Hornady Projector Priming System, Is it that bad?

[martinbr]

Can someone enlighten me on what was so bad about the Hornady Projector priming system way back when? I have been searching thru threads on this group and others and the concensus seems to be it was pretty terrible in which has been fixed with the LNL version.

The reason I ask is I am going to be picking up a almost brand new Projector today. I am kind of skeptical now that I have been hearing these stories. Is it any worse than the Lee Pro 1000 priming system?
thanks,
martinbr

 

[Walkalong]

The Projector with it's old style shellplates stunk at priming. The newer style shellplates work MUCH better. I prime with an RCBS hand primer and like doing it that way. Probably would even if the press was flawless priming.

Now, that said the new LNL is a much improved (everyone tells me) animal and is said to work quite well priming.

Are you looking at an LNL or a very old NIB Projector?

 

[martinbr]

Almost new projector

Walkalong, the press has only 2500 rounds thru it. But I don't want to hand prime. I want to be able to do it all on the press. But if it's worse than the lee pro 1000 maybe I should just keep what I have and pass up the deal.

Could you get a upgrade priming system from Hornday for the projector? I still would be way ahead for the amount that the guy wants for it. I am going to get it for $175.00 with 5 shell plates, two pick up tubes, tools, box, manual, ect..
martinbr

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Martin,

By the time you buy the upgrades for the projector, you can buy a new Lock N Load. Even if you get the upgrades for the projector, you'll still won't have a lock N load unless you have some machinist cut the threading for the lock n load adapter bushings.

By the time you do all the mods to get it like a lock n load, you'll have spent MORE than you would on a new Lock and Load and still not have the bullets they give you for buying a lock n load. How do I know this? A fella on another board bought the Projector first, then ended up spending the money to update it. He was into about $400.00 by the time he bought the parts and paid shipping for all the various parts.

Those old shellplates do not operate nearly as well as the newer ones, so while it looks like you're getting a great deal, you're really getting an "ok" deal. Without the primer system and a case activated powder drop, you'll lose 2/3'rds of the efficiency and the capability of having a powder check die. So you'd be loading at a rate of 200 or less per hour and you'd then be better off with a Lee Classic Turret press.

Buy a "fixer upper" only if you want the hobby of fixing it up. If you're wanting to reload, get yourself a newer LnL.

 

[Walkalong]

Gotta go with Dave on this martinbr.

I would go for the new LNL as well. I hear nothing but good things about them. The Projector was a great platform with a few kinks. It sounds like Hornady has them worked out with the LNL AND you get FREE bullets.