Hornad LNL AP Die Setup Question

[rdtompki]

I'm current running 124gr 9mm LRN through the following die setup: Size/Decap, Expand, Powder, Powder Cop and Seater/"Crimp". I'm not really crimping, just taking the case down to spec at the throat. I've had to pull some bullets and the coating on my Bayou bullets isn't damaged.

I also have some 147gr TC I'd like to load which would require changing the insert on the Seater/Crimp die and "loosing" the settings. I can either buy a second Seater/Crimp or take out the expander die and have a pair of die (seater die & taper die) for each of the bullets. The taper die might well work for both bullets.

I don't believe I need to crimp a 9mm case so the separate seater & taper might be more appropriate. Any advice gratefully accepted.

 

[BYJO4]

If you are going to regularly use both bullets, I would get a second seating die. When loading any semi auto caliber, I prefer to due away with the expanding die and use Hornady's PTX expander in the powder measure so I can expand and drop powder at the same time in station 2. I use the RCBS Lockout die in station 3. Station 4 is for bullet seating and station 5 is for my taper crimp die (I taper crimp all semi auto cases).

 

[Walkalong]

It will not require resetting the crimp adjustment, just the seater stem adjustment. Your doing so little "crimping" (And properly so), that it won't hurt a thing to seat and "crimp" together. I have a few seaters with two or more lines drawn on them for switching back and forth between bullets. I also have a couple of Hornady pistol seaters with the micrometer top on them, as well as a couple of Redding micrometer type seating dies.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=463178

 

[rdtompki]

Thanks for the feedback! I do have a PTX expander which I'll install this weekend. I've also ordered an RCBS lock-out die; the Hornady powder cop works fine, but as a very new reloader I don't have the rhythm down to 100% ensure that I look at the powder cop. I've also found that seat height/comfort is critical to applying my attention where it's needed. I now how an inexpensive adjustable stool which will put me in just the right position to manipulate the press and focus on what's important.

 

[RealGun]

When you have separate dies, you can also take advantage of different seater plug shapes. The round nose bullets could use the concave plug, while the flat point bullets could use the flat plug. This will aid in ensuring the bullets get seated straight in. Otherwise, with a single die you have to include a seater plug change when changing the two setups.