Hornady Lnl AP shopping list

[CKweigand]

Just want to start out and say hi to everybody. I’m new to the forum, but I’ve been reloading for a couple of years now and I must admit I have been following this forum for a while now off and on.

Everyone here seems to have some great insights from differing perspectives which is a big help.

I’ve been reloading on a RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme for two and a half years now. Then recently decided to jump to a Hornady LNL AP. I’ve been buying accessories slowly to ease the fininacial burden of re-tooling my operation.

As of now I have purchased the following

Shellplates - - 9mm Luger, 38 spec. & 357 mag., 44 spec. & mag., 45 ACP

6 Bullet feeder tubes for (9mm, 38/357)
6 Bullet feeder tubes for (44,45)
6 Large primer pick up tubes
6 Small primer pick up tubes
3 pack of shellplate retaining springs
12 Hornady Sure-Lock Retaining Collars
10 Hornady Die Bushings
Hornady Powder Cop
Case Activated powder drop linkage
Hornady powder measure
Hornady quick change pistol rotor and meter
Bullet feeder dies for 9mm,38/357,44,45

I’m holding off on purchasing the press need to save up some more before I drop the cash for it. I try to pay for everything up front no CC Debt!

I already have the RCBS Carbide pistol set dies for the above mentioned calibers and plan on switching out the RCBS collars for the Hornady Sure Locks. I like the idea of Hornady setscrew that does not contact the die unlike RCBS’ design. My intentions with the LNL Press as far as die orientation is as follows...

Station One — Deprime,Size
—Prime Cases (upstroke)
Station Two — PTX Cases, Powder Throw
Station Three — Powder Cop
Station Four — Bullet Feeder die
Station Five — Bullet Seat and Crimp

I plan on purchasing the auto case feeder and auto bullet feeder down the road but I thought with plenty of tubes already filled with bullets it’s more of a luxury than a necessity. I also plan on purchasing the inline fabrication mount, led skylight, and the double bullet tray and arm assembly, and ERGO roller handle lever.

So I ask all of you handloading veterans and Hornady afficianodos, is there anything I’m missing? Are there any problems I’m going to possibly encounter that one might be able to foresee? Are there any tips or tricks with this press that I should know? I appreciate the future input, bad or good it does not matter thank you everybody!

CK

 

[<*(((><]

I had my Hornady LnL setup for about 3 months before we bought a different house and had to move, I'm slowly getting a reloading area setup, and have yet to setup my Hornady LnL. But it looks like you did your homework as you have covered quite a few of the bases. The Inline Fab stuff is awesome, you'll like all of it, I don't have the ERGO roller, you'll have to tell us how you like it.

One thing as I've had time to think about how to setup my reloading again as I've been working on our new house was that I want to purchase the a camera to view the process on a tablet. I found the camera below on amazon that get really good reviews and seem it would be nice to have permanently attached with a cheap >$100 tablet hooked up to it on a stand. It would make checking out the process more fluid then having to move position to see.


Amazon Link

 

[mstreddy]

Welcome to THR.
Of your list, these seem to be redundant:
Case Activated powder drop linkage
Hornady powder measure
Hornady quick change pistol rotor and meter

But, they may help you do some caliber changes quicker. The press comes with the powder measure, case activated powder drop linkage and both rifle and pistol rotors/meters.
When you buy the powder measure by itself it only comes with the rifle setup and you have to buy the pistol pieces.
But having them, since you already bought them, is a good way to have an additional setup.

 

[<*(((><]

He will need the Case activated powder drop linkage for his Powder through expander (PTX)
Hornady might sell a LnL without a powder measure, I believe mine came with one though.
The pistol rotor and meter I bought as well as the rifle rotor and meter I was told isn't as accurate for low grain pistol charges, and it's best to have both.

@mstreddy your package must have come with more items then mine, which might explain your suggestions. The LnL I bought I had to purchase those items he's referring to and that you said came with it.

He better check which LnL he's going to buy so he doesn't buy additional items.

