Found a store w/ a LNL AP in stock for $399. Been planning to buy a Dillion 550B. From what I can see, the LNL is very nice. Would very much appreciate info. on LNL, i.e., how easy is it to use, possibly how compares to 550B. I've been using a single-stage RCBS Jr. and then Sr. for 30 years. Within a few more weeks will have money in hand to make purchase, unless something else messes up. Keep fingers crossed. Been wanting a progressive press for a very long time. Want to buy a good one that I can use w/o having stuff to fix, etc. Will appreciate any insights offered. Sincerely. brucev.
Need Info. on Hornady LNL AP
- Thread starter brucev
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Paul5388
US Veteran
I have a LNL AP and I think it's a much better rig than the 550B. It has enough stations to use a powder check die (I use the RCBS Lock Out die) and changing calibers is facilitated by the quick change die holders. It's auto indexing and the 550B isn't.
I also put the pistol micrometer on the powder measure it comes with. I got 1000 .45 bullets for $9-$10 shipping with the purchase.
After that glowing report, I normally use a Lee cast iron classic turret press or an RCBS Rock Chucker, depending on what I'm trying to do.
I also put the pistol micrometer on the powder measure it comes with. I got 1000 .45 bullets for $9-$10 shipping with the purchase.
After that glowing report, I normally use a Lee cast iron classic turret press or an RCBS Rock Chucker, depending on what I'm trying to do.
90crvtec
Member
I have a LNL Ammo Plant, it came bundled with the case hopper and bullet hopper. It is the only press I have ever used so I can't give you feedback on other brands.
I found the press easy enough to set up however, I took my time and slowly got it set up over the course of a few days. Hornady ships a series of DVDs with the press and they have lots of instructional videos showing how to set up the press and other components. They also have great phone support and a decent manual, so they have all the bases covered depending on whether you like to listen, watch, or read (or all three).
I have not had a parts breakage that was due to wear. I don't keep an exact count but I'm getting close to 10,000 rounds loaded now, the press is showing no signs of wear. I have broken some minor parts due to my own clumsiness. Every time a quick call to Hornady has a new part in the mail. Their warranty support has been fantastic, they send replacement parts no questions asked. I really appreciate a company that stands behind their product and I can vouch for Hornady when it comes to this. I hear Dillon is every bit as good on their product support, so I don't think you'd have any issues with them either.
I chose the Hornady because of the bushing system. I like having to set dies just once and then I can leave them locked in the bushings and I don't have to touch the dies when I do a caliber change. On average, I'm doing a caliber change now in about 15 minutes between 38 special and 45 ACP. I could go faster if I wanted but, I still take it slow just to make sure I don't miss something.
I consistently read three positive things from other users of the LNL AP. First, the powder measure seems to be very good and lots of people speak positively about consistent throws. Second, the bushings make for easy caliber changes, which I've already discussed above. Third, the press has zerk fittings which allow the user to easily grease all the critical lubrication spots on the press. Greasing isn't something that needs to happen often (I've only done it twice) but, it's easy to keep the press sufficiently lubricated without making a mess thanks to the zerk fittings.
No matter which progressive you go with, if you plan on later adding a case feeder and a bullet feeder, I can promise you will be very pleased. In my case the press is located at the range (farm house) and it's pretty great being able to walk inside, crank out 100 rounds of ammo in no time, and then go shooting.
I found the press easy enough to set up however, I took my time and slowly got it set up over the course of a few days. Hornady ships a series of DVDs with the press and they have lots of instructional videos showing how to set up the press and other components. They also have great phone support and a decent manual, so they have all the bases covered depending on whether you like to listen, watch, or read (or all three).
I have not had a parts breakage that was due to wear. I don't keep an exact count but I'm getting close to 10,000 rounds loaded now, the press is showing no signs of wear. I have broken some minor parts due to my own clumsiness. Every time a quick call to Hornady has a new part in the mail. Their warranty support has been fantastic, they send replacement parts no questions asked. I really appreciate a company that stands behind their product and I can vouch for Hornady when it comes to this. I hear Dillon is every bit as good on their product support, so I don't think you'd have any issues with them either.
I chose the Hornady because of the bushing system. I like having to set dies just once and then I can leave them locked in the bushings and I don't have to touch the dies when I do a caliber change. On average, I'm doing a caliber change now in about 15 minutes between 38 special and 45 ACP. I could go faster if I wanted but, I still take it slow just to make sure I don't miss something.
I consistently read three positive things from other users of the LNL AP. First, the powder measure seems to be very good and lots of people speak positively about consistent throws. Second, the bushings make for easy caliber changes, which I've already discussed above. Third, the press has zerk fittings which allow the user to easily grease all the critical lubrication spots on the press. Greasing isn't something that needs to happen often (I've only done it twice) but, it's easy to keep the press sufficiently lubricated without making a mess thanks to the zerk fittings.
No matter which progressive you go with, if you plan on later adding a case feeder and a bullet feeder, I can promise you will be very pleased. In my case the press is located at the range (farm house) and it's pretty great being able to walk inside, crank out 100 rounds of ammo in no time, and then go shooting.
