New version of the Hornady LnL AP coming out

[raz-0]

I've never had a single problem with my 650 primer system. Other than the fact that you have to remove the shell plate to change sizes. But you have to anyway if you're changing calibers.

The most common primer system problem on the 650 is it getting mis-timed. This results in failure to feed a primer, flipped primers, and crushed primers. Usually intermittently before becoming totally useless. You cna also start getting flipped primers due to worn parts, just like you can on the LNL-AP.

Not that there is anything wrong with the 650 design. They made some design choices. This results in a more complicated and thus finniky primer system than the LNL-AP and the 550. However, it was a trade off.

These are benchtop manufacturing machines. They are 10lbs of compromise in a 5lb bag. I'd much rather people concentrate on how to make them work right than endless pissing and moaning.

As for "implying" the 650 has issues, it does.

seriously, this is the search for 650 and problem on brian enos. You'll notice PLENTY of bitching, and most of it is about the primer system. If you actually read the threads, you will find that 80% of it is the primer system getting out of proper timing. I'd categorize it as a maintenance issue, just like with the LNL-AP getting out of timing as the pawls (or more likely the pawl springs) wear. Dillon just seems to get pass because it is easier to find an answer from the community of dillon users. I'd argue this is an artifact of their former broad support for competition shooting. They are MUCH more picky these days about sponsorship and mostly just say no.

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/ind...osts&result_type=topics&highlite=+650+problem

 

[SteveW-II]

Midway USA is taking orders for the 'new' version of the LNL AP right now. The product description includes this text :

This progressive press features fully automatic indexing, a 5-station die platform that accepts most standard 7/8 x 14 thread dies and the EZject System which delivers 100% reliable cartridge ejection.

Availability and cost :

Product #: 679228
Our Price: $359.99
Compare at: $379.99 You save $20.00!
Sale Expires: Dec. 31, 2008

Status: Out of Stock, No Backorder
Date Expected In-Stock: 1/7/2009

So it looks like it's on sale until the end of December 08, with delivery anytime after 7th Jan 09. However, if you can't back order it, I don't know how you can place your order to take advantage of the price reduction !

I feel sure that other vendors will have the same delivery dates, if not the same prices.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=679228

Enuff of the product bashing, hair pulling and name calling please. If it doesn't stop I will be forced to get all preachy about how good the priming system is on my LoadMaster . So, enuff said.

 

[cpo223]

I ordered a LNL AP on Nov.11 from Midway and they were on back order, and was not supposed to ship until the end of Dec. according to my account on their site. It showed up today out of the blue, so I opened the box expecting to find the older model and it is the new EZject. Hopefully I can get some time too get it set up soon and let everybody know how it works.

 

[Iron Sight]

Do they have the 1000 free bullet offer with the new style reloader?

 

[shooter313]

I just feel that I have been taken advantage of.

I got my new one on October 30th. I have yet to get the 1000 free bullets from hornady. I have not even taken it out of the wrapper, and I am told I have to send it to them and spend another $100 to get the NEW press. I thought I bought a NEW press..?? It is not like it is months old when this new press first came to light. I will not mention the retailers name on here as I do not believe this to be the place for it. (But..I do know that while most dealers were out of stock when I bought it from them, they had it to me in 3 days. I got the press before I even got the shipping notice from their company.)
I am not saying it is a good or a bad press. What I am saying is that they should not sell (out dated materials) as being NEW. The price of the new press is the same as what I paid for mine, and has the same 1000 free bullets with it.
I hope when I get it set up it works well. I will certainly not buy any more products from the retailer that sold me the press. This was the first time I delt with this supplier and it WILL be my last.
I am simply stating what I believe to be true. The people at hornady are very friendly, but they can not seem to understand WHY I think a press that has been redesigned because of problems should not be sold as a NEW model within a months time of a new one coming out.
I just feel that I have been taken advantage of. I dont do this to other people and I dont expect it to be done to me.
Good luck to all that own them, including me.
Shooter313

 

[TStorm]

Purchased mid October

Emails to Hornady... (Read sequence from bottom-up):

"The lnl AP was not designed to seat the bullets in the 5th station." The Hornady seat crimp die body will not taper crimp a 9mm cartridge regardless if it is seating or not. The height of the seating rod makes no difference. The 5th station was one of your selling points. This is a design flaw. I was told by tech support rep on October 28, 2008, that he "had never heard of this problem." He took my name and address and stated that they would send another die body to make my 5th station functional if I wanted to use station 4 for a powder cop or other accessory. I was satisfied with this answer, but have yet to see the die he spoke of. It now sounds like this answer was intended to make me go away.

I can understand the arrangement to "overhaul" older units, but an "offer" of shipping (cost and time) and an additional 25% of the cost of my brand new unit to correct a known design flaw is not attractive. To do this to a customer who purchased while you were apparently clearing the old stock from the market prior to adding the "lower plate revision" (not introducing a new model) is just plain wrong. I have barely had this thing a month!

