Orderring Honrady LNL AP Press - what is included with base LNL

[Dcrgolfer]

After alot research, forum and review reading I have decided to purchase a Hornady LNL AP press. I want to reload 9mm, 40 s&w, 45 ACP and 223 ammo (objectives: surplus, more practice, stock pile reloading supplies rather manufactured ammo). I've researched dies, shell plates, powder cop vs RCBS lock-out die, bullet feeders dies ( with homemade bullet tubes). The real questions is, 'What definitively is included with the base press and what else is required besides the obvious (dies, shell plates, etc.) Hopefully some of you reloading veterans can assist me in my order and others may also benefit from this knowledge. I used the Hornady, Ulimatereloader.com and brianenos.com sites for Tips, FAQs and press setup and also for the exact part numbers and descriptions. I have compiled a spreadsheet for my initial order to make sure I get everything I need so I don't have to keep paying shipping for parts that I have forgotten or didn't understands their exclusion or requirements. I am attaching the basic spreadsheet with the appropriate Hornady part numbers for review and confirmation if any members care to review and help me out. Your guidance and assiatcne is greatly appreciated.

[Religious Shooter]

I just got one and I'm setting it up now. Other than dies, shell plates, expander for each caliber for the powder measure... you need the bolts/screws to mount it to your bench (I just did that today)... a powder scale... powder, bullet, primers.

That's pretty much it.

Edited August 3, 2012 by Religious Shooter

[Religious Shooter]

That said I also bought a bullet feeder and bullet feeder die. Case feeder will be here today. I also bought the ergo handle, bullet feeder mount and strong mount from Inline Fabrication.

[Desmo412]

DEFINITELY buy the strong mount from inline fabrication. I still use the factory handle, but most people seem to like the roller handles from inline fab as well. I am almost positive that the LNL comes with both the rifle and pistol meters for the powder measure. Since you will be loading several different types of ammo, I recommend getting the micrometer insert for the powder measure. This way you can record the settings and return to them quickly as you change loads.

I have loaded 20k+ rounds on my LNL, and so far the ONLY problem I have had was breaking one of the indexing pawls. A primer got stuck on the decapping rod and was left hanging out of the case. When I pushed the handle forward (a little too hard) I snapped the pawl. I would recommend ordering 2 spares to start, but you could also make those fairly easily.

[leas327]

Get 2 of the 10 pack of bushings. That way you have enough. Like others have said get the micrometer powder measure insert. Then record where it is for a certain charge of powder. Get extras of the powder drop die for each caliber you are going to do. Not the whole die and powder measure like with a Dillon. Just the part that screws into the quick change bushing. Then you won't have to mess with setting the powder measure everytime you change calibers. These thing will make a caliber chage over fast and easy. If you can spring it all at once just order the "ammo plant" that way you get the case feeder and bullet feeder.

If you are wanting to flare and powder drop in the same step would look at powderfunnels.com die. I have some of the hornady ptx dies. The one for 357/38 works good for lead and jacketed. The two I bought for 45 lead and jacketed were both pieces of crap that didn't give enough flare no matter what.

Edited August 3, 2012 by leas327

[DWFAN]

DEFINITELY buy the strong mount from inline fabrication. I still use the factory handle, but most people seem to like the roller handles from inline fab as well. I am almost positive that the LNL comes with both the rifle and pistol meters for the powder measure. Since you will be loading several different types of ammo, I recommend getting the micrometer insert for the powder measure. This way you can record the settings and return to them quickly as you change loads.

I have loaded 20k+ rounds on my LNL, and so far the ONLY problem I have had was breaking one of the indexing pawls. A primer got stuck on the decapping rod and was left hanging out of the case. When I pushed the handle forward (a little too hard) I snapped the pawl. I would recommend ordering 2 spares to start, but you could also make those fairly easily.

I've done the same, but broke the drive hub. The part that the shellplate bolts to. (twice..) Hornady sent new parts no questions asked.

I'd order some extra case retaining springs, and extra press bushing inserts(the part that is in the press, not what the Die goes into). I've had some crack and break off at the lugs. Hornady will replace the broken ones.

My press came with both powder rotors. If you're going to be switching from pistol to rifle frequently, an extra powder measure set up for .223 would be VERY convenient.

[Crunchy Frog]

When I ordered mine I wasn't sure whether it came with the rifle and pistol rotors for the powder measure so I ordered a pistol rotor. Turned out the press does ship with both so I had to return that item.

As you said, the proper shellplates and dies are must-haves. I have used RCBS, Dillon and Hornady dies in my LNL-AP. I like the Dillon dies (I have that in 9mm) although I prefer the split lockrings over the Dillon or Lee lockrings. The Dillon die set does not include an expander die since that function is performed by the Dillon powder measure but if you use the Hornady powder through expander (PTX) or the aftermarket powderfunnel.com equivalent (one size supposedly fits all), you would not use an expander die anyway.

