Breaking shell plate on LNL AP #16 5.56

[djohncline]

Anyone had the shell plate brake on a LNL AP. I have had two break in the last three days. Flustrating and expensive. I have called and email Hornady three times w/o any response. Got so upset put it in Craigs list last night.

[ReloaderFred]

Hornady will take care of it, if you give them a chance.

Fred

[1in9twist]

The shell holder plate broke? Or the drive hub?

[djohncline]

Shell plate

[cheese1566]

Give them a few days for email...
Something isnt right and a tech on the phone will walk you through it.

Is the shellplate sitting flat as it should? Maybe too much pressure and a die is screwed in way too far.

Take some pics, with and without a shellplate from different angles. We are all here to help!!! (or buy the press from you!)

also, add a pic of the broken shellplate.

[Dorf]

A couple of possibilities: (1) shell plate keyway and key on the ram not lined up correctly (the shell plate is not ddown on the base plate) (2) a decapping/resizing die screwed down too far or (3) decapping/resizing die in wrong station (that will do a "number" on decapping pins--don't ask me how I know!) Hope this is of some help--- Stan

[geargnasher]

I'm definetely in the camp with the folks above suggesting a die is screwed in too far and binding up right at the top of the stroke where the ram linkage has the most leverage. Something has to give, and the weakest part breaks.

Gear

[44Vaquero]

Hornady has switched to MIM (Metal Injection Molding) this part and apparently it's not up to the stresses being placed upon them. A quick check of several other gun/reloading boards will confrim you are not alone.

[Whistler]

I contacted Hornady when I received my first MIM shellplate and saw it had circular cracks/voids in it from the manufacturing process. They said they would replace it if it broke, but as long as it functioned properly I should use it. I never feel comfortable when I use that particular shellplate.

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/9903/20110907001004.jpg

[44Vaquero]

@Whistler: That seems like a very poor answer from Hornady, I'd break it and send it back! When they start to choke on all the broken ones they may go back to the old manufacturing process.
Given the fact that a new LNL AP retails for around $400.00 how does that make you feel about cost vs quality?

[zuke]

Given the fact that a new LNL AP retails for around $400.00 how does that make you feel about cost vs quality?

:popcorn:
I have a LEE Loadmaster and have never had this problem or even heard about it.
I'd be looking for other short cut's also.