Hornady LNL progressive...yes or no?

[468]

I currently use a 35 year old Lyman press. Thinking about moving up to a progressive press for handgun loading. Any thoughts on the Hornady press?

[thegreatdane]

Yes. Yes. Yes!

It's fantastic. The auto-index is a huge plus. Also the 5-hole allows more configuration options.

I highly recommend it.

[oldhickory]

Been using one for a couple of years now and I like it a lot.[smilie=w:

[SethD]

I have had one for several years and like it a lot. Hornady has slowly but surely tweaked and improved the design of the press over the years and it is good quality and fairly user friendly.

[Colorado4wheel]

I currently use a 35 year old Lyman press. Thinking about moving up to a progressive press for handgun loading. Any thoughts on the Hornady press?

It has less leverage then the Dillons, It has a less precise case feeder setup, it has primer issues due to less leverage with some primers.

Get a 550 or 650.

Auto indexing is TOTALLY over rated.

My LnL is on it's way back to Hornady after 4 months of chasing one little issue after another. My 550 worked perfectly from the get go.

[deltaenterprizes]

I have had a Pro-7 since they came out and replaced it with a Lock-n-Load. The index hub broke on the first round, I made a better one. Hornady replaced it without problem.
The price on a new LnL is not much more than I paid for my Pro-7 in the early 1980s.

[August]

I'm very happy with mine... particularly since they've fixed the ejection system.

Very flexible and safe. Readily useful for black powder.

[ihmsakiwi]

I currently use a 35 year old Lyman press. Thinking about moving up to a progressive press for handgun loading. Any thoughts on the Hornady press?

Hell, Yes Yes Yes I also agree the LNL is great.

I have had one for twelve months and if you follow the instructions and / or ask here if you get flumixed all will be well. I watched the CD that accompanied the press and set up was sweet.

I loaded 200 x 357 and 150 x 32 Mag in about an hour and a half yesterday which is a hell of a lot faster than I ever could with my old RCBS Rockchukker or my Lee progressive.
Peter.

[Lloyd Smale]

Good press for someone who cant afford a 650. there allways compared to a 650 and in my opinion the 650 is superior but it should be as it cost enough more that they really shouldnt be compared.

[Andy Griffith]

I've had my LNL-AP since it came out- I only wish it had a grease groove in the body and a zerk fitting like the ones currently made.

I've never had a single problem with it at all. I did have a 650 for a while before trying a Hornady at a friends house...I gave it up because I didn't like the way it rotated, opposite from a Hornady. I've still got an old RCBS ammomaster which rotates the wrong way like a Dillion, but I only use it for depriming and sizing before polishing.

I've got a 3gal bucket 3/4 full of spent primers- that's about half of what I've run on the press so far with no problems.

[468]

Sounds like a "BUY". Thanks for the feedback.

[S391]

I've loaded something like 15K on mine in the last 2 years and I've been very pleased with it. I had a few little issues (operator induced) and Hornady shipped me replacement parts at no cost and no questions asked.

I rigged up a home-built version of a strong mount and haven't looked back. Overall I have been very pleased with the press and hope to add a case feeder to it this summer.


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b283/S682/IMG_4336.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b283/S682/IMG_4345.jpg

[thehouseproduct]

I only have several hundred rounds through mine and it has been pretty good. The primer system took some getting used to. I love how quickly i can switch calibers or even parts of calibers so quickly with the die bushings and powder measure inserts. I can have 2 different seating dies for SWC and full wad cutters and I don't need tool heads etc, I just switch out the one die I need to. It is also a great deal cheaper than the dillon.

[jeff423]

It has less leverage then the Dillons, It has a less precise case feeder setup, it has primer issues due to less leverage with some primers.

Get a 550 or 650.

Auto indexing is TOTALLY over rated.

My LnL is on it's way back to Hornady after 4 months of chasing one little issue after another. My 550 worked perfectly from the get go.


