Comments on: LNL-AP 45 ACP Part II (HD)

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:41:35 +0000

Taper Crimp Die on 45 ACP Video

I noticed in the 45ACP video you are using a Hornady Taper Crimp die (TCD), but you do not use a taper crimp die in the 9MM reloading video and instead crimp with the Hornady seating and roll crimp die.

Why do you use the TCD for the 45 ACP and not the 9MM? Do you find you need to use a TCD instead of the roll crimp or not crimp at all using the standard Hornady die set?

I have an older Titanium Nitride 40 SW Hornady 3 die set and installed them on my new LNL AP. My reloads look fine and are dimensionally correct, but I feel a slight burr on the case mouth edge that I cannot seem to remove with the seating/crimping die now matter the adjustment. The bullets chamber fine and eject fine (have not fired a live round yet) and I don’t know if I should get a taper crimp die and setup my system like you show in your 45ACP video…

What’s your thoughts?

By: Kirk

Kirk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:25:08 +0000

Thanks for taking the time to put the LNL videos together and publishing them here. The quality of the videos is excellent, and the information provided answered the many questions I had about how to set up the 5 stations and what options are available for doing that. Very nice work, thanks again.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:17:22 +0000

I got fed up with my green progressive press and just purchased a LNL AP. I have to tip my hat to Hornady on this one. The thing just plain works. It took me about 1.5 hours to take it from the box to my first completed 45acp rounds. Last night I loaded up my first 500rds. The press was flawless. No misfed primers at all… not one! The EZject system worked well. The powder measure was extremely consistent. The bushings are not only conveinient, they don’t move around, so OAL is consistent. I opted to wait on the bullet feeder, untill after I had a chance to try the press. It took me 1:10 to make the first 500rds and that included the time to fill the primer tubes. Solid output from a press without case feed. I really like the push button spindle on the powder measure. Will makes change over very fast. I’ll know better after a few thousand rounds, but it looks like Horanady hit a home run with this press. The bullet offer is just icing on the cake.

By: Carl

Carl — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:51:33 +0000

I’ve enjoyed your series of videos and have settled on the LNL press. You’ve made it easy to decide on Hornady dies for my .45 and .357 work but I’m struggling to compare dies for .30-06 and .223 for an AR-15. Hornady’s free bullet offer on dies is tempting but a year from now I’ll forget that bonus and just want to be happy with the performance of the dies.

Would you mind suggesting specific die sets for these two calipers?

Regards

By: admin

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:11:35 +0000

Scott- I’m working my way towards more comprehensive articles and reviews of the individual presses so that these decisions are easier to make, that’s the point of this website- reloading product information and resources.

In the mean time- each presses has its pros and cons.

Here are some things to consider specifically when comparing the Lock-N-Load AP with the Dillon XL650:

Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progresssive:
Pros:
- Quickest caliber changeovers (but with casefeeders on both, the relative advantage is less)
- Lock-N-Load bushing system is most versatile
- The Lock-N-Load AP and Lock-N-Load classic single stage are a great “system”
- Powder measure is best-in-class
- Free bullets deal
- Low cost to add new caliber
- Priming system only feeds when brass is present
- Grease fittings for lubrication
Cons:
- Case feeder setup is not as fast
- Case feeding is not as reliable in my experience

Dillon XL650:
Pros:
- Best-in-class quality, fit and finish (although the Lock-N-Load is great too)
- Least stoppages once underway (fully constrained brass feed path)
- Many accessories available (low primer alarm, tools, etc)
- Case feeder setup is very quick, 2 speed case feed, quiet operation
- Powder measure has built-in baffle
- Adjustable shellplate tension
Cons:
- Caliber changeover process takes longer (only an issue if you frequently change calibers)
- No micrometer for powder measure
- Caliber chageover kits are expensive

Anyways, this is not an exhaustive list, but offers some information about the differences between these presses. I like using both presses, and really it comes down to what you plan to load, and how you load (extended sessions -vs- many short sessions, etc). Both Hornady and Dillon have great customer service, and make quality products.

Good luck!

By: Scott

Scott — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:47:27 +0000

I am doing my homework and have come to a final decision point- A dillon 650 or Hornaday LNL progressive. can you elaborate on the pro’s /cons to weither. At this point, I like the 650, but dollar for dollar and value, I see the LNL as a better value. your thoughts? thanks
Scott

By: admin

admin — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:25:40 +0000

I don’t sell pedestals, so you’ll have to figure out how to make one

I used a 4″x4″ steel square tubing (.125″ wall) and a couple of steel plates.

Perhaps I can post some plans for it on this site at some point.

Thanks!

By: mike

mike — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:42:06 +0000

how do I get a press pedestal

By: admin

admin — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:18:15 +0000

Sure, basically you want to run the powder die down until the micrometer “hits the top” when cycling the press with brass in place. You then incrementally crank it down in about 1/4 turn increments until the proper flare is achieved. Does that answer your question?

Thanks.

By: Dean

Dean — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:04:53 +0000

Any chance you might explain the adjustment of the LNL Powder measure when using the PTX?