(Update 05 NOV 12 w/pic!) Hornady LnL AP

[Maximumbob54]

So I took the plunge today and ordered the Hornady L n L AP. I looked at a whole bunch of reviews on the various Dillon models right on up to the 1050. I watched the YouTube videos, saw the reviews from all sorts of stores and forums, and I still feel like the LnL is the press for me. This will join the RCBS Pardner press, Rock Chucker, and two Lee Classic Turrets. I think what sold me is the bushing system. Or at least that is what sold me the most. In all the excitement I forgot to even add in a shell plate for .45 ACP... Whoops!!! Guess I have to order some more!!! That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it... So for my first desired add on is the roller arm from Ultimate Reloader. I'm going to order the powder through expander plugs for .45 ACP, 9mm, .38/.357, and a powder cop die with the appropriate shell plates on the next order. Any other suggestions to add?

And yes, blue team, I know I should have bought a 550 or 650, but I'm doing this and you can enjoy the show...

Edit: I forgot to ask, does the Dillon Strong Mount work with the LnL? I would assume I can just drill the right holes and run it. Has this been done? Or is it better to just bolt her down to the bench for the best solid mounting possible?

 

[Aticus]

I think you'll find the strong mount won't fit the L-N-L, sorry.

Pecos

 

[310Pilot]

For 45 ACP, make sure you order the #45fact shell plate, it works much better for that application than the #1jamming shell plate. I bet you will like the new press, I have a Hornady Pro-Jector, its predecessor, and like it a lot. The new LnL AP has a lot of improvements, and should serve you well.

 

[SWP357]

You'll enjoy your new press. Bolt it down to a good solid bench (preferably that is attached to wall studs). The Ultimate Reloader Hornady « Ultimate Reloader has some good videos on it and Gavins Handle is a great addition to your press. Don't hesitate to call Hornady customer service, they are easy to reach and will ship you any parts you might need (OPPS!) while you are getting it running at N/C, warranty. Keeping it clean with compressed air will make your life easier. Enjoy!

 

[Moonman]

For the strong mount to work you will need to raise the whole thing up with 2" worth of spacers or something. I used Oak Planking and the 1/2" aluminum plate that I had the press mounted to. (I use C-Clamps and only do pistol) Some other forums have other ideas too. One guy built a mount out of pipe and pipe floor mount flanges, some under the bench TRAILER HITCH type mounts.

Check POWDERFUNNELS.COM for a one size fits all expander, Ultimatereloader.com has roller handles and a bullet/case tray mount, I used his design and built my own.

I adapted a Dillon LOW/HIGH POWDER CHARGE ALARM but I'm changing that to an RCBS Lock-Out Die.

Rust-oleum "Regal Red" is the color to paint anything to match Hornady.

 

[Moonman]

Maximumbob54,
I have the Hornady Classic single stage too. There is an internet explanation on how to measure the difference and then make or have someone make you a spacer. The spacer fits under the factory installed bushing on the single stage press, mine needed to be .156 thick. The spacer raises up the factory bushing height and makes the dimensions equal to the progressives height.

This will allow you with the Hornady Quick Change Bushing System to take a SET die from the LNL press and place it into the Single Stage with no adjustment. The spacer you installed under the single stage press frame bushing makes both presses equal on die heights and you can just swap dies back and forth between LNL and Single stage depending upon your needs. (Using the LNL Quick-Change bushings on the dies.)

 

[Skip Sackett]

Welcome to the world of progressives! It is ONLY allowed in presses and HIGHLY distasteful to be considered one politically! Just sayin'!

When you get that thing set up, we need videos or pictures or something Bob.

Did you get a case feeder too? You know that now I am going to have to look into getting one of them too, right? (Like I need another press of any kind!)

Hey, by the way, I don't have any strong mounts on my Dillon's.

What does the Hornady do with spent primers? I have made a few modifications to my XL650s and SDB that might work for you too and I am willing to share!

I for one am looking forward to a complete report too by the way. So, buy every extra you can and make a full report!

Best to ya! (I say, keep a Democrat in office, it seems to help folks spend money in our hobby thus stimulating the economy!) hahahahahaha (Just KIDDING!)

 

[blujax01]

...
Best to ya! (I say, keep a Democrat in office, it seems to help folks spend money in our hobby thus stimulating the economy!) hahahahahaha (Just KIDDING!)

