Hornady Lock-N-Load AP: Overview Part I

Well, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be publishing a full review of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP in Northwest Gun Magazine Issue #1! I decided that since the last overview video I shot for the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP was uploaded over 4 years ago, it was time for a refresh! In this two part series you’ll get a more in-depth look at the construction and features of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP 5-station progressive reloading press.

If you are in the market for a reloading press, and are considering the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, this video series will be helpful for making your decision. I’ll also note that I’ll be covering each of the 4 popular 5-Station progressive reloaders in the first 4 issues of Northwest Gun Magazine, so watch here for more updated overview videos!

Update: Here’s a link to Part II of this overview of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP.

Thanks,
Gavin

15 thoughts on “Hornady Lock-N-Load AP: Overview Part I”

    1. I would just like to know where I could buy those rails for my bench, I have asked a couple times and never got a response. Anyone know anything about them???

  1. I have 4 of these and as far as I am concerned they are tempermantle junk. I have quit using them and went back to Dillon Super 1050’s.

    1. Kind of surprised it would have take you 4 presses to decide you don’t like it…and besides, comparing a LnL AP to a Super 1050 is hardly a fair comparison IMO.

      I have two of these presses, but my approach was obviously different than yours…I ran my first press through all its paces and THEN decided I liked it and bought another. If you still have your LnL AP’s, I’d be interested in knowing what you feel a fair price is…I may be interested in one or more of them.

    2. I too agree the comparison to a 1050 is a bit unfair. It’s like comparing apples and oranges.

      But, if you are ready to get rid of your LNL AP’s I’d be happy to talk about buyin one of yours… since I could use a second one.

  2. I have two LNL Presses. One is the older model which I upgraded to the EZ-Ject Plate. The other is a new press with case feeder. I found it took me longer to set up the press than I thought. I am happy with them. Now I’m looking for an additional Case Feeder for my older press and after that I will probably buy another Hornady LNL with case feeder. I commend Hornady on their service.

  3. I have been wanting one of these for a while now. I like all tho options you have with the 5 station progressive. I have only been reloading for about 4 years now. I have been using a Pro-1000 for my pistol ammo and single stage press or the 06 rounds. I just submitted my order to Midway this morning and my LNL will be here next week. I cant wait.
    Gavin, thanks for the informational videos about this press. It was a toss up between the LNL or the RCBS but watching your videos sold me on the LNL. You should get some kickbacks from Hornady for the sale. Keep up the great work.
    Joe.

  4. I am also interested in a unit if you are interested in selling one at a fair used price with an explanation with the one I buy, what exactly is with up with it to fix. Are the units after the shell case feed without the older wire eject add on?

  5. What are the dimensions from the bench top to the top of the powder hopper, & from the bench top to the top of the case loader? The area I am building a reloading bench in is only 73″ tall.

  6. I agree with the comment that they are tempermental. This is my first press but I’m really disappointed in the quality. I posted a video on YouTube (not professional) that gives one the idea of some of the probolems I have encountered with this press. I’m a tool & die maker and if not for that would really be in trouble. First there was a 100/1000 gap in the arms that made me wonder what kind of tolerances Hornady has when manufacturing these presses. The the actuator arm kept slipping off till I finally put a star washer on it (see YouTube video). My recent issue was I ordered 2 new metering inserts that when actuated would stick in the slot as the rotar was lifted to the upper position or get stuck at the bottom until you had to put a lot of force on it. On inspection of the new metering inserts I found that they were over size compared to the one that came with the press. A quick tottsey roll job and buffing the insert and sides of the press that guilded it to the top resolved the issue. Good thing I had a Fordum and various dremel wheels. When running something is always interfering with a smooth operation and I have to check primers and various other small annoying issues. Too bad I have so much invested in Hornady. The only thing I like is the interchangable Lock Bushings.

    1. Why get rid of it, I just make my son run it. Besides the learning curve is too long to try a different press. I like to shoot not reload. I’m not very knowledgeble about reloading but are there any presses that are almost commercial grade. Gavin should do like Consumer Report and do some comparison studies and publish the evaluations. An unbiaised report would be useful for new reloaders.

  7. I have used RCBS reloaders for years and recently I started looking at progressive loaders. I looked at all of them, the Lee Loadmaster, the Dillon 550B, 650 and the Hornady LnL AP. After much research online of reading, viewing videos and price, I ordered the Hornady. For me I feel I have made the right decision. Blue is nice, but I think that Red will serve me much better in the long run plus I like the extra fifth station with the Hornady. Gavin’s video’s helped a lot in my decision.

  8. I need some help with why 45 Colt with #32 shellplate and EZJect subplate is such a problem, when 45 ACP and #45 ran like a champ. For starters, I understand that a rimmed cartridge rides directly on the subplate, while the rimless like .45 ACP is suspended or at east far more engaged by the shellplate. Hornady has my shell plate and is looking at it, but it is pretty messed up by my attempts at recommended mods. My subplate is being replaced too because of too much filing. Is this a common issue with the largest revolver rounds? I have almost $100 in replacement parts and will be able to have another go on Tue/Wed, but I have no reason to expect better results, just parts Hornady is willing to replace or fix.

  9. I got the Lock n Load AP set up for .45acp and I have had one problem after another. First I had to send the powder measure back because it would not work with their PTX. Got PM back and it works good. Now I have a problem with the 45 shell plate not wanting to seat in the priming position. I have adjusted the pawls correctly and no avail. Hornady now wants me to send the press and shell plate to them for a look see and repair. This is frustrating. I am seriously looking at ordering a Lee Loadmaster and give it a go.

    Frustrated in Tennessee.

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