Need help with LNL AP press

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PhilMc

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Have a problem with my LNL AP press leaning a cartridge towards the center so it won't feed into station number 5. I use a Lee Factory Crimp Die in station 5. In order to feed the round into the die I have to hold it straight so it will not hit the die. Don't want to turn this into a discussion on the merits of using a factory crimp die.

It seems that the retaining spring slides slightly under the brass causing it to lean towards the center. Looking at the spring it looks like if they lowered the spring sooner it would eliminate this problem. When I am doing 223 this becomes annoying. I also have problems doing 45acp. I have sent Hornady a request for some help.

Anybody have a similar problem?

IMG_0502.jpg IMG_0500.jpg
 
Mine does the very same thing. Wish I knew of a fix, but I just set the bullet in station #4 with my left thumb and index finger while using my ring finger to push against the case going into #5 to keep it aligned. It keeps me engaged in the process at least and I use the slight pause to shift my focus to the powder cop. If you are uncoordinated or forget to remove your hand fast enough it won't go too well!

It seems that there may be a fine balance there between retention of the case or it falling out. The sub-plate design is probably a compromise to accommodate all rim types and diameters. Tilted cases may just be the tradeoff for versatility. Add in the tolerance for rim thickness in the shell plate and clearance between the sub-plate and shell plate and the tension will cause the tilt.

I'm interested to hear what Hornady says. I have had great experience with their customer service. While I agree it is a little annoying, it is still a great piece of equipment for the price.

ETA: Somewhat unrelated: when I have used spring loaded sleeve type seating dies or the FCD, anything applying pressure to the shell plate, my bullets would seat with more run out than normal. I resolved the problem by installing a .30-06 comp. seater die in station #1 to balance the pressure on the shell plate. Sounds like a tall tale but I verified it with a run out gauge. Just something to watch for if those things are important to you.
 
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Forum Moderator Walkalong modified the base plate of his L-N-L press extending the channel that the spring rides in. It helps prevent case tipping.

It is on my list of things to do.

Here is the thread...

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=464088&highlight=Hornady+AP+Case+Spring

Title is "LNL EZ-Ject Upgrade" incase the link does not work.

One of these days, I will replace my case holder spring. It has more kinks than Carter has liver pills which does not help the tipping issue.
 
Make sure the shell plate is tight. Some run these loose, I tighten mine knowing the closer the shell plate is to the base the better. Also check to see what clearance you have between the base and shell plate. The ideal clearance is 0.003"-0.005" (tighter better) but Hornady's spec allows 0.010". Also remove the shell plate and see if its warped buy using a straight edge.

Is this the only caliber that does it on your press?
 
Shell plate is tight and I check it often.
Have the same problems in various calibers.

When I get home later I will check the clearance under the shell plate.

Looking at this press I feel that Walkalong is on the right track.

I will be interested to hear what Hornady has to tell me.
 
You may have a shell plate out of spec. But with this happening on several calibers I would guess the Drive hub is a little too tall raising the shell plate up too far.
 
Clearance of the shell plate to sub base is .008". Nice and even all the way around.

Moved all the dies one station CCW ( Powder Drop now in station 1 ) with no die in station 5. Ran 50 rounds of 223 without any problems. Problem is only in station 5, starting to look like a design problem as Walkalong has shown in his fix.
 
Your clearance between the base and shell plate it too large for my liking. I would contact Hornady and see what they say. I would be tempting to remove the hub and take a 0.003"-0.005" off to get the clearance close to the 0.003-0.005" range. What is happening is the excess clearance is allowing the brass to tilt.

Contract Hornady CS and see what they say.
 
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The hub floats. When you tighten the shell plate retainer screw down it should pull the hub up to contact the shell plate. If it isn't, you are letting it get in a bind. That can cause rough/tight indexing.

I did a little drawing to show the parts and what clearances are needed.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=5791130&postcount=28

The shims would go between "A" and "B" (CL#2) in my drawing. That will pull the hub and shell plate down, making the clearance "CL#1" smaller. If you make it too tight (To much shim material) it will bind. There must be some clearance there.
 
Walkalong, Thanks for the info, I wil check my press and see what it looks like.

I talked to the "Tech' Guys" at Hornady today after work and he tried to tell me he never heard of this happening. Told him I had .008 under the shell plate. Wasn't much help at all, told me I would have to send in the sub plate so they could check it.

Decided to buy a spare sub plate so I can experiment with the press after I try Walkalongs instructions. Have been in mechanical repair and machining all my life so this won't be hard to do.

Walkalong are you still using the subplate that you modified to lower the spring sooner?
 
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