Question; does anyone know if I can use my Lee powder/expander dies in the Hornady LnL AP? I am ordering the LnL AP, and I'm wondering if I need to buy their 'quick change powder dies' and 'powder thru expanders,' or if I can just use the Lee dies that I already own...

Of course when I called Hornady, they would not comment, and the places that sell the equipment don't know...! I would think that I can use the Lee die, but I'm not sure if it would accept the Hornady powder measure properly. I suppose that I can just continue to use the Lee die with the Lee powder measure, but I hear the Hornady powder measure is a nice unit, and would like to be able to use it...

Thank you for the feedback!

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NRA Life Member

You can use Lee dies with the LNL, but you can't use the Hornady powder measure with the lee powder thru expander die. When I first got my LNL, I used my Lee dies with it. The lee dies are shorter, I had to screw them in so far there wasn't much thread left for the lockring, but it worked.

I eventually replaced the lee dies with Hornady. The hornady dies are MUCH smoother.

I would recommend you get the hornady powder dies. They are only $18. I got one for each calibre, makes switching go much faster and easier. The hornady powder measure is far superior to any Lee powder measure, which you will have to use if you don't get the powder die.

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Common sense isn't so common.

Great information, John, thanks for the response. I'll order the Hornady quick change powder dies for the calibers that I need. I'll need to order the 'Powder Through Expanders' for each caliber, as well, correct...? Have you had good results with the 'powder through expanders,' I've heard some mixed things how they work for folks...

I'll probably also end up switching over to Hornady (or Redding) dies, as a few people have told me that they will work better with a progressive machine.

Thanks Again!

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NRA Life Member

I use Lee four die sets with the factory crimp die for most pistol calibers. Johngalt is absolutely right about them being a little short, but they work just fine. They are also a lot cheaper then the Hornady dies.

Just use the Lee powder through expander die to expand the brass. The Hornady powder measure goes in station number three and automatically dispenses the powder for you.

You will love your new L-N-L press!

When I got my LNL, it came with 1 powder die and the powder measure, so you that gets you started.

You don't have to use the Hornady powder thru expander (PTX), since you already have the lee powder through expander. Just use the lee die to flare the case mouth, and dump powder in a separate station. I started out flaring and dumping powder separately, then later got the Hornady PTX.

You only need the PTX if you want to both have a powder cop die (I recommend the RCBS lockout die), and seat the bullet and crimp in separate stations.

I had some trouble getting the PTX to work well, and I'm not completely satisfied with it. I ended up just using it for .45 auto, since I taper crimp separately. For .38 and .357 I seat and crimp at the same time, so I don't need the PTX.

Hornady die sets include an expander die, so if you replace your lee dies, you still don't have to get the PTX.

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Common sense isn't so common.

Yeah, I'm used to using the Lee FCD, and I also want to use the lockout die (just seems like a good idea with the progressive machine), so I need to leave something out. I agree, that I can probably just combine seating and crimping with the .38 and .357 loads, and maybe try the Hornady PTX with .45 and 9mm, as I like the idea of the FCD with those calibers...

Dumb question, but I have not used a powder check/lockout die before; should I order one for each caliber, or is it easy enough to adjust for each caliber change-out?

I ordered the LnL today, so I hope to have it by the weekend; I'm looking forward to getting going on it.

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NRA Life Member

Check this out dmar:

Hornady Powder Cop Die - MidwayUSA

This is the Hornady powder cop, you only need one and it is good for all calibers. Dillon, RCBS and others make them also.

If you use it, you have to give up the factory crimp die and crimp in the bullet seating station. I try not to crimp in in the bullet seating operation as this is an iffy proposition unless you trim the cases. If the cases are different lengths, you can crush some and have insufficent crimp on others. I have had very good luck with the Hornady automatic powder measure and choose my powders for reliable flow in the automatic powder measure.

On high pressure revolver loads, I usually trim the cases and crimp in the seating die with a good solid roll crimp. For plinking revolver and all automatics, I use the Lee factory taper crimp, don't trim my cases, and trust the Hornady powder measure with a smooth flowing powder in it.

Thanks for the info, 1066...

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NRA Life Member

I have only used my LNL AP on .45 ACP so far. I wouldn't even think about using it without a powder check of some sort, so I use the RCBS Lockout Die. It'll lock the whole press if a load is too far out of where it's supposed to be, so I don't have an option of ignoring it.

I use Lee dies almost exclusively now, but I still have a use for my old RCBS dies.

I use the Lee expander die in the second station, like 1066 does. The Lockout die goes in station four.