Hornady lnl ap swage kit.

Status
Not open for further replies.

HDMontana

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2018
Messages
213
Location
Montana
I have been reaming a lot of .223/5.56 primer pockets lately. Just wanted some feed back from those who have used the Hornady lnl swage kit. Is it worth it? Do you really need to adjust per brass manufacturer? How well do primers seat after using. Thanks for any input.
 
I have one and love it. It is easy to use and feeds very reliably. I think it is money well spent

While there are after market attachments to direct processes cases into a bin, I've never found the need for one. The right hand operates the handle and the left hand drops the next case into one die and recovers a just processes case from the other die all in one motion. You don't have to align the mouth of the case with the support rod, you only have to drop it into the feeder die...which aligns it with the rising rod

You don't have to adjust for each manufacturer but you have the option of doing so...I do. Since you only have to swage a case once

I adjust the swaging die by slowly increasing the amount of swage until the primer seats properly...I prime and deprime on a single stage, also on my bench, until a spent primer seats smoothly
 
Last edited:
Additionally, there is a LNL Swage Kit for single stage presses as well. It also works very nicely. I use it for .223/5.56 that I’m converting to .300 Black, as well as for crimped factory .300 Black.

Single-Stage Primer Pocket Swage Tool
The Single-Stage Primer Pocket Swage Tool The Single Stage Primer Pocket Swage Tool quickly and cleanly removes crimps on cartridge case primer pockets. Available in 223/5.56 and 308/7.62x51 sizes, swage depth can be adjusted to accomodate various brands of cases. Swaging out the crimps instead of cutting them eliminates trims and mess. It is designed to be used on any compatible single stage press, and comes with swage tool, case handle, and shell holder to make your job easier.

223/5.56 Item #041227
308/7.62x51 Item #041228

I just have a thing about cutting brass out of a primer pocket. I figure, the tighter my pocket is (within reason) the longer the brass may last.
 
It's well worth it for me. It's faster than any other I've tried. I would suggest separating the brass by mfg. The web thickness can and does impact how much swagging is done. Don't want to over do it and end up with loose pockets. Too little and you will have problems starting primers.
 
Yes, you do need to sort by headstamp.

The difference between under-swaging and over-swaging is much less than inter-headstamp variation in head thickness.
 
Another option
There's a new design pocket swager for a single stage press on the market that has Belville spring washers in it so it's self adjusting for different brass.
Unfortunately I believe it only fits the Lee app press...Lee the distained/feared brand of most elite reloaders :uhoh:.
That said, the APP press and pocket swager may be cheaper than just the Hornady LNL pocket swager Kit. :scrutiny:
https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-...cessing-press/lee-app-primer-pocket-swage-kit.
https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-...nt/lee-presses/app-automatic-processing-press
:D
 
I've got an RCBS bench mount swage tool that's surplus to my needs if you're interested.
 
OP, I'm interested in more feedback about the Hornady unit, too. I'm new to swaging, and will be using a press mounted,RCBS Combo unit for the first time this week. (I've been separating in bags of Win, FC, LC, 556, and other.)
 
I've got an RCBS bench mount swage tool that's surplus to my needs if you're interested.
Thanks for the offer but I'm not sure which route I will go. I mark my own brass so that I know it wont need the pocket reamed again.
 
The Hornady Swagger does use the Belville springs. But that purpose is to keep the brass from sticking. Occasionally I put a small amount of sizing wax on the anvil to keep it from sticking. I saw where someone printed a shoot to handle the swagged rounds as they pop up through the die. With that all you have to do is feed and run the 1 arm bandit.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top