Questions on setting up my new Hornady LNL AP

[jpcortese]

I have been reloading for many years on a single stage press and finally decided on going progressive for pistol. I have spent the morning watching the video cd that came with my new Hornady LNL AP press and setting it up. However I have a few questions that don't seem to be explained in the video or instruction booklet. I'm hoping that I can get answers on this wonderful forum (I've been a lurcker for a long time). Here they are:

1. The video shows using an ejector wire on the shellplate but mine didn't come with one. I assume the new EZ eject system does not use an ejector wire. Am I correct on this?

2. I set up the powder measure with the pistol rotor and metering assembly but am confused as to which powder bushings to use. I will be reloading 9mm, .38/.357, .44 and .45ACP. The unit comes with 3 different powder bushings that drop in the powder drop tube but nothing describes when to use which.

3. Lastly, the unit came with a PTX Powder Measure Stop but doesn't explain what its for and what I do with it. Can someone enlighten me?

John

 

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The new lnl does not have the ejection wire but uses a raised hump to eject cases. The bushings are for cases of different lengths. the longer the case the shorter the bushing. I use the longer bushing for most of my pistol rounds and of the calibers you listed you may only have to change for the .357 due to its longer length. The powder stop is to be used in conjustion with the case expanders sold seperately. The stop allows a positive stop for uniform case expansion (belling) of the case mouth. If your die set already has an expanding die (most if not all do for pistol) you do not need the stop and you can just add it to your collection of stuff you want to keep but cant find when you need it. Also it is a must to clean the powder measure or you most likely will have problems.

 

[Crunchy Frog]

I wondered why Hornady has not updated the video to eliminate the ejector wire.

I agree with the first responses. I use the longest insert for .38 and .357 by the way.

Hornady was out of the powder measure stops when they shipped my press; there was a note in the box saying to call CS to get a free one sent. Not needed if you use the #2 die to expand your case mouth. I ordered the PTX (powder through expander) inserts for three calibers that I load. I was having some issues with lead bullets in .38s so I called Hornady; they are shipping the "stop" which should help.

 

[cfullgraf]

3. Lastly, the unit came with a PTX Powder Measure Stop but doesn't explain what its for and what I do with it. Can someone enlighten me?

John

Whether you need the stop depends on how you use the 5 different stations of the press. If you use a powder cop die and crimp separately from bullet seating, you will need to use the "powder through the die" expanders with the powder measure in stqtion 2. The PTX stop, as already stated, provides a positive stop and makes a more uniform case mouth belling.

If you do not use a powder cop die or seat and crimp in the same die, then you can put the powder measure in station 3 and use the conventional powder bushings.

 

[UltimateReloader]

To add to this, here are some common die station setups for you for pistol:

Basic:
1. Size/Deprime
2. Expand
3. Charge
4. Seat/Crimp
5. Empty

Basic with separate seat/crimp:
1. Size/Deprime
2. Expand
3. Charge
4. Seat
5. Crimp

Separate Seat/Crimp *and* powder check
1. Size/Deprime
2. Charge/Expand (PTX)
3. Powder Check
4. Seat
5. Crimp

Bullet Feeder and Powder Check:
1. Size/Deprime
2. Charge/Expand (PTX)
3. Powder Check
4. Bullet Feed
5. Seat/Crimp

Lots of options! The bracket helps with the PTX, but you can use PTX without the bracket too (metering insert acts as stop against powder measure body).

Here are some diagrams showing more detail about stations when using a bullet feeder:
http://ultimatereloader.com/2011/01/05/hornady-lock-n-load-bullet-feeder-die-stations/

Hope this helps!

 

[Shmackey]

I'd strongly recommend using the expander die in step 2 and then powder drop in step 3 as opposed to trying to expand and drop powder in one step--at least when you're starting out.

I love my LnL, but getting the PTX (or even powderfunnels.com thing) dialed in correctly is not easy. And I prefer the control I get when I do things as separately as possible--not just expanding and charging, but seating and crimping too.

Even if you decide to expand, powder charge, seat, and crimp all separately, there are enough die stations to do everything except add a "powder checker" die. I prefer to check my powder visually anyway. This is my powder checker. Works great.

 

[petrey10]

i am just in the ordering process of my LNL but I believe my setup will be...

1)Size/deprime
2)expand
3)Charge
4)Powder check
5)Seat & crimp


using Hornady series 2 Dies and prolly a RCBS powder check if I can find one in stock

this is reloading 45 colt

 

[UltimateReloader]

Good call! That's a great setup. You may also want to consider using the PTX at some point so that you can combine charging and expanding and use separate dies for seat and crimp. Not required however...

Good idea to get the powder check. Better safe than sorry!

 

[petrey10]

^ ya I am getting the expander now but won't really use it till I go to add the bullet feeder... which the bullet feeder prolly won't happen for awhile but I am planning ahead

 

[petrey10]

also i got a question... the Hornady dies seat and crimp at 1 station if I went seperate what dies should I got with? Will I be able to get quality loads of 45 colt for my revolver with the Hornady dies?


sorry not trying to hijack the thread

 

[Blue68f100]

You will need to get the taper crimp die to go with the set. I do not think Hornady has the newer sets out with the TC built into the seater yet. There basic set it a roll crimp.

 

[jpcortese]

i am just in the ordering process of my LNL but I believe my setup will be...

1)Size/deprime
2)expand
3)Charge
4)Powder check
5)Seat & crimp


using Hornady series 2 Dies and prolly a RCBS powder check if I can find one in stock

this is reloading 45 colt

That's the set up I have used for .38 and .45 however I used the RCBS Lock Out Die in station 4. Works great. At some point I may use the PTX so I can seat and crimp separately, but for now the setup works just fine.

 

[TxBobS]

i am just in the ordering process of my LNL but I believe my setup will be...

1)Size/deprime
2)expand
3)Charge
4)Powder check
5)Seat & crimp


using Hornady series 2 Dies and prolly a RCBS powder check if I can find one in stock

this is reloading 45 colt

This is my setup as well for pistols (9mm, 40 S&W, 10mm) and .223 sans the expander. I am using the Hornday Powder cop right now but I am thinking about using the RCBS Lock Out die instead.