 

[CKweigand]

Thanks mstreddy,
That was my reasoning for buying the additional powder measure and linkage I’m wanting to in the future have dedicated measures for each caliber I reload, (pipe dream maybe) it may seem redundant but I’m pretty much OCD when it comes to tooling and ease of operation. As a union millwright by trade I’m big on detail and convenience when it comes to a service standpoint on machinery/devices. A long time ago I wanted to have several press setups in the shop for each caliber but that is what drew me to the LNL and the die bushing system. Quick die and powder changeovers = less turnaround and more output which means more shooting!!! Thanks for the replies!

 

[CKweigand]

I had my Hornady LnL setup for about 3 months before we bought a different house and had to move, I'm slowly getting a reloading area setup, and have yet to setup my Hornady LnL. But it looks like you did your homework as you have covered quite a few of the bases. The Inline Fab stuff is awesome, you'll like all of it, I don't have the ERGO roller, you'll have to tell us how you like it.

One thing as I've had time to think about how to setup my reloading again as I've been working on our new house was that I want to purchase the a camera to view the process on a tablet. I found the camera below on amazon that get really good reviews and seem it would be nice to have permanently attached with a cheap >$100 tablet hooked up to it on a stand. It would make checking out the process more fluid then having to move position to see.

View attachment 774264
Amazon Link

I’d like to know how the camera setup goes for you when your back up and running the operation!

 

[mstreddy]

AFAIK the LNL AP comes with the Powder measure, case activated linkage, powder die (bottom piece to case activation), PTX linkage, and both pistol and rifle drums and meters for the measure.
From Midway's description:

Wondering what extra parts to purchase? Well, the press comes complete with the following items:

• Lock-N-Load powder measure

• rifle and pistol metering assemblies

• case activated powder drop and linkage

• cartridge catcher

• large and small primer pick-up tubes

• 5 Lock-N-Load Bushings

So the only thing left to purchase is the easy access shellplate, dies, and any additional bushings you'll need for additional calibers.

And from Natchez

Includes

• Lock-N-Load powder measure
• Rifle and pistol metering assemblies
• Case activated powder drop and linkage
• Cartridge catcher
• Large and small primer pick-up tubes
• 5 Lock-N-Load Bushings

I do think it's a good idea having multiple Powder Dies as it allows for quicker changes when changing calibers as you don't have to reset your powder die. I do have a couple extras of those, and for the record, I also have an extra powder measure I found used for a good deal. But, I find that the die is more important than the measure in making the quicker changes. Mainly because I'm loading for many different pistol calibers. When you use the PTX then you should have the PTX linkage and maybe some extras. BTW, the AP includes one PTX linkage. Several of the members here have posted on how to adjust it as needed for different calibers. I am NOT currently using it, so I'm not familiar with the setup for it.

I don't know why when Hornady sells the powder measure separately they ONLY include the rifle rotor/meter. And yes, you really do need the pistol setup as the rifle goes from >5 up. A buddy was pricing the measure, case activated linkage, drum/meter (pistol) to add to a Lee press he was using. It was coming in around $175. He figured add a "bit" more and get the entire thing. He did and was a lot happier.

Luke, did you buy your press new or used? Where from? All the ones I've seen for the last several years include all of the above. And as a couple of buddies have bought them as well and they came with all of the above.

Maybe they didn't at some time?

 

[Blue68f100]

You can save money by just having the powder die assembly($24) and the powder piston/measure part ($8). With the base set for the caliber your loading, it's as easy as taking loose the upper arm that connects the two (thumb screw/nut) and replace the base. Install the correct piston for the charge and your set. This way you do not have to adj the PTX every time you change caliber.

 

[sbwaters]

I got the Inline Ergo handle and appreciate it.

Then I added the LED lights in the center and down the vertical front to be able to check powder.

The I added the quick change bracket and mounting panel because I change from LnL for pistol to Mec 600 for shotgun to Hornady Single Stage for rifle.

Then I added the case feeder.