Twoboxer
Member
I have an LnL AP and bought it for several reasons including the complete lack of "slop" at either the toolhead or the shellplate. I've never used the more expensive Dillon, but thought you might be interested in this:
Dillon, Hornady, Lee Comparison
His description of the Hornady matches my experience, so maybe he's accurate on the others as well
Dillon, Hornady, Lee Comparison
His description of the Hornady matches my experience, so maybe he's accurate on the others as well
Moonman
Member
Google
Hornady LNL-AP SET-UP HINTS AND TRICKS.
It's just an excellent video series by Bill Morgan to show
how to set the press up AND SAVE YOURSELF SOME POTENTIAL HEADACHES.
I recently purchased another LNL-AP, I have a Dillon 550 also.
Hornady LNL-AP SET-UP HINTS AND TRICKS.
It's just an excellent video series by Bill Morgan to show
how to set the press up AND SAVE YOURSELF SOME POTENTIAL HEADACHES.
I recently purchased another LNL-AP, I have a Dillon 550 also.
millisec
US Veteran
Yeah that was a tough call a few years ago but I'm happy I went with the LNL for the money. I got mine when they were having some issues with outsourced parts. They quickly replaced everything I had a problem with and its run like a champ since. Really like the bushing system too. Inexpensive, quick and easy to change setups. Only thing I really added was a pistol micrometer. Hornady warranty and service is about as 5 star as it gets.
Jboutfishn
Member
I can't say the LnL is better than the 550B as I have never used one. I can say that I have no regrets about buying the LnL AP. I also set up mine with the RCBS Lock Out Die and a pistol micrometer. The powder metering is very accurate. The bushing system make for very speedy caliber changes as I load for .223, .357, 45 ACP, and 45 Colt. I still use my RCBS Rock Chucker for .460 and big bore rifles as numbers are small.
As for adjustments, it took me about five minutes of observation to determine what adjustment affected indexing of the shell plate, not an issue. Primer feed has been flawless.
I had a Lock n Load AP for a few years before running into some extra gun cash and buying a Dillon 650. As you state, the LNL AP is faster (if this is how you define better) than the 550 and has more features. The Dillon 650 is a better and more precise machine over the LNL AP. So in my mind 650 > LNL-AP > 550. I think auto indexing and 5 stations are nice to have features in a press. I have never used a 550b FWIW.
Caliber changes are more or less a wash between the two units. I *think* the Hornady powder measure maybe a little more accurate than the Dillon, but I would be splitting hairs.
Customer service from both companies is fantastic with a slight nod to Hornady in my opinion. In this class of machine, you really can't go too far wrong.
Chris
Caliber changes are more or less a wash between the two units. I *think* the Hornady powder measure maybe a little more accurate than the Dillon, but I would be splitting hairs.
Customer service from both companies is fantastic with a slight nod to Hornady in my opinion. In this class of machine, you really can't go too far wrong.
Chris
OP
I have an LnL AP and bought it for several reasons including the complete lack of "slop" at either the toolhead or the shellplate. I've never used the more expensive Dillon, but thought you might be interested in this:
Dillon, Hornady, Lee Comparison
His description of the Hornady matches my experience, so maybe he's accurate on the others as well
Thank you for this very helpful article.
I've had a LNL-AP for about 5 years, I like it a lot. The only nit I've had is with the primer feed. You have to make sure the slide is clean. A spring is used to return the primer slide with a fresh primer for seating, and the slide can get get hung up. I've never used any other brand of progressive press, so I can't compare.
The LNL won't dump primers on the floor if there is no case present. One of the Dillions will. I can't remember if it is the 550 or 650.
I really like the LNL bushing system. It makes it easy to individually set each die without the others interfering.
The LNL won't dump primers on the floor if there is no case present. One of the Dillions will. I can't remember if it is the 550 or 650.
I really like the LNL bushing system. It makes it easy to individually set each die without the others interfering.
Moonman
Member
Canned Air (computer) will help you with TRASH in the primer slide.
When you DE-PRIME on the press you get a lot of JUNK in the area.
Hornady HAS NEW (Small & Large) primer pieces that help prevent
trash from binding up the works, as their bodies are NOT undercut.
The older pieces had an undercut and dirt or powder could get trapped there and cause a jam.
When you DE-PRIME on the press you get a lot of JUNK in the area.
Hornady HAS NEW (Small & Large) primer pieces that help prevent
trash from binding up the works, as their bodies are NOT undercut.
The older pieces had an undercut and dirt or powder could get trapped there and cause a jam.
Maximumbob54
Member
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2010
- Messages
- 7,202
- Reaction score
- 1,928
Easy to tell what team I'm with:
I'm still loving it and keep building on it, polishing it, and cranking out ammo on it. I would buy it all over again.