Amen - I sent mine back after a month - bought a 650 and never looked back. (I like auto indexing)

Jeff

[Whistler]

I've got a L-N-L with serial number 00146. I reload 20-30,000 rounds a year. When something gets worn out or I mess up (like damaging the case retainer spring), Hornady sends replacement parts in just a few days. Since I am located across the Atlantic, that says a lot.

I load .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Special, .44 Magnum, .45 ACP, .45 Auto Rim, 9x19mm and .444 Marlin. This oven bakes them all.

I'm not saying Dillon makes inferior products or have lesser warranties, its just that my L-N-L never gives me reasons to think about "upgrading"...
I've always found that low quality dies gives a whole lot more problems than the press will ever do. That's why I always only use Redding dies.

[bbqncigars]

I used to be a rabid Dillon fan, but I got over it with the 'help' of their tech support. There's nothing like selling a powder funnel that's .004" undersized to generate customer loyalty and love. To justify it as "but it's always been that way in our catalog" is pure b.s. Unlike the Dillon, my AP has not ruined a precious case yet. The free bullets included with the AP purchase were pure icing on the cake. BTW, why do so many people need Dillon c.s.?

[That'll Do]

I've had my LNL for about 5 months now, and have easily loaded 4000 rounds on it. It was easy to set up, and it has been easy to use.

The only thing I noticed was that it DOES NOT like to feed Winchester primers. It's almost like the primer anvil sticks out of the cup too much.

No big deal though, I just changed primer brands, problem solved.

[44 WCF]

I've had one forever it seems, if I do regular clean lube and maintenance and don't fix what isn't broke it's been great, I will never ever ever again decide I can setting timing better than the factory setup. I on the North side of 20,000 rounds and never a broken part except spent primer catch bottle. Keep it clean and keep top deck and your plates clean and the stop detents clean of crud. It will let you know if you get lazy on cleaning and care.

[thegreatdane]

I had to adjust the primer feed tray last night - first major adjustment in 9000+ rounds. Then proceeded to load 350 200gn Lee SWC .45s. Life is good.

[468]

Ordered one yesterday. Should deliver next week. Also have shellplates for .38/.357, .40/10mm on the way...and I think a .45, too....and extra bushibgs. Excited about my new toy.

Anyone ever order anything from Targethunting.com? They are who I ordered the .45 shellplate from...haven't been able to speak to a human to confirm.

S391: I'll likely duplicate your "strong mount".

[thegreatdane]

Did you get .45 shellplate #1 or #45?

If it's number one, call and switch your order to #45 before it ships. 1 was designed for many calibers including 45 acp; however it can bind and lock-up. This prompted Hornady to design #45 specifically for the .45 acp case, and it is flawless.

In my experience, if you're using the LNL for .45 you must have shellplate #45.

[468]

HOLY HORNADY!!!

The press was delivered yesterday!! Only 2 days via UPS ground(from Natchez Supply). WOW!

Probably won't get to play with it for a week or 2, dang it. Too many other projects already started.

thegreatdane: Yes. Ordered No. 45.(backordered).

[oldhickory]

Get on Hornady's web site and watch the videos for the LNL AP, a lot of good advice there and makes setting up the press easier.

[be603]

Had my LNL-AP several years now. Only been loading straight wall pistol on it thus far so I can't speak to the leverage complaint. It has a boatload more leverage than the RCBS JR I've been using on bottleneck rifle rounds since '76. The JR takes a fair bit of "unnngghhh" when full length sizing -06 brass. Thus far the Hornady has plenty of leverage for me.

Other than the old style spring ejector, the only thing approaching a "problem" I've had with the LNL-AP has been getting CCI LP primers seated fully in new Starline Colt 45 brass. I had to pay attention to detail on the upstroke and seat the primer firmly. I'd been using a Lee handprime since the 80's so I was spoiled. The Lee tool is still my favorite for seating primers.

Anyhoo, I don't know if that counts as a press issue or a brass issue. I'm inclined to call it a brass issue since on multiple other calibers and brands of brass I've had no issue with primer seating.