Then I added the bullet feeder die and tube.

Whew!

 

[Dudedog]

I like my LNL, hope you like yours as well.

I have the Hornady powder cop, works for pistol and rifle but you need to watch it.
For pistol I much prefer the RCBS lockout die which prevents you from advancing the press if the charge is to high/low. You do not need to watch it.
How much high or low is detected (double and none always if adjusted right) depends on the powder/case. In 9mm using WSF it can be adjusted to get say + or - .2-.3

When I purchased my LNL the press came with the measure and both rotors. (free bullets as well, even if you don't shoot them as much take the more expensive ones, say the .45s over the 9mms.)

Lots of places to order but MIdsouth has them for $378.99 now with 500 free bullets. (used to be XTPs in pistol calibers, forgot what the rifle ones were..)
(didn't price compare just remember their email from a couple days ago)

 

[DRAINSMITH]

CKweigand, you didn't let us know where you are from. But if you are within 100 miles of Omaha I have no heartburn in driving over to help you set your press up.

 

[9mmepiphany]

6 Large primer pick up tubes
6 Small primer pick up tubes

I'd add a Franklin Arsenal Vibra-Prime primer tube filler...unless you really like the peck and poke method

10 Hornady Die Bushings

You'll eventually need more...trust me

Bullet feeder dies for 9mm,38/357,44,45

It might be too late, but you would have been better off spending a bit more for the Mr Bulletfeeder die

I’m wanting to in the future have dedicated measures for each caliber I reload

This makes a lot of sense, but before you get ahead of yourself what you'll need is a separate Powder Die for each caliber and a dedicated Powder Measure Insert for you most often used loads. If you like to tweak your loads a bit, the Micrometer Insert in very useful and recently dropped 33% in price

I also plan on purchasing the inline fabrication mount, led skylight, and the double bullet tray and arm assembly, and ERGO roller handle lever.

The Ultramount is excellent. The LNL was the first press that the mount was designed for and the clearances show it. You'll also like the ERGO handle...the shorter one matches the Ultramount for reach

I found the double bullet tray very convenient...I use them for hand fed cases You should also consider the Piggyback Die Rack and the Improved Finished Round Output Tray .

For lighting, I just stumbled on something newer to the market. The KMS Squared - UFO Reloading Press Light puts out 500 lumens and is a real game changer. I just got mine last week and love it already

 

[CKweigand]

Thanks everybody for the info, definitely a big help!!

Sorry DRAINSMITH I forgot to say that I’m from Southern Illinois, actually 45 minutes east of St. Louis.

Going to check out midsouth later for the press itself, I was hoping to find a deal where Hornady sweetened the pot!

All the other recommendations I will definitely look into, later I’ll post some pics of my current bench and setup and then I’ll post an “after” pic once the hornady is up and running. Can’t wait!!!

 

[sbwaters]

I'd add a Franklin Arsenal Vibra-Prime primer tube

Loading lots of pistol rounds calls for something like this or the Hornady equivalent. I went Hornady but both work.

 

[<*(((><]

AFAIK the LNL AP comes with the Powder measure, case activated linkage, powder die (bottom piece to case activation), PTX linkage, and both pistol and rifle drums and meters for the measure.
From Midway's description:

Luke, did you buy your press new or used? Where from? All the ones I've seen for the last several years include all of the above. And as a couple of buddies have bought them as well and they came with all of the above.

Maybe they didn't at some time?

@mstreddy I may be not remembering right, it was about 3 years ago when I purchased my LnL. I purchased it off Jet.com and got a really good deal on sale and then 15% off, after all of that I just looked it came to $376. I thought that when I purchased my PTX I thought I had to also purchase the linkage. But either way it looks like it comes with it now whether it did for me or not. Glad you showed the OP that, so he doesn't buy two.

 

[CKweigand]

Just purchased the press from midsouth. For all in all right at 395.00 shipping included and I’ll get the free 500 bullets rebate as well.

I just got done working a bunch of overtime this last week so I might as well treat myself to something! Pics will soon to follow the setup.

