Great video, this helped me decide which press of this type to get. After a couple sessions with it I can kick out around 175 rounds and hour without the auto bullet or case feeders. The only issue I had at first was the shell plates not indexing properly. A quick web search yielded several similar complaints and possible causes all blaming Hornady in some way shape or form. Over 20 years of hand loading told me to look at my own possible faults before blaming anyone else and what I found after fiddling with it was that I was over tightening the shell plate screw causing the plate to warp and drag ever so slightly. This is a really good unit and for the price compared to others of the same quality level is hard to beat.
I gotta say your videos helped me choose the LNL progressive. Very informative and I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to make these videos.
I’ve had 3 of these and they are great. The only downside and it’s minimal is that the powder hopper when indexed will turn its way out if not kept in check. It’s an easy fix that I did and that was to wrap it in some cellophane to make it tight. It’s the only one to do that the other dies stay locked In. I only use it for straight wall pistol as I found that 556 just doesn’t do well , not because of the press but because of the consistency of the brass. To fix that problem I’d Re size and prime on my single stage. This is a great press but like ALL presses they have their plusses and minuses. Enjoy and be safe.
as a virgin reloader, the decision between this press and the dillon 650xl has been my most difficult decision. i cannot find a dealer locally who stock this setup. :( however, thanks to you gavin, for making my decision easier.:D keep up the good work gavin; i love your videos. :D
Great video. Thanks for sharing. I am new to reloading but so far it's very enjoyable. I don't want to mention which press I have but it is progressive. The things I am still bothered by is the fact that none of the manufacturers truly let you know what is necessary to purchase before you can actually reload your first round. If you're new to this and have no friends to help out, you are kind of driving blind in traffic. Then, considering the large amount of money you have spent, you have a ton of work to do to the reloader before it's even functional. The amount of cleaning is quite a bit, then there are the adjustments or pieces that have to be switched out or adjusted. It's actually amazing. There is no plug and play setup. In the long run it's worth it. The issue is that you are spending a lot of money (if you buy anything good it's a LOT of money) and you have a lot of work to do and quite a bit more money to spend before you can actually begin reloading. My advice to people considering reloading - get the least expensive, least complicated reloader you can. I'm not saying to buy junk but at least buy an uncomplicated loader. There is quite a bit of cleaning and prep work and adjustments, etc. before you can crank that handle and have a bullet. Watch as many videos as possible and then watch some more. Become totally informed on what items will be needed along with your reloader before you can start. Understand that there is a lot more "work" to this hobby and that the actual reloading is easy compared to some of these manufacturers' hoops you have to jump through. With that said........ be prepared. Good luck and God bless.
notsosilentmajority1 All excellent advice lol. I've just started looking at getting into reloading over the last week, I feel like my head is going to explode already!
Use the RCBS powder lock. Saved me once from a double charge and it does not require you to look at the lifted insert and white line. If there is too much or too little powder it just locks the upstroke.
Wow! Mind blowingly help full. Thank you. I have that press but did not know about several of the capabilities you discussed. I need to spend some time digging into your web site. Keep up the good work!!!
I am working toward reloading. So far You are the Best resource I have found. I am most likely to get the progressive auto index press as most calibers i shoot is pistol caliber other than 45-70. Trying to locate comparison or recommendation. I’m leaning towards Dillon because friends have it and day customer service and warranty.
When I switched over from the .45 to the 9mm I have and issue with the powder drop. I set my 5 stations up exactly like yours. However, when you cycle the press with a case the insert/drum does not cycle the full stroke to the top. This gives me inconsistant powder charges. Brad at tech support has been less than helpful (couldn' t solve another issue with .45 that I solved myself just a loose screw in back that allowed it to slip and change the charge weight).
They're a good press but like anything mechanical they have some issues. I recommend getting a spring washer to hold down the shellplate otherwise it can work loose, also you can get powder in the primer slide so keep your eye on it if this happens it doesn't line up properly. Besides that it is a decent press very rigid and the powder thrower throws fairly well, it can throw within +- 0.1 grains
Would be nice if someone documented all the problems and issues in a single point lesson available for review. Could you cover how to actually adjust the powder drop. Any help would be great as even Hornady's tech support is lacking knowledge about certain issues.
