I’ve been a Lee guy for 10+ years using the Lee loadmaster and classic turret press. Had plenty of problems and had to do some work around but got my press to run smoothly and with little to no problems. I recently bought the lock n load AP press because I always had admired the engineering of it. I haven’t set it up yet but have been watching lots of UA-cam videos and it seems I’m in for just as many problems and having to do plenty of work arounds as I did with the Lee. Not being negative as I enjoy working out those problems. Seems the primer system is again the weak point in the system. I ended up doing all my priming off press to save the headaches. Thanks for the videos and the fantastic information!
I had a problem with the plate not indexing far enough on the down stroke and wouldn't line up with the primer feed. That little adjustment on the pawls did the trick. Thanks!
Another good Video thanks. I ran into the problem with the powder dropping into the primer slide and holding back the slide.Keep up the good informative Videos.
Terry LeGrand Thanks Terry,Yeah, that's one of the most common problems I have with the primer system. They really need to put a channel under it so that stray powder has a place to go.
Learned a lot from your videos. I'm having trouble with mine not seating at a consistent depth. I'm currently loading 9mm at 1.060 COL. The COL when going through 100 rounds varies from 1.056-1.078. Is that a normal tolerance? Often I can seat the long ones again and it will bring them closer to my mark but some won't move at all. I have taken my die out, cleaned and readjusted with no change. As far as numbers go, if I run 100 and set an arbitrary tolerance of 1.065 as max, 50 will be above this. Thanks ahead for any help.
You mentioned as assortment of shims that you used to remove play from the ram during up and down movement by filling the gaps beside the linkage arms. Can you respond with the exact shims you used? The ram of my press will sometimes shift from side to side once the shell plate comes in contact with the dies. Any advise would be appreciated. Thank you for the great videos.
TehBr0 Thanks TehBr0! That was the intent. I have a few subscribers who are buying a new LNL Press and asked me about spares and common problems so I did this video. I try to accommodate my subscribers as best that I can. Thanks again, Hornady Loader
I am considering this press with the case feeder but am worried i may be limited due to ceiling height in the basement where my bench is setup. Can you please tell me the total height from your work bench top to the top of the case feeder allowing for loading of cases into the feeder. You can include the inline fabrication mount and which mount that is. I only have 45 inches clearance from top of my work bench to the ceiling... Thanks in advance for your assitance.
Very helpful! Thanks! Had the indexing problem on a new LNL AP. I have also had the shell plate bolt loosen and the powder drop loosen. Have you seen that issue?
The powder drop will work free if you don't lock it to the bushing with the lock ring. Hand tighten the lock ring to the bushing and screw tight the lock ring. It should stop that the powder drop from loosing at the bushing.
Learned a lot from your videos! Thanks for the effort. Im having issues with mine though that doesnt seem to be common. When installing a shell plate, if I tighten the bolt much of any more than finger tight I end up with friction between the shell plate and the base plate. So much so that cycling the press is very tough and indexing simply doesnt happen. I thought it might be a warped shell plate, though new. but all of the 6 plates I have do the same thing. Ive seen people adjust the shell plate to be CLOSER, to the base plate to solve some primer issues. But never this issues. What can you tell me?
+Steve Moore This could be caused by using older shell plates with the newer sub-plate that has the EZJect system. The older shell plates do not have the groove in the bottom that lets them clear the little nub on the sub plate that pops the completed cartridges into the bin. Another possibility is that the sub plate is not inserted all the way into the ram. Also, when you put your shell plate on, do you have the index key matched up with the sub plate? Do you pull up on the bolt to raise index the key and get the shell plat tightened to the ram and not the sub plate? If you don't pull up on the bolt, it's possible that the shell plate will come into contract with the sub plate and cause the problem you describe.
+HornadyLoader lots to respond to.. My press is serial # 4673, so it has the retro-ez ject plate on it. All of my shell plates are new, never used. they all mate up to the cog on the sub plate completely. the sub plate is mounted to the ram by way of 2 counter sunk allen head screws. they selfe center, so it almost HAS to be inserted in to the ram completely. just prior to installing the shell plate, the rotating center of the lower plate is flush with the subplate. Does that info help? Thanks for getting back to me!
