Hornady Lock N Load AP press.

[Topside]

Afternoon. I've been using the same RCBS Rock Chucker press since 1975. To say it's served me well is an understatement. I load for 45 Colt, 45 ACP, and 357/38 spl. That's all. Lately I'm feeling the need for something shiny & new (or used if I get lucky).

I would really appreciate opinions on this Hornady press. It's not that I load thousands of rounds, but I think I'd like to step up to something new, and I've read a lot of good reviews on this press. It ought to speed up my loading a bit which'd be nice. I don't want to go above its price tag as I've got a couple items ready to sell to pay to get one in the door. Seems to be some decent pricing around the net though the Hornady site is way up there.
http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-Load-AP/

I've read up on the Dillons and I know they're quality. I'm leaning toward the Hornady unless I get some negatives about it. Be glad to hear what you all think. THANKS.

T.

[RKrodle]

I have the older version of that press and have been very happy with it. I've loaded lots of ammo with it and I've never had anything break. Minor adjustments are required from time to time and you'll learn not to tighten the shell plate nut to tight or it will not rotate properly. I've thought about upgrading to the newer one, I like the interchangeable die holders that they now use.

[jimco]

I've been using the L-N-L AP for about 18 months. Very satisfied with it's operation. I can load abot 300 rnds of 9mm or 38sp per hour. Not trying to load fast, just a steady pace. I did buy the powder measure micrometer insert which is great. Once you set the powder measure it never needs adjusting....very accurate. It will take some time to get the dies and powder adjusted to the correct settings but once they're set you can forget about them. Changing dies is very easy with the L-N-L system and the dies won't need to be adjusted when you change them, just adjust the powder drop for different loads. I did have to replace a part that broke (my fault). Called Hornady and they shipped a new part---no questions asked. I've ordered two more for friends from Midsouth Shooters Supply, they had the best deal I could find at the time. I'm very satisfied with the press and would recommend it to anyone.

[Topside]

RK & Jimco thanks. Is a different shell plate needed for each cal.? So if I want to load for 45 Colt, ACP, and 357, that's 3 $30 plates needed? Trying to get a bead on total I'm actually going to have to lay out up front. Sounds like the press used to come with one shell plate but no longer does? Please suggest other parts/accessories I'll "need" so as to get a line on the total order. Thanks for taking the time............ T.

[jimco]

You will need a different shellplate for different calibers. Some will fit multiple calibers such as 357 and 38. The base of the cartridge is what you go by for size so a 45 shellplate should work for all 45's. You can find these on ebay sometimes at a lower price, just make sure it's for the L-N-L AP, Hornady has different plates for other models and they will not work on the AP. Last year when ammo was hard to get, a buddy bought shellplate and dies for me to reload for him. He furnishes all supplies and I spend about an hour each month loading for him and myself. Most of my loading now is for cowboy shooting in 38sp, about 700 month.

[jimco]

Second part of your question.......I use 3 die set...sizer, expander,& factory crimp, I also use a powder cop. This press is so simple to use, I let my 11 year old grandson load with me when he visits .... haven't had a bad load yet.

[Topside]

Is there a plus or minus to using RCBS dies with the Hornady press?

[jimco]

I've used Lee, RCBS, and Hornady Dies without any problems. The Hornady dies are longer and have more threads for adjustment. With non Hornady, the dies have to be screwed in almost to the point of bottoming out....not a problem, just not as much room for adjustments if needed.

[rusty gunns]

I've been using one for about two years and am very pleased. I load 38 s&w, 38-40, 38-55, 44-40, 45 colt, 45 acp (lead for my Webley), and 45-70.

Every die is in a Quick Change bushing. Change the shell plate (one center nut), pop in the dies, adjust the powder measure and you're ready to go. I purchased a second case activated powder drop for my rifle calibers (just the die body and stem. It changes with one screw and a small spring) so I never have to readjust the powder die height, just the volume of powder, and I got a black powder powder measure.

Changing calibers entails changing the shell plate and dies. That's all. The shell plate is about $27 and the quick change bushings come to about $12 bucks. Even a Dillon requires a caliber change kit. Their quick change kit is about $96 per caliber.

I use decap - re-size in station 1, case expander in 2, powder measure in 3, powder cop in 4, and bullet seating die in 5. If you want to use a separate crimper die, you can get a case expander that fits inside the powder charging die to eliminate the expander. That gives you station 5 free for a crimp die.

44-40 and 38-40 use the same shell plate. Quite a few shell plates take more than one caliber, though 45 acp and 45 colt are different. You can change calibers in literally a minute. For 38 S&W I size, then prime with a hand primer so I don't have to change the primer plunger on the loader.

I see all the You tube videos of fellas trying to make 1000 rounds an hour like reloading was part of a game show, but slow and steady and you will make really good dependable ammo.

There will be a "getting to know you period" but you call them and their tec support is simply magnificent. Mine originally had the spring activated ejector (Not that you have to know what that was) I purchased a new sub plate to make my model current and thought it would be a nightmare to change over. The machine is so simple that it went in as easy as can be.

It will serve you well.

[KirkD]

I've been using a Hornady L & L for several years now without any problems. It is a strong press, allowing me to size 45-90 cartridges down to 40-82 in one massive, gut-wrenching plunge of the handle, with proper lube. I am completely happy with mine and enjoy the quick lock and turn for each of my dies. I use RCBS, Hornady and Lee dies. All of them screw into the lock n load collars and work just fine. Cartridges I load, or have loaded, using my press are 25-20, 32-20, 38-40, 44-40, 45 Schofield, 45 ACP, 30-30, 38-55, 40-82, 45-60, 45-70. No problems.

[Topside]

Everybody, thank you for taking the time to educate me on the LNL press. Though I'm not really going to be turning out thousands of rounds each night, I am interested in the labor and time savings it will afford me compared to my old Rockchucker. Will probably make the purchase in early September so I'll probably be back with a question or two then. One more thing.......I"ve looked at all the youtube videos on setting up the press. Is there any way around buying a bunch of the Hornady One Shot cleaner degreaser at $8.59 a can. The videos show using quite a bit of it. Looks like they suggest dismantling the powder measure and giving it a good spray. If I do have to buy their One Shot product, how many cans do you suggest? Thanks again.

T.