[Colorado4wheel]

Other than the old style spring ejector, the only thing approaching a "problem" I've had with the LNL-AP has been getting CCI LP primers seated fully in new Starline Colt 45 brass. I had to pay attention to detail on the upstroke and seat the primer firmly. I'd been using a Lee handprime since the 80's so I was spoiled. The Lee tool is still my favorite for seating primers.

Anyhoo, I don't know if that counts as a press issue or a brass issue. I'm inclined to call it a brass issue since on multiple other calibers and brands of brass I've had no issue with primer seating.

I have issues seating CCI SP and any brass I try.

To the OP, Keep in mind the people not using a case feeder are more likely to be happy as well.

[Alvarez Kelly]

I used to be a rabid Dillon fan, but I got over it with the 'help' of their tech support. There's nothing like selling a powder funnel that's .004" undersized to generate customer loyalty and love. To justify it as "but it's always been that way in our catalog" is pure b.s. Unlike the Dillon, my AP has not ruined a precious case yet. The free bullets included with the AP purchase were pure icing on the cake. BTW, why do so many people need Dillon c.s.?

I'd like to hear a bit more of the story with the .004 undersize funnel... What happened?

[Lloyd Smale]

I cant see where a funnel .oo4 of an inch small would effect anything. I use two funnels for all the rifle loading i do on them. One for small and one for larger and the handgun funnels are are al tapered to bell a case and it would just be a matter of screwing the die up or down to compensate. For example to load 500 linebaughs which are 512 dillion users use a 501 funnel because dillon doesnt make a 512. Now thats .o11 differnce and its still workable. Am i missing something here?
I used to be a rabid Dillon fan, but I got over it with the 'help' of their tech support. There's nothing like selling a powder funnel that's .004" undersized to generate customer loyalty and love. To justify it as "but it's always been that way in our catalog" is pure b.s. Unlike the Dillon, my AP has not ruined a precious case yet. The free bullets included with the AP purchase were pure icing on the cake. BTW, why do so many people need Dillon c.s.?

[jwalt01]

There is a lot of good info on the LNL.
http://ultimatereloader.com/

[468]

Started setting up my new press last night. The included DVD was quite helpful...except...the first "chapter" showed the older version without the EZject system. I thought I was missing some parts! LOL...

I used S391's mounting set up...and it is SOLID...makes it much more comfiortable for a tall guy to reload. I can sit on my stool and have the cases just below chin level so I can visually check powder charges...and don't have to bend over at the bottom of the stroke of the handle.

Nothing loaded yet but, won't be long.

...I also received a spare cylinder for the powder measurer...didn't know that was coming.

This is quite an upgrade from my 30+ year old Lyman Spartan T press!!!

[DJ1]

I gave my LNL away and got a 550 but it is all in personal preference

[bbqncigars]

My notes on the powder funnel are back home, but IIRC, it led to case neck and shoulder damage when trying to seat the bullet in .30 Mauser cases. I ended up modifying a .32acp funnel on my lathe. That worked, but shouldn't have been necessary.

[Russ in WY]

Just saw a new one at a friends house last week , He is real happy with it so-far.. Think I will stick with my pair of 550-B's tho. Also have a Green -RC'er , in Red the Lee Classic , single & Turret , & one ole grey Lyman single. have Pat Marlins Rock -Dock X's two , they are really slick. for a Quick press change.. Need a couple more plates now .. Great Sport , isin't it ??? My 2¢ Russ

[468]

OK...got the press set up for 40's last night, cranked out 100 rounds fairly quickly...but not without issue. I had to adjust the timing(very easily done using instructions in manual). After that, it was just a matter of getting into a groove...which I didn't...LOL. Also, the priming process will take a little getting used to...and, the EZject system needs to "smooth out ", as it hung up a few times.

[thegreatdane]

Here's one for sale in the Colorado Springs area. Looks like a good deal... http://cosprings.craigslist.org/spo/2333623868.html (http://cosprings.craigslist.org/spo/2333623868.html)

[Colorado4wheel]

Started setting up my new press last night. The included DVD was quite helpful...except...the first "chapter" showed the older version without the EZject system. I thought I was missing some parts! LOL...