Hey Gavin, is there any reason that the Lock-n-load powder measure with the Case activation...is there any reason that setup wouldn't function on a Dillon 750? I'm hoping to set up a 750 to load 338 LP and need the larger powder drop availability found in the Hornady setup that just doesn't work with the Dillon powder measure. Thank you.
What is your bench height from floor to work area? Also, what is the overall height of the Hornady AP LnL system shown? Do you have a video(s) on the prep for cleaning and sizing the brass and AP system prior to use? Thanks, great stuff!
Just ordered one of these today! Been waiting for a while for them to come off backorder. I'll be starting out with .40cal and .223, then moving to .45 and then 6.8. What/which die sets do you recommend for .40 and .223 to get me going? Dies are the only item I haven't ordered yet. Thanks and great videos.
I have the same Hornady press with the auto case feeder. 9mm is especially problematic. My case feeder drops cases out of the drop tube at any angle causing them to fall into the processed case box or behind the shell plate so when the ram goes up it smashes the case sideways into the decapping pin and bends or breaks it. This is because the small drop tube provided is way too big to hold 9mm so they drop out straight. The v block is designed to tip the case over as it is pushed towards the shell plate. The v block regularly tips the case and the edge of the rim catches as it tries to cross the retention spring. The hopper jams up all the time. I spend more time unjamming the pile of crap hopper than what it takes to manually feed the cases. I noticed you selectively cut out parts of the video. It is obvious to me you edited the malfunctions of the case drop tube, the malfunctions of the v block, and the jamming up of the case feeder hopper.
what presses would work for rounds like 9mm, 45acp, 30-06 and 45-75. would i have to buy more than one press or just one then switch things out. i'm starting out and only have a 30-06 but hope to get those other rounds aswell.
Does the powder charge station flare the case as well ? Im having a hard time finding info on this . Do you have to have a separate station for flaring?
There is a thing called the PTX Expander that fits into the powder sleeve that will flare the case. You can buy them separately for each caliber. This is only necessary if you don't have an open station, such as having a powder cop die.
Of all the presses you have used, this seems to be the best AP. Between the Dillon 650, RCBS Pro 5 and the LNL, which do you recommend for the first time AP user?
James Sparks That Lock-N-Load system works great if you're switching calibers. I love my Hornady.. Plus it has a lifetime warranty which hornady has outstanding customer service. Plus, Your AP can alway grow into a plant once you become more pro. The bullet/case feeder and other goodies you can add later on.
Call me old fashion, but I still prefer loading my rounds on a single press with a separate powder measuring dispenser. I know it is a lot of work if you are cranking rounds for sale or for shooting an outrageous number of them, but that's what I like. I treat each one as precious commodity. Don't get me wrong, I have a progressive press also, but its a hobby for me so I kill time that way.
I know this video is six years old. This press is optimized for high volume loading, but if one wanted to bust out only 50 rounds for a rifle, can this still do that or is the setup time not worth it and should stick with a turret system. This is the main type of loading I’ll be doing with the occasional 500rd pistol sessions
Jesse- absolutely- great for a 50 round loading session. Esp. if you already have the right shellplate on the press (Ex: #1 shellplate for 45 ACP, 30-06, 308, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, 22-250, etc).
I've been watching a lot of your videos as I'm in the market for a progressive press ( with or with out auto index ). This plant looks to operate relatively smooth and trouble free. For the price would this unit be more cost effective than the Dillon 1050? I load for my Stepdad and myself only. Neither one us shoot competition so we're not looking at 500 rounds a week.
More cost effective YES! The Dillon machines are optimized for long-haul loading (thousands at a time) and cost more. Each system/make has their pros/cons.
This was my first ever TH-cam video and I know it's not very professional but..... Hornady LNL AP Problems - jbrow117 [won't take the URL] I had a powder drop issue here and it turned out to be just a loose screw in the back. this new issue seems to be internal? Hornady needs better tech support. Come on guys just a loose screw? They need to keep a log of issues for future customers and call it [Lessons Learned] I called back and let them know I resolve it, told them how but........
Are you aware if you can get the parts needed for the shell feeder without the powered hopperI don't mind stopping every little bit to load brass in the tube, won't be loading enough to justifythe extra $$$ for the complete shell loading system, Thanks
Shellplate (~$35) + Lock-N-Load bushings (~$15 per setup) + Dies (varies- $25-50 range is typical) That's really affordable compared to some presses/systems.
