Introduction
The allure of the reloading bench is undeniable. It’s a place where precision meets passion, where self-sufficiency and cost savings dance together. For the avid shooter or hunter, reloading offers a unique blend of control, customization, and the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition. It’s a craft that allows you to fine-tune your loads for optimal accuracy and performance, all while potentially saving a significant amount of money in the long run. But reloading, especially when you’re aiming for a high volume of ammunition, can be a time-consuming process. This is where the Hornady Lock-N-Load Progressive Press steps in, promising to revolutionize your reloading experience. This article will delve into the features, benefits, and considerations of this popular reloading machine, helping you determine if it’s the right choice for your reloading needs.
Reloading isn’t just about economics; it’s about taking ownership of your ammunition. You get to experiment with different components – bullets, powders, primers – to create the perfect load for your specific firearm and shooting style. This level of control isn’t available when you buy factory-loaded ammunition. You can tailor your rounds for match shooting, hunting, or even just plinking at the range. Reloading allows you to squeeze every ounce of accuracy from your firearm and to optimize performance based on your goals.
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Progressive Press is a well-regarded reloading machine, known for its speed, efficiency, and ease of use. It’s designed to handle multiple reloading steps simultaneously, drastically reducing the time required to produce high-quality ammunition. This is a key advantage for anyone who shoots frequently or who wants to stock up on a large supply of ammunition. It’s a significant upgrade from the time-consuming nature of single-stage presses.
Key Elements and Functionality
At the heart of the Hornady Lock-N-Load Progressive Press is its innovative design, built around a central rotating plate where the cases are moved through each reloading stage. It’s a robust machine made to handle a variety of cartridges, from common handgun rounds to rifle cartridges. The press’s smooth operation is a testament to its careful engineering.
One of the most noteworthy features is the Lock-N-Load bushing system. This clever design enables you to quickly swap between different reloading dies without needing to readjust your dies. The system utilizes quick-change bushings that secure the dies in place, allowing you to go from sizing a .308 Winchester case to seating a .45 ACP bullet in a matter of seconds. This feature is a huge time-saver, making caliber changes a breeze and minimizes downtime.
The case-activated powder measure is another essential element. This system ensures a consistent and accurate powder charge every time, which is crucial for achieving consistent performance and accuracy. The powder measure is directly linked to the movement of the case, guaranteeing that powder is dispensed only when a case is present. This integrated approach helps to prevent powder spills and ensures precise and reliable powder metering.
While some progressive presses offer automatic indexing, the Hornady Lock-N-Load often comes with a manual indexing function. This allows the user to manually rotate the shell plate to the next station after each operation. There is an automatic indexing kit sold by Hornady available for purchase for this press. The ability to control indexing can be beneficial to reloaders, especially those who are just starting out, as it gives them more control over the process. Manual indexing also allows you to feel the various processes more, allowing you to identify any problems or anomalies along the way.
The optional case feeder adds another layer of efficiency to the reloading process. This case feeder automatically feeds empty cases into the press, which is beneficial for high-volume reloading. The case feeder streamlines the reloading process significantly, freeing up your hands and attention for other tasks.
The primer system is another area where the Hornady Lock-N-Load shines. Designed for reliability and ease of maintenance, the press’s primer system feeds primers directly from the primer tubes into the priming station. The Hornady primer system is known for its reliability, minimizing the chance of malfunctions. It provides a consistent and dependable priming experience.
The shell plate is the core of the press’s operation, holding the cases securely as they move through each reloading stage. Constructed from durable materials, the shell plate is built to withstand the rigors of frequent reloading.
There are other built-in features, like the spent primer collection system, which keeps your reloading area clean and tidy. Safety gates and other features are also incorporated into the press to make sure the reloading process is safe. The press is designed to provide a seamless and safe reloading experience.
In terms of specifications, the Hornady Lock-N-Load is a multi-station press, meaning it can perform a variety of reloading steps simultaneously. The frame is built from durable materials, ensuring stability and longevity. It’s designed for a long handle, providing plenty of leverage during the reloading process, minimizing effort, and making the operation easier. The press is compatible with a wide array of cartridges, from common handgun rounds to popular rifle calibers. The stroke length is carefully designed to accommodate various cartridge sizes.
