Which die sets for Hornaday LNL (starting from scratch)

[Wayne02]

Howdy,

Looks like I may be getting an LNL AP and need to decide on a die set strategy. I'll be starting pretty much from scratch as the only die set I currently have is a lee set in 6mm rem that I use on a single stage lee challenger O press.

I'd like whatever die sets that I get for the LNL to work on the lee single stage as well, as I'd like to use the single stage for load development etc. Cost is an issue so I'm leaning heavily towards the lee dies. However...

In my research I find that the lee dies are fairly highly regarded, but there is one die (the taper crimp die?) that will not work properly in the LNL? Something about interference with a part of the press? I was wondering if some one could expand on this so I can better understand the issue?

I've seen the following listed as possible fixes for the problem.
1. Turn down the die body to make it shorter
2. Do something to the ejector system such that you have to manual eject each cartridge
3. Take a die grinder and grind a slot in the die

In my way of thinking, numbers 2&3 are not acceptable. However, I do have a metal lathe and "could" probably turn down the length of the die. But.. if the die body itself is carbide, carbide is not that easy to machine. So, how realistic is it to turn down the die and make it shorter? Has anybody really done this yet???

What all comes in a "die set" anyway?

What are my options for die sets for this press? I will be reloading the following:

9mm
38/357
45acp
30.06
6mm
.223
30/30

Thanks for your help
Wayne

 

[Otto]

Just buy Hornady's Dimension dies and you shouldn't have any problems.
As an added bonus, Hornady offers rebates on their die sets through Dec. '07

Edit: Same goes for the LNL AP...rebate ends this month.

 

[Spartacus451]

I just went through this. I went with the Hornady dies because of the 100 free bullet deal and the fact that they could not harass me about using non-Hornady dies if I had trouble with the press.

 

[Shoney]

Wayne02
As long as you are loading for rifle, you can use literally any brand of die with no need for modifitions.

When loading pistol cartridges, where you are using a powder cop and seating then crimping the bullets seperately, then you either may need to modify the crimp die or get the Hornady crimp die.

The problem with the ejector wire only comes into play when using the fifth station. I have a wide variety of dies, since I loaded a great number of cartridges before I got my LNL progressive, and have modified only those dies for seimi-auto cartridges for loading lead bullets.

 

[SDefender]

My LNL and Hornady dies work great for .40 S&W and .45 auto. I use all 5 stations with the powder cop and taper crimp dies. No mods and no issues. However, I understand from reading posts that 9mm has issues with the ejector wire.

 

[KaiserBen]

I have the Hornady dies in .38/.357, .45ACP, 7.5x55, and 9mm. All have served me well. I also use Lee and RCBS dies in my LnL, the only issue being that the Lee crimp dies can interfere with the ejector wire, an issue easily solved by grinding the die down a bit. I also have the RCBS X-Die in .223 and 30.06, and cannot recommend it enough; I only have to trim my brass *once* over its lifetime (up to 8 reloads on some .223 so far).

 

[Waldog]

Most standard 3 piece pistol die sets have the following:
1. Sizer/decap die, could be steel or carbide (Highly recommended)
2. Neck expander die, to form "bell" for inserting bullets
3. Bullet seat/roll crimp die.

To get a taper crimp, you have to buy an additional die.

Dillon's die sets a are a little different. I think they have separate seating and crimp dies. But, I am not exactly sure.

If you are going to use a TAPER CRIMP die you will have to buy that separately. Taper crimp dies are STEEL. I have never heard of a carbide taper crimp die.

What this all means is that you can use ANY MANUFACTURERS die sets. Just buy a Hornady Taper Crimp die. Or, with your lathe, shorten any other taper crimp die.

 

[JFettig]

I have a LNL and use LEE dies with the factory crimp dies, take a look at my ejector:

It works with .380, 9mm, .223 so far is all I've tried, I'm sure it will work with anything else. The dies rub it, but not too bad. I turned my 9mm FCD a little and added a big radius on the bottom. You do NOT want to shorten the dies. You cannot turn the rifle FCD, it clears a little better anyway.
You'll want to get powder through expanders for the LNL measure to eliminate the expander die so that you can use a COP die or powder check die(you don't have to I guess). Also get the pistol rotor for the measure if your loading pistol.
THe standard ejector doesn't work with 9mm cases, but this one does. It takes a lot of work to get it to work right though, good luck!


Jon

 

[pastor paul]

jon - i like what you did with the ejector wire used with the lee factory crimp. i just got my pistol rotor today. will be loading the rest of my .40 soon. then i shall set up for .223 with the factory crimp die and your modification. will let you know how it goes.

 

[Wayne02]

You'll want to get powder through expanders for the LNL measure to eliminate the expander die so that you can use a COP die or powder check die(you don't have to I guess). Also get the pistol rotor for the measure if your loading pistol.
THe standard ejector doesn't work with 9mm cases, but this one does. It takes a lot of work to get it to work right though, good luck!

Can you expand on this a bit? It looks like midsouth has the best price on the press when it is in stock. Can I order this other stuff from them as well or should I go somewhere else?

Which cop or powder check die?

The standard ejector doesn't work with 9mm cases, but yours does. What is different about yours?

Thanks

 

[Wayne02]

I have noticed that some folks dislike the lock rings on the lee dies because they cannot lock the ring on the die in at a preset location. I guess some dies have set screws in the lock ring that allows the ring to be locked on the die? This allows for the die to be set in the same position each time it is installed in the press?

If this is the case, doesn't this provide the same function as the lock n load bushings in that the die is index in the same position/height each time it is installed in the press? The lock n load bushing would of course be faster then screwing the die in each time but it services the same purpose?

Thanks

 

[bigbird1]

Just buy Hornady's Dimension dies and you shouldn't have any problems.
As an added bonus, Hornady offers rebates on their die sets through Dec. '07

Edit: Same goes for the LNL AP...rebate ends this month.

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Last edited by Otto : December 17th, 2007 at 01:22 PM.


THEY HAVE EXTENDED IT THROUGH THE END OF 2008
just a little more for shipping (free bullets)