 

[blujax01]

....
Rust-oleum "Regal Red" is the color to paint anything to match Hornady.

You mean like all those Dillon parts you need to make the LnL run better?

Kidding, kidding ...(blujax ducks and runs for cover)...

 

[Moonman]

Dillon and Hornady BOTH make very good equipment. I have a RL550 and a Square D too, along with a Redding Big Boss II and the Hornady Classic single stage next to them. The LNL has a case feeder. I have also adapted a Dillon Powder measure alarm to the LNL.

smith crazy,

The primers go into a plastic tube that you can put into a trash can or run into an empty water bottle or an empty peanut butter jar. Some day I'll contact you about getting into CASTING, which may be my next endeavor. Retirement can be a wonderful thing but you can really keep busy learning and doing things.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Cool! Moon, I will be glad to help you out with casting!

I modified my Dillons to do that with spent primers. Mine now go into a 3# coffee can!

 

[williamlayton]

I too like the LNL die system.
i think you can use it on the Dillon.
I like hornady dies---and have some.
Blessings

 

[Moonman]

I don't believe you'll use the Hornady LNL quick change bushings on the Dillon press. The thread is bigger than the 7/8"-14 standard, it's 1 1/4-12 threads for the bushing that the quick change die bushings fit into.

They make a conversion bushing set 1 bushing 1 1/4-12 threaded and 3 of the quick change die bushings. These are for converting SINGLE STAGE PRESSES to this method.

Midway USA #858110 and it's $17 plus shipping.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I'm going to order that powderfunnel expander for sure. Two kooky ideas have been sent to me so far and I'm going to be daring or dumb enough to try them. One is to mount the bullet feeding die withh a crazy long plastic tube that is preloaded with bullets. I'm not sure how long it will take to load but asume it's about like loading primers into the tubes. The second is to mount the case feeder from the Lee Load Master. That one I'm not sure how the two connect but it seems pretty simple to use if the do indeed work together. I'm a bells and whistles guy as long as it adds function and not just flash. Now before it all starts getting here it's. Time to fire up the Mihec mold and slam out a massive pile of 200 gr rnhp's!!!!

 

[SWP357]

Kooky Ideas??!! LOL, By the way the "Tubes" load very easy and fast and also...The Expander comes with each Bullet feeder die making them a real good deal @ about $21.99 a copy. So don't get caught with 2 of each if you're going to try the Bullet Feed system.

 

[dmar]

Congrats Bob, you are going to love your LNL, nice machine. I've had mine for a couple of years now, upgrading from a Lee Turret. I had good experience with the Lee, but you'll love the increase in production!

Good recommendation on the 'Powderfunnel,' a necessity, if you want powder thru die, in my opinion. I really liked the Lee 'powder thru' system, works the best of any I've tried, but won't work with the Hornady powder measure. I actually still use the Lee powder measure/powder thru die for a couple of my calibers, because it does the best job in getting the right case neck expansion. The Hornady measure is better overall quality, but I've always had good luck with the Lee powder set up, so I use both. Anyway, get the Powderfunnels expander, much better than the Hornady caliber-specific expanders (did not work well for me...).

The only issue I've had with the LnL is having to adjust the indexing to get the shell plate to index exactly into the next station. It would be a liitle shy of popping into the next station, requiring me to bump it to fully seat it. I've had some difficulty in getting adjusted 'just right,' but finally figured out how to adjust it better.

Also, I bought the case feeder about a year ago, and once you get it dialed in right, it is really nice to have... For me, though, getting it dialed-in right was an exercise in considerable frustration, and a lot of time. Everything was pretty straight forward except for the case feed into the shell plate adjustment. For .38 special, it still gives me aggravation, with the problem of the case tipping/getting hung up when feeding into the shell plate (I have to go slow with the handle). You have to adjust the linkage to advance, or delay the timing of the case going into the shell plate. This linkage/linkage adjustment is not a great design (just not secure/deliberate enough of a set up for what it needs to do...).

Sometimes I think about not using The case feeder, but then get it going well, and love the speed and convenience. Other than the adjustment linkage, the case feeder does work great, no hiccups with the hopper and case drop. The adjustment problem may just be a 'me thing,' but thought I'd throw it out there.

I really like the primer set up, and of course the caliber change outs, great designs, very fast and easy. I have different powder measure inserts for each caliber I use with the Hornady measure, so I keep the settings that I have set with each caliber insert. A lot of good features with the press.

