The Heritage of Excellence
The Importance of Reloading
The world of shooting sports, from competitive marksmanship to recreational plinking, relies on a constant supply of ammunition. Reloading, the process of taking spent cartridge cases and transforming them into functional rounds, has become a staple for many shooters. It offers a significant advantage: the ability to tailor ammunition to individual firearms and shooting styles, all while potentially saving money in the long run. While the initial investment might seem substantial, the long-term rewards, both in terms of cost and performance, are undeniable. One of the most popular pieces of equipment in this world is a progressive reloading press, and within that realm, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP has earned a reputation for being a workhorse. But is it the ultimate progressive press? Let’s explore.
Hornady’s Commitment
Before we delve into the intricacies of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, it’s worth a moment to understand the company behind it. Hornady Manufacturing, based in Grand Island, Nebraska, has a rich history rooted in a passion for accuracy and innovation. Founded by Joyce Hornady in 1949, the company began with a dedication to crafting superior bullets. Over the decades, Hornady expanded its offerings to include a wide array of reloading components, tools, and complete reloading kits. Their commitment to quality, precision, and innovation has made them a trusted name in the shooting community. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP exemplifies this dedication, offering a blend of reliability, speed, and user-friendly features.
Progressive Reloading Explained
Single-Stage vs. Progressive
To understand the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, we must first understand the fundamental difference between progressive and single-stage reloading. Single-stage presses handle one operation at a time. The reloader manually feeds a case, performs a single task (like sizing, priming, or seating a bullet), and then moves the case to the next station for the next step. While precise, this process is time-consuming.
Streamlining the Process
Progressive reloading, on the other hand, is designed for efficiency. It streamlines the process by automating the steps. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP and other progressive presses have multiple stations, typically five, each dedicated to a specific stage in the reloading cycle. As the press handle is cycled, the press automatically indexes, moving the case from one station to the next. This dramatically increases the rate at which rounds can be produced. Instead of handling each case individually for each operation, a reloader can process many rounds per minute, making it ideal for high-volume shooters.
Unveiling the Core Features
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP boasts a suite of features that contribute to its popularity and effectiveness. These are the characteristics that make it a top contender among reloading presses.
The Quick Change System
Perhaps the most celebrated feature of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is its “Lock-N-Load” quick-change bushing system. This clever design allows reloaders to quickly swap dies without the need for tools or complex adjustments. Each die is secured within a unique bushing, and these bushings snap in and out of the press easily. This dramatically cuts down on setup time when changing calibers or swapping dies. The result is faster reloading, more time shooting, and less fiddling with adjustments.
Effortless Auto-Indexing
At the heart of progressive reloading is the automated advancement of cases through the reloading process, and the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP features an efficient auto-indexing system. This system automatically rotates the shell plate, precisely positioning each case under the correct die. With each pull of the press handle, the shell plate advances, moving the case through the various stages. The auto-indexing system eliminates the manual need to rotate the shell plate, which drastically reduces the amount of time to produce finished ammunition.
A Versatile Five-Station Design
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is a five-station press, providing considerable flexibility in how you set up your reloading operations. This allows for a wide array of reloading sequences. A typical setup may include:
- Station 1: Sizing and Decapping: The spent case is resized, and the old primer is removed.
- Station 2: Priming: A new primer is inserted into the case.
- Station 3: Powder Charging: Powder is metered and dispensed into the case.
- Station 4: Bullet Seating: The bullet is seated into the case.
- Station 5: Crimping (and optional powder check) The case mouth is crimped (if applicable) and sometimes used to confirm powder charge.
This allows for complex sequences, from resizing and priming through to crimping.
A Safer Approach with Case-Activated Powder Drop
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP also features a case-activated powder drop system. This crucial safety feature ensures that powder is dispensed only when a case is present in the correct station. This minimizes the risk of spills and prevents the accidental charging of an empty case, which could lead to serious issues if the reloaded round were to be fired. This feature, along with the auto-indexing and automatic priming features, demonstrates the attention to safety Hornady has invested in its reloading press design.
Integrated Automatic Priming
Another feature that adds to the efficiency is the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP’s automatic priming system. This system automatically feeds primers from a primer tube and seats them into the primer pocket of the case during the reloading process. This design streamlines the reloading process and further reduces the amount of time it takes to produce finished ammunition. This automation is a significant time-saver, especially when compared to single-stage presses where priming is a separate, manual step. The automatic priming system also enhances the overall safety of the reloading process, minimizing the potential for primer handling errors.
