Lock n Load Setup

[packeagle]

Hey, I just ordered some equipment to get into the metallic cartridge reloading game. I think that I forgot a PTX die.

I ordered the following:
Hornady LnL AP
Shell plate #10
Hornady taper crimp die set (Cabela's lists it as 4 die set)
Hornady powder cop

I thought that the expander die in the set was powder through, but I see that Hornady makes a separate "quick change" powder through expander. I was hopping that the one in the kit was a PTX die, as I want to expand to include 9mm after I get used to the .40s&w.

Can some one confirm that I need to order a PTX in addition to the Hornady die set?
Can some one recommend a PTX die that works well with the equipment listed above?

 

[packeagle]

I think that I can get away with buying one powderfunnel and the PTX linkage for each caliber I plan on loading. I think that the LnL comes with one of the powder dies that I can insert the powderfunnel into.

Can anyone attest to this setup working?

 

[Moonman]

Yep, I believe you do.

Also I like the RCBS LOCK-OUT DIE more than the Hornady Powder Cop die.

You should probably also GOOGLE for the 5 part series videos

HORNADY LNL-AP SET UP HINTS AND TRICKS by Bill Morgan.

These videos will definitely save you some headaches if you invest the time to watch them.

 

[packeagle]

Thanks. I looked at the Lock-Out Die, but it looked to be more complicated.

 

[Moonman]

Packeagle,

You can GOOGLE VIDEOS FROM

ULTIMATERELOADER also, he has ONE that really SIMPLIFIES the LOCK-OUT DIE SET UP.

He has videos on all the major presses.

Good Luck.

MOONMAN

 

[Twoboxer]

Your AP includes the Powder Measure, the Case Activated Linkage, the Quick Change Die, one PTX Linkage, and 3 adapter inserts for various sized case. As delivered, it will not bell pistol cases.

Yes, you will need either a Quick Change Powder Die Powder Through Expander in each caliber you require, or the equivalent from another manufacturer.

Because of the way the PM is adjusted on the press, you only need one PTX Linkage . . . unless you buy an additional quick change die (and bushing) for each caliber as well. Then the two parts of the PM that need caliber adjustment - the quick change die and the PTX Linkage - can be set once and remain set.

To change setup one would then remove the connecting spring and PTX Linkage, loosen the thumbscrew, and remove the PM. Then remove the QC Die (and bushing) with it's PTX Expander inside.

Insert the next QC Die (and bushing) with its PTX Expander, put the PM on, slip on this caliber's pre-set PTX Linkage, add the spring, tighten the thumbscrew.

Takes longer to read than to do.

ETA: Reading this, I'm not sure its clear that the case activated linkage requires internal and external height adjustments for various case sizes. Gross internal adjustments are provided by the 3 (powder through) adapter tubes provided with the AP. Those same gross adjustments are provided by the caliber-specific PTX Expander Tubes that also bell cases. Whichever you use, fine adjustments are made by adjusting how the Quick Change Die is attached to the PM AND how deep it is set in the press, plus how the PTX Linkage is adjusted. Bah! Find a video lol.

 

[smokindog]

A couple threads to review:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/324579-hornady-lnl-ap-press-setup-hints-tricks.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/345100-need-info-hornady-lnl-ap.html

 

[packeagle]

Your AP includes the Powder Measure, the Case Activated Linkage, the Quick Change Die, one PTX Linkage, and 3 adapter inserts for various sized case. As delivered, it will not bell pistol cases.

Yes, you will need either a Quick Change Powder Die Powder Through Expander in each caliber you require, or the equivalent from another manufacturer.

Because of the way the PM is adjusted on the press, you only need one PTX Linkage . . . unless you buy an additional quick change die (and bushing) for each caliber as well. Then the two parts of the PM that need caliber adjustment - the quick change die and the PTX Linkage - can be set once and remain set.

To change setup one would then remove the connecting spring and PTX Linkage, loosen the thumbscrew, and remove the PM. Then remove the QC Die (and bushing) with it's PTX Expander inside.

Insert the next QC Die (and bushing) with its PTX Expander, put the PM on, slip on this caliber's pre-set PTX Linkage, add the spring, tighten the thumbscrew.

Takes longer to read than to do.

ETA: Reading this, I'm not sure its clear that the case activated linkage requires internal and external height adjustments for various case sizes. Gross internal adjustments are provided by the 3 (powder through) adapter tubes provided with the AP. Those same gross adjustments are provided by the caliber-specific PTX Expander Tubes that also bell cases. Whichever you use, fine adjustments are made by adjusting how the Quick Change Die is attached to the PM AND how deep it is set in the press, plus how the PTX Linkage is adjusted. Bah! Find a video lol.

