Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Kit: Unboxing and Overview

If you are like me, you’ve been eagerly awaiting the availability of the new Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron reloading press system. I have been working with Hornady on getting the first videos up for this press, and literally received the first kit off the line. In this series, I’ll cover this new press system and kit (the kit adds most of what you’ll need to start reloading) in great detail. If you have anything specific you’d like to know, please leave a comment at the end of this post, and I’ll see what I can do!

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron press is available in two basic flavors:

  1. The Lock-N-Load Iron Press assembly (you can add an optional priming system and accessories separately)
  2. The Lock-N-Load Iron Press Kit (comes with priming system and a ton of accessories and supplies geared towards rifle reloading)

I got the Iron Press Kit, and it comes with everything seen here:

Hornady-Lock-N-Load-Iron-Contents-All-Wide-2000

Note: this press kit also includes a shell holder kit (#1, #2, #5, # 16, #35) which is not pictured here.

From the Hornady Page for the Lock-N-Load Iron Press:

Standard features include:

  • Cast Iron frame – Heaviest / most rigid in class (26 pounds assembled weight)
  • Same mounting pattern as Hornady AP / Classic Press and RCBS Rock Chucker
  • Ambidextrous operation
  • Patented Lock-N-Load bushing system
  • Patented Shell Holder Platform (Only compatible with Hornady, RCBS, and Lee Shellholders)
  • Manual prime system
  • Accessory Mounting Deck for case prep tools
  • 1 1/8” solid steel ram provides industry leading strength

Included with the Lock-N-Load Iron Press Kit:

  • Automatic Priming System
  • Die caddy
  • Component feed bin & bracket
  • Digital Scale
  • Case prep accessories (chamfer & deburr tool / large & small primer pocket cleaners / neck brushes [22 cal / 25 cal\6mm / 270 cal\7mm / 30 cal / 35 cal / 45 cal]
  • Powder Measure
  • Reloading Handbook
  • Unique Case lube
  • Lock-N-Load Comparator set of 6
  • Lock-N-Load Die Bushings 3 pk
  • Powder funnel 22-45 cal
  • Digital caliper
  • Shell holder kit (#1, #2, #5, # 16, #35)

I was excited to see the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bench Scale included in this kit, and the fact that this scale comes with an AC adapter- this means I don’t have to worry about running out of batteries! I’ll show this scale in use in upcoming installments of the Ruger Precision Rifle reloading series (that’s what I’m going to use this press for first).

Hornady-Lock-N-Load-Bench-Scale-2000

Another really nice addition to this kit is a 0-6″ Hornady digital caliper with extra-large numbers: something I’ve been wanting for a long time. You can’t get too many pairs of digital calipers in your shop, and the extra large numbers are WAY easier to read than the numbers on my other digital calipers.

Hornady-Digital-Caliper-2000

If you are getting outfitted to load rifle ammunition, there are some basic things you’ll need to get started. In the following chart, I’ve listed my “basic rifle reloading” components and gear list. I’ve also indicated here which items are included in the Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Kit.

Included in Kit Item
Yes Reloading Press
Yes Precision scale, digital or mechanical
Yes Digital Caliper
Yes Powder measure
Yes Load manual
Yes Chamfering and deburring tool
Yes Powder funnel
Yes Case Lube
Yes Primer Pocket Cleaner
No Shellplate
No Die set
No Brass, previously fired or new
No Brass tumbler and media
No Powder
No Primers
No Bullets
No Ammo boxes
No Case trimmer
No Universal Reloading block
No Case tumbling media
No Case tumbler
No Powder trickler (optional)

Once you have all the gear, you’ll be ready to start reloading. There are plenty more things that are “nice to have”, but with these items you can get started reloading, and will have everything you’ll need to produce reliable accurate ammunition.

Next, we’ll setup this press and get it ready for reloading. Stay tuned!

Thanks,
Gavin

8 thoughts on “Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Kit: Unboxing and Overview”

  1. Gavin,

    Glad to see this being reviewed. I have the Lee Progressive and Lee Turret Presses. Using Micrometer die from Redding (.338, .300, 6.5). One problem is variability with turret press having a little play in turning part making exact seating depth difficult to maintain.

    Could you verify if there is any slack on the Hornady press, thinking getting one if you see the needed stability.

    Thanks Cameron

  2. Gavin;
    You just keep putting out great videos, and this time you gave us two angles. This kit would be a great set-up to begin with, especially since it came with more tools then my first kit.

    Some of the stuff I’d like to see on this press is the priming system in action (there appears to be similar parts with the rest of the Hornady family) and the height from shell holder (top of stroke) to die body, to see the difference needed to adjust previously set dies, and whither a bushing could be ‘ calibrated’ to the AP Progressive presses (like here?) http://ultimatereloader.com/2009/06/06/calibrating-lnl-ap-and-lnl-classic-hd/
    Thanks in advance… Looking forward to the next ones!

  3. I’ve been looking into adding a Single Stage to my bench for precision ammo.

    How would you rank this against the RCBS Summit, and the ever popular Forster CoAx?

  4. I can’t make up my mind?
    How does this compare with MEC MARKSMAN, and Big Boss 2 ???
    Your videos are great!
    Thanks

  5. Gavin, I am ordering this press from MidSouth Reloading very soon. I am curious if you feel that I should buy the Lee press exclusively for depriming, as I have read that it is great for just that. Or do you feel that the depriming on the press itself with a Hornady die is the way to go.
    I will be priming separately with an RCBS Automatic primer. Many thanks for your contributions through your site! Very informative for a new reloader like myself.

  6. Hello and thanks for your great videos and platform. My name is Mario retired Chief Petty Officer a hospital corpsman. I served both with operational forces Navy as well as Marine Corps. I became very angry when I heard about our vet being kicked out of an establishment because he was wearing a U R shirt. Would love to know name of establishment and pass on word. Gun owners we spend money just like everyone else. If we all band together we can send a powerful message. Let us all boycott back. I am tolerant but I am also fair minded. And that business went after my brother in arms. He served in Nam I served in the Middle East no difference we served. Go after one you after all.

    Respectfully,
    Mario M Ferreira

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