Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Reloading Press Review

We started reloading about 3 years ago and finally got a chance to try out the Hornady Lock N Load Auto-Progressive Reloading Pressabout 6 months ago. In the 6 months we have been using this press we have been nothing but impressed by its performance. Since we got it out of the box and setup we have loaded around 9,300 rounds with it and really do not have a bad thing to say about it. Yeah there might be a few things here and there to watch out for but for the most part this press is great.

When Hornady says the “EZject system reliably ejects every cartridge, every time, without adjustments” they were not lying. Hornady got it right with this system as it performs perfectly. If the press didn’t have this system I’m guessing we would have loaded about 30% less then we actually did. The EZject system is so smooth and it makes the entire process faster.

Hornady has also made it fast and simple to change calibers with the Lock N Load AP Press. I can go from loading 9mm to loading .223 in a matter of minutes without any problems at all. It is about 6 simple steps to make the switch and I really don’t see how Hornady could have made it any easier. If you are someone that switches between different calibers a lot or even if you only do every once in a while you will really appreciate how quick and simple the process is. We have used reloading presses from multiple manufacturers in the past and none of them were as easy as this Hornady.

Hornady claims this press can load up to 500 rounds per hour and once again they are pretty dead on with their claim. We were consistently loading right around 500 per hour when we were going all out. We averaged less then that overall but when we were testing their claim it was pretty close to it. Up to 500 rounds per hour is a lot of ammo in a very short period of time. If you are looking to really stock up than this machine is what you are looking for.

I’m sure we can go on and on about every feature this reloading press has and every last detail we liked. To be honest, we really don’t have to do that. This press performed beyond what we were expecting and even after 9,300 rounds is still going strong. If I was going to reccomend a