Just ordered a Hornady LNL AP....... what else?

[shadow4]

Just bought one of these things. Other than shell plates, what else do I need to get that it does not come with. Do I need to get any metering inserts for the powder measure or does it come standard with rifle and pistol metering inserts? This is my first progressive and all the product descriptions on this product are very vague on what all is included. If anybody has experience with this type of set-up and has some input I'd really appreciate it!

BTW, I've been reloading on a single stage press for years, loaded 1000's of rifle and handgun bullets this way. Bought this to speed up handgun and carbine ammo production. I'll still load precision rifle stuff on the single stage.

(Forgot to mention that I also have dies for this, but if there is a particular brand of dies that will make the operation smoother/better I'm looking for recommendations on those too.)

 

[zepheris.hk]

Re: Just ordered a Hornady LNL AP....... what else?

Other than shell plates, you'll need a pistol metering insert for the powder measure as it only comes with a rifle metering insert. You'll also need the Lock n Load bushings for your dies.

Some nice spare parts to have on hand:
-Case retaining spring
-Primer feed piece

This doesn't pertain exclusively to the LnL, but since you said it's your first progressive, I would also opt for the RCBS lock out die to check your powder levels.

 

[heydavemd]

Re: Just ordered a Hornady LNL AP....... what else?

You should think about getting the motorized case feeder. it really speeds things up. Kind of pricey, and took a bit to get set up on my LNL, but it was worth it. I reloaded with my LNL about a year before I got it, and it is worth it if you do a lot of reloading. Probably at least doubles your output.

 

[shadow4]

Re: Just ordered a Hornady LNL AP....... what else?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: heydavemd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You should think about getting the motorized case feeder. it really speeds things up. </div></div>

I was actually looking for this in the combo. Unfortunately everywhere I looked they were out of stock. The only places that have them in stock are overpriced. I ended up just ordering the press by itself but I have every intention of getting the case feeder as well. If you can point me in the direction of somewhere that has them in-stock at a descent price ($300 +/-) I'll be all over it.

That being said, does anybody know if the Dillon case feeder will work with the LNL AP ? If so I'll just go that route.

 

[Pavlata]

Re: Just ordered a Hornady LNL AP....... what else?

I just bought mine last October and just recently got it set up and have been reloading .45 Auto

Don't order a pistol metering rotor until you get your press.
Here is a list of everything that mine came with:

Press with bin holder and small bin

Powder Measure with Standard Rifle Rotor and metering rod. (Powder measure also includes various length rods for different length cases)

Pistol Rotor with pistol metering rod

5 Lock-N-Load bushings

Primer level stick (small white rod that goes into you primer tube to show primer level) I put a small RED ring on mine on one end to show low level.

Small and Large primer loading rods, Small and large Primer tubes.

Small and large primer shuttles and seating stems.

Various tools (allen wrenches etc.)

Clear Plastic primer drop tube (I drilled a hole in the lid of a spent 1 lb plastic powder can and put the tube in through the hole. The spent primers drop into the jug and when it get full, just unscrew the can and empty)

Set-up DVD

Here are a few things I would suggest getting. Some may have already been mentioned:

1: Couple of cans of the Hornady One Shot cleaner. (You need to be sure to clean the Powder Measure and Pistol Rotor

2. Spare case retaining springs. (3 for about $5.00)

3. Extra LNL bushings. ( I just got a pack of 10 the other day so now I have my .223 and .308 dies ready)

4. Powder Cop die ($22.00 got most of my spare stuff from Midway) Note: The Powder Cop die is good for both rifle and pistol. You just reverse the ID rod for small mouth cartridges.

5. For pistol cartridges, you may want to get one of the Powder measure case mouth expanders. That way you can have the powder cop die as well as a separate crimp die. (I have the expander, powder cop die and separate taper crimp die for .45 Auto. Works Nice!

6. You may want to get the large bin, also avail from Midway.
Even the large bin won't hold 100 rds of .45
Lowes has the extra big Ackro-Bins (dark blue) I may go and get some of those. Does anyone know where I can get some Red ones?

Things I plan on adding later:
Auto case feeder.
Maybe another Powder Measure (just so I don't have to take 10 minutes to change from Pistol to Rifle

That is about all I can think of right now. If I think of something else I will post.

Pavlos

 

[shadow4]

Re: Just ordered a Hornady LNL AP....... what else?

Good info! Thanks for all the help!

 

[blkside]

Re: Just ordered a Hornady LNL AP....... what else?

Where is everyone buying theirs from because I will be buying mine here in the next couple months. Prices and "kits"

 

[Pavlata]

Re: Just ordered a Hornady LNL AP....... what else?

I got mine from Cabelas last year but it looks like they have gone up on the price. Midway has a good price at $410.00

 

[Winchester 69]

Re: Just ordered a Hornady LNL AP....... what els

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shadow4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do I need to get any metering inserts for the powder measure or does it come standard with rifle and pistol metering inserts? </div></div>
Unless you prefer to have an individual insert for each load that you shoot, you may want to get the micrometer inserts for both pistol and rifle. There is also a pistol rotor for the measure; you may want to work with two measures (rifle and pistol) to avoid having to change the measure over. A drain insert may be useful also.

For quick changeovers, individual lower assemblies for the case-activated powder drop and powder-through expanders for straight-necked cases are available.

Redding and Dillon both make pistol die sets specifically for progressive reloading. They don't have expanders, but do have separate crimping dies. You can add crimping dies to your present sets if a need presents itself.

 

[bohem]

Re: Just ordered a Hornady LNL AP....... what els

I have little trouble using the baseline metering insert to find the load level. I switched from a ball to a stick powder last night with 223's and from turn the light on in the reloading room to walking out I did a charge weight change, powder change, bullet switched, and switched from 6-223 to regular 223 in 40 mins, and loaded 95 rounds from primed brass.

I don't see it to be particularly necessary, it's certainly nice, but not a first line need.

It pays to have extra case retainer springs on hand, the 3 pack costs like 4 bucks, it's worth it.

Extra LnL bushings are also a good idea. I have a total of 11 (5 come with the press, I ordered 6 more) and it's enough for me to keep my 30-06, 223, and 44 mag dies ready to go at all times.

 

[shadow4]

Re: Just ordered a Hornady LNL AP....... what els

Thanks guys. It should get here early next week. I've ordered all the parts, and extra parts that were mentioned. I also back ordered the case feeder. I figure by the time I have this thing figured out, get all the bugs worked out and get some practice on it, the case feeder will be here (I hope).

 

[Topstrap]

Re: Just ordered a Hornady LNL AP....... what els

Another neat thing I did for my LNL after getting a 550B was to add their primer warning buzzer to my LNL. Didn't take too much to make it work and is a nice addition.

Topstrap