Lock-n-Load AP

Just a heads up you may or may not have to tweak the timing. All my shell plates worked fine with the o-ring except for #32 for 45 Colt. It worked ok with the spring but I had to adjust timing to get it to work ok not perfect. Finally called Hornady and they sent me new #32 plate and it works fine now like all others.
For me the biggest fix was polishing all the shell plates where the spring rides especially at each case cutout. It knock down all the sharp edges.
Not sure if you read that thread by Vince at Enos’s sight I posted but it is a good read on using it. I know some don’t get bothered by using a kinked spring but if you are using a case feeder it really causes issues.

 

Add a light so you can see inside the shell cases. I used Hornady’s, actually I put two on just to see better. You always want to visually check there’s powder in the case before seating a bullet.
Others have given some good tips, but the basic LNL will function ok. There’s a lot to running a progressive press that’s just a learning curve. My son just got one and just observing him I was able to tell it took some rounds before he became consistent on the down and up stroke.
One other thing, keep a can of compressed air nearby - you can blow off powder grains or other flotsam and jetsam before it gets into the works! Good luck.

 

I bought the Inline Fabrication light setup for my LNL and works well. But f I would have seen the KMS UFO light system first I would have gotten it instead. Or you can make or use any of the many other options out there but definitely look at these two especially the KMS.

 

After reading the thread in the Brian Enos forum on the LnLAP O-Ring fix, I found the O-Ring used by the Enos forum OP:

https://www.mcmaster.com/9262K939/

It's a good deal too!

It would be a very good idea to read this thread if you are going to invest the time and money to use the O-Ring to replace the stock spring:

https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/283615-hornady-lnl-ap-powder-jump-fix/page/3/

 

I just replaced my Hornady metal spring with the 2.5 x 69 mm O ring from McMasters. I ordered 2 packs of 10 for a total of 20 - O rings at a total cost with shipping of about $20.00. Roughly $1.00 per O ring. Today I loaded 50 rounds of 9 mm. All went very well. The O ring change did eliminate the shake powder out issue significantly. It simply rotates smoother which is better. I’m now a firm believer in O rings over Hornady rings. I’m not sure why Hornady doesn’t use O rings.

Thanks Reeferman for this suggestion.

 

That's good to hear. My shipment should be in this weekend.

 

Like you, I use my LNL-AP primarily for straight wall pistol cartridges. I recommend the RCBS Lockout Die.

Polish the primer shuttles and clean the priming parts often. Tolerances are tight and it doesn’t take much grit or unburned powder to make something hang up. It will wear in over time and be less sensitive.

I added the Ultramount and Ergo Handle. It made the press more stable. It runs better.

Buy a Quick Change Powder Die assembly for each cartridge. Set them up once and label them.

The cheapest source of bushings is to buy the conversion kit designed for the Rockchucker. Get the one sold by Cabelas-it comes with six bushings. Put the conversion bushing in your Rockchucker or give it away.

 

I found these 2 items greatly improved my press. The first is a revised bracket for the primer cam wire. I would occasionally break the factory one & my reloading session would grind to a halt.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XVXDZ8B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The other is this light. It makes a huge difference to these tired old eyes.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J6624L6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Thanks needs to go to Vince on Enos sight. One thing I found was I have to lube the o-ring again after awhile.

 

Reeferman,
I just got my rubber rings. I tried it with my Shell #10 plate. The only issue I have is with the ejection of the case. The rubber ring doesn't seem to be going down far enough to release the case. I sanded down the whole plate area but it still is hit and miss on releasing the case. I also sanded the plate, but the case still hangs. Any recommendations. ie lube the ring? TIA

CH

 

What are you using for lube? I use Hornady Unique case lube but any will work as well as lanolin. I use about the same amount as I would use on a case. You have to lube the o-ring but do not use any gun oil.

 

I use hornady case lube. I'll make sure to try that. It seemed like it needed some type of lube, but I didn't want to get it all greasy with general purpose grease. Thanks.

CH

 

Using the o-ring will not work unless you lube it. Also you must lube it if not using the press for awhile. The lanolin will dry and cause the issue you are having. Just touch your finger to the lube and rub the o-ring all around. You don’t need much.

 

Reeferman,

I did as you said and rubbed a bit of case lube on the rubber ring. It didn't work for the 40 S&W shell plate, but I switched to 9mm and it functions well with that shell plate. Interesting how much smoother it feels.