 

[Kaldor]

Snip for clarity

CK

Looks like alot of stuff you think you might need but ends up being something you dont need. Ive been running my LnL now for 4 years, 40k+ loaded, and probably another 30k thru it just in brass prep. A few other guys around here have that level of experience as well. I throw a few comments in a sec.

Shell plates
Obvious

6 Bullet feeder tubes for (9mm, 38/357)
6 Bullet feeder tubes for (44,45)
Bullet feeder dies for 9mm,38/357,44,45
Nope, bullet feeder tubes are not really an kind of a timesaver as you still have to load them before you use them. False economy if you will. If you want to invest money into a bullet feeding system, go with an MBF. Yes, cost is high, but that will actually improve your loading speed as a whole. Besides, you need to get the press ironed out and running right before you consider any type of automation such as bullet or case feeders. See my thoughts at the end for case and bullet feeders.

6 Large primer pick up tubes
6 Small primer pick up tubes
Nope, just buy something like a FA Vibraprime. Unless you enjoy playing peck peck peck. Load a 100, take a short break for a minute, fill 100 primers, back to loading. On long runs, you need a break.

3 pack of shellplate retaining springs
12 Hornady Sure-Lock Retaining Collars
10 Hornady Die Bushings
Yup, good thing to have all around. I wouldnt sweat the collars too much though, once you set your RCBS dies into the bushings, there really isnt a reason to change them. But if you want, hey its your money.

Hornady Powder Cop
Case Activated powder drop linkage
Hornady powder measure
Hornady quick change pistol rotor and meter
I dont use a powder cop as it takes a full station for something that I can check with my eye. Make a habit of it. Even on 223 I can see into the case with an LED light on the press. I like Hornady powder drops, but I see no real reason to have multiples as change over from one caliber to another for the PM is 2 minute operation once you have done it a few times. If you are dead set on just swapping PMs for calibers, just use Lee PMs. They are good to go and way less money. Having a separate rotor per established load isnt a bad idea though, I do that myself.

Station One — Deprime,Size
—Prime Cases (upstroke)
Station Two — PTX Cases, Powder Throw
Station Three — Powder Cop
Station Four — Bullet Feeder die
Station Five — Bullet Seat and Crimp
You have it mostly on lock down, but let me throw out some caution, especially if this is your first progressive press. I would skip the PTX as I have found that PTX expanders often create a ton of problems getting set perfectly. I have tried one for 9mm, was not happy. I prefer a Lyman M-die expander as it simply just works better. See my thoughts above about powder cop. I set my bullets by hand, and still can load 500 an hour, see my other thoughts on bullet feeders. Seating and crimping in a single operation sometimes can create a ton of issues that can really hard to diagnose. At a minimum I would remove the powder cop, and separate seating and crimping.
My press is set as such for pistol:
1 - Hornady sizing die (I decap when I prep pre wet tumbling)
2 - Lyman M-die to expand
3 - Hornady powder drop
4 - Hornady seater
5 - Lee FCD to crimp
This separates out all operations, making issues with loads easy to diagnose. Im not saying that full automation is a bad thing but get the basics down pat first. You can make alot of bad ammo fast on a progressive.

Before you add a case feeder, get the press timed and running 100% because the case feeder is its own animal. Ive done a ton of work on mine, and I still only consider it to be a 95% reliable solution. When you look for a bullet feeder, buy once cry once, and go with an MBF. It is superior in every way to the Hornady bullet feeder in other than cost.

I consider an Inline Fab press handle a must have, as it will make it more enjoyable. As well as some sort of on press LED light, even the cheap Hornady stick on one is good enough.

Hope that helps!