-----Original Message-----
From: tech [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2008 5:27 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Technical Inquiries

The lnl AP was not designed to seat the bullets in the 5th station. It is a station designed to taper crimp. In 2009 we are introducing a new model that will allow the use of a seating die in station 5. we have removed the ejector wire. Your press can be retro fitted. We will perform the work in house and exchange 2 shell plates out with you. We will also perform any service work needing completed and pay the shipping back. The cost is $100.00 and $10.00 for each additional shell plate (after the first 2) This service will be available in late February. Thanks

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2008 10:59 AM
To: tech
Subject: Technical Inquiries

***WEB REQUEST***
Subject: Technical Inquiries


Country:US
Email:XXXXXXXX
Phone:864-XXX-XXXX

S/N 13343

I purchased my LNL AP a few weeks ago and experienced difficulties with the Hornady seat/crimp die in Station 5 due to a conflict with the ejector wire. I contacted tech support over the telephone and was told they would send me a "shorter body die" to help with this situation. I have not received this die.

I also just learned there may be a modification coming out to the LNL lower plate to integrate cartridge ejection which would remove the need for the ejector wire.

1. Am I going to receive a shorter body taper or taper/crimp die compatible with the ejector wire as stated by tech support?

2. Is the modified lower plate with ejection system available for purchase?

3. Will my shellplate No. 8 be compatible with the new system?
(392608, SHELLPLATE #8 LNLAP & PROJ is above the bar code).

 

[Idano]

I have not even taken it out of the wrapper, and I am told I have to send it to them and spend another $100 to get the NEW press.

Since it appears you haven't opened the box I would recommend sending it back to the place you bought it from. Shooter313 unfortunately you got caught in transition. It's an unavoidable situation that happens with every product, be it presses, cars, appliances, etc because of progress and refinement. I can tell you from personal experience that the Hornady AP is a well engineered and reliable press in the hands of a competent individual; I have had my press for nearly three years and loaded thousands of rounds without the problems that others have mentioned. I do have to say I am not fond of the ejector wire but it has not impeded my reloading, occasionally it will toss a case beyond the bin. I don't plan on sending in my press for the upgrade but I was hoping they would start accepting order for the sub plate. I am sure in time they will accept orders for the sub plate when it's no longer a hot item.

Even if you decide to keep your press I don't think you will regret it, the wire is not that big of issue. Like I said I have had mine for nearly three years and I love it. I bought the press and the case feeder for around $550 from Midway, added a low primer alarm, Dillon roller handle, quartrz halgon lamp, and a digital case counter.

 

[shooter313]

That is exactly what I wanted to do. But the retailer I bought the press from would not accept it as a return because of the bar code being removed from the box. I HAD to remove the bar code to send it to hornady to get the free bullet offer, and it was not until after I sent in the rebate that I found out it was an out dated unit. So returning it was no longer an option.
I am in the car business, and when they have a model that will no longer be made, or one that will be undergoing a major redesigne there is always notice given to both the sellers and the buyers, and usually a big rebate is given to the customer so they dont feel screwed over when they buy the older model.
But there is nothing I can do about it. So I will keep it, and remember who I bought it from for future purchases.
Shooter313

 

[farmrboy]

I talked to Hornady yesterday pm. The CS rep said the free bullet offer is definately extended into 2009, and the EZject presses started shipping last week. They must have sold out of the ejector wire presses sooner than expected (thanks Barack!). I plan on ordering/buying an LNLAP next week if I can find one. The rep also said one can pick up the bullets at the factory if it's convenient to save the shipping costs. Yes, I asked that specifically because I'm in Grand Island at least once a week. But, if somebody's passing by on business or vacation, why not save the shipping costs and the UPS man's back.

 

[goose2]

I ordered mine from Natchez on 12-3-08. They said they just received 10 of them and I was lucky to get one of them. I will get it next week and will report back as soon as I get some time behind the wheel. Mine is the new EZ eject model as so will all of the new ones shipped. I had a hard time finding one on the internet and was very lucky to get the one I got. Now lets hope the shell plate is for the new model and not the old.

 

[e-man]

Hey goose we must of been looking at the press at the same time because I was also Verrry lucky to find this one after looking at all the usual suspects. I got double lucky because i didn't even know the ezject existed until today. Glad I got mine. I also got it from natchez dec. 3.

 

[XDMHMMWV]

I received my LNL AP in early December, and have yet to use it. I am wondering if there is not a simple upgrade to the whole thing. Why not rough up the area where the EzJect triangle would be, and JB wield a piece of steel there?

 

[Globeguy]

Can the new shell plates be used on old style LnL AP?

 

[Wilburt]

Can the new shell plates be used on old style LnL AP?

Yes.

