Hornady LNL caliber change?

get the powder die and metering insert for the measure
Or you can get the whole thing,measure and all,then no moving the spring or changing PTX.

I have the following for each caliber:

1. Case Activated Lower Assembly, Hornady SKU 050074 (You will sometimes see this called the Quick Change Powder Die), Hornady list price is about $30.

2. Metering Insert. There are two, one for Rifle (also called 'Standard Metering Insert, SKU 050120),one for pistol (Pistol Metering Insert, SKU 050116), About $11

^^^ This ^^^ I reload for 45ACP, 9mm, and 223. I have the metering inserts for each (incl different rotors for pistol and rifle/223), PowderFunnel for pistol that I move between the 9mm and 45ACP case activated powder lowers (each adjusted to their respective case heights). I also have different seating dies for 45ACP for loading RNF or SWC. Makes caliber changes sooooo much simpler and less time consuming.

rebjak23 said:

Hello all,

I have been reloading for about 1 year and have only reloaded .45 acp and would like to start reloading 9mm. What is the easiest way to change calibers without resetting or adjusting the case activated powder drop? Should I just buy the powder drop and case activated die or can I swap out the die using the same powder measure?

Click to expand...

rebjak23 - I've been using my new LNL for about a month exclusively for 9mm and 45 ACP. As you know, there is nothing to the caliber change for inserting the dies, changing the baseplate, and replacing the primer arms and ram. I don't do anything different on my Hornady powder measure when changing between these calibers EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING!

If changing from 9mm to 45 ACP, all I do is loosen the lock ring (don't move it), raise the height of the measure by 2.5 to 2.75 turns (turn the whole thing counterclockwise) and tighten the lock ring. No changing of any internals, or anything else required. If changing from 45 to 9, repeat above process by lowering measure by 2.5 to 2.75 turns. The exact amount you'll have to adjust will depend on how your cases stroke the measure. I adjust so that the stroke stops about 1/32" from the stop as the pistol insert reaches the top of the drum.

Here are some drop tubes (funnel) made to not require adjusting of the powder drop die. Basically, the lengths are adjusted to account for the different case lengths.

Left is a Hronady manufactured one I use for 38 Special. The middle one is for 44 Special. The right one is for 30 Carbine.

I resize and expand at a different time as loading the cases so these drop tubes do not expand the mouth. But, they could do the mouth expansion if made that way.

45 Colt and 40 S&W are in the works.

Or, get a universal PTX: (on the right)



http://www.powderfunnels.com/

thorn

If your using the PTX die get the Case activated Powder die assembly. Then all you do is switch the powder dispenser over. I use the Micrometer head on the powder piston. That way I just dial in my recorded setting to get me close then fine tune from there. The other option is get the std piston and have it preset. Now still need to confirm the charge. You may need to change the primer system over to SP for the 9mm. To make things easy with the primer sled use a piece of thread on the spring. Pull it back, unhook from one sled and install the new. Use the thread to pull the spring over post. It's a lot easier doing this with the sled back than forward.

I frequently change from one caliber to another. In addition to changing die sets, I also have the items in the photo below set up for each caliber. As a result, changing over is quick and requires no adjustments.

I agree with John, I load 9mm, ,40S&W and 45ACP, It only takes a couple of turns one way or the other with a new case and you are all set. I have to remove the whole powder measure anyways to change powder as I use different powders for each caliber.