 

[2011redrider]

I see you have 10 die bushings and 5 more come with the press. If you need more they are cheaper w the conversion kit thru Cabelas, you get 6 plus the conversion bushing for 19.99. 10 packs are usually 39.99, for same price you get 12 and 2 conversion bushings in case you want to convert your RC IV or sell just the bushings to someone who wants to convert a single stage to use Hornady die bushings.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hornady-Lock-N-Load-Conversion-Kit/1324252.uts?slotId=2

 

[Rule3]

Just want to start out and say hi to everybody. I’m new to the forum, but I’ve been reloading for a couple of years now and I must admit I have been following this forum for a while now off and on.

Everyone here seems to have some great insights from differing perspectives which is a big help.

I’ve been reloading on a RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme for two and a half years now. Then recently decided to jump to a Hornady LNL AP. I’ve been buying accessories slowly to ease the fininacial burden of re-tooling my operation.

As of now I have purchased the following

Shellplates - - 9mm Luger, 38 spec. & 357 mag., 44 spec. & mag., 45 ACP

6 Bullet feeder tubes for (9mm, 38/357)
6 Bullet feeder tubes for (44,45)
6 Large primer pick up tubes
6 Small primer pick up tubes
3 pack of shellplate retaining springs
12 Hornady Sure-Lock Retaining Collars
10 Hornady Die Bushings
Hornady Powder Cop
Case Activated powder drop linkage
Hornady powder measure
Hornady quick change pistol rotor and meter
Bullet feeder dies for 9mm,38/357,44,45

I’m holding off on purchasing the press need to save up some more before I drop the cash for it. I try to pay for everything up front no CC Debt!

I already have the RCBS Carbide pistol set dies for the above mentioned calibers and plan on switching out the RCBS collars for the Hornady Sure Locks. I like the idea of Hornady setscrew that does not contact the die unlike RCBS’ design. My intentions with the LNL Press as far as die orientation is as follows...

Station One — Deprime,Size
—Prime Cases (upstroke)
Station Two — PTX Cases, Powder Throw
Station Three — Powder Cop
Station Four — Bullet Feeder die
Station Five — Bullet Seat and Crimp

I plan on purchasing the auto case feeder and auto bullet feeder down the road but I thought with plenty of tubes already filled with bullets it’s more of a luxury than a necessity. I also plan on purchasing the inline fabrication mount, led skylight, and the double bullet tray and arm assembly, and ERGO roller handle lever.

So I ask all of you handloading veterans and Hornady afficianodos, is there anything I’m missing? Are there any problems I’m going to possibly encounter that one might be able to foresee? Are there any tips or tricks with this press that I should know? I appreciate the future input, bad or good it does not matter thank you everybody!

CK

This is a very good thread, in so much as it shows ALL the extra things that need to be purchased for the press, if one plans on loading more than ONE caliber. (press items only, not general reloading gear)

It is very important to add up all these items for a budget when comparing different brands. It is not just the cost of the press or "which press is right for someone" when the ads show hundreds of dollars of "extras" tacked on!

 

[CKweigand]

I agree with you Rule3, I’ve seen so many people say all you need is the components, dies, shellplates...go have fun.

It’s amazing how much the little things cost. I remember when my wife asked me how much the new press was going to be “I told her a little under 400...”

All the while I knew in my head to have the press that I want, configured to what I want I’m looking at 1200-1300 easily. And I of course took that into consideration. I try to be squared away as much as possible when I make a serious investment. And this was no different...I knew what I was getting into..

As a side note I would be a fool to think my wife doesn’t know any wiser when it comes to guns, reloading, and money. I’m sure when I said 400 she heard 1400. Lol

 

[RealGun]

Note that none of that bullet feeder stuff will work with lead bullets. I have mine equipped with Mr. Bullet Feeder dies and Bully adapters, using the vertical tube set by Lee. Works fine except if bullets sit in the tubes too long and some are stuck to each other via the lube.

On the Ultramount, know that the straight front version for the LnL AP will allow the decapping catch tube to overhang the edge of the bench, precluding any need to bore through the bench top and conflict with a drawer or items underneath. It's not listed for the LnL AP, so you have to ask for it. That version of the mount is 7" instead of 9", so you may have an easier time working the press if not particularly tall. If I miss watching the powder cop, I can still look down in the case.

