This video shows setting up and loading 45 ACP with the new Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet feeder on the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press. Here’ I’ll show the preferred die setup from the following post:
Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Feeder – Die Stations
Thanks,
Gavin
Tags: 1911, 45, 45acp, ACP, Bullet Feeder, Hornady, Lock-N-Load, Pistol, Reloading, Reloading Blog, Reloading Videos
Do you have any idea when the rifle feeder will be out? Thanks for all the great videos and info.
I do know Hornady is working on it, but I’m not sure when the product will be introduced. Perhaps they’ll have info at the SHOT show!
Gavin, what’s the deal with that bracket on your powder measure, with the screw at the bottom, presumably used to control the amount of expansion on the case mouth? Is that a Hornady product, or something you made yourself? I don’t see any reference to it on Hornady’s website. I have a LNL AP (an early adopter) but found the original powder thru expanders were worthless, but I’ve heard the newer ones work better.
Comes with the new presses. I’ll look up the part # online.
Interesting, I guess I’ll give ‘em a call.
Confirmed – my new Hornady LNL AP that arrived from Sinclair Intl. just recently did indeed come with the Bracket for the PTX . (PTX powder funnel bracket part number is 290049)
Thanks for the validation!
I called Hornady today, they refer to it as a “powder measure stop” and they are currently out of stock. If your press doesn’t have one they are charging $7.50.
Gavin,
I just started loading on a LNL AP press. I’m loading 9mm and using an RCBS lock out die to check powder measures. I find that the plastic tip on the lock out die tends to stick (static?) to the granules of powder. The granules then end up between the base plate and the shell plate holder. Is this common? Any tricks to prevent it?
thanx in advance for your time,
Jason
This is common, especially if if the cases are full. I can be a real problem when the powder gets
in the primer seater. I will really gum them up. If the seater starts sticking you need to take it
apart and clean it. It is kind of a hassle as well.
I had the same problem with my lock out die. I actually sprayed the white tip with graphite spray. once the spray dries, I polished it up lightly with a soft rag. It is very slick and shiny now. Oh yeah, no powder sticks to it either.
I have a Hornady LNL Progressive, how or when do you clean out the flash hole on your brass??
from what i have seen you are going to have to do that step totally seperate from the progressive press stages. i would probably just set the depriming and resize die in a hornady classic single stage press and get them all done that way first before hand. do all your flash hole work, then run them through the progressive press. you will actually open up another station for you that way. alittle bit more time consuming but hey why hurry. your reloadding. i like my flash hole cleaned before priming them anyway so that is my 2 cents on it.
If you have case feeder, Leave the sizing die with primer punch in the press. Take all other die’s out, Run the case’s though the press taking out the primers. Now clean the primmer holes. Take out the primer punch, set the rest of the dies up and go. Taking out primers is easier on the LNL AP than the single press.
Can the Lee case feeder be retrofitted to the Hornady LNL Progressive? The Hornady case feeder looks like a high quality unit, but it is expensive. If the Lee case feeder can be retrofitted to the Hornady LNL Progressive press, this might be a good low cost option. Thoughts?
Lee Case Feeder maybe used on your LNL, as I noticed from the construction of Lee. You need to provide a bracket to support the 4 chutes and the Funnel of the Lee Case Feeder.
The height position of the Lee Case Feeder can be adjusted according to your bullet length and the position to the infeed of your LNL Case Slider can be swiveled.
I think it would work well on your LNL! I have it on my LoadMaster, able to feed 9mm, 40SW and 45ACP.
Interesting idea- thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the feedback. I just bought my LNL progressive press this Saturday and am quite impressed with the overall quality of the press. I found the following links on youtube to be quite interesting. I think I’m going to make a homemade case feeder. I doesn’t look that hard and should be a fun project.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0ji09Nxl2A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ATXop8b8BU&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIDNwWf__tg&feature=related
Hey,
I just started loading 223 on my LnL. Things seem to go OK but I have an issue with the casefeeder that only happens with 223 brass. The casings will drop into the feeder tube web first but the 223 brass seems to be too narrow to reliably shut off the case feeder switch. What happens is that the tube fills up but the 223 cases don’t push on the feeder switch to shut off the motor. it works fine for 9mm, 357, 38, 45 ACP and 308 brass however. I can’t see anything in either LnL or case feeder manuals to suggest that I have an improper setup. I haven’t contacted Hornady but thought I would ask here first as you guys are the “real” users of this press. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
I’ll look into it when I setup for .223 for the AR-MPR project. I’ve had that issue with some cases (357? can’t remember which…). Stay tuned!
