Questions about Hornady LNL bushings

[Wayne02]

Does using the LNL bushing concept serve the same basic function as a die with a quality lock ring? Meaning both will return the die to the pre-set index when installed in the press, except the LNL bushings is a little faster to get into play vs. having to thread the die in?

I can see where the lnl bushing concept would be great if you could use the same the die/busing combo in a single stage press like the lee classic cast. I understand that there is a lnl busing adapter available for the lee classic cast, but I wonder if the die will have to be readjusted each time for use in the classic cast, even though it uses the bushing. If it has to be readjusted each time you move the die/bushing from one press to the other that somewhat diminishes the usefulness of the lnl bushing concept doesn't it?

Thanks

 

[alohanole]

In my experience, the dies must be adjusted when switching presses. I have a Hornady LnL and a Lee Classic Cast that I use with the bushings. Fortunately, I don't reload large-caliber rifle on the progressive, so adjustments are minimal. If I need to do some resizing of 223 on the Lee, I have to readjust. There are not many instances in which I have to adjust since I normally use the progressive for all of my pistol cartridges plus 223.

 

[zxcvbob]

You can probably shim the LNL adapter to allow the LNL bushings to be switched from the LNL-AP press to whatever other press you installed the adapter without adjustment. The LNL-AP press has a lot more clearance between the stage and the bottom of the dieholders than most presses. I don't know why they did that. By raising the adapter in the other press, you can duplicate the die settings.

 

[Wayne02]

You can probably shim the LNL adapter to allow the LNL bushings to be switched from the LNL-AP press to whatever other press you installed the adapter without adjustment. The LNL-AP press has a lot more clearance between the stage and the bottom of the dieholders than most presses. I don't know why they did that. By raising the adapter in the other press, you can duplicate the die settings.

Hmm, that might be a reasonable fix. I could machine a spacer I suppose, assuming the height on the lee classic cast needed to be increased (and not decreased) to match that of the lnl ap of course.

 

[Steve C]

The Hornady LNL system is a sleeve that holds the die and locks into the press with a quick insert and turn. As the sleeve holds a standard die its outside diameter is larger than the die threads, an adapter would be larger yet so it is not easily adapted to non Hornady products. The LNL system is used for the Hornady LNL automatic press and Hornady LNL single stage press. The main feature of this system is that it allows you to set the depth of the dies and quickly change dies or die sets. I'm not sure if the change from the auto press to the single stage press would require a readjustment of the die.

 

[jenrob]

If it were a decrease and not a lot of decrease you might be able to use o redding compitition shell holder set. They are raised shell holders in varies lengths. I have a LNL conversion coming for a Redding big boss II. I might have to look into the shimming idea. Maybe flat bushing might work. Does the conversion bushing have a good size ring around the top.

I'm not sure if the change from the auto press to the single stage press would require a readjustment of the die.

I talked to Hornady about this and was told that you would likely have to readjust but in some not

 

[bobaloo]

I've been loading on a LNL progressive for a few years and just found a Hornady LNL single-stage press for a song at a sale so grabbed it. I do have to change the settings between the two presses, the cartridges go futher into the dies on the single stage than on the progressive.

If you have both I don't think it's too big of deal, my single stage gets used for sizing cast bullets, decapping rifle ammo with a Lee universal decapping die and various odd jobs, handy to have, but 99 percent of loading gets done on the progressive.

 

[SDefender]

I have the Hornady LNL progressive and single stage presses. The dies can't be switched between them without readjusting the settings due to differing heights between the top mount and the shell holder. I would assume the same would be true for an differing presses. I use separate dies for each press.

I like the LNL die system A LOT. Saves me a lot of adjustments and headaches. If I have a particular thing that went bad on the progressive, I just insert a pre-adjusted die into the single stage and fix the issue without disturbing the progressive.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Does using the LNL bushing concept serve the same basic function as a die with a quality lock ring? Meaning both will return the die to the pre-set index when installed in the press, except the LNL bushings is a little faster to get into play vs. having to thread the die in?

Yes, except the LNL bushing isn't a little faster than having to thread the die in, it's a heckuva lot faster. A couple minutes vs. a couple seconds and generally no adjustment to the dies if used in the same press or two presses that are shimmed to match one another in die height adjustment.

I can see where the lnl bushing concept would be great if you could use the same the die/busing combo in a single stage press like the lee classic cast.

It is.

I understand that there is a lnl busing adapter available for the lee classic cast, but I wonder if the die will have to be readjusted each time for use in the classic cast, even though it uses the bushing.

I have the LNL bushing adapter for the Lee Classic Cast and no, you do not have to adjust the die each time.

If it has to be readjusted each time you move the die/bushing from one press to the other that somewhat diminishes the usefulness of the lnl bushing concept doesn't it?

Yes, but since you don't have to adjust it, it's extremely handy to have and a worth while investment/upgrade to the Lee Classic Cast single stage.

I hope this answers your questions.

Regards,

Dave