This thing is a total piece of shit. I fought one of these monstrosities for a couple of years and ended up throwing it in a dumpster. I couldn't bring myself to foist it off on anyone else. Save yourself tons of grief and spend a few bucks more on a Dillon XL650. I did and my reloading life is pleasant again.
Great video, this helped me decide which press of this type to get. After a couple sessions with it I can kick out around 175 rounds and hour without the auto bullet or case feeders. The only issue I had at first was the shell plates not indexing properly. A quick web search yielded several similar complaints and possible causes all blaming Hornady in some way shape or form. Over 20 years of hand loading told me to look at my own possible faults before blaming anyone else and what I found after fiddling with it was that I was over tightening the shell plate screw causing the plate to warp and drag ever so slightly. This is a really good unit and for the price compared to others of the same quality level is hard to beat.
I gotta say your videos helped me choose the LNL progressive. Very informative and I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to make these videos.
Status update?
I’ve had 3 of these and they are great. The only downside and it’s minimal is that the powder hopper when indexed will turn its way out if not kept in check. It’s an easy fix that I did and that was to wrap it in some cellophane to make it tight. It’s the only one to do that the other dies stay locked In. I only use it for straight wall pistol as I found that 556 just doesn’t do well , not because of the press but because of the consistency of the brass. To fix that problem I’d Re size and prime on my single stage. This is a great press but like ALL presses they have their plusses and minuses. Enjoy and be safe.
as a virgin reloader, the decision between this press and the dillon 650xl has been my most difficult decision. i cannot find a dealer locally who stock this setup. :(
however, thanks to you gavin, for making my decision easier.:D
keep up the good work gavin; i love your videos. :D
Great video. Thanks for sharing. I am new to reloading but so far it's very enjoyable. I don't want to mention which press I have but it is progressive. The things I am still bothered by is the fact that none of the manufacturers truly let you know what is necessary to purchase before you can actually reload your first round. If you're new to this and have no friends to help out, you are kind of driving blind in traffic. Then, considering the large amount of money you have spent, you have a ton of work to do to the reloader before it's even functional. The amount of cleaning is quite a bit, then there are the adjustments or pieces that have to be switched out or adjusted. It's actually amazing. There is no plug and play setup. In the long run it's worth it. The issue is that you are spending a lot of money (if you buy anything good it's a LOT of money) and you have a lot of work to do and quite a bit more money to spend before you can actually begin reloading. My advice to people considering reloading - get the least expensive, least complicated reloader you can. I'm not saying to buy junk but at least buy an uncomplicated loader. There is quite a bit of cleaning and prep work and adjustments, etc. before you can crank that handle and have a bullet. Watch as many videos as possible and then watch some more. Become totally informed on what items will be needed along with your reloader before you can start. Understand that there is a lot more "work" to this hobby and that the actual reloading is easy compared to some of these manufacturers' hoops you have to jump through. With that said........ be prepared. Good luck and God bless.
notsosilentmajority1 All excellent advice lol. I've just started looking at getting into reloading over the last week, I feel like my head is going to explode already!
Use the RCBS powder lock. Saved me once from a double charge and it does not require you to look at the lifted insert and white line. If there is too much or too little powder it just locks the upstroke.
Wow! Mind blowingly help full. Thank you. I have that press but did not know about several of the capabilities you discussed. I need to spend some time digging into your web site. Keep up the good work!!!
Just bought one, it will be here next Wednesday. I'm learning a lot from your videos.
Thank you for your time and effort,
Jim
how much did it cost?
Nice video, very informative. I've always used Dillon, but looking carefully at Hornady since I've began reloading again.
I am working toward reloading. So far You are the Best resource I have found. I am most likely to get the progressive auto index press as most calibers i shoot is pistol caliber other than 45-70. Trying to locate comparison or recommendation. I’m leaning towards Dillon because friends have it and day customer service and warranty.
Great info, thank you for taking the time to make this high quality vid! Considering purchasing an LNL-AP and this info was perfect!
Great informative video, my H LnL AP should arrive tomorrow. My first concern is actually the work bench.
Has it arrived?
