Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Press

[Tamitch]

I'm rethinking of my choice a for starting out after 20 years away from reloading. Are the Hornday presses still made in the U.S.A.? I'm looking for an opinion on the Hornady Lock-N-Load Single Stage Classic press. I be using the Hornady press mounted primmer system. I'll be reloading for two (2) pistol calibers, 44 mag and 45 auto rim. The L-N-L system, is not as fast as a turret press it will be fast enough until I get more confidence in my reloading skill again.

Terry Mitchell
Danville, IL.

 

[Red is Dead]

Yes they are...still made down the road from me in Grand Island, NE

 

[cowtownup]

I got one of the classic kits and I have really enjoyed it... I typically hand prime so I can't speak on the priming system you mentioned. The LNL bushings are kinda pricey and it always seems like you need one more, but thats not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things.. Good luck...

 

[Bruno2]

I don't know, if you are going with a single stage then all dies have a lock ring and will index themselves in the same place when you screw them down. The lock n load bushing will save you a few seconds when changing dies , but in a single stage it doesn't make that much difference. It is more handy in a progressive with multiple dies and stages. So I am saying any of the bigger manufacturers make great singles. Lee even has one that is supposed to be a premium press. Buy what you have faith in or research it until you find the right answers. RCBS's rockchucker is a great press.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

Ive got one and use it for most of my single stage loading. It doesnt seem quite as stoutly built as my rockchucker but i love the lock and load system for switching dies. theres days when i will be loading for 4 differnt guns working up loads and only load maybe 15 rounds of each and with the rcbs i spend more time screwing in dies then I do actually loading.

 

[HexHead]

While the Hornady is a nice press, check out the Dillon BL 550. Once your confidemce improves and you decide you want something faster than the single stage, you just need to add the primer system and powder drop to make it a full 550. Just something to consider.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

You're comparing a single stage press to a progressive press, although a neutered progressive. It'd probably be cheaper and easier to just order a 550B from the start and just install one die at a time. Either way, it's not comparing apples to apples.

 

[joecil]

I have a Lee Classic Cast but they make two of them now. I have the one that doesn't have the Breech lock as I need the 1 1/4x12 tread though it come with a plug to convert it to 7/8" x 14 dies. I actually bought the lock n load conversion for the same capability with the Lee press. I really like the press but it is a matter of how much one wants to spend I guess.

 

[Crashbox]

I started with an LnL AP but purchased an LnL classic a couple of months later as I found there were some tasks better suited to a single-stage press. My .357 nuclear-strength rounds as well as rifle gets done there. Love it.

The only thing I didn't care for is the hokey primer catch system, although I improved mine by filling one side of the ram with RTV silicone so the primers aim for the tray much more consistently.