   I have the case feeder as well.   I have used the Dillons as well and they are good.  I think once you get used to either one, they both do the job well.

[chances R]

Same here. Blue or Red, each have their quirks and after a short learning curve make good ammo.

[Mongo]

I've got the LNL and love it......

 

To be honest,  I don't  use the bushing setup ....I end up running 500-1500 rounds of one ammo (over a couple of weeks) then change to another caliber...When I switch back I screw the dies down to the locking rings and then adjust.......I don't find resetting the dies that much trouble......I guess if I changed calibers a lot it might become a pain...

 

Primer Tubes can be a pain, but I picked up a couple of spares....I fill them and the primer tube on the press and I'm ready for 300 rds.....about what I will feel like doing in a sitting......I tried the  Frankford Arsenal Vibra-Prime Automatic Primer Tube Filler and had mixed results....The first one I got working after some tweaking, but the motor died within a week....Midway replaced it and I haven't had a chance to tweak the new one to get it to work.........

 

I just added the case feeder and am loving that option (Christmas present to self)......One less 'movement' when loading....Don't think I'll ever add the bullet feeder though...I like the interaction of inserting the bullets and I feel like I'm having just the right amount of interaction with the load....The case feeder also took one thing 'off my plate' every time I pull the handle.....

 

One thing I did invest in is the RCBS Lockout Die.....It's a 'powder check' and when set correctly won't let the press cycle if you've double charged or missed a charge (which can happen if you're tweaking timing or having minor issues)....It's a little finicky at first, but a nice thing to have......

 

The Dillon stuff is good, but like you said you'll pay a premium unless you can find one used....(and still they may be at a premium)......

[2006Blackpearl931]

I ordered a LNL today. Midsouth had them on sale for $389. And Hornady is offering 500 free bullets with the purchase. I will probably come up with a case feeder too. And I agree with your comments about setting the bullets myself, I just like that part. Thanks for the input folks.

[2006Blackpearl931]

I also ordered shellplates and extra bushings. Since I already have a Hornady powder drop, I plan on setting it up for pistol, 9mm specifically. 9mm will be a drop in setup, with no adjustments needed. The powder drop coming with the press will be for small rifle. And I should have enough bushings for my rifle dies to make swapping calibers a very small task.

[rmidgett]

I think you'll like it. I acquired a used LnL last summer through an ad on TGO & have used it for .38/.357 & .45 so far. It's my first press, so I don't have comparisons to offer. 

I like it, and I like the bushings because I like to change calibers. Get some spare retainer springs for your shell plates..sometimes they get crushed in the process. They're available  in a 3 pack.

[wolverine]

Hi Bill Morgan on youtube( the LNL specialist) has setup the LNL and discusses the various problems that occur.He is very through and extremely talented and explains every thing and any thing about LNL

 

Here is a in depth 5 part series on setting the press up and tips and tricks.He is very enjoyable to watch.Bill even has a series on a Dillion Square Deal and now he is doing a Redding series

 

http://youtu.be/-qC1O5FzSCA?list=PL3gouk-e0H8HX-PN_XXgjMDfKnpUUmZ4H

 

Like already stated every press has its quirks Hope this helps

Edited January 16, 2015 by wolverine

[2006Blackpearl931]

I've watched a couple of his videos, which is like an hour and a halves worth. I like his honesty. "oops, I just made a mistake. I can't believe you guys are watching my videos". I have followed his advice and deburred my press as well as machining a custom "washer" to hopefully eliminate some common shellplate issues. I am working on a case feeder for it now.

[tmauto769]

i didn't get the bullet feeder, but I did get the bullet feed die and the tube, I will say don't waste your money on it. I would get about a 50% bullet drop out of it. The other 50% I would just put it in there manually, so I finally just did away with it and moved the seater die there and went back to a lee factory crimp in the last station. The case feeder has some issues as well, such as cases sometimes get behind the plate and knock it off the spindle. I am going to drill and thread the shaft so I can put a bolt on it to keep it down. I do like the case feeder when it works though. Seems like Hornady would have done something to lock the plates down though.