Expanding Horizons with Accessories
While the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is a capable machine right out of the box, Hornady offers several optional accessories to further enhance its performance and functionality.
Bullet Feeder
A bullet feeder is a welcome addition, allowing the reloader to automatically place bullets onto the case mouths. This feature streamlines the bullet seating process and dramatically increases the speed with which rounds are produced. The bullet feeder can be especially valuable for reloaders who work with a wide variety of different bullet types and weights.
Case Feeder
A case feeder is also an available accessory. A case feeder automatically feeds empty cases into the shell plate, further automating the reloading process and increasing the speed of reloading. Case feeders are perfect for high-volume shooters that require greater efficiency in their process.
Additional Options
Other optional accessories like powder check systems and other specialized components are available to refine the process and enhance safety and reliability. These optional add-ons, while not essential, can transform the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP from a highly capable machine into a reloading powerhouse.
The Advantages and Disadvantages
Like any piece of equipment, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP has its strengths and weaknesses. Carefully considering these points is crucial for deciding if it is the right press for your reloading needs.
The Benefits
The primary advantages of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP are rooted in its speed and convenience. Progressive presses, as a whole, dramatically reduce the time required to reload ammunition compared to single-stage systems. The quick-change bushing system is another major advantage. The ability to quickly switch between dies and calibers significantly reduces setup time and makes the press exceptionally versatile. Furthermore, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP features robust construction, contributing to its reliability and longevity. The case-activated powder drop and automatic priming system also enhance safety.
Potential Drawbacks
The most obvious drawback is the initial cost. Progressive presses are generally more expensive than single-stage presses. Additionally, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, like all progressive presses, is more complex than single-stage presses. This complexity means that the learning curve may be steeper for beginners. Progressive presses also take up more space on your reloading bench than single-stage presses, as they are physically larger. Finally, some users might experience occasional primer feed issues or minor adjustments needed for different cartridge cases.
Finding the Right Fit: Who Should Consider the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP?
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is an excellent choice for specific types of reloaders.
Experienced Reloaders
For those with experience, the press provides a simple and easy way to produce ammunition rapidly and efficiently. If you already have a solid understanding of the reloading process, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP will likely be an excellent addition to your setup.
High-Volume Shooters
For shooters who go through large volumes of ammunition, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is a good fit. The press’s ability to reload hundreds of rounds per hour makes it an ideal option for those who shoot regularly and want to keep their ammunition costs low.
Versatile Reloaders
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is also an excellent choice if you reload a diverse array of calibers and bullet weights. The quick-change bushings make it easy to change setups quickly and efficiently.
Consider the Alternative
However, if you are new to reloading, or if your primary focus is on extremely precise, match-grade ammunition, a single-stage press may be a better starting point. The more deliberate process of single-stage reloading can help beginners learn the fundamentals.
Comparing Choices (Optional)
Though this article is focused on the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, it is worthwhile to briefly consider some of its competitors. The Dillon 550, for example, has a reputation for rugged reliability and a proven track record, but its initial setup may take longer. The RCBS Pro Chucker, another well-regarded option, offers similar progressive features.
A Glimpse into User Experiences
User reviews of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP are overwhelmingly positive. Many reloaders praise its speed, ease of use, and the convenience of the quick-change bushing system. Common feedback highlights the press’s reliability and durability, even under heavy use. Some users have reported occasional primer feed issues, which are often resolved through minor adjustments. Overall, the consensus is that the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP offers excellent value for the price and delivers on its promise of fast and efficient reloading.
In Conclusion
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP offers a compelling combination of speed, convenience, and reliability. The quick-change bushing system, the auto-indexing, and the array of safety features make it a strong contender in the progressive reloading market. It may not be perfect, and its complexity may be a challenge for beginners. For experienced reloaders seeking to increase their production capacity without sacrificing quality, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP represents an outstanding investment. It allows users to reload thousands of rounds per hour. Its flexibility, with the availability of accessories, adds versatility and adaptability. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is a powerful tool that simplifies the reloading process, offering shooters the ability to create high-quality ammunition quickly and efficiently.
Taking the Next Steps
If you are an experienced reloader looking to upgrade your equipment or if you are a new reloader seeking the benefits of progressive reloading, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is a strong candidate for your consideration. If you’re considering this press, take the time to research the process. Explore reloading forums, watch videos, and see the press in action. If you’re already reloading, feel free to share your experiences in the comments, and let us know your thoughts on the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP!
