Hornady Projector press

[martinbr]

I ran across someone that has a Hornady Projector press forsale with only 2500 rounds thru it. It comes with 5 shell plates with it in which two of them I could use. (.45, 9mm). I have heard that the newer presses are a lot better, but I am really on a budget with this reloading hobby.
This person is asking $200. But I was thinking about offering $150 for it in case I wanted to upgrade it in the future. I really don't think I would need the lock n load features that are available on the newer style press since I will be only loading two calibers, 9mm and .45.

So my question, was this a good press for it's time? Is it still good today by press standards? Can I use my Lee dies with it? And what about upgrading in the future? Are they upgradable?

It comes with all the tools, manual and everyting that was sold at the time.
thanks,
martinbr

 

[CZ57]

From everything I've heard, it was a very solid performer. Your Lee dies will work as well as any that are 7/8 X 14 which is the vast majority. $150 sounds risk free since you should have no problem resaling it, if you don't like it for some reason. About the only upgrades are the Lock-N-Load bushings and Hornady's powder measure that doesn't differ a whole lot from what you will get on the Projector and you can always upgrade there. The new Hornady powder measure has micro adjustment that allows you to return to previous settings when doing caliber changes.

With the shell plates included and only 2500 rounds loaded, it's a steal at $200! We'll call $150 very astute. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the other shellplates is for cases based on the .30-06. That gives you the option later of loading .25-06, .270, .280, .30-06, .35 Whelen, .243, .260, 7mm-08, .308. .338 Federal, .358 Win. as well as Wildcat cartridges or Ackley improved versions of the originals. Include European cases based on the 7 X 57 mm Mauser a swell, as is the case for .30-06 to begin with. Ditto for 6mm Rem. and .257 Roberts.

 

[LHB1]

Martin,
I used a Hornady Projector progressive press for many years and just replaced it last year with two new Hornady LNL presses. Gave the old Projector to a young reloader to help him get started. The Projector you describe, in proper working condition, will load MANY, MANY excellent rounds of ammo. FYI, re the previous post, I think the same shell plate fits both the .45 ACP AND the .30/06 plus all other cases with the same case head diameter.

Yes, you can upgrade the Projector using the newer, improved primer feed mechanism and case activated powder drop BUT buying these items may increase the cost of older Projector to equal cost of new LNL press. Check carefully on cost of such upgrades BEFORE buying the older press if you want to go that route. Info on upgrades available from Hornady at:
1-800-338-3220, Doug Derner, X206 (Customer Service).

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[CZ57]

LHB1: I overlooked the obvious! You are absolutely correct. Already covered with the .45 Shellplate. I'd guess that one of the shellplates is probably .223 as well.

 

[Walkalong]

I have used my Projector for many years. The newer style shell plates work MUCH MUCH better than the old ones. I prime with an RCBS hand primer. I have thought about upgrading, but mine works. I rigged my Redding 10X measure to work on it using the Hornady linkage parts.

$150 would be good, otherwise I would be tempted to get the LNL and the free bullets.

Lock and Load will probably be a bit quicker to change dies, but the Projector is pretty quick as it is and settings do fine. It also "locks" down when you tighten the die anyway.

Shell plate chart link.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

By the time you upgrade it, you can buy the New LnL press. Were I you, I'd just hold on and save my money for the newer press. With the free bullets, it's a better deal.

You can't add the LnL bushings to the old one without machining work and adding the case activated powder drop and a primer system is going to run you a 150 or so by the time you pay shipping. At that price, you're in new LnL territory.

Regards,

Dave

 

[martinbr]

pro 1000 or hornady?

I am using a pro 1000 now. I am real new to this reloading. I have done a couple of batches on the lee. Would this hornady be a major improvement?
thanks,
martinbr

 

[OLD DOMENION]

Projector Press

I have a Hornady Projector Press with millions of rounds through it. The only trouble I have had with it is the "indexing". After a good deal of struggle, I fooound you needed to loosen a nut/screw and very a spring tention, to get it to wrok right. My 1989 Projector still works great!