+HornadyLoader I actually found the problem... It seem that I might have the original drive hub, but the new replacement base plate for the EZJect system. The conflict was in that where the drive hub rides on the bottom of the base plate there is a small lip. That lip prevents the hub from pulling through the base plate. That lip had a very small chamfer where it joined the main body of the hub. The base plate, in that same area, has a squared transition. So I rounded the edge slightly and this thing runs like a dream!
+Steve Moore Good deal Steve! Sounds like the drive hub wasn't popping up to engage the index key in the shell plate and was just being secured by friction. That caused the shell plate to bind against the sub-plate. Glad you got that fixed up!
+HornadyLoader No.. it was coming up, but the the hub was binding at that lower chamfer. After a little fiing the hum cam up about .0007" and everything runs smooth.
+Terry LeGrand Hi Terry, I don't think Hornady offers those separately as a product, but you should be able to contact Hornady directly and get them from them. I've been able to get replacements of other parts that they don't normally sell separately that way.
I can't get the primers to drop into the whole on the slide, what should I check???? The slide is going back and forward. there is no powder blocking it either.
I solved all my troubles with the LnL priming system.( what a nightmare.) I bought a Lee Bench Primer and do all my priming before I start the main loading procedure. One less thing to have to keep an eye on. Also, your not jarring the powder measure, which can cause a variation in powder weight.
Hi... I have am HDY LnL and have a problem. 223 cases don't always stand up straight in the shell plate and they hit the edge of the dies and that dents the case mouth.... any suggestions? I know that the heads on these narrow cases are not the flattest, especially after being fired in some of the more violent military style semi-autos. Thanks...
+groovymoon Hmm, the only thing I can think of is that the wrong shell plate is being used (should be #16 for .223 Remington) or the shell plate isn't fastened all the way down to the sub-plate. If the cases are actually bent such that they aren't straight enough to enter the die properly, then I wouldn't use those cases although I've not seen this kind of thing myself during normal use in my AR-15's and AR-10's. My bet is that the shell plate is the place to look. Make sure the index key is all the way in the index notch in the shell plate for starters. When a case is inserted in the shell plate, see how much play there is, it shouldn't come up from the sub-plate too far. Also see how well the case is being held upright by pushing the neck back and forth to see how far it moves. Mine only moves about 1/8 inch or so side to side and won't come up from the sub-plate more than a few thousandths of an inch.
Thanks for the response. The shell plate is the correct one, #16. The hold down bolt is tight. There is no debris under the shell plate. There are a significant amount of cases in this batch that I got from a friend of mine that he shot out of a Sig 556. That Sig's "Version" of an AK. It's a 5.56 with a very AK style action and piston system. It is really violent to cases. The rims end up with a big nick on them (or even bent) from the ejector claw and it will actually put a small crease/dent on the case body. I think he needs to turn down the gas to the piston. I usually scrap these when I find them. He only shoots 223/5.56 out of military style rifles and I don't think I have come across one 223/5.56 case that has a perfectly flat head. The are all rounded a bit to some degree. So this is what I think is this issue. I have only run 223/5.56 and 9 mm thru this press and 9 mm runs thru it at warp speed.
I just recently had the same problem with 38 Special entering my factory crimp die on an angle and hanging up. I polished the very edge where it was touching and it seems to have helped a lot
You are seriously awesome for making these videos. Thank you so much! Helped me out a lot!
That was a very clear explanation of what to watch for and how to fix common problems. Thank you very much.
I’ve been a Lee guy for 10+ years using the Lee loadmaster and classic turret press. Had plenty of problems and had to do some work around but got my press to run smoothly and with little to no problems. I recently bought the lock n load AP press because I always had admired the engineering of it. I haven’t set it up yet but have been watching lots of UA-cam videos and it seems I’m in for just as many problems and having to do plenty of work arounds as I did with the Lee. Not being negative as I enjoy working out those problems. Seems the primer system is again the weak point in the system. I ended up doing all my priming off press to save the headaches. Thanks for the videos and the fantastic information!