I used S391's mounting set up...and it is SOLID...makes it much more comfiortable for a tall guy to reload. I can sit on my stool and have the cases just below chin level so I can visually check powder charges...and don't have to bend over at the bottom of the stroke of the handle.

Nothing loaded yet but, won't be long.

...I also received a spare cylinder for the powder measurer...didn't know that was coming.

This is quite an upgrade from my 30+ year old Lyman Spartan T press!!!

It's not a spare, it's the rifle vs the pistol.

[thehouseproduct]

It's not a spare, it's the rifle vs the pistol.
Lame. I didn't get the pistol. I had to buy mine.

[468]

It's not a spare, it's the rifle vs the pistol.

:???: Um..DUHHH!!! I sware I didn't see anything in the instructions about that...of course, when I opened the little box and looked further...

I can tell you that the rifle cylinder measures and dispenses Unique powder well for 40's and 45's... geez!

[Waldog]

Which is Better? What’s best?

This question usually ignites a firestorm of of "Blue verses Red verses etc." What you are not going to find is very many people that have actually loaded on BOTH DILLON AND HORNADY. I have loaded on the Dillon SDB, 550, 650, 1050 and the Hornady LNL.
I currently own a Hornady LNL and a Dillon SDB.

Here is my perspective:

Consider the Hornady Lock and Load Progressive. It’s cheaper than the Dillon and has several features that, IMHO are better than Dillon.

The Dillon has been on the market a long time and have great customer service, as a result, Dillon users are very dedicated to their blue presses. Dillon presses are EXCEPTIONAL and do an exceptional job in reloading. The competition to the Dillon is the Hornady Lock and Load Auto Progressive. Because most of the Dillon users are so satisfied, when you ask the question “Which is better?”, you get swamped with comments like, "The Hornady LNL is Junk!" If you asked if they have ever loaded on the LNL and 99.9% said no. When I did find someone that had experience with both presses, most liked the LNL and many had sold their Dillon's and bought the LNL. However, there have been those that sold their red presses and bought blue. I can also unequivocally state, based on my experience, that HORNADY has equal customer service. You just have to decide what you like best. Some times it’s just the color, red or blue!!

IMHO the Dillon has one major shortcoming and, most Dillon owners will agree if they are honest. The Dillon powder measure is sorely lacking in ease of use and adjustability. It is sliding bar type measure. It meters ball type powder well but, flake type powder less so. Extruded stick type powder is VERY troublesome and not all that accurate. To be fair, extruded powder is difficult in all powder measures, irregardless of design. Be advised that flake powder has been known to “leak” around the Dillon sliding bar as it is activated back and forth. Particularly if the sliding bar is worn. The LNL powder measure is a rotary barrel design that handles all types of powder MUCH better than the Dillon. A rotary barrel is the same design used by RCBS, Sinclair and other manufacturers. I have never heard of a rotary type measure “leak”. Also, it is a pain to swap out the Dillon powder measure to another die plate. As a result, many owners have several powder measures on separate die plates for changing calibers. This significantly drives UP the COST. I have never heard of a LNL owner that has more than one powder measure. There is no need. It is easy to adjust. Many LNL owners, myself included, own several "Powder Dies" that are pre-adjusted to load a specific case. (Note: Powder measure fits into the Powder Die.) Each LNL powder die costs about $20. A Dillon powder measure costs $75.