With the powderfunnels universal expander, couldn't I just keep a linkage set for each caliber I wish to reload? To switch calibers I would then just replace the Quick change powder through linkage with one adjusted for the correct caliber depth.

ETA: I realize i would still need to do fine adjustments through the depth of the powder die in the press/ LnL bushing.

Or am I going at this all wrong?

 

[Moonman]

YEP, your're going at it wrong.

Watch the Hints and Tricks videos.

SLOW DOWN.

 

[packeagle]

I already watched the videos before purchasing the press. I found them helpful in how to avoid some issues by adding / replacing parts.

However, the gentleman in the video doesn't really explain the PTX very well. He just mentions it in passing when he almost forgets to install it, "Oh don't forget the powder through." It also appears that he is using a separate expanding die instead of a PTX.

He isn't using the "quick change powder through linkage" at all. So it doesn't help explain how the quick change powder through linkage works.

I am looking at using the powderfunnels.com PTX, with the quick change powder through linkage instead of the separate powder through expander for each caliber. I would then install the correct linkage for each caliber and probably adjust the powder die to the correct depth in the lock n load bushing.

 

[Moonman]

The POWDERFUNNELS only bells the case mouth and will work better

if USING JACKETED BULLETS.

The USE OF CAST BULLETS would probably require the use of caliber specific expanders.

Hornady NEWER expanders are MUCH BETTER than their original ones.

 

[Twoboxer]

With the powderfunnels universal expander, couldn't I just keep a linkage set for each caliber I wish to reload? To switch calibers I would then just replace the Quick change powder through linkage with one adjusted for the correct caliber depth.

ETA: I realize i would still need to do fine adjustments through the depth of the powder die in the press/ LnL bushing.

Or am I going at this all wrong?

Honestly don't know.

After a couple of caliber changes using just one set of Hornady parts (different expanders), I came to the conclusion that I needed the die/bushing and the ptx linkage to be setup and left together together for an instant changeover.

When I go back to think about why, I can't be specific. I may have concluded that adjusting the die and case activator to cycle the PM but not top out would never be done exactly the same way twice. (Especially when trying to set the PM so it will work in Station#2.) That would change the setting needed on the linkage. IOW, I would still be re-adjusting everything.

Try it, or maybe try calling Hornady. Worst case, a $10 part. Best case, it works. Middle case, you buy more dies

 

[packeagle]

I know it will work if I buy an additional powder die, a PTX, and a ptx linkage for each caliber.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[Moonman]

You could also buy a complete extra set-up, power measure included with

the BENCH STAND to store it on.

It's all a matter of what one choose th do in THEIR RELOADING EXPERIENCE.


THE POWDER MEASURE COMES WITH THE 100 FREE BULLET OFFER, YOU PAY THE SHIPPING THOUGH.

 

[packeagle]

I've just decided to get the Hornady PTX, and PTX linkage and worry about other calibers when it comes time.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

 

[dickttx]

I just went through setting up my Hornady powder measure on my LnL AP. Took it awhile for everything to soak in, and not sure that EVERYTHING has clicked yet. I am not completely sure on my terminology either. BUT:
In the normal set up the Hornady expander die is in station two and the PM is in station three. Four is for bullet seating and five is crimp. This leaves no room for the powder check die.
If you replace the flare insert in the powder die with a PTX that die becomes an expand/flare/powder through die. The PM can then be moved to station two and the expander die is not needed. Then you would put the powder check die in three, the seater in four and the crimp in five.
You could then change just the quick change powder die when changing calibers.
If I goofed somewhere I am sure someone will set me straight.

 

[Moonman]

Station #'s,
1) #1 De-Prime & Size
2) #1 1/2 PRIME
3) #2 Expand/Flare/Powder Charge
4) #3 Powder Check Die or Lock-Out Die
5) #4 Bullet Seat
6) #5 Crimp

 

[Weiss]

You could also buy a complete extra set-up, power measure included with

the BENCH STAND to store it on.

It's all a matter of what one choose th do in THEIR RELOADING EXPERIENCE.


THE POWDER MEASURE COMES WITH THE 100 FREE BULLET OFFER, YOU PAY THE SHIPPING THOUGH.

In my opinion this is the best way to go.

 

[jrdumdei]

I have a separate powder die for each caliber I reload. I set the height of the die using the powderfunnels expander. I take the linkage and measure off and change the powder die to the one I have set for the caliber I want to reload. You only have to adjust the powder die for each caliber once and you are good to go.