Thanks Gavin,
It may just be my case feeder I don’t know. I did try to adjust the feeder switch lever but bending it slightly with a pair of pliers. There really isn’t any adjustment at all on the case feeder. I did get it working reasonably well for 223 but 45 ACP will get stuck now. That’s because the switch lever is too far to the center of the feed tube. Anyway, small changes got it working for both.
Great web site best on net
Have you ever used the powderfunnel brand ptx setup .Some say its better than Hornady.
I own the powderfunnel.com brand ptx. I am very satisfied with mine. I have not tried hornadys revised ptx though.
Gavin where did you get your powder measure stop when using the powder through expanders. I can’t seem to find a source for it. Thanks Robert ==
One of the readers posted this information: You may have to call Hornady to order this. I couldn’t find it on their site:
Hornady PTX powder funnel bracket part # is 290049. Cost is $7.80.
Gavin,
Do you have a post/video on the PTX use and setup?
With the case feeder can you run cases that have already been primed? That would then free up a station so I could seat and crimp separately.
Thanks for teh great resource.
Jeff,
Check this video out: http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll200/mikeg1005/?action=view¤t=MVI_1437.mp4
I have hornady serial# 07427 OLDER STYLE POWER THROWER AND PRESS WHAT UP DATES DO I NEED? I WOULD LIKE TO USE A PTX . IS THERE ANY ADVANCE TO THE NEWER POWDER THROWER?
Gavin,
I’m just getting started reloading, I’ll be purchasing a press this week (Lee Classic Turret Press)
I’m planning on reloading 9mm and .45acp. I’ve watched your videos (almost all of them) and found them to be detailed, enlightening and professional. (EXCEPTIONAL CAMERA WORK)
I have a few questions regarding some of the reloading equipment that you’ve reviewed.
What is your opinion on the following?
1) RCBS bullet feeder die VS. Hornady EZ bullet feeder die?
From your reviews, I know the Hornady collets are metal and the RCBS bullet fingers are plastic.
Is there a chance, the metal collets of hornady’s bullet feeder die damaging or marring the bullet?
In your experience, has RCBS’s bullet fingers shown ecsessive wear?
2) I’m won’t be purchasing the automatic bullet feeder unit, Just the die.
I‘d like to be able to pre-load bullets in the tube so I won’t have to place a bullet on each case.
(I’d rather direct my attention to the powder checker die)
Which die will accept a bullet feeder tube easier?
3) Would it be more advantageous to purchase the RCBS bullet feeder die?
I noticed Midway started selling the RCBS bullet feeder die and it lists multiple bullet fingers
included with the kit. I’m not sure if they are spares in the same caliber or multiple calibers?
4) I finally decided on my first press. (I think?)
From watching your videos I want to separate bullet seating & crimping operations.
I think I’ll need 2 presses for what I’d like to do,
1) De-prime cases on a separate press (to keep the progressive press clean)
2) Crimp after I check the cartridge overall length.
The first press I’m thinking of purchasing is the Lee Classic Turret (4-station) w/spare Turret
Turret #1 setup – powder charge, powder check, bullet feeder and bullet seating
Turret #2 setup – De-prime & crimp (2 calibers) That gives me 4 stations for 2 calibers
2 stations for 9mm – Station #1 de-prime, Station #2 crimp
2 stations for 45acp – Station #3 de-prime, Station #4 crimp
After watching your videos, I’m planning on purchasing a Hornady AP Progressive in the future.
But for now, I ‘d like to know:
What is your opinion of the Lee Classic Turret Press?
Is there anything I should be aware of regarding the press’s reliability, durability & mechanical
function?