Also, IMHO, the Dillon de-priming/priming system is less reliable than the LNL. With the Dillon system, spent primers drop through the bottom of the shell plate into a small cup. It is an “open” system and is easy to empty. However, the press gets dirty with carbon. Whenever carbon/dust/dirt or “primer dust” fouls the primer seating station this causes "flipped" or "skipped" primers. The DILLON de-priming system works well provided it is kept CLEAN. With the Hornady LNL, spent primers are dropped completely through the press into a plastic tube and into the trash or bottle or whatever you want to use. It is a “closed” system. You never get carbon in and around the bottom of the shell plate. The point is the dirt off the spent primers does not foul the workings of the press. I have never had a “flipped” primer. Although, I have had “missed” primers that I feel were operator error (ME!) and not the fault of the primer system. (I forgot to seat the primer!) In all fairness, the LNL primer seating station will also not work properly if the primer slide is fouled with dirt or powder. Please note that neither Dillon or LNL primer systems will work flawlessly unless they are adjusted properly. Users of BOTH systems have expressed exasperation with these adjustments.

If you want a “Powder Check” system you need a press with at least five stations. The Dillon Square Deal and Dillon 550 both have 4 die stations. The LNL and Dillon 650 both have 5 stations. However, the 650 costs significantly more than the LNL. The Dillon 1050 is really an industrial machine and has eight stations.

How the presses indexes is an issue for some people. In reading the web about "KABOOMS" (Blowing up a gun!!), many of the kabooms I have read about were directly traced back to a manually indexing press. This is not the fault of the press but, operator error. However, with a manually indexing press, If you get distracted while reloading, you can easily double charge a pistol case. (A double charge will depend on the powder you are using and the charge weight.) IMHO, a double charge is less of a problem with auto-indexing presses. The Hornady LNL, Dillon 650 and, Dillon Square Deal auto index. The MOST POPULAR Dillon press, the 550, is a manually indexing press. Some people prefer manual, some people prefer auto.

In addition, the LNL auto indexing is significantly smoother than the Dillon 650. The LNL indexes 1/2 step while the ram is going up and 1/2 step when the ram goes down. The 650 indexes a full step on the ram down stroke and can cause pistol cases to spill SMALL AMOUNTS or powder with the indexing "bump". IMHO, the LNL is dramatically better. Of course, the amount of powder "bumped" from a case is dependent on the powder charge, operator and, speed of reloading. As I stated above, you get primer problems with a dirty press. "Bumped" powder fouls BOTH Dillon and LNL.

Next, the LNL uses a really slick bushing system for mounting loading dies and powder measure to the press. It makes changing calibers and SNAP. After a die is adjusted for whatever you are loading you can remove the die from the press with an 1/8 turn and insert a different die. Each die has it's own bushing. The Dillon uses a die plate that has the powder measure and all loading dies installed. The Dillon die plate costs more than LNL bushings. Another neat feature with the Hornady is that you can buy a bushing conversion setup and use the same bushings on your RCBS, Lyman or other single stage press and the LNL!

Additionally, the LNL seems to be built like a tank! The ram is about 2"+ in diameter and the basic press is similar in construction to the RCBS Rock Chucker. I would say that a side-by-side comparison to the either the Dillon 550 OR 650, the LNL is at least as sturdily built. And, in some areas I think the LNL is better built. i.e., The massive ram, powder measure, and primer system. The head/top of the press is solid except for where the dies are inserted. The Dillon has a large cutout that is needed for their die plates. By just looking, it would seem the LNL would be stronger. But, of course, that may not be the case.

There is one piece that can get damaged on the LNL. There is a coil spring that holds the cases in the shell holder that can get crushed if you improperly change shell holders. That's the bad news. The good news is that they are only about $2-3 for three and they won't get crushed if you change shell plates correctly. The other good news is that this spring is the primary reason while loading you can easily remove a case at any station. The spring is durable if it is not abused. I have been using my current retainer spring for about 2 years. I have loaded at least 12,000 rounds in that time. With the Dillon you have to remove small individual brass pins in order to take a shell out of a shell plate. My fingers require needle-nose pliers or forceps to remove the brass pins. It is a PITA.

(For the next discussion keep in mind that BOTH DILLON AND LNL shell plates rotate CLOCKWISE.)