Finally, I also use a RCBS powder cop die, and recommend it for a progressive press (hence my recommendation for the Powderfunnels expander...). Thousands of rounds through the LnL so far, nice machine/quality.

 

[wheelgun28]

Pardon my ignorance, but what does a die bushing system do for you?

I thought it was for single stage presses so you could swap the dies out fast with out losing adjustment?

Does it use a tool head like the Dillon, swap all the dies in and out?

I am just trying to learn some of the features/benefits.

Thanks!

 

[williamlayton]

I like the hornady dies.
The lnl system is a seperate lock in that is not needed--from my understanding--on the Dillon as you remove everything locked in and in place.
Same results--different system.
I love the Hornady---just don't like the speed and the need to pay attention to each shell prep.
Thats my reason for the change over.
I will be looking forward to your reports and progress.
You have a wonderful knack for communication that I wish I possessed.
Blessings

 

[johngalt]

Pardon my ignorance, but what does a die bushing system do for you?

I thought it was for single stage presses so you could swap the dies out fast with out losing adjustment?

Does it use a tool head like the Dillon, swap all the dies in and out?

I am just trying to learn some of the features/benefits.

Thanks!

A similar idea to the Dillion toolhead and LEE turret system, allowing you to easily swap dies for calibre changes without losing your die settings, but even better. It allows you to insert dies individually and move them around without losing settings. This makes it MUCH easier to set up your dies.

For example, when adjusting your seating die, remove all the rest, plug the seating die in station 1, and have at it until it is right. Then move it to station 4.

Another example: When starting a loading session, I remove all the dies except the powder measure. I throw charges until I am confident it is throwing what I want. Then I add the RCBS lockout die and verify it is stopping on empty and double charged cases. Then I finally add all the others.

This also eliminates the argument that the newbie should start on a single stage press. Want to use it as a single stage? Just plug in one die. When that batch is done, remove it and plug in the next one, etc. I wish I had known about it when I first started.

 

[Moonman]

Wheelgun28,
There is a way to make a spacer that makes the WORKING HEIGHT of the LNL SINGLE STAGE and the LNL AP Progressive "EQUAL" and you can move dies between the Single Stage and the Progressive without adjusting the dies. The bushing that I had to make on the lathe was .156 thick and it goes under the SINGLE STAGES 1 1/4"-12 factory installed bushing that then takes the Quick Change bushings.

Extra Powder Measure INSERTS are about $10.50 each, get extras, set them and keep them (MARKED with Grains of What Powder) with the dies. Slight twist the Quick Change Bushing and dies are changed, push a Push Button on the Powder Measure and old Powder Insert is out and New Insert for a different powder setting goes in (the have a Micrometer one too), Fill powder measure, change shell plate, Done. If you have to change primer sizes it takes a little longer. If you're really cramped for time buy TWO PRESSES (some people actually do) one for Small and one for Large primers.

Maximumbob54,
Give the RCBS LOCK-OUT die consideration over the POWDER COP die. The Powder Cop requires you paying attention at the exact moment for visual look at the "O"-Ring that you set, the LOCK-OUT, locks the press up if things are out of range. You can do a little research.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I'm going to add the RCBS Lock Out die to the first few items instead of the Hornady Powder Cop die. The RCBS offering seem like it makes more sense.

 

[wheelgun28]

Thank you for the replies!

The bushing system is interesting for sure.

Thanks!

 

[Rule3]

Thank you for the replies!

The bushing system is interesting for sure.

Thanks!

I started with the Lee Breach Lock press/system. It has the bushings that once the die is set to the correct setting you lock it in. To change dies you push a button and pop it out and put in your next die. So you do batch reloading, all deprime/resize, then flare, prime, seat/crimp. I could almost go as fast as a turret press and you could stop any time and you did not really have to pay real close attention until you started to add powder.

If all I felt like doing was resizing than that's all I would do, hundreds of them.

The main drawback is you handle the brass so many times, but that may be good also as you really inspect your brass.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Another power decision: The whole point of this is to go full progressive. So I ordered the .45 shell plate, .45 bullet feed die, and with two more OT extra money paychecks I will then order the Case feed system and then the bullet feed system. It's time to go nuts. I did open the box and watch the DVD on set up. It doesn't look nearly as complicated as I had worried it may be moving from the rather simple Lee Turret.

Now the true test begins... Will I actually remain patient enough to not say fudge it and start playing with my new toys before all the parts come in...