5) I’ll be using a Lee Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure, What powders would you suggest for reloading
9mm & 45acp?
Your input will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
Mike- I think starting with the classic turret would be good if you were going to be loading rifle (and some pistol) – but if you’re going to focus on pistol loading, I’d go straight for a progressive like the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP that you mentioned. I would start with just the press and no bullet feeder or case feeder to start. With the free bullets factored in, you’ll do well on that deal.
The classic turret is great, but the safety prime system is not quite as solid as some of the other turret/single-stage priming systems. It does however load with the lee flip trays which are super quick and easy to use.
Hope that helps!
Gavin
Gavin,
Thanks for the prompt response!
I might take your advice regarding purchasing a progressive press. Would you give me your opinion on the following:
1) RCBS bullet feeder die VS. Hornady EZ bullet feeder die
2) RCBS powder checker die VS. Hornady powder cop die
3) What brand of powders would you suggest for reloading 9mm & 45acp? (NO LOAD DATA)
Thanks,
Mike
1) The nice thing about the Hornady bullet feed dies are that the two piece metal collet system is more durable I would say… I’m not sure you can buy the RCBS dies individually either.
2) I use both the powder checker and the powder cop. The powder cop gives you less chance for error, but you do have to tweak it so that it doesn’t give “false positives” or “false negatives”.
3) Start with Winchester 213 / Hodgdon HP-38 (same powder). It’s a good metering powder, very versatile, and burns reasonably clean…
Hi, I am starting to reload bullets, first thanks for great videos.
Let me ask you this, do you have any videos teaching how to setup and configure DIE calibration, I mean what distance of shell case the priming and sizing DIE needs to be?
Sorry my bad english.
Thanks
Hi All,
Does anyone know when these dies (38 Super) are going to be available again? I understand there is a large back log at the moment.
Cheers
Dave
Thanks for all the great L&L videos. I bought one thinking it would be a smoother press to operate than a Lee Loadmaster. I have not found that to be true. I have the case feeder and I am using Lee carbide dies. Here are a few of my problems and I hope you may have a few answers. 1. 9mm cases stick in the small pistol plate when they don’t drop and I have to pop them back into the hopper unjambing the case feeder. 2. cases jam up in the mouth by the switch, I have to pull the cases out with a pair of tweesers. 3. It seems as though cases are sticking in the resizing die and when it pulls off and the ram starts coming down it comes off with a snap and jerk which spills some of the powder out of the case coming out of the powder charging station. Do you think this is caused by the Lee dies Should I be using Hornady dies are they smoother or tapered a little more? I also use the factory taper crimp die at the end and the rounds function great.
G Wolf- Let’s break this down:
1. Case feed plate cases jamming- try adjusting the opening by sliding the metal plate, make sure you’re using the small pistol feed plate
2. I have occasionally seen this with 45ACP, but not for 9mm that I can recall hopefully the adjustment for #1 will help
3. Is this powder spillage (out of case) when the press indexes?
Hopefully that will get things going in the right direction!
I will try to close the case feeder trap door a little. Also I pulled up the small pistol plate and there is sand and trash collecting under the plate at the bottom of the hopper. There is no way out for this material. would drilling a small hole at the base be a problem say 1/4″ to allow the material to seep out? Also I pre sized my 9mm brass to take out any hanging up in the sizing die and have found the case is hanging up on the PTX expander die. I adjusted it slowly the just bell the mouth to get the bullet to hold in place. And yes the powder is being jarred out of the casing. Maybe the expander needs polishing. And it is a new one with the bar on the powder levers to take the pressure off the powder linkage. Keep up the good work.
I tried out the new Hornady ptx but they would get stuck inside the cases and it took a crazy amount of pressure on the press arm to unstick them. Maybe case lube would help.
Anyway, I went back to the Powderfunnel PTX and couldn’t be happier. I am using the new Powder stop, which helps in fine tuning the amount of mouth expansion. It also allows for positioning the powder measure exactly where you want it, to avoid bumping into the powder cop or seating die.