I'm still loving it and keep building on it, polishing it, and cranking out ammo on it. I would buy it all over again.
smokindog
Member
Just built a primer warning and light system for mine
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reload...anctuary-will-hopefully-finished-weekend.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reload...anctuary-will-hopefully-finished-weekend.html
Unfortunately can't really speak to the dillon. My crew went from a single stage Lee, to a Lee Turret Press, then upgraded to the Hornady LNL about two years ago. I originally chose the LNL over the Dillon due to the significant price difference in the press and accessories, and the extra features on the LNL ( like the quick attach and detach bushing on the dies and the 1/2 step auto indexing ).
I don't really have any complaints to speak of. I had a problem with the original small primer slide and one phone call to Hornady fixed it, great customer service.
I will say that is is a little overwhelming to when you first start...coming from a single or turret press, just trying to watch so many things happening at once! But it gets easier as you go. Good luck in your purchase decision.
I don't really have any complaints to speak of. I had a problem with the original small primer slide and one phone call to Hornady fixed it, great customer service.
I will say that is is a little overwhelming to when you first start...coming from a single or turret press, just trying to watch so many things happening at once! But it gets easier as you go. Good luck in your purchase decision.
You don't really watch everything happening at once. You set each station up individually and then use the feel of the press to tell if something goes wrong like an off-center flash hole or bullet / primer not seating correctly, etc. You watch the powder drop station to visually verify a good powder drop.
You go slow and deliberately at first but it doesn't take long to get the feel of things.
You go slow and deliberately at first but it doesn't take long to get the feel of things.
Twoboxer
Member
You watch things in sequence, repetitively.
On the LnL it's like . . . arm up, feel primer seat, place brass, place bullet, arm down, verify powder check die, arm up . . . repeat until something goes wrong, you're out of primers, or you're done.
The issues come when something goes wrong. Then it's important in the beginning (IMO) to look for the problem, remove all the rounds in progress, fix the problem, and start again.
Because a new reloader is unlikely to realize (eg) he lowered and raised the arm enough to give a double charge while he bent to look and see what the hell jammed the press up.
This avoids squibs and double charges.
Frequent measurements early on avoids almost all of the other possible mistakes.
On the LnL it's like . . . arm up, feel primer seat, place brass, place bullet, arm down, verify powder check die, arm up . . . repeat until something goes wrong, you're out of primers, or you're done.
The issues come when something goes wrong. Then it's important in the beginning (IMO) to look for the problem, remove all the rounds in progress, fix the problem, and start again.
Because a new reloader is unlikely to realize (eg) he lowered and raised the arm enough to give a double charge while he bent to look and see what the hell jammed the press up.
This avoids squibs and double charges.
Frequent measurements early on avoids almost all of the other possible mistakes.
You don't give new reloaders enough credit. They most likely do have the ability to bend over and look without automatically pulling a handle!
And moving the arm any amount at all rotates the shell plate toward the next station. You cannot double charge on a true progressive like the LnL or XL650 unless you purposefully move the shell plate backwards. And on the 650 anyway, in order to activate the powder drop the pawl has reached a point of no return and you cannot move the plate backwards even if you were crazy enough to try.
If your LnL doesn't work in a similar manner, I may be wrong but I think that it is supposed to and it may be defective.
dickttx
Member
You CAN double charge a case with the LnL. I do it intentionally every time I start reloading in order to test the Lock-out die. I test it with a double charge, a no charge, and a normal charge that I weigh.
True, that is not a normal situation, but for mess ups we are not looking at a normal situation. I have found that for my peace of mind I too remove everything and start again.
I have found that for normal interruptions (wife, etc.) my last procedure is to push the handle all the way to the bottom (ram all the way up) and leave it there. Nothing can go wrong while it is in that position and you don't have to remember anything. When you start again, lower the ram and you are back in your normal sequence.
When I first got mine I would repeat--primer, case, powder, bullet, load to make sure I covered everything each time. I still do that. After all, I have been a dull, routine accountant for 50+ years.
True, that is not a normal situation, but for mess ups we are not looking at a normal situation. I have found that for my peace of mind I too remove everything and start again.
I have found that for normal interruptions (wife, etc.) my last procedure is to push the handle all the way to the bottom (ram all the way up) and leave it there. Nothing can go wrong while it is in that position and you don't have to remember anything. When you start again, lower the ram and you are back in your normal sequence.
When I first got mine I would repeat--primer, case, powder, bullet, load to make sure I covered everything each time. I still do that. After all, I have been a dull, routine accountant for 50+ years.
One safety tip I've learned if I get interrupted, have to clear a stoppage, etc, it is safer to clear the shell plate, dump any powder that is still in cases back in the hopper, and start over. I'll finish any cartridges that have bullets on top.
The LNL has a spring that wraps around the shell plate instead of those buttons. It is easy to put a cartridge in any position and go from there. I can easily restart my primed brass at position #2 instead of #1, skipping the deprime/resize step.
The LNL has a spring that wraps around the shell plate instead of those buttons. It is easy to put a cartridge in any position and go from there. I can easily restart my primed brass at position #2 instead of #1, skipping the deprime/resize step.
