Hornady LnL AP Set Up?

[NavArch]

I will be buying a LnL in a couple of weeks (Cabella's road trip; activate the grand opening cash card). I've read a lot of posts here on the LnL and have been working out the list of extras I'll be needing. I would appreciate feedback on my current shopping list. I load .40S&W with 5.0 grains of Unique and a 165 gr Berry's bullet for a soft-recoil practice round. This will be the press's primary task. I will later add 5.56x45 to the work list.

Planned station set up:

1 - size. Currently own an RCBS die for this.
2 - expand, powder. Need to buy Hornady or Lyman die.
3 - RCBS lock out die. Buying insurance.
4 - seat. Currently own an RCBS die for this.
5 - crimp. Currently own a Lyman FC die. Expect to modify for LnL ejection wire.


A. Do I want to use the pistol insert or rifle insert for the powder measure?

B. Will buy the RCBS Uniflow powder measure baffle, as recommended.

C. Will buy the Hornady powder drain insert as recommended.

D. Will buy a Hornady LnL conversion bushing for my single-stage press to work up other loads.

E. Have I got a functional package here?

Thanks

 

[Dave B]

Buy the pistol insert and get a set of Hornady dies. It's easy to empty the measure ,just unlock it and turn it upside down. You might get a spare shell plate spring. You also need a shell plate for each cal. On mine I had to open up the eject wire loop a little. There is also a very small shoulder on one end of the primer tube that is very easy to miss. It goes in down. I lubed the primer slider and shell plate with Dri-Slide, a non oily moly lube that is really slippery. Read the manual very carefully,they zoom over some important points. Be sure to mount it to a very solid bench top. You will like it. Go slow when getting the feel of it.

 

[Waldog]

A. For any powder load less than 10 grs. I recommend the pistol insert. I have loaded 9.5grs of Blue Dot with the rifle insert and it worked OK. Was accurate +- .1 grs. With Large pistols like a 44 mag or even 357 mag, you can easily use the rifle insert. Smaller cartridges like the .40 need the smaller insert. I strongly recommend the Micrometer inserts. It is very easy to return to a previously loaded charge as long as you write down your "mike" numbers.
B. I have never used the baffle. I just keep the measure at least 1/2 full all the time.
C. I don't use the powder drain either. The powder measure can be taken off the press in about 3 seconds. Just pour powder back into the containter.
D. LNL bushings are THE BEST!!
E. If you have an accurate powder scale and a few reloading manuals(Recommend the Lyman) your set.

Note: Any manufacturers die sets will work on the LNL. The only place you will encounter trouble is with a seperate taper crimp die on the last loading station (#5). Most are too long and hit the ejector spring. The Hornady taper crimp dies are shorter and there is no problem. Many people like the Lee Factory Crimp die. However, it's too long and hits the ejector spring. I don't recommend bending the ejector spring once you have it adjusted. I recommend taking a Dremel tool and grinding a "flat" on the crimp die where the spring hits the ejector spring. This may seem "backward" but, once you get the proper taper crimp you will lock the die in that position and never move it again. That's why it's easier to grind a flat on the die rather than messing up the ejector spring that will out of adjustment for every other shell you load for. Although, the ejector is very easy to adjust. I think you will love the LNL. It's been great to me!!

 

[Darth Muffin]

+1 on everything that Waldog said.

Get the pistol insert.
3 seconds to get the powder drop out is overestimating things, it's more like 1 second Rotate 60 degrees, pull up.
I don't use a baffle either, and I haven't found any problems.
I also use the RCBS lockout die, it works great in the LNL.
Grab a spray can of Hornady one-shot case lube too, it's great for lubing the press (everywhere that doesn't get greased via the grease fittings).

 

[MattB000]

Is this a LNL kit or something? What about a scale and caliper?

 

[bugs100]

Your going to need about a scale and caliper.

While your at it get a small bottle of powdered graphite to run through your poder measure. It keeps it running real smooth.

 

[NavArch]

Thanks for the inputs.

The LnL is not a kit. I already have a dial caliper, balance scale, etc. for use with my single stage press. So, the progressive press is an upgrade to be able to produce ammo faster. My wife would rather spend the $ on an AP and then have more time with the rest of the family.

Actually, I've been rather lucky in the reloading department so far. The single stage press and most of the ancillary equipment I use are a long-term loan from a friend that has moved from shooting to fly fishing. And my wife understands that reloading allows me to build pistol ammo to my specifications (minimum IPDA PF) for practice sessions that are easier on my joints.

Getting the Cabella's cash card in the mail this past week has been icing on the cake. Buying the LnL will generate $75 credit for buying more reloading supplies later this year. I guess they mailed it to me from their previous customer records. Whatever...it works. Note the signature line.

 

[RustyFN]

Sounds good. Give us a write up after you get used to the press and let us know how you like it.
Rusty