What is Progressive Reloading and Why Choose It?
The Power of Progressive Reloading
The call of the shooting range, the satisfaction of precision shots, and the thrill of self-reliance. These are often the driving forces behind the hobby of reloading ammunition. Reloading, the art of creating your own cartridges, offers a wealth of benefits, from cost savings to a deeper understanding of ballistics. But where to begin? One of the most popular and capable solutions for reloading enthusiasts is the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide, diving deep into the world of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, exploring its features, operation, and what makes it a favorite among reloaders.
Reloading, in its essence, involves disassembling spent cartridges, then preparing the brass, adding primers, carefully measuring and dispensing powder, seating new bullets, and finally crimping the projectile. But it’s no longer a slow or tedious task. The beauty of a progressive reloading press, like the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press, is its ability to streamline this entire process. Rather than performing each step individually on a single-station press, a progressive press completes several tasks simultaneously with each pull of the handle. This is the very essence of efficiency. It’s a system designed to dramatically speed up the process of creating ammunition. For those who enjoy shooting frequently or competitively, the advantages of progressive reloading are undeniable.
The efficiency of the progressive process is truly its selling point. Consider the volume of ammunition you can produce in a single reloading session. Progressive presses allow reloaders to create hundreds, even thousands, of rounds in a relatively short amount of time. This is an enormous benefit for anyone who burns through a considerable amount of ammunition. It is the difference between spending hours at the bench and enjoying your time on the range. Furthermore, progressive presses often contribute to the workload reduction of reloading. Each pull of the handle automates multiple actions, reducing the physical strain associated with hand loading.
Who Benefits from a Progressive Press?
Progressive presses are ideally suited for several groups of people. High-volume shooters, such as those participating in competitive shooting sports (IDPA, USPSA, etc.), will find the speed and efficiency of a progressive press invaluable. The ability to quickly produce large quantities of ammunition is critical. Casual shooters who enjoy plinking at the range or those who want to enjoy a more efficient reloading session will also appreciate the time-saving benefits. Reloaders with specific caliber needs, such as reloading for multiple firearms, can use the progressive press for their convenience. In the end, the progressive press is designed for reloaders wanting to produce more ammunition in less time.
Features and Specifications of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP
Key Features of the Hornady AP
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press, in particular, stands out in the progressive press arena. It’s a reliable, robust, and feature-rich machine that has earned a strong reputation among reloaders. The design itself is built for durability, made from high-quality materials. The frame is sturdy, helping to ensure consistent performance. But the core components are where this press truly shines.
One of the hallmark features of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is its Lock-N-Load Bushing System. This is a brilliant system, and it is simple yet effective. Essentially, this feature allows for quick and easy die changes. Instead of painstakingly unscrewing and screwing in dies, you simply insert them into a dedicated bushing. The bushing then locks into place. Changing calibers becomes a breeze. Just swap the dies and their corresponding bushings, and you’re ready to go. This dramatically reduces downtime and allows you to switch between different calibers with a minimum of effort. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press allows reloaders to swap out calibers quickly. This is especially useful if you reload multiple calibers.
The automatic indexing system is another key element. This component moves the case from station to station automatically, ensuring that each case goes through all the necessary operations in the correct sequence. This automatic indexing system removes the need for the user to manually rotate the shell plate, which adds to the overall speed and efficiency of the reloading process.
Case feeders are a popular addition that enhances the efficiency of progressive presses. While some presses have built-in case feeders, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP allows for the addition of one. With the case feeder, cases are automatically fed into the shell plate, eliminating the need to manually place each case. This is a substantial time-saver, especially when loading large quantities of ammunition. Hornady offers a dedicated case feeder for the Lock-N-Load AP, but various aftermarket options exist, allowing users to select one that fits their specific needs.
The powder measure system of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is another critical component. It’s designed to accurately meter the powder charges for your ammunition. The powder measure is highly adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the amount of powder dispensed per cartridge. Careful powder measurement is essential for accuracy and safety, so it is an integral aspect of every reload. The Hornady system is known for its consistency and reliability. It is possible to make very precise adjustments to achieve the loads required.
Priming is a critical aspect of reloading, and the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP includes a reliable priming system. The press handles this task as part of the progressive cycle. The system automatically feeds primers into the priming tube and then seats them into the primer pocket of each case. The design is intended to provide consistent primer seating, crucial for reliable ignition. The primer feed can be adjusted for different primer sizes.
Safety is always paramount. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP comes equipped with several safety features designed to protect the user. Case-activated powder drop systems prevent powder from being dispensed unless a case is present. This helps to prevent powder spills and accidental charges. Auto-indexing disablers are another feature which prevents the shell plate from advancing if the user does not complete an operation, protecting against misfires.