 

[WarHall]

I got mine in Dec. also

What I DIDN'T get was the shellplates - In fact, one of them (for the .40mm) is still on backorder! In the meantime, I had to be content with loading .308. Then, I finally got the .223 plate at the end of Jan. Let's see, I think I 'stuck' about 4 .308 brass in the die before destroying it. Took it back to where I bought it, and they were out of the dies. Had to find another place to buy it (Found one last week). Then, with the changeover to .223, I had problems with the case canting away from the primer feed - Got so mad I held the brass straight up, pushed down really hard, and destroyed the primer feeder plate and the guide wire. had to order those parts from Hornady - And, amazingly enough, the parts got here in less than 3 days - Gotta give them credit for that! So, I finally dialed in my .223, and started plunking away with the NEW Winchester brass, the Hornady Matchgrade (53 grain) HP's, and only had about 6 stuck cases...but I got them out without destroying the die this time! I finally moved on to reloading once-fired Privi Partisan Mil brass, and immediately got the case stuck. Gave up, and went to bed. I'm not so sure reloading is going to pan out for me....

 

[snuffy]

Warhall, quit using Hornady one-shot, you'll stop having stuck cases. Just guessing, did I nail it?

You meant .40 CAL, not MM right? If not, post a pic of your 40mm!

 

[ReloaderFred]

Warhall,

If you're sticking cases in the dies, it's not the fault of Hornady, or the LNL press. The lube is the fault, or you're not treating the dies and cases with it properly. You need to take a look at this part of your process.

On the .223, if you were using cases with crimped primers, did you remove the primer pocket crimps before you attempted to seat new primers?

It sounds like you may be new at reloading and jumped in with a progressive press, without knowing the basics of the process, but that's just a guess on my part, based on your comment that "I'm not so sure reloading is going to pan out for me...."

I hope you don't take this wrong, but you need to sit down and analyze what's occuring at each step of the process and get it set in your mind before the next step. If you don't have the Lyman 49th Reloading Handbook, I'd suggest getting it and reading the front of the book, which will help to explain what's occuring.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Walkalong]

Ditto Snuffy & Freds comments.

RCBS Case Lube 2 or Imperial Sizing Die Wax. Far superior to one shot .

 

[Master Blaster]

I currently own and use a 550, and a LNL ap.

They both have their advantages and disadvanatges. They both have mechanical quirks as well.

 

[WarHall]

Yep, I'm a newbie!

And yep, I've already learned that jumping on the progressive wasn't the best idea - Who knew you had to have a bazillion 'other' things? Well, I'm narrowing the problem down to the case lube, Hornady's One shot, since it seems to be the one common denominator in the whole mess. I don't need to mention that reloading supplies, as well as tools, are very scarce right now.(I'm still waiting for stuff I ordered mid-December!) Also, I've been looking into a problem I think I have with the De-primer, it seems that if I set the die up to the EXACT dimension it calls for (3/16") it doesn't unseat the primer, and if i adjust it down a little, it sticks the case. I haven't measured the pin yet, but that's next. maybe a longer pin will de-prime and not shove the bell into the case. (Hopefully).

 

[ReloaderFred]

You should be able to adjust the depth of the decapping rod. I may have missed what brand dies you're using, but most dies have adjustable decapping rods. Look at your die and see if the rod is threaded, with a lock nut. If so, just loosen the lock nut and screw the rod down a couple of turns and retighten the nut. If it's the type with a friction rod, it's still adjustable up and down, without screwing the die down any further. You just don't want to go down so far that the rod contacts the base of the cartridge on the inside.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[WarHall]

Yeah, that's what I did -

And stuck the case and the bell inside of it - I just got it out, but what a mess! So, I'm back to square one, I have all Hornady dies, by the way, I thought it appropriate since it's Hornady AP, and I also bought the 'Unique' case lube , It's still Hornady, but I hope it works better. I guess I need to settle down and just be a little more cautious with this sucker until I get it right. I've had a few friends over, all experienced reloaders, and although they give me advise on this and that, they too are surprised at what happens. Believe it or not, when I called Hornady tech support, they said I might have a 'bad' shell plate!? I imagine they make these by the thousands at least, just my luck I got the lemon...

 

[Borg]

Sticking cases is not a shell plate problem,, it's a lube, or lack of, that is.
Borg

 

[WV_Vizsla]

Spray lube the dies

And let them dry. I also use the one shot heavy on the first 5 shells to lube the contact spots... never had one stick. Happy with my LNL after 1 1/2 years and ~10K in loads. Order extra eject springs (some have a better arc and case holder springs (I've smashed a few). My machine has never broke, but I have broke it. Hornady service is great for my errors. From my discussions with their CS wait till its warm to send in for upgrade, I may never do it. Your shell plate can be modified in a lathe to the new style if yer handy.

 

[WV_Vizsla]

Also check time praws

to make sure the timing is stopping the shell plate dead on to the detent. Any before or after will bind cases.