Advantages of the Hornady Lock-N-Load Progressive Press
The most significant benefit of the Hornady Lock-N-Load Progressive Press is its ability to dramatically increase reloading speed and efficiency. The capacity to perform multiple operations at the same time translates to more ammunition produced in less time. If you’re a high-volume shooter, or just want to stockpile ammunition efficiently, this press is a game-changer.
The press is designed for ease of use. The instructions provided are relatively easy to follow and setup, and the quick-change die system makes changing calibers very straightforward. The Hornady design philosophy emphasizes user-friendliness, making it an attractive choice for reloaders of all experience levels.
The press’s versatility is another important advantage. It can handle a wide range of handgun and rifle cartridges. You can easily switch between cartridges with a simple change of the shell plate and the appropriate dies. This level of adaptability makes it a valuable tool for anyone who shoots multiple firearms.
Hornady is a well-known and trusted name in the reloading industry, and the Lock-N-Load Progressive Press lives up to that reputation. The press is constructed with quality materials and a robust design. The positive user feedback is a strong indication of its reliability and durability. Many reloaders report years of dependable service from their Hornady presses.
Things to Consider
While the Hornady Lock-N-Load Progressive Press offers many benefits, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase.
The initial cost is a factor to consider. The price of the press itself, along with the required dies, accessories, and optional case feeder, represents a significant investment. While reloading can save you money in the long run, the initial outlay can be substantial. However, the savings in labor and the increased production rate offset that cost over time for active reloaders.
There’s a learning curve associated with any progressive press. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Progressive Press is designed to be user-friendly, but becoming proficient in its operation requires a little time and practice. There are many online resources, including videos and forums. Read the manual carefully, and be patient as you get used to the press. The effort is ultimately worth it.
The press needs a dedicated space. It’s a larger piece of equipment that requires a stable mounting surface and sufficient room to operate. The press will need its own space, along with additional space for storing components and accessories.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the press operates at peak performance. This includes periodic cleaning, lubrication, and inspection. However, with basic care, the press will provide many years of reliable service.
It’s important to be aware of potential issues, such as primer system malfunctions, and powder spillage. However, with careful setup and proper technique, these issues can be minimized.
Reloading, Step by Step
While this is a complex process, here’s a basic overview of the reloading steps performed on the Hornady Lock-N-Load Progressive Press:
Start by feeding empty cases into the press (either manually or using a case feeder). The cases are then sized and de-primed, pushing the spent primers out. The case mouth is then expanded to accommodate the bullet. Powder is metered into the case. The bullet is seated into the case. The case is then crimped, sealing the bullet in place. And that’s a loaded round.
Comparing to Other Presses
The Hornady Lock-N-Load faces competition from other progressive presses, such as those made by Dillon and RCBS. When comparing presses, consider factors like features, price, and ease of use. Each press has its own strengths and weaknesses, so research each press thoroughly.
The User’s Voice
Many reloaders rave about the Hornady Lock-N-Load Progressive Press, praising its speed, efficiency, and ease of use. Users frequently comment on the quality of the press, its reliability, and Hornady’s excellent customer service. Many consider it an excellent value for the features it offers.
Wrapping Up
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Progressive Press is a powerful and efficient reloading machine that provides significant advantages to reloaders. Its speed, user-friendliness, and versatility make it an excellent choice for those who want to produce a high volume of ammunition quickly. It’s particularly well-suited for reloaders who want to save time. Its innovative features like the Lock-N-Load bushing system and case-activated powder measure enhance its appeal.
However, it’s important to carefully consider the cost, space requirements, and learning curve. For the serious reloader, especially those who want to reload in volume, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Progressive Press is a great investment. It can significantly enhance the reloading process.
If you’re looking for a reliable, efficient, and easy-to-use progressive press, the Hornady Lock-N-Load is an excellent choice. We encourage you to research the press thoroughly. Check out online videos, read reviews, and visit your local gun store. Take the time to investigate it further. If you have any questions, be sure to ask in the comments!