You need something to get the packing grease off of the press parts. This is covered in Hornady's instructional DVD. They recommend One Shot Cleaner and Dry Lube (not to be confused with One Shot Case Lube). I would order TWO cans; you will need it eventually.

If you buy the PTX you can learn from my mistake. There are two .45 caliber PTXs; one is called .451 and the other .452. I ordered the latter to load lead bullets in .45 ACP only to figure out that it is designed for loading .45 Colt and so it's too short to work with the shorter ACPs. You want the .451; here is a link. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/591544/hornady-quick-change-powder-die-powder-through-expander-451-diameter

Also with the PTX you need this linkage although I THINK it now ships with the press (mine did not but there was a slip of paper saying they were out and would send one free on request and they did): http://www.midwayusa.com/product/959962/hornady-quick-change-powder-through-expander-linkage

The press has enough bushings for one caliber. I agree with the fellow who said to order two ten packs. Cheaper in larger packs and you will need them.

It comes with a small catch bin. I ordered the larger one and was glad that I did. It takes the standard plastic bins (I forget the name) so you might price check at your local hardware store but they might now have one in the "official" Hornady red.

For changing calibers, you CAN get by with the single powder die that comes with the press but you would have to set up the powder measure die every time you change over. Best method is to buy a "Quick Change Powder Die" for each caliber. I made labels for each of mine: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/231522/hornady-quick-change-powder-die?cm_vc=wishList

The measuring stem on the rotor can be removed with the press of a button. You can get by with the one that comes with the press and just re-set it every time you change your charge. Another option discussed here is to buy a micrometer insert. What I did was to buy a separate "standard" insert for each caliber. This allows me to leave the insert set up for my "pet" load in each caliber. I keep it in the die box. I have one extra that I set as I go. Here is a link to the standard pistol insert: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/631849/hornady-lock-n-load-powder-measure-handgun-metering-assembly?cm_vc=wishList

I'd go ahead and order replacement springs: case retainer spring, primer shuttle return spring and the powder measure spring. Cheap and good insurance. Who wants to pay shipping on a replacement spring?

Some people like to have extra primer pickup tubes. I might just order some Dillon tubes; they are less expensive and should work fine. I am planning to make one of the primer tube fillers shown on this site. Loading the primers with the pickup tube is a slow part of the process.

A Hornady rep came to a local store and did a "clinic". He recommended putting a little lube on the cases even when you are using carbide or nitride pistol dies. You'll need to lube cases anyway for .223, right? I like the Hornady One Shot Case Lube, it is water based and not greasy.

I chose the Hornady in part because it has five stations which allows you to run a powder check die (unless you occupy that station with a bullet feeder). I am a big fan of the RCBS Lockout Die. You set it and put it to work. You don't have to watch it as with similar products. A little more expensive but worth it, in my opinion.

That should get your order complete.

When it arrives, debur and polish the primer shuttles with some very fine sandpaper. You will be glad you did. Periodically clean out the powder shuttle area and the priming punch. One grain of powder or a little bit of grit from spent primers will cause those parts to bind up. Mine smoothed out after a while but when new it can be balky.

[Dcrgolfer]

Thanks for all of your assistance and insight....

Can anyone clear up the powder measure confusion.

Which of these or both should I order?

LNL Powder Measure Micrometer for Handgun Rotor and Metering Assembly #050129 (too new - can't include a link)

and/or

LNL Powder Measure Handgun Metering Assembly #050116 (too new - can't include a link)

[Crunchy Frog]

The more expensive micrometer insert allows you to write down the "setting" for different powder charges so that you can repeat them later. Always confirm actual weight on the scale for safety.

The standard insert has a threaded adjustment stem but no markings. Advantage there is that you can buy a separate insert for each load. Lock ring keeps it from changing.

You will get a standard insert with the press. Maybe try ordering the micrometer and see which you like better.

[Shadowrider]

I had the micrometer insert and was really disappointed with it. Not because it didn't work, but because it will rust so fast. Why they don't flash chrome the body before applying the ink markings, I'll never know. You know how fast a blued gun will rust with fingerprints not being wiped off? Well these don't even have the bluing on them. Just plain old unfinished carbon steel.

If it were me I'd just get some extra regular inserts and keep them with you dies, they aren't very expensive at all. This is one of the things that I really liked about my LNL.

Edited August 4, 2012 by Shadowrider

[GrumpyOne]

What else would I order when I ordered a LNL? A Dillon 650....