Are you going to set this up on a Dillon650,would love to see how it would work befroe buying.Thanks Richard
I am just getting started with my LNL. I have the case and bullet feeders (though only case feeder’s installed so far). Have yet to put powder in powder drop and already broke a pawl (likely suspect primer getting stuck and not fully ejected). Hornady’s customer service was great sending me extra pawls and springs. I did this just setting up the sizing die in first station.
Anyway here’s my issue: I’m trying to reload .38 Special (or at least get set up to do so). I’m having issues with two cases being dropped (one stacked on top of the other) onto the shell plate. I’ve run the bullet feed tube up and down with no improvement (but more jams) and I’ve run the little button on the swivel pushrod up and down (with jams but no improvement). What am I missing?
Thanks in advance for your help and your excellent videos.
I should also add that I’m using the large shell tube and the bushing in the shuttle. I’ve also got the tube adjusted to 1/16″ above case mouth per instructions. After watching Hornady’s video, I notice I’ve got a lot of cartridge sticking up out of bushing awaiting shuttle pivot compared to theirs. Because of that, i’m reminded I also sometimes get cases cocked sideways and lying across the shuttle.
Great Videos! I got a LNL AP set up with Case and bullet feeder. I ran into 2 Issues I hope you can help me out with.
1) The bullet feeder die isn’t feeding bullets properly. I’ve tried adjusting collanders A & B and either it’s too tight to release a bullet or it’s too loose and the bullets come out without the case drop or may drop multiple bullets. I didn’t even tighten the adjustment screw the whole way, just enough to hear a slight movement of the collanders.
2) The Primer feed system sometimes jams or misfeeds the primer. This caused the guide rod to get bent. I bent it back but is there a reason this happens?
3) I also noticed you had a roller handle for the LNL AP like that on the Dillon’s do you know where I can find this??
Other than that I am 150% satisfied with my Hornady LNL AP! Great set up and good quality!
I can help with #2 & #3-
2-with the primer system, you need to take a very small file and smooth all the edges that might catch an edge of a primer… they catch as the shuttle begins to come in to the shell plate on the edge of the tube/guard base that bolts it all on…. smooth that hard machined edge. also, keep the primer shuttle area CLEAN. do this and the problems will go away.
3- Gavin sells the roller handles! they are great quality, but I have a tough time keeping mine from slowly rotating. look at the top of the list of Hornady videos…
[...] is a good link with the major brands and videos of their operation. Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Feeder Reply With Quote + Reply to Thread « Previous Thread | [...]
I see you have a small black bracket mounted on the front of your LnL press, that holds a bullet box. Did you make that or is it a part i can buy somewhere?
Larry
Sure- you can purchse the “combo” with ergonomic handle for the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP:
http://ultimatereloader.com/2010/11/01/ultimate-reloader-combo-pack-for-hornady-lock-n-load/
Or buy the tray alone:
http://ultimatereloader.com/2009/04/12/new-hornady-modular-bullet-tray-system/
Source of Timing Issues on my new LNL (also Primer Seating Failures):
During initial set-up, I kept having problems with adjusting an small, but significant “over-travel” every 8-9 pulls. The factory steered me through the adjustment (1/16th right turn “hits” on left PAWL (Item # 32-33) of their Bill of Materials List on Page 21 of the Installation Manual). Took a few “hits” but sync’ed just fine. But then I had to remove the shell plate a couple of times, and the problem re-occurred !!!
Hmmm … Called the factory and was told to mark the PAWL(s) and determine whether they were “too-loose and self-adjusting”.
Did so. and moved onto settng up my primer feed … Installed the Small Primer Punch (#26), Installed the Primer Slide Small Assembly (#15), re-installed the Shell Plate (#12) and Spring Case Retainer (#17), and cycled the press around …. paying careful attention to the Primer Station … Which didn’t “look right” … the Punch (#26) didn’t appear to be cycling high enough to properly seat a primer!