I had a problem with the plate not indexing far enough on the down stroke and wouldn't line up with the primer feed. That little adjustment on the pawls did the trick. Thanks!
+Bama Steve Good to hear Steve! Always happy to hear my videos have helped someone out. Thanks for watching!
could you go over the Hornady control panel.
Another good Video thanks. I ran into the problem with the powder dropping into the primer slide and holding back the slide.Keep up the good informative Videos.
Terry LeGrand Thanks Terry,Yeah, that's one of the most common problems I have with the primer system. They really need to put a channel under it so that stray powder has a place to go.
Thanks allot for your efforts in making these videos....It helps allot. All the Best!
Learned a lot from your videos. I'm having trouble with mine not seating at a consistent depth. I'm currently loading 9mm at 1.060 COL. The COL when going through 100 rounds varies from 1.056-1.078. Is that a normal tolerance? Often I can seat the long ones again and it will bring them closer to my mark but some won't move at all. I have taken my die out, cleaned and readjusted with no change. As far as numbers go, if I run 100 and set an arbitrary tolerance of 1.065 as max, 50 will be above this. Thanks ahead for any help.
You mentioned as assortment of shims that you used to remove play from the ram during up and down movement by filling the gaps beside the linkage arms. Can you respond with the exact shims you used? The ram of my press will sometimes shift from side to side once the shell plate comes in contact with the dies. Any advise would be appreciated. Thank you for the great videos.
Great video and very helpful for troubleshooting, especially for new LNL owners.
TehBr0 Thanks TehBr0! That was the intent. I have a few subscribers who are buying a new LNL Press and asked me about spares and common problems so I did this video. I try to accommodate my subscribers as best that I can.
Thanks again,
Hornady Loader
Awesome video. That was a dead hit on my questions. Thanks!!!
rulon152 That's great to hear Rulon! I try to accommodate my subscribers =)
Very good video👍
Put a lock washer on the shell plate and a fatter o-ring on your powder drop. Should cure those issues.
You need an extra plastic cap for primer feeder guide rod. It gets brittle and breaks after a few years.
do you have a part number for that misc parts box? I cant seem to find anything like it at MTM website.. thanks for the videos.
I am considering this press with the case feeder but am worried i may be limited due to ceiling height in the basement where my bench is setup.
Can you please tell me the total height from your work bench top to the top of the case feeder allowing for loading of cases into the feeder. You can include the inline fabrication mount and which mount that is.
I only have 45 inches clearance from top of my work bench to the ceiling...
Thanks in advance for your assitance.
Very helpful! Thanks! Had the indexing problem on a new LNL AP. I have also had the shell plate bolt loosen and the powder drop loosen. Have you seen that issue?
I've had the shell plate bolt come loose so I check it on occasion while reloading. Never had the powder drop loosen up on me though.
The powder drop will work free if you don't lock it to the bushing with the lock ring. Hand tighten the lock ring to the bushing and screw tight the lock ring. It should stop that the powder drop from loosing at the bushing.
Learned a lot from your videos! Thanks for the effort. Im having issues with mine though that doesnt seem to be common. When installing a shell plate, if I tighten the bolt much of any more than finger tight I end up with friction between the shell plate and the base plate. So much so that cycling the press is very tough and indexing simply doesnt happen. I thought it might be a warped shell plate, though new. but all of the 6 plates I have do the same thing. Ive seen people adjust the shell plate to be CLOSER, to the base plate to solve some primer issues. But never this issues. What can you tell me?
+Steve Moore This could be caused by using older shell plates with the newer sub-plate that has the EZJect system. The older shell plates do not have the groove in the bottom that lets them clear the little nub on the sub plate that pops the completed cartridges into the bin. Another possibility is that the sub plate is not inserted all the way into the ram. Also, when you put your shell plate on, do you have the index key matched up with the sub plate? Do you pull up on the bolt to raise index the key and get the shell plat tightened to the ram and not the sub plate? If you don't pull up on the bolt, it's possible that the shell plate will come into contract with the sub plate and cause the problem you describe.