I'll be trying it out with 45acp, but won't reload for that caliber for a few weeks. Still, 9mm is one of the primary calibers I load for right now, so it's good that it works with 9mm.

Thanks for the recommendation.

CH

 

Like I said before I had the same issue with a #32 plate for 45 Colt. The new one that Hornady sent me works ok now with a o-ring. The only way I could get it to sort of work before was to tweak the timing with the pawl adjuster. You can try that and see if it works. I don’t have a #10 so can’t try it but all my plates work with the o-ring.
Others who are now using a o-ring did have to tweak the pawls slightly especially when using a case feeder. With mine when I do load 9mm I can load a lot faster with the o-ring as there is no powder jumping out of cases. I also didn’t have to adjust the pawl with any of mine except when using the old #32 plate.

 

Just finished 150 9mm reloads. Rand smooth. Heck, if it works this smooth for 45acp, I'll be happy. As for the 40 S&W, I only have one, so I won't be too sad if I can't get it to work. Overall it is worthwhile and even if I have to use the metal spring retainer for the 40 S&W, it'll make it last that much longer.

THX

CH

 

I just commited to buy a slightly used Hornady AP.
I'll check this thread out.

 

That's good. You'll definitely enjoy the Hornaday (assuming you have reloading supplies...... PRIMERS). Consider yourself lucky to have found a press. When I looked last, it was difficult to find a new one. Plus the prices for them have skyrocketed. I'm glad I got mine well before the craziness. In general, they've more than doubled in price.

If you've never reloaded, start with a larger cartridge. 9mm is not hard, but if you've never reloaded, it is easier with larger bullets. Especially if you have large hands.

CH

 

CH
I have small feet so I have small hands.

I use to reload about forty years ago and got beck in to reloading three years ago when I started taking my grandson out shooting every weekend
I take him shooting every weekend from Spring until the snow comes up in the Cascade Mountains.
We leave they house at 8 - 8;30 in the morning and do not get home until it gets dark.
He shoots all day so I needed to reload to supply his ammo for shooting all day.
I have two single stage Hornady Lock n Load presses set up right now.
I am remodeling my 10' X 14' shed and it will be my reloading cave.
I have an electricion comeing tomorrow to replace the four breaker panel with a eight breaker panel. Wire in the 220 for my air compresser and a electric wall heater. I will wire in the lights. I will be installing a permanent air conditioner as well.

For the last year and a half I have been buying used reloading items for my man cave.
I will be keeping my reloading set up in the house and then get my other stuff set up out in the shed.

I have an extra Hornady single stage Lock n Load press.
A few RCBS Rock Chucker presses,
A Redding T-7 press.
I already bought Dillion 650 that has case feeder and set up for 223 & 9mm.
I will be picking up this Hornady AP tomorrow if it doesn't snow. Paid $450 for it.
I also bought a Lee Turret kit and I have a cheep Lee hand press.

I also bought a shotgun reloader for 410, i want to buy one for 12 gauge.
And I bought almoat everything for casting bullets. I still need a few more molds.
I do have about 150 pounds of leas.
And I have atleast 10,000 rifle & pistol primers.
I do need to get shotgun primers, powder and lead shot.

Ixm pretty well set to get it started, just have to get the shed insulated and OSB put up on the inside walls then build my reloading bench. It will take a month or so to get it completed.
I will also be installing a small trask burner wood stove.

I installed three 2' X 2' windows to get a little natural light and some fresh air when it is nice out.
This spring I will be installing a screen door as well.
And a full width covered porch on the front to set out side & drink my beer.

I am useing old cedar fence boards for lap siding. I will be staining it to match the house.

 

^ sounds like the man has a plan. I thought about buying one of the 10x12 pre-built sheds for more storage/reloading room. Then it turned into 10x20, 12x 24... So I haven't got a plan really. Or a shed.

 

McMaster carries these O rings

Line Product Ordered Shipped Balance Price Total
1 9262K939 Oil-Resistant Buna-N O-Ring, 2.5 mm Wide, 69 mm ID, Packs of 10 2
Packs
2 0 7.12
Per Pack
14.24
Merchandise 14.24
Sales Tax 1.48
Shipping 6.20
Total $21.92

 

This work very well. I too had a hard time finding them. The good thing is that they come in packs of 10. I'm still on my first one so they last a long time. They fell really good. The only case that I haven't been able to get the o-rings to work on is the 45 acp. It works excellent in 9mm and 40 S&W.

CH