Another item to think about. For NON-CASE FEEDER users; all Dillon presses (Except 1050) require you to use BOTH hands to insert brass and bullets on the press. The Dillon 650, 550 and, SDB operates as follows;

1) Right hand inserts an empty case at the right, front side of the press.
2) Left hand then sets the bullet on the case mouth at the left, rear side of the press.
Right hand then activates the operating handle.
For Dillon 550 only, Left hand manually rotates shell plate.
You then release the operating handle and insert another case with your right hand and so forth. (Right, left, right, left, right, left)

(Note: With the Dillon 550 you also have to manually rotate the shell plate at step 4. Most people do this with their LEFT hand.)

With the Dillon, “right-left-right-left” hand operating procedure, clockwise rotation and, the fact that you start your loading process at the front, right side of the press, your bullet seating die is at the rear, left side of the press. Why is this important? The Dillon powder measure drops powder into the case and the case is rotated clockwise to the REAR of the press to the bullet seating die. It is very difficult to see inside of the case to see the gunpowder. Many Dillon owners rig up flashlight, mirror or, believe it or not, a video camera to “look” into the case to see the powder charge.

With the LNL you start your loading process at the REAR, left side of the press. As your case rotates clockwise, after the powder is dropped, your case is directly in the front of the press and the bullet is seated directly in front of the person operating the press. Is is VERY EASY to look directly into the case to see the powder charge. Even though I use a “Powder Check” die. I look directly into each case as I am loading. I have never had a squib load OR a double charge. This is not to say that it can’t happen. It can. I just haven’t experienced one.

Loading cases and bullets with the left hand is very natural to me. Others may really dislike this feature and prefer the right/left/right/left/right operation of Dillon. Please note that a case feeder eliminates this operation and both Dillon and LNL only load bullets on the left side of the press. Dillon at the back of the press and LNL at the front of the press.

You can load anything on both the Dillon and LNL from .25 ACP to 500 N.E. Realistically, I would say that people with progressive loaders mostly load pistol ammo 99% of the time. After using the LNL, I feel confident that my Grandkids will be using when I'm gone.

In summary, the Hornady LNL has all the features of the Dillon 650 but, is much cheaper. However, the Dillon automatic case feeder is about $50 cheaper than the Hornady. Changing calipers on the LNL is faster and cheaper. The powder measure on the LNL is VASTLY SUPERIOR TO THE DILLON, at least in my opinion. I bought the LNL and am very satisfied. A shooting buddy of mine is a long time, dedicated Dillon user. He has three! After giving me a ration of "stuff" about my choice, he came over and used my LNL and sheepishly said, "That's a very nice setup!!"

[zxcvbob]

I have a LNL-AP and a variety of single-stage presses. The main reason I bought the Hornady is because I didn't want to have to buy new dies all over again for a Dillon SDB, and the Dillon 650 was just too expensive for what I needed.

I like the LNL, I guess, but I tend to leave I set up on one caliber all the time (.38 Special or 9mm) and I load everything else on a SS press. The ejector doesn't work worth beans on the older LNL presses, but maybe they've fixed that by now. Also the primer seater requires a *lot* of force. Between the ejector problems and the primer seating, it's not all that much faster than a really good SS press (Forster Coax, or a C&H #333 or #444)

If I had to start all over again, I would get just a Coax press and a Dillon SDB and not worry about buying dies twice because I'd probably only need duplicates for .38 Special. And I might get a Lee hand press or that cheap Lee "reloader" press, I don't know, they are awfully handy sometimes.

[StaTiK]

If I had to start all over again, I would get just a Coax press and a Dillon SDB and not worry about buying dies twice because I'd probably only need duplicates for .38 Special. And I might get a Lee hand press or that cheap Lee "reloader" press, I don't know, they are awfully handy sometimes.

You know, that doesn't sound like such a horrible idea. SDB for pistol and a Co-ax for rifle. Both presses are usually regarded as perfect for their respective niche. I can see how this could be a great, fairly inexpensive setup for many people.

Unfortunately this wouldn't be ideal for people who need "blasting" ammo for their .223 or .308 rifles, or people who load more than one style/type of projectile per caliber.

-StaTiK-