+HornadyLoader lots to respond to.. My press is serial # 4673, so it has the retro-ez ject plate on it. All of my shell plates are new, never used. they all mate up to the cog on the sub plate completely. the sub plate is mounted to the ram by way of 2 counter sunk allen head screws. they selfe center, so it almost HAS to be inserted in to the ram completely. just prior to installing the shell plate, the rotating center of the lower plate is flush with the subplate. Does that info help? Thanks for getting back to me!
+HornadyLoader I actually found the problem... It seem that I might have the original drive hub, but the new replacement base plate for the EZJect system. The conflict was in that where the drive hub rides on the bottom of the base plate there is a small lip. That lip prevents the hub from pulling through the base plate. That lip had a very small chamfer where it joined the main body of the hub. The base plate, in that same area, has a squared transition. So I rounded the edge slightly and this thing runs like a dream!
+Steve Moore Good deal Steve! Sounds like the drive hub wasn't popping up to engage the index key in the shell plate and was just being secured by friction. That caused the shell plate to bind against the sub-plate. Glad you got that fixed up!
+HornadyLoader No.. it was coming up, but the the hub was binding at that lower chamfer. After a little fiing the hum cam up about .0007" and everything runs smooth.
Where do you get the spare springs for the powder measure and PTX springs I've been looking everywhere for them
+Terry LeGrand Hi Terry, I don't think Hornady offers those separately as a product, but you should be able to contact Hornady directly and get them from them. I've been able to get replacements of other parts that they don't normally sell separately that way.
I would love to use my ammo box for spare parts. Where did you pick up the little tray that sits in the top of the ammo box?
inlinefabrication.com
I can't get the primers to drop into the whole on the slide, what should I check???? The slide is going back and forward. there is no powder blocking it either.
I solved all my troubles with the LnL priming system.( what a nightmare.) I bought a Lee Bench Primer and do all my priming before I start the main loading procedure. One less thing to have to keep an eye on. Also, your not jarring the powder measure, which can cause a variation in powder weight.
Hi... I have am HDY LnL and have a problem. 223 cases don't always stand up straight in the shell plate and they hit the edge of the dies and that dents the case mouth.... any suggestions? I know that the heads on these narrow cases are not the flattest, especially after being fired in some of the more violent military style semi-autos.
Thanks...
+groovymoon Hmm, the only thing I can think of is that the wrong shell plate is being used (should be #16 for .223 Remington) or the shell plate isn't fastened all the way down to the sub-plate. If the cases are actually bent such that they aren't straight enough to enter the die properly, then I wouldn't use those cases although I've not seen this kind of thing myself during normal use in my AR-15's and AR-10's. My bet is that the shell plate is the place to look. Make sure the index key is all the way in the index notch in the shell plate for starters. When a case is inserted in the shell plate, see how much play there is, it shouldn't come up from the sub-plate too far. Also see how well the case is being held upright by pushing the neck back and forth to see how far it moves. Mine only moves about 1/8 inch or so side to side and won't come up from the sub-plate more than a few thousandths of an inch.
It is the 16... I will remove the shell plate and make sure there is no debris under it.
+groovymoon Let me know what you find, I'm curious about what's causing your problem.
Thanks for the response. The shell plate is the correct one, #16. The hold down bolt is tight. There is no debris under the shell plate. There are a significant amount of cases in this batch that I got from a friend of mine that he shot out of a Sig 556. That Sig's "Version" of an AK. It's a 5.56 with a very AK style action and piston system. It is really violent to cases. The rims end up with a big nick on them (or even bent) from the ejector claw and it will actually put a small crease/dent on the case body. I think he needs to turn down the gas to the piston. I usually scrap these when I find them. He only shoots 223/5.56 out of military style rifles and I don't think I have come across one 223/5.56 case that has a perfectly flat head. The are all rounded a bit to some degree. So this is what I think is this issue. I have only run 223/5.56 and 9 mm thru this press and 9 mm runs thru it at warp speed.
I just recently had the same problem with 38 Special entering my factory crimp die on an angle and hanging up. I polished the very edge where it was touching and it seems to have helped a lot
.
Why do you save the useless spring if it's no good?