Disassembled everything and took a careful look at all parts as well as the Sub Plate (#24) … What? there appeared to be a tiny sliver of crud lodged inthe end of the “U-Shaped” cut-out in the SUB Plate (#24) where the Primer Slide (#15) travels and locks into position during primer seating …
Bottom Line: this tiny sliver of crud was causing the Primer Slide (#15) from completing its cycle and thereby preventing the seating punch contained within the Punch (#26) from being fully deployed. This was an “Ah-Ha” moment: I now have a better understanding of why priming on the LNL can be problematic when powder spills occur … and it can also cause a slight “Short Cycling” … that are also likely to cause Timing-Issues.
IMHO, Hornady should address this issue on the SUB PLATE (#24) itself … A bevel at the bottom of the “U” as well as a cut completely through the SUB PLATE (#24) would greatly lessen the impact of powder spills on primer seating as well as related timing issues.
Issues with Powder Measures can be GREATLY REDUCED if not ELIMINATED by thoroughly wiping down all internal components, dies, PTX’s, drop tubes, etc with a dry Clothes Dryer Sheet …
Just purchased a hornady progressive press. Having some serious issues with it. It will not index around far enough to pickup the shell feeder, its a 1/4 inch behind. When I bring the handle up for the next case, I can hear the pawl click but the shell plate is not center over the priming hole. If I keep on pushing up the primer comes up but the casing is not over the primer pocket. This also won’t let the next shell casing slide in. I have adjusted the pawl on the left but it still does not line up. I cannot use the case feeder because the shell plate will not line up correct.
Terry your problem probaly is the pawl adjustments. They are tricky to adjust and it does not take much to change the rotation on the shell plate. Call Hornadys tech support and they will guide you through it. Just have the tools on hand and ready to make small changes. Also you might check under your shell plate and make sure there is no junk there.
Gavin,
I am looking to buy my first reloading press (decided on Hornady) and cannot decide if I should start with the classic single stage or get the progressive press. I will be doing a fair amount of 9mm and .40 pistol loads and then some rifle loads in smaller quantities for .308, .30-06, etc.
I have never reloaded before – the customer service rep for Hornady suggested I look strongly at the single stage press as a starting point, but I am concerned about turning our hundreds of pistol rounds.
Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!
I think long term you’ll want to have both a single stage, and a progressive. Contrary to conventional wisdom, I do not suggest starting with a single stage if you are loading pistol ammo. Ideally you would have such a press to learn on for a couple hours, but after that you will find reloading pistol ammo on the single stage press to be *very* time consuming. I would take your time with the progressive (send single round through the press at first) and start there.
Thanks! I picked up the LNL AP press and a couple die sets and other items. I am looking forward to figuring it out over time.
When will you have the LnL combo pack available again?
Gavin or anyone,
I have been using the LNL AP for a couple of years now. I need some help on getting the precision to .10 of a grain on the powder drop when loading. I typically load 9mm and .45 ACP and see variations of .2-.5 on the powder drop. I use the Hornady PTX and the micrometer adjusters on the measure as well and I typically run WIN WST or Win 231 for my pistol loads. I have quit loading 5.56/.223 rifle on the press because I could not get drops very close using Varget.
Any tips or tricks would be helpful.
John- which rotor and insert are you using? The rifle one, or the pistol one?
I am using the pistol rotor and insert. Another question is about the “v” shaped baffle position. Mine rests down against the metal housing of the powder measure.
I also wonder if any other powder measures can be adapted to the LNL and its case activated system?
This is as far as I got last time I brought this question up before.
On every bullet feeder I have seen they all say for use with plated bullets only. Why? What happens when u use a regular lead bullet like a full wad cutter or semi wad cutter?
Question…instead of holding the bullet up while the press moves upward so it connects with the case/brass have you or anybody tried using RCBS competition seater die that allows you to drop the bullet down the shaft?
Gavin, are you considering adding powder measure spacers to your product offering, so that those who load various calibers don’t have to measure ans remeasure the spacing….plz
Still having powder drop variances outside a 10th of a grain. I have disassembled, cleaned, re-lubed with graphite, and wiped with a drier sheet. What am I missing here? Do I need to be using the rifle rotor for 45 acp? I saw a mention of what rotor and then never a confirmation.
That’s strange John. I’d try raising the baffle 1/2 inch, and see if that helps at all…