[Dcrgolfer]

Thanks...that clears things up...so if I were to buy 4 of the (050116) Powder Mesaure Metering Assembly (1 for each caliber) abd leave them set and just change these when I change dies for calibers. Now I have to decide if the Ammo Plant which ncludes many extras + the Case Feeder and Bullet Feeder are the best route cost wise....

[Dcrgolfer]

Does the LNL bullet feeder work with lead bullets. I have read slot that there may be issues. Any input?

[Religious Shooter]

You most likely will have to clean it more often if you use moly or lubed lead. I can see the lube/moly rubbing off on the spring tube causing a lot of problems.

I'm not too impressed with the LNL bullet feeder. It has to be relatively full to work well. If it's down to the last 5 bullets it would probably take 5 minutes to load those last five.

You should look into the RCBS semi-manual bullet feeder tubes for lead/moly.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/560110/rcbs-pistol-bullet-feeder-die-kit-380-acp-9mm-luger-38-special-357-magnum-90-to-158-grain-bullets

The RCBS would be a lot easier to clean.

[Dcrgolfer]

Does the RCBS bullet feeding die/tubes work well on the LNL? And can I use the LNL bushings on the RCBS dies? Thanks and great tip!

[JGH4445]

Lets see if I have this straight...I can spend 25 bucks each for 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 38, 357, and 44 mag powder measure dies. Buy one powderfunnel dot com expander and use for all? What about 9mm and .223, 25-06, .243? Do they have one that will fit those or do I have to buy the Hornady PTX?

[Religious Shooter]

I haven't tried the RCBS manual feeder yet. So I can't say if it is any good. I'll probably get a .40 version for my 650 within the year. My LNL will be set-up for 9MM only.

Go to 2:36 of the video and you can get the gist of the RCBS feeder.

Edited August 5, 2012 by Religious Shooter

[Dcrgolfer]

Is there a 223primer pocket de-swagger die for progressive presses?

[Dcrgolfer]

What are the 4 indentations on some of my 223 cases? Is this the crimp or swage on the primer pocket? Does this have to be removed? Thanks again for all of the advice.

[DWFAN]

Is there a 223primer pocket de-swagger die for progressive presses?

On the Dillon 1050.

[1in9twist]

What are the 4 indentations on some of my 223 cases? Is this the crimp or swage on the primer pocket? Does this have to be removed? Thanks again for all of the advice.

Hmm.....sounds like Berdan primed stuff. Have you looked down in the case or tried to decap one?

[Babaganoosh]

What are the 4 indentations on some of my 223 cases? Is this the crimp or swage on the primer pocket? Does this have to be removed? Thanks again for all of the advice.

It's a crimp.

[Dcrgolfer]

That was my guess...there are various types of crimps....Thanks....

[Dcrgolfer]

I have a few more questions: Question#1: for 223 on the LNL - my options for my setup/dies: Opt1: 1=Redding FL Decapper/Sizer, 2=Powederfunnel, 3=Powder Cop, 4=open, 5=Hornady Bullet seater w/Micrometer adjustment. Opt2: 1=Hornady FL Decapper/Sizer(2-die set), 2=Powederfunnel, 3=Powder Cop, 4=open, 5=Hornady Bullet seater)2-die set) w/Micrometer adjustment. I read alot about seating in one die and crimping in a sperate die. Is this really necessary for non-competition shooting. Question #2: if I order the Hornady LNL (new) will it come with a) the case ctivated lower assembly, and the Quick Stop PTX linkage.

Also for trimming I've read and viewed numerous great reviews on the Possum Hollow Kwick Case Trimmer w/adapter, reviews mention sizes based on the collar for more consistency. Is this really necessary for my initial purchase. Any thoughts....

Lastly, Would anybody be interested in reviewing my order to see if I have forgotton anything. I want to place it Monday, during business hours for questions. I son;t want to order $1700 and find out I need a $5 part.

My order is up to $1708, LNL AP, LNL case feeder (plates), DIY bullet feeder (lead and jacketed), Inline Fab UltraMount, PF.com powder funnel, RCBS Partner single stage press for swaging, depriming and others, extra parts/Springs, digital scale & calipers, 4 caliber (9mm, 40, 45 and 223) dies (sets, bullet feeder, powder cop), 3-pistol powder metering inserts, extra primer pickup tubes, primer tray, RCBS Primer pocket swager die, Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer, Shell plates (LNL) & holders (RCBS), extra bins, wrench, extra bushings, DIY clear tubes, etc. It adds up quick buit I got a large bonus this past year and it;s eaither this or buy bulk ammo and relaoding seems to make sense. Not cheaper just more ammo and I can hoard each batch.

Thanks all.....

[JGH4445]

The PTX linkage DID come with my new LNL.