New to the lnl ap issues

[Alpha22555]

I hope someone has an idea here and can give me some ideas as to what is going on  I am trying to run my powder measure with the ptx expander die.  My issue is with the drum and throw.  It seems like it does not matter adjusting up or down I cannot get a proper drum alignment.  Here is an example

 

Case number 1 down stroke rotor is online and where it needs to be

 

Case number 2 down stroke rotor goes to far back hitting the powder reservoir.

 

I'm not understanding where the variance is.  All I know is if I cant figure out this problem it's going back.  Currently working with a 550 and wanted to try the competition.

 

Thanks

[noylj]

Umm, my powder measure works perfectly as received.

I set up powder measure in station four and turn powder die down until it cycles perfectly with given case. I then, with case in die, turn lock ring die down tight and move to station two where I use the bushing to place measure in non-interference position.

Call Hornady, just like you should can Dillon, about any problems.

Also, be sure to clean measure thoroughly of any matching and shipping oils and be sure the correct rotor is installed.

[Alpha22555]

Thank you for the advise.  I am sure I am using the right rotor.  Machine came out of the box with everything large.  I switched to the smaller rotor.  I did re clean and even moved to station 4.  I still have the same result.  I would like to attach 2 images however the forum is saying I can only upload a max of a half a meg file.  Thanks

[Kema]

http://ultimatereloader.com/2012/01/05/hornady-lock-n-load-ap-tip-quick-change-powder-through-expander-linkage/#acceptLicense

 

Follow these instructions? Cant understand your problem but do you have trimmed and same length cases going in?

[Alpha22555]

Thanks for the link I did read that as well.  I do have some updates.  After driving my self crazy I decided to pull the ptx expander.  Once I did that and installed the powder bushing I had no problems .  I was able to set the rotor up consistently with different pieces of brass.  No bottoming out loading 9mm. Brass variance is very limited.  I think the bottom line is with the instructions provided I am not understanding the mechanics of how it works.  I realized customer service was not open on Saturdays.  I guess I will have to get used to that.  In the mean time without the ptx expander and just setting the machine up with the expander die I was able to load a couple hundred rounds.  So far they all check out.  I only have one other problem.  Station 1 decap/resize seams as though the brass jiggles and mis aligns.  So the brass is hitting the die instead of going in the die.  I have to stick my finger in there and push on the brass a little to align.  I have removed and re attached the spring under the shell plate.  I have also made sure the shell plate was tight.  We all know lose shell plates cause issues.  This is only happening in station 1.  All the other stations/dies alignment is spot on.  I also notice that when the shell plate completes its index it's a little rough.  I can actually see when it does an index after it completes a powder drop and heads to the seating station that powder can actually fly out of the case from the rough movement of the index.  I'm not sure if I am describing it correctly.  Could be that with the indexing being rough it could be causing movement of the brass in station 1 and that's why I have to re align with my finger.  I will have to pay close attention and watch.

 

Thanks

[tyman1876]

Are you using one of these stops?

[Alpha22555]

When I was trying to get the PTX to work I tried with and without. 

 

Thanks 

[WarrenZ]

The misalignment going into the size die is something I have fought there is enough slop in the Shell plate that the case rim can tilt if it is damaged or thin. This is worse with longer cases such as S&W500. I haven't found a solution other than making my own Shell plate which I'm not able to do.

[Steve RA]

With a case in every station, loosen the lock ring on the sizing die and run the shell plate all the way up and then tighten the lock ring on the sizing die.  I'm not familiar with that press but this may help.

[blindshooter]

Here you go. Lots of good LnL tips and fixes.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/Armory/How-to-tune-the-Hornady-Lock-N-Load-AP-progressive-press/42-414607/?page=6

[paul788]

OP

Is the issue that the case going into the sizing die is tilted outward away from the center?  On mine the case retaining spring pulls hard enough to tilt the case away from vertical enough to touch on the edge of the die.  Pressing in toward the center gets it to go in.  I cut and bent a tiny T shape of steel that I attached to the outside of the die to guide the case back to vertical.  Crossbar of the T shape held to the die with a TieWrap and the leg bent so that it goes in the gap of the shellplate and just touches the case to guide it into the die.  Think a T with the leg bent to an L shape. 

 

The reason is that the sizing die is the tightest opening and the case mouth is at it's largest.  You can try another brand of sizing die as some have a larger opening.

 

Hope this helps

Paul

[Talon75]

Might want to double check adjustment on case feeder and make sure it's getting the shell all the way in. I had an issue with my Loadmaster, when the case would feed it would tip a little and not get completely in the shell plate and cause a stoppage till I pushed the shell in. I actually had to grind a little off the top front side of the feeder to keep it from tipping the case, works perfect now.

[Alpha22555]

I want to say thanks and that I appreciate all the information that that has been passed down.  I worked with Hornady customer service for a good hour.  The best they can do with my stage 1 problem is send me a another shell plate.  I dont believe that will fix it.  A lot of time was spend on trying to get the ptx die to work and still nothing but a headache with that.  One piece of brass and the rotor is perfect.  Next piece of brass the rotor goes all the way up bottoms out and hits the back of the powder funnel.  I will take a little more time with them to mess with it.  In my opinon though when I look at how much time and tweaking you have to do with the machine the less time your making ammo.  If it's more of the same drama tomorrow then I think I am at the point of returning it and saving a little more money up and going a different way.  It concerns me that there are so many tweaks mods and fixes.  When I setup my 550 it just worked.  Not trying to insult the press there are many using it and loving it.  I just have not been that lucky.  

 

Thanks