[gfanikf]

I might be able to actually get this (owned lots of DVDs and Amazon has a very nice selection of presses that ship with prime) and just bypass the Lee Hand Loader so time for some questions.

My wife isn't going to let me drill into the kitchen table...though it would work well to attach the Hornady. Anyway, due to our daughter crawling we are removing out massive DVD Tower, and thus an area of the living is opened up. Now of course having reloading equipment like that laying about would be horrifically irresponsible. However a good sturdy table could easily go there.

1. How easy is it to remove and "pack away" a LnL Progressive Press after each use? I'm thinking of setting up some times (late at night or say wife and her family go out with our daughter for a few hours) where I can reload with no distractions (well the cat can stay in the bedroom...or will most likely be sleeping). I want to be able to setup, load, clean up, and pack up, so that after each time a table is left. My goal is something that can't be pulled down easily (I have an old computer desk that might do the trick).
2. Is it possible to use a clamp and avoid drilling any holes (might...though I doubt it) the kitchen table...more though that it would be leave the new table less conspicuous after each use.
3. How easy is it to switch between die sets?
4. Assuming no case or bullet feeder, what is the average number of rounds that can be done in an hour (rifle like 30/06 or 223 and pistol like 45acp) assuming a normal beginners pace (and checking for any issues)?
5. Any personal experiences (positive or negative) people can give on the unit?
6. Is it potentially better to just get a turret press vs a progressive set?
7. How is the powder dispenser?

[k4swb]

gfanikf asks about the LNL measure
7. How is the powder dispenser?

IMO there is no better measure that comes with any press.

[rsrocket1]

1. How easy is it to remove and "pack away" a LnL Progressive Press after each use? I'm thinking of setting up some times (late at night or say wife and her family go out with our daughter for a few hours) where I can reload with no distractions (well the cat can stay in the bedroom...or will most likely be sleeping). I want to be able to setup, load, clean up, and pack up, so that after each time a table is left. My goal is something that can't be pulled down easily (I have an old computer desk that might do the trick).

VERY Difficult. This is a big heavy sturdy press. It can be done, but I'll bet you will be hating life after the 2nd or 3rd put away session.

Strongly recommend a single stage press or maybe even a Lee Classic Cast Turret press.


2. Is it possible to use a clamp and avoid drilling any holes (might...though I doubt it) the kitchen table...more though that it would be leave the new table less conspicuous after each use.

The best way to do this (and I don't recommend you doing this whole thing) is to get a section of 2"x6", drill holes to match the press, countersink the holes so that you can use carriage bolts with fender washers to attach the press and still be flush to the table surface. Then use another piece of wood to protect the bottom of the table. It would be good to mount the board to both ends of the table because the press is heavy and you want no flex.

3. How easy is it to switch between die sets?

With the dies mounted in the LnL bushings, very easy. 1/8th turn and it's locked in and does not need adjustments after the first fitting.

4. Assuming no case or bullet feeder, what is the average number of rounds that can be done in an hour (rifle like 30/06 or 223 and pistol like 45acp) assuming a normal beginners pace (and checking for any issues)?

100 Pistol rounds can be easily loaded in less than 20 minutes at a leisurely careful pace. With rifle rounds, you must lube/clean off lube, size and trim before charging and seating the bullet. Best to do in a batch mode where the press is only used for seating or charging and seating.

5. Any personal experiences (positive or negative) people can give on the unit?

I love mine. It is rigidly mounted on a bench and anchored at the other end into the wall stud with an "L" bracket. No flex, excellent feel and I can load standing up or sitting.


6. Is it potentially better to just get a turret press vs a progressive set?

In your case yes. I bought the LnL AP but also bought a used Lee Challenger SS press and learned how to load 45ACP. After less than a month I was ready to take the LnL AP out of the box. The SS press is still very useful for single step procedures and bottle neck rifle loading.

7. How is the powder dispenser?

I find it easy to use but make sure you follow the instructions and degrease it with LnL Dry Gun lube or some other degrease. It has rotors and pistons for both rifle and pistol sized loads.

Does this mean it can't be done? No, I used to block off the hallway bathroom and develop/print B&W photographs back in the days before kids. Blocked off the bathroom and spend whole Saturdays doing darkroom work. Figure on about 20 minutes for set up and another 20 for cleanup/takedown and a big area to store that press and all the other equipment.