When I switched over from the .45 to the 9mm I have and issue with the powder drop. I set my 5 stations up exactly like yours. However, when you cycle the press with a case the insert/drum does not cycle the full stroke to the top. This gives me inconsistant powder charges. Brad at tech support has been less than helpful (couldn' t solve another issue with .45 that I solved myself just a loose screw in back that allowed it to slip and change the charge weight).
Welcome back, with another fantastic video.
any chance of a video using the LnL press with some dillon alarms, like the low primer alarm or the powder alarm? ;)
They're a good press but like anything mechanical they have some issues. I recommend getting a spring washer to hold down the shellplate otherwise it can work loose, also you can get powder in the primer slide so keep your eye on it if this happens it doesn't line up properly. Besides that it is a decent press very rigid and the powder thrower throws fairly well, it can throw within +- 0.1 grains
i just bought this press cant wait to start cranking out ammo
Awesome, have fun!
You make anything yet?
how much did it cost?
Would be nice if someone documented all the problems and issues in a single point lesson available for review. Could you cover how to actually adjust the powder drop. Any help would be great as even Hornady's tech support is lacking knowledge about certain issues.
Just got the LNL AP and hoping I can use older Lee dies I have on hand.
Hey Gavin, is there any reason that the Lock-n-load powder measure with the Case activation...is there any reason that setup wouldn't function on a Dillon 750? I'm hoping to set up a 750 to load 338 LP and need the larger powder drop availability found in the Hornady setup that just doesn't work with the Dillon powder measure. Thank you.
I want to buy one of these presses due to the fact you can use standard dies. Good review
Thanks man- GREAT press.
Hi Gavin, my 9mm cases come down the case feeder tube the wrong - do you ever have this problem and if so how did you cure it?
What is your bench height from floor to work area? Also, what is the overall height of the Hornady AP LnL system shown? Do you have a video(s) on the prep for cleaning and sizing the brass and AP system prior to use? Thanks, great stuff!
Great video man. I was thinking about getting one of these, but decided to get the Dillion 650 XL instead
Nice waste of money!
Dillon is best I have one
Just ordered one of these today! Been waiting for a while for them to come off backorder. I'll be starting out with .40cal and .223, then moving to .45 and then 6.8.
What/which die sets do you recommend for .40 and .223 to get me going? Dies are the only item I haven't ordered yet. Thanks and great videos.
How did you like it? Anything to look out for?
Can the auto shell loader be used with rifle cartages?
I have the same Hornady press with the auto case feeder. 9mm is
especially problematic. My case feeder drops cases out of the drop tube
at any angle causing them to fall into the processed case box or behind
the shell plate so when the ram goes up it smashes the case sideways
into the decapping pin and bends or breaks it. This is because the small
drop tube provided is way too big to hold 9mm so they drop out
straight. The v block is designed to tip the case over as it is pushed
towards the shell plate. The v block regularly tips the case and the
edge of the rim catches as it tries to cross the retention spring. The
hopper jams up all the time. I spend more time unjamming the pile of
crap hopper than what it takes to manually feed the cases. I noticed you
selectively cut out parts of the video. It is obvious to me you edited
the malfunctions of the case drop tube, the malfunctions of the v block,
and the jamming up of the case feeder hopper.
Don't these presses have issues with rifle cases kinda tipping over right where they get pushed in first station
what presses would work for rounds like 9mm, 45acp, 30-06 and 45-75. would i have to buy more than one press or just one then switch things out. i'm starting out and only have a 30-06 but hope to get those other rounds aswell.
Hey ive noticed in your videos your blocks u put tools on shell plates wrenches and such could you do a small vid on that plz
nice vid ive been thinking about reloading but i have no one to teach me so im scared ill fukk up and double charge my loads
Gavin great video again man thanks for sharing.
Does the powder charge station flare the case as well ? Im having a hard time finding info on this . Do you have to have a separate station for flaring?
There is a thing called the PTX Expander that fits into the powder sleeve that will flare the case. You can buy them separately for each caliber. This is only necessary if you don't have an open station, such as having a powder cop die.
Of all the presses you have used, this seems to be the best AP. Between the Dillon 650, RCBS Pro 5 and the LNL, which do you recommend for the first time AP user?
