Hornady LnL progressive question

[tranders]

I have been looking at the Hornady LnL progressive press. My question, is it possible to use dies without the quick change bushings or are you stuck with buying bushings for all your dies?

Thanks!

[rancher1913]

You need the bushings, but you can leave the bushing in place and change your dies like any other press

[earlmck]

You can just unscrew your die from the bushing and put in another die. No problem. You do have to have the press holes filled with the bushings of course, but don't really have to use multiple bushings.

Ooops -- I guess the Rancher and I were typing at the same time with the same answer.

[ReloaderFred]

You need the bushings, but they're really handy and easy to use. A caliber change takes about two minutes, including changing the shellplate. I buy the bushings in the 12 pack, and they aren't that expensive, but I load 32 different calibers, but only about half of them on the LnL. The others are loaded on my other presses.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[tranders]

Ok great. Thank you for the info

[Drew P]

If they really bug you you can use a pair of channel locks to really jam them down in the press effectively making them permanent installed. I've even heard of people using glue to mount them.

[tranders]

My only concern was the cost of extra bushings,but if I can leave the bushings mounted in the press it's a moot point. Overall I am reading good reviews on the press. Any input or suggestions?

[dannyd]

If your not going to use the bushing buy a Dillon 650 or 550. The bushings are the best part of the press to me. I have two LNL's and about 40 bushing.

[DerekP Houston]

My only concern was the cost of extra bushings,but if I can leave the bushings mounted in the press it's a moot point. Overall I am reading good reviews on the press. Any input or suggestions?

I really enjoy mine, I reuse the bushings between caliber changes as I'm still transitioning from my lee turret and the depths are different

[308Jeff]

For bushings, keep your eye on both Amazon and Midwayusa.

I recently picked up a few 3 packs that come with the conversion kit for $9.99 each.

[DerekP Houston]

For bushings, keep your eye on both Amazon and Midwayusa.

I recently picked up a few 3 packs that come with the conversion kit for $9.99 each.

well, I also like to keep my dies in the boxes and with the bushings attached they don't fit . Good tip though thanks!

[tranders]

I really enjoy mine, I reuse the bushings between caliber changes as I'm still transitioning from my lee turret and the depths are different

Good to hear, thanks for the input.

[tranders]

If your not going to use the bushing buy a Dillon 650 or 550. The bushings are the best part of the press to me. I have two LNL's and about 40 bushing.

I have looked at the Dillons,but there is quite a price difference compared to the Hornady.

[dannyd]

They are, but I owned a 550 and SDB and for one caliber there great. I have 12 seating dies for 38 and 357 so the bushing work great for me. There is more of a leaning curve on a LNL than the Dillion equipment.

[308Jeff]

I have looked at the Dillons,but there is quite a price difference compared to the Hornady.

I haven't priced them in while, but when combined with a case feeder they're pretty close.

[308Jeff]

well, I also like to keep my dies in the boxes and with the bushings attached they don't fit . Good tip though thanks!

Yeah even Hornady doesn't make the boxes big enough.

[osteodoc08]

I've had a Hornady LnL for several years. It does have a few shortcomings but is a serviceable press. I've since been making the switch to Dillon.

In regards to the bushings. It comes with the 5 bushings to get everything going. You do not have to buy extra bushings if you don't want. You'll just have to readjust the dies every time they are switxhed. If you have the bushings you get the die adjusted and it's set pretty much permanently. Just swap out the bushings that hold the dies you want to use.

[tranders]

They are, but I owned a 550 and SDB and for one caliber there great. I have 12 seating dies for 38 and 357 so the bushing work great for me. There is more of a leaning curve on a LNL than the Dillion equipment.

That's good to know. Thank you

[ReloaderFred]

One of the advantages to the LnL press is the bushings. They go in with a simple twist, and lock in place. Once the die is set in the bushing, you don't have to adjust it anymore.

I've had two 550B's, and sold them both. They're 4 position presses and manually indexed, whereas the LnL is a 5 position press and auto-indexing. With the LnL, you operate the handle with the right hand, and do everything else with your left hand, and never have to take your right hand off the handle during the process. With the 550B, you have to use both hands to rotate, put a bullet on the plate and add another case. It was cumbersome for me, so I sold the presses and kept the LnL. It all depends on what works for you, and for me, the LnL works better, but that's just me.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[tranders]

One of the advantages to the LnL press is the bushings. They go in with a simple twist, and lock in place. Once the die is set in the bushing, you don't have to adjust it anymore.

I've had two 550B's, and sold them both. They're 4 position presses and manually indexed, whereas the LnL is a 5 position press and auto-indexing. With the LnL, you operate the handle with the right hand, and do everything else with your left hand, and never have to take your right hand off the handle during the process. With the 550B, you have to use both hands to rotate, put a bullet on the plate and add another case. It was cumbersome for me, so I sold the presses and kept the LnL. It all depends on what works for you, and for me, the LnL works better, but that's just me.

Hope this helps.

Fred

Thank you Fred for the input. I like the idea of 5 stations,which I think the Dillon 650 has also. I'm not wanting case or bullet feeders just a good robust progressive press.