Need Help Fine-Tuning LNL AP

[Vartarg]

I've got my Hornady LNL progressive up and running, and am very pleased with it. I've made about 400 rounds of .45ACP in the last few days, getting the "hang of it."

Watching the online videos was extremely helpful in getting started. I've been using a single stage for several years, and actually began reloading in 1995 with a Dillon SDB.

One of the things I've noticed is that the spring that retains the case on the shellplate sometimes get caught at one of the corners of the shellplate, and getting it out involves damage to the spring, to the point that it's useless. I ordered a couple of spares from Midway, but would appreciate any input on why this happens and what I can do to minimize or eliminate it.

Many thank

 

[raddiver]

When it gets caught on the edge of the shellplate, does it normally start at station 4 or 5?
My gut tells me that the bolt holding the shellplate is working loose a bit, then the spring is working its way under the shellplate during the extraction phase.
Use some blue locktite to help take up some of the slack so the bolt wont back out. you wont need alot(less than a drop).

Make sure the groove that holds the spring is free from burs.

The other thing that may help is when changing a shellplate, use your finger to hold the spring down starting from station 4, and cycle the ram until your finger is at station 1. this will help seat the spring in the groove. (adding that this step should be done before the bolt is tightened down.)

 

[Blue68f100]

As for spare springs. If you talk to Hornady CS telling them your problem they will send you free springs. But like raddiver said I think the shell plate is not down tight. I normally put 2 pieces of brass in the shell plate to hold onto while I tighten the bolt. I wish they would ship a Spring Washer with the press for keeping the bolt tight.

 

[Vartarg]

Thanks

Very helpful feedback....

I just sent Hornady Tech Support an email, and am going to stop by the hardware store later today and pick up a spring washer.....

George

 

[Waldog]

When you replace your retainer spring; at station one on the shell plate, (This is where you place your case to start loading.) put your index finger in the case holder cutuot and use your finger to push down on the spring while you slowly cycle the ram. You have to do this until the spring is completely seated under the shell plate. Contact Hornady for retainer springs, they send them out for free.

 

[Blue68f100]

I'm not sure a local hardware store will have a spring washer. These are very specialized. They are cone shaped and produce a certain amount of load when fully deflected. You do not want to use a lock waster or star washer for these will/may dig into the shell plate. If you do use them make sure you use a washer under the lock/start washer.

 

[ILikeLead]

Try this

Vartag. I just bought the same loader a few days ago and after about 400 rounds of 44mag, I realized that the spring must dive down about station 5 and thru station 1. This allows the ezject system to work better and allows seating a new case without pushing the spring down. This was not obvious to me and may not have been obvious to u.

I was wondering why that groove was machined into the subplate. I also had my spring pinched but assumed it was because of the rimmed 44 mag cases...


Now I know

 

[dbarnhart]

>>I realized that the spring must dive down about station 5 and thru station 1. This allows the ezject system to work better and allows seating a new case without pushing the spring down. This was not obvious to me and may not have been obvious to u.<<

It wasn't obvious to me either. THere is no mention of it in the video but it IS mentioned in the printed instruction manual.

I was standing there wondering what was wrong with the ez-ject system: it was shoving the case out but then the spring would snap it right back in. a couple of 'duh' moments later and I figured it out.

 

[raddiver]

I'm not sure a local hardware store will have a spring washer. These are very specialized.

This brought up a thought. I remember seeing an ultimate reloader video, when he was changing the shellplate, there was a bushing that the bolt went down, mine doesnt have that. anyone know if that was the older version press?

 

[dbarnhart]

>>anyone know if that was the older version press?<<

Yes. The bushing secured the inboard end of of the old style ejector wire.