[Huskerguy]

1. How easy is it to remove and "pack away" a LnL Progressive Press after each use? I'm thinking of setting up some times (late at night or say wife and her family go out with our daughter for a few hours) where I can reload with no distractions (well the cat can stay in the bedroom...or will most likely be sleeping). I want to be able to setup, load, clean up, and pack up, so that after each time a table is left. My goal is something that can't be pulled down easily (I have an old computer desk that might do the trick).
2. Is it possible to use a clamp and avoid drilling any holes (might...though I doubt it) the kitchen table...more though that it would be leave the new table less conspicuous after each use.
3. How easy is it to switch between die sets?
4. Assuming no case or bullet feeder, what is the average number of rounds that can be done in an hour (rifle like 30/06 or 223 and pistol like 45acp) assuming a normal beginners pace (and checking for any issues)?
5. Any personal experiences (positive or negative) people can give on the unit?
6. Is it potentially better to just get a turret press vs a progressive set?
7. How is the powder dispenser?

1. I would not recommend taking it down constantly. It is a heavy piece of equipment and it does not store the best. Consider making a metal stand with flat metal base you can bolt into your floor in a closet or something. You really can do this with very little room.

2. Yes you could but I would not recommend it. Like all presses it takes some pressure to make it work so the constant pressure will eventually cause things to loosen up.

3. This is one of best things of the LNL. Once you have the die set in a bushing it is simply a twist of the die and you are set up with something else.

4. I have just got started with my LNL but just learning I figure going slow I can easily do a couple hundred an hour. I really never kept track and don't just sit there for an hour - I load, check and play with things so I don't just load straight time. I have heard people saying 4-500 but that seems pretty high to me.

5. Like anything mechanical you will need to adjust things. The primer feed system is the main culprit here. Once you get it set up, it works very well. Watch lots of youtube videos and call Hornady if you need to.

6. This is a personal question. I still like my old pacific single for rifle and really don't have a problem doing anything on my single. I still have thousands of pieces of brass at various stages - sized, primed, expanded just waiting to add powder and a bullet. I can't see using the LNL for mass 06 reloading.

7. The powder measure is awesome. I ordered the small charge meter and use a digital and balance scale and it is very consistent in throwing charges.

[cfullgraf]

1. How easy is it to remove and "pack away" a LnL Progressive Press after each use? I'm thinking of setting up some times (late at night or say wife and her family go out with our daughter for a few hours) where I can reload with no distractions (well the cat can stay in the bedroom...or will most likely be sleeping). I want to be able to setup, load, clean up, and pack up, so that after each time a table is left. My goal is something that can't be pulled down easily (I have an old computer desk that might do the trick).


Actually, it can be done fairly easily.

My Hornady progressive is mounted to a free standing floor stand. I nestle it up to a table and load away. When finished, I can move the press and stand back against the wall for storage out of the way or to allow for one of my other presses to be moved into position.

My stand is fabricated from 1 inch square tubing. The base covers an an area of about 2-1/2 feet square. The base size could be reduced a little to make storage in a closet or something a little easier.

Works like a charm.

I started loading from a free standing press stand about 30 years ago when I was transfered to a new location. It allowed me to take reloading along for entertainment until the family caught up with me. I liked the concept so I stuck with it although the original stand was wood and they are now metal.

I have stands for my Hornady, Dillon SDB, Redding Boss, and RCBS Partner. I also have my powder measure on floor stands for loading with the single stage press.

A Black and Decker Workmate may serve as a press stand. A bench grinder floor stand may work as well but you might want to expand the base a little.

As mentioned, the press is heavy, but not excessive by any stretch. Loading from a floor stand would not be convenient with a case and bullet feeder. They add too much extra stuff hung off the press to be able to easily move the press.

When I am stroking the handle, my instantaneous rates run about 400 plus rounds per hour.

During an evening of reloading, from lights on to lights off, the rate is about 200 per hour. It takes a little while to get set up, about an hour or two of stroking the handle, then some time to store everything away and clean up.

Switching dies is easy on the Hornady. The easiest is to get L-N-L bushing for each die. The powder measure is a bit more expensive. A powder drop die adjusted for each cartridge is the easiest and the quickest. I machined my own custom drop tubes so that I only have one powder drop die.

My solution to the primer system is I clean between resizing and reloading. This allows me to hand prime. Other folks manage to get the primer system working but I understand changing over the priming system from one size to another can have start up issues.