I do feel the need for a little diversion from some newly found minor depression. Maybe I will just cast up a massive pile of bullets.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Well the answer to my previous question was... Heck no, I'm not waiting!!! I need a pick me up bad after a recent huge loss in my life and a nice diversion will help make the medicine go down...

So...

Here she is bolted to my newly reinforced 2x4 + plywood tiny bench:

This is with the Powder Funnels universal case expander installed. The station right after the powder is going to be the RCBS powder lock out die if I can ever catch Graf and Sons when they have them in stock. Yes, those are Lee dies and leave me alone about them and the unholy object that is the LFCD... I have tried several brands of dies and I keep going right back to the Lee brand for dies. And as long as I'm loading auto loader ammo, I do enjoy using the post sizing in the LFCD since mine is milled just right and doesn't swage down the bullet at all unless I have way out of spec brass and then I can feel it squeezing it and I cull that one out.

BUT...

My first complaint: What the heck is up with the priming system. It works perfectly a whole bunch of times and then it takes a break for one primer and I get powder everywhere... WTH...

Now my first loves: Once I throw down for the case feeder, the Ultimate Reloader roller arm and bullet tray comes in, and the RCBS die comes in... This thing is going to slam out some ammo!!!

Epic fail: The bullet feeder says it only works with jacketed or plated ammo!!!! AAAAAHHHHH!!!!! Hornady, WHY?!?!?!?

Any more tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated...

 

[SWP357]

TUBES...and the bullet feeder die...the $250 you'll save will buy a bunch of bullets

 

[arc2x4]

Welcome to the HLNL world. The primer feed, you can improve its reliability by taking out the slide, (when there are no primers in the tube, and the inner tube is removed (also check it for burrs)) and polishing it, especially the lead edge to remove any burrs, that could be the cause of your occaisional hang up, a rough part.

Also you need to keep it clean especially the primer punch a few grains of powder can cause it to stick up a little which will hang up the shuttle, it screws in by means of the nut on the subplate (its all one part), or you can vacume it out with the shuttle pulled to the rear. A pair of needle nose pliers helps to reattach the shuttle spring.

Some folks have also found they need to adjust the metal rod that conveys the shuttle back when the arm is lowered(Ram Raised), to adjust the rearward travel. This is a last resort, but can be accomplished by looking under the plastic cover at the top of the rod, a screw that holds the top of the rod sits in a slot and can be adjusted forward and rearward to adjust the rearward travel of the shuttle.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Ultimate Reloader Roller Arm:

If you have even thought about getting this thing, GET IT!!!

If you don't know what it is then go to:

Ultimate Reloader Roller Handle for Hornady Lock-N-Load AP « Ultimate Reloader

And then order it!!!

I'm not joking. I bought this thing just thinking that it would be nice to not have to slip the plastic ball handle up and down over and over in my hand as I'm reloading. If anyone at Hornady ever reads this, "Give this man some money and buy this from him!!!" This should just be a part of the press. I don't remember how the Dillon arm was attached on the RL 550 I tried out but if he can make one for that then all the blue press fans would soak these up as well. I can't stress how awesome this thing is. You don't bend over as far, you get to just lean your upper body weight into the arm to seat the primer instead of shoving against the arm, and it's so ergonomic that you almost want to go too fast. The only two issues I could crab about are so minor they aren't worth really calling complaints. One, I have no idea why he doesn't just charge you the dollar more and match the paint. That's an easy fix though. And two, maybe I just have big ham hands, but I think the tip of perfection for this would be to replace the spiffy chrome roller handle with a roller shovel handle like what the Magma Star lube sizer press has as an upgrade. But in complete seriousness, this thing is very worth the money and the wait for it to come in your mailbox. If he ever makes them for the Lee Classic Turret again then I may get another one for that press.

 

[Moonman]

Maximumbob54,

Gavin sent my roller handle HORNADY RED last year.
Maybe he ran out of Rust-olem "REGAL RED" paint.

 

[raisedin99]

My first complaint: What the heck is up with the priming system. It works perfectly a whole bunch of times and then it takes a break for one primer and I get powder everywhere... WTH...


Any more tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated...

Bob,
I cut a 17" piece of 1/8" dowel rod and attached a flag on it to indicate when I was down to 4 primers. Drop it into the primer holding tube and haven't had a problem since, there is just enough weight to keep the primers flowing freely.

Terry