The flexible light I use to shine into cases, supplementing InLine's LED strip, is by Greenlee. It is long and carries multiple batteries. I have an extra one for a rifle bore light. My battery pack and switch part of it is fastened to the mast of the case feeder, nicely out of the way.

On the lock rings, when RCBS uses brass set screws, the metal is too soft to really damage the steel die threads. They work fine, and there is no reason to over tighten.

 

[rsrocket1]

Went through this thread pretty quickly so sorry if I missed these suggestions:

1. Hornady One Shot Gun Cleaner and Dry Lube (not the One Shot case lube). You need to clean off the thin film of packing grease off the metal parts and absolutely need to clean the powder measure parts or you'll never get a consistent powder drop. You can also use break cleaner although the One Shot doesn't stink as much.
2. Primer flipper tray. Required unless you want to flip each primer individually or use a vibrating primer loading gizmo.
3. Grease gun with zerk fitting. Must inject grease into the fittings.

Why they don't include these required parts and add a few $ to the price is frustrating to me.

 

[Dudedog]

1. Hornady One Shot Gun Cleaner and Dry Lube (not the One Shot case lube). You need to clean off the thin film of packing grease off the metal parts and absolutely need to clean the powder measure parts or you'll never get a consistent powder drop. You can also use break cleaner although the One Shot doesn't stink as much.
2. Primer flipper tray. Required unless you want to flip each primer individually or use a vibrating primer loading gizmo.
3. Grease gun with zerk fitting. Must inject grease into the fittings.

Yes, had to buy all of the above. (cars don't seem to have grease fitting like they used to, so I needed a grease gun and some tubes of grease, had one 20 years ago, should be around someplace.....but nope)

I don't know if you need the flipper try if you buy the filler. (someone with a filler help out here)
Don't own one but I can say picking up primers with the tubes is a pain.
I also didn't like the idea of tubes full of primers sitting about. (mental picture of hand grenade going off kept coming to mind)
When the primer tube is on the press it is encased in a safety tube.
Never tried dropping tubes full of primers on the hard floor to see what would happen.

I like to deprime before wet tumbling my brass so my sequence is a bit different and does take an extra pass.
Pass 1 (9mm/.380/45)
1. Deprime/resize
Flair brass use station 2, 3, 4 or 5 what ever makes you happy. Use whatever flair die you happen to like in one of these stations.
Different bullets sometimes need more or less flair but most all the ones I load in any of the above calibers don't require changing the amount of flair.

Prime cleaned and flaired cases with Lee hand primer while watching TV, brass inspection

Pass 2
1. Drop powder
2. Lockout die
3. Bullet feed die
4 Bullet seat/crimp
5 Lee FCD



I like having the brass primed when I go to load. One less thing to mess with when I want to crank out rounds
The press primes on press well but picking up primers with the tubes is a pain, (if I primed on press I would order a filler to try)
and I am used to priming and brass inspecting while watching the tube from the way I did things before I got the LNL progressive.
Hard to teach an old dog new tricks

 

[9mmepiphany]

If you need more they are cheaper w the conversion kit thru Cabelas, you get 6 plus the conversion bushing for 19.99. 10 packs are usually 39.99, for same price you get 12 and 2 conversion bushings

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hornady-Lock-N-Load-Conversion-Kit/1324252.uts?slotId=2

Can you confirm the part number of the Conversion Kit you got from Cabelas.

The link only shows one bushing and additional ones aren't listed in the description.

Midway and Amazon carry the Conversion Kit #044099 for $20, but it only contains the conversion bushing and 3 bushings. I've gotten this kit on sale before for $10 and would love to be able to get a kit with 6 bushings

 

[9mmepiphany]

As well as some sort of on press LED light, even the cheap Hornady stick on one is good enough.

I started with the Hornady LED lighting strip and it was very nice.

I recently found the KMS Squared UFO light and it has made a world of difference. If the UFO light were sunlight at noon, the Hornady strip would be dawn