I prefer to do my rifle reloading on the single stage press. I do a little 223 Remington plinking ammunition on the Hornady but it does not ring my bell.

The small powder drum helps with handgun size powder charges. I prefer to use a baffle as well.

Hope this helps.

[Otto]

Reloading around toddlers? I'm not so sure that's a good idea.

I had a buddy with the same predicament. He ended up renting a 10x10 climate controlled storage unit. I think the rent was $65 a month.
It soon became his personal man cave and he did 100% of his reloading there. He had all the room he needed and then some.
The storage facilities were very secure and he never worried about theft.
Best of all...his wife stopped complaining about his hobby (out of sight, out of mind).

[dickttx]

I acquired a LnL AP a few weeks ago after using a Lee Classic Turret the last couple of years.
From my experience I would highly recommend the LCT over the LnL for your situation.
I have only loaded about 500 rounds on the LnL so I am still learning and speed is not a consideration.
Taking the LCT down and putting it up would be much easier, and changing calibers would be much, much, much easier.
The only reason I purchased the LnL is that it takes 104 pulls of the lever to load 100 rounds, as opposed to 400 for the LCT, and my shoulder is old.

[gfanikf]

Reloading around toddlers? I'm not so sure that's a good idea.
No, no, she wouldn't be around in the room (or up) anytime I'm realoding....but

I had a buddy with the same predicament. He ended up renting a 10x10 climate controlled storage unit. I think the rent was $65 a month.
It soon became his personal man cave and he did 100% of his reloading there. He had all the room he needed and then some.
The storage facilities were very secure and he never worried about theft.
Best of all...his wife stopped complaining about his hobby (out of sight, out of mind).

I like this idea a lot, granted 65 a month might be too much, but don't storage units frown upon people doing anything but storing things there?

Thanks for the the feedback everyone!

I think I might just look into a cheaper Lee Classic Turret.

[Blue68f100]

I have a board that I can mount my LNL press to when I want to move it inside to the kitchen table. The board is 1' wide x 5' long made from 2 pieces of 3/4"plywood glued and screwed. I have T-nuts recessed on the boards so I can just bolt it on and go. I use c-clamps to fasten to the table. If you have a closet you can set the unit in with out taking it apart would be best. For compactness you can have the powder dispenser off and that would make the height resonable. The handle can come off but that would get old, when in the up position it will not be a problem.

If your reloading rifle rounds you will need to lube before feeding. I would use the imperial sizing wax. With it you may only have to lube every other round once the sizing die is coated. Now of course any trimming will have to be done after sizing so you should run in batches. Now for powder try to stick to a ball powder if you can, it just meter better and works better with the auto dump.

As for speed starting out maybe 100/hr with rifle rounds. But once you get use to it, it will pick up.

With the LNL bushing system, changing dies is very simple as in 1/8turns in and out. The primer change over will take about 5 min.

I have had mine coming up on 5 yrs now, still love it. I do have a brass feeder on mine since 99% of my reloading is pistol ammo.

As for turret vs LNL. The LNL will be more beneficial if you will be reloading large quantity of ammo or if your time is limited. 1 stroke 1 round when all stations full.

[gfanikf]

As for turret vs LNL. The LNL will be more beneficial if you will be reloading large quantity of ammo or if your time is limited. 1 stroke 1 round when all stations full.


Time will most likely be a premium, hence my interest in the LNL.

[BYJO4]

The LNL AP press is excellent in my opinion. It is a heavy press and should be securely mounted to a sturdy table or bench that will not flex. I personally would not like to unbolt each time I finished using it. I can easily load 350 handgun rounds per hour (do not use case or bullet feeder). Fast and easy to change calibers. Powder measure is excellent and no problems seating primers. It can also easily be used as a single stage or like a turret press if you need to.

[cwsanfor]

I second the suggestion that you consider a Lee Classic Turret for the application you describe. I have a LNL, Lee Turret, and Lee Classic SS, and probably use the Turret the most. It's mounted on the Lee Stand, and is very easy to move, like when I want to load on the porch, or at the range. The LNL is a beast to move, I would not even consider setting it up every time I started a loading session. It's great for cranking out mass quantities, but I don't even like to switch calibers on it. It's sort of devoted to 9mm at the moment. Everything else I load on the Turret, and just do utility work on the SS.

I love all these presses, but for ease of mobility, and ease in changing calibers, the Lee Turret rocks.