Quote:
Originally Posted by B's640
Thanks to all who have offered me their advice. I called Hornady and spoke to them for some clarification and now I get it. As smokindog alluded to, the powder drop station can do double duty as both powder drop and case expander for bullet seating prep. This Powder Through Expander (PTX) is not a die, but rather an optional insert that is changed according to the caliber needed. Goes inside the measure adapter with case activated powder drop, in the powder drop station. Not only 100% correct, but very well put lol. I know you guys already knew this, but now I understand it better.
To answer some of yous guys question to me, yes I decided on the Hornady LNL AP. I ordered the basic unit today. I will start off without the fancy extra stuff and learn the press and set-ups at the simplest level. I at least now know enough to begin ordering what I actually need. Thanks again to all
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Good thinking on starting with the "basics" and adding as you learn/grow/need. I would, however, advise considering:
- (a) the PTX expanders as part of your "basics" . . . IOW, buy the caliber specific expanders you need, or a universal one (I've never used that one). You need to bell the cases, start out the right way.
- (b) a Powder Check Die as part of your basics . . . everyone has their own favorite, but the Hornady Check Die works best on the LnL AP because it will not get in the way of the Powder Measure/Linkage/Die assembly it must sit next to. The RCBS die (eg) has an off-center stalk sticking up that will force you to insert that die at a particular time and in a particular way to get it past the PM-et-al.
- (c) buy 2 cans of the Hornady One Shot Cleaner that your LnL AP's instructions call for to clean the press and PM (yes, the PM too). Using the "right" cleaner will not leave you wondering was it my cleaner that caused my issues? or my cleaning? After you get started, use any cleaner you want.
- Once you get started, focus on keeping the primer slide AND THE PRIMER PUNCH very clean.
- Make certain the primer punch retracts fully back into its housing - this may take several flushings of cleaner to achieve. The press comes with one installed under the subplate . . . remove it, clean it, reinstall it as part of the initial prep work.
- If powder starts popping out of your cases as the press indexes (likely with 38, probable with 45), adjust the ball bearings in the shellplate so they don't protrude as much by tapping them in with a punch (if you go too far, turn the plate over and tap back from the other side). Once the bearings settle lovingly into their detents instead of snapping, the powder popping will stop
And don't hesitate to ask here (or call Hornady as you've discovered) if/when you have any other issues with your new press.
GLHF stay safe.