Specifications
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is typically a five-station press, offering great versatility for reloaders. This setup allows for a wide range of reloading operations, from resizing to bullet seating and crimping. The frame material is typically made of sturdy steel, providing the durability and stability required for consistent reloading. Standard accessories that are often included with the press, such as the Lock-N-Load Bushing System, powder measure, and priming components provide a complete reloading setup. The exact dimensions and weight can vary slightly depending on any added accessories. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP provides a solid and reliable platform.
Setting Up and Using the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP
Setting Up Your Press
Setting up and using the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press requires careful attention to detail. Beginning with the setup. The press needs to be securely mounted to a sturdy reloading bench. This step is essential for stability and safe operation. Ensure that the bench can withstand the forces involved in reloading.
Next, it’s time to install the dies. Using the Lock-N-Load bushings, insert the appropriate dies into the corresponding stations. Securely tighten the bushings into place. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper die alignment and adjustment. Each die must be properly adjusted to perform its function correctly, whether it’s sizing, expanding, seating, or crimping.
The powder measure also needs to be set up. This involves calibrating the powder charge to the desired amount, and adjusting the powder measure. Practice is vital here. Once the powder charge is set, verify it with a powder scale to ensure accuracy and consistency. Proper powder measurements are vital for safe and accurate reloading.
If you’re using a case feeder, install and set it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step will involve adjusting the case feed tube and collator to handle the specific cases you are reloading.
Finally, it’s time to set up the priming system. Ensure that the primer feed tube is properly loaded with primers and that the priming system is functioning correctly. The primer seating depth is something that should be set with the proper gauge.
Operating the Press
Operating the press is then a step-by-step process. If you use a case feeder, ensure cases are loaded in the feed tube. Then, grasp the handle and operate the press, and move through the stations.
At Station one, the sizing and depriming process takes place. Here, the case is sized down, and the spent primer is removed.
Station two often involves expanding the case mouth. The case mouth is expanded to receive the bullet.
At station three, the primer is seated into the primer pocket.
At station four, powder is charged into the case. This stage can be monitored and adjusted.
Finally, at station five, the bullet is seated, and the case is crimped to secure the bullet.
With each full stroke of the handle, a completed round will be ejected from the press, and a new case will be primed and prepared for the next cycle.
Pros and Cons of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP
Advantages
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press offers many advantages. It’s fast, efficient, and easy to use. With practice, users can reload hundreds of rounds per hour. Once set up, the Lock-N-Load AP is easy to operate. It delivers reliability and durability. The press is built to last, with high-quality components. The press is also versatile. It can handle a wide range of calibers, and it provides excellent customer support.
Disadvantages
There are also disadvantages to consider. The initial cost of the press can be a significant investment. Additionally, there is a learning curve involved in setting up and operating the press. It can be more complex than a single-stage press. The press takes up more bench space. Finally, you have to commit to a maintenance schedule.
Accessories and Upgrades for the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP
To further customize your reloading setup, accessories and upgrades are available. Case feeder upgrades offer more versatility. You can use dedicated case feeders for different calibers. Bullet feeders help streamline the bullet seating process. Powder check systems ensure that each case receives the correct powder charge. Case collators speed up the case feeding process.
Comparison with Other Progressive Presses
When choosing a progressive press, it’s useful to consider how the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP compares to competitors. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is known for its speed and the ease with which you can change out dies. Other manufacturers also offer solid progressive presses, but the Lock-N-Load AP balances features, price, and ease of use very well.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular Maintenance
Like any precision machine, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press requires regular maintenance to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Cleaning and lubrication are crucial. Regularly clean the press to remove debris and buildup. Lubricate moving parts with the recommended lubricants. Inspect the parts periodically to identify any wear or damage. This can help you prevent more significant problems down the line.
Common Issues and Solutions
Troubleshooting is part of the reloading journey. If a case gets stuck, don’t force it. Inspect the die and case for any problems. If priming issues arise, ensure that the priming system is aligned. If powder dispensing issues occur, check the powder measure adjustment and powder flow.
If case feeding problems develop, inspect the case feeder and ensure that it is set up correctly.
Proper maintenance and troubleshooting are essential for a long and successful reloading career.
Safety Precautions
Safety is not just important—it’s absolutely essential when working with reloading equipment. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from projectiles, debris, and potential explosions. Ensure you use the correct components, following load data recommendations to avoid dangerous pressures. Thoroughly inspect cases for any damage or defects before reloading. Always follow load data carefully, and never exceed the recommended powder charges. A safe reloading environment is a well-ventilated dedicated space, free from distractions, where all components are carefully stored and managed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press is a superb choice for reloaders seeking speed, efficiency, and consistent ammunition production. Its features and reliability make it suitable for many shooting enthusiasts, from dedicated target shooters to those who simply want to control the quality and cost of their ammunition. The ease of use, combined with its ability to handle different calibers, makes it a versatile tool for any reloading bench. We encourage you to delve deeper into the world of reloading with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP. Research, read reviews, and consider the advantages of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press.