James Sparks That Lock-N-Load system works great if you're switching calibers. I love my Hornady.. Plus it has a lifetime warranty which hornady has outstanding customer service. Plus, Your AP can alway grow into a plant once you become more pro. The bullet/case feeder and other goodies you can add later on.
I'm sorry, noob question, what is the long tube that goes up into that big black 'feeder' ( I am just assuming) or whatever it is.
That's the case feeder, automatically loads a new case into the press on every stroke.
thanks ill look into what you suggested
you can swap out dies and shell plates based on what you want to reload.
Call their tech support, they're very helpful and insightful.
Will those Lock-N-Load bushings accept other dies, like those manufactured by RCBS?
Static NAT yes
Nice review. I am much less sure about buying the dillon 650 now
Dillon 650 is the best around
I own this press as well. Love it, works great.
what would you recommend for reloading slugs
Gavin ive been trying too find load data for 450bushmaster I use alliant powder 2400 can you assist
Call me old fashion, but I still prefer loading my rounds on a single press with a separate powder measuring dispenser. I know it is a lot of work if you are cranking rounds for sale or for shooting an outrageous number of them, but that's what I like. I treat each one as precious commodity. Don't get me wrong, I have a progressive press also, but its a hobby for me so I kill time that way.
Where do I get the rail system and plate to mount the loader? I didn't see it on the UR website.
You can get the T-Track from Peachtree Woodworking.
Powder major?
I know this video is six years old. This press is optimized for high volume loading, but if one wanted to bust out only 50 rounds for a rifle, can this still do that or is the setup time not worth it and should stick with a turret system. This is the main type of loading I’ll be doing with the occasional 500rd pistol sessions
Jesse- absolutely- great for a 50 round loading session. Esp. if you already have the right shellplate on the press (Ex: #1 shellplate for 45 ACP, 30-06, 308, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, 22-250, etc).
gavintoobe awesome thanks for the tips. I’ll be speaking with Santa soon.
I am thinking about getting into reloading, what would the overall price for 9mm?
Zombiguides a lot lol
Top review Gavin
I've been watching a lot of your videos as I'm in the market for a progressive press ( with or with out auto index ). This plant looks to operate relatively smooth and trouble free. For the price would this unit be more cost effective than the Dillon 1050? I load for my Stepdad and myself only. Neither one us shoot competition so we're not looking at 500 rounds a week.
Guess I should have added the 650 also
More cost effective YES! The Dillon machines are optimized for long-haul loading (thousands at a time) and cost more. Each system/make has their pros/cons.
Does Hornady make a single-stage? Could of sworn I've only see this progressive and a turret?
It is an old post, but yes they have.
Very well done. Thank you.
Best wishes
This was my first ever TH-cam video and I know it's not very professional but.....
Hornady LNL AP Problems - jbrow117 [won't take the URL]
I had a powder drop issue here and it turned out to be just a loose screw in the back. this new issue seems to be internal? Hornady needs better tech support. Come on guys just a loose screw? They need to keep a log of issues for future customers and call it [Lessons Learned] I called back and let them know I resolve it, told them how but........
Are you aware if you can get the parts needed for the shell feeder without the powered hopperI don't mind stopping every little bit to load brass in the tube, won't be loading enough to justifythe extra $$$ for the complete shell loading system, Thanks
How much does it cost to change calibers?
Shellplate (~$35) + Lock-N-Load bushings (~$15 per setup) + Dies (varies- $25-50 range is typical) That's really affordable compared to some presses/systems.
Will it work on 45-70 and 8mm Mauser?
You need to find dies for that round.
Drop a powder load/charge an weigh every so often , very good press. TU
I own a hornady Lnl wish I bought a dillon xl650
Why is that?
Whattt 3D ?
Jay762 off eBay. Great to do business with. Brand new in box. :)
Hmmm, looks way better than the Lee and Dillon combined.
This thing is a total piece of shit. I fought one of these monstrosities for a couple of years and ended up throwing it in a dumpster. I couldn't bring myself to foist it off on anyone else. Save yourself tons of grief and spend a few bucks more on a Dillon XL650. I did and my reloading life is pleasant again.
@gavintoobe Let's be friends..I will bring fresh bbq meat, ice beer and some brass!
Maybe he is not married yet,maybe he just got engaged?
Never bought a bigger piece of s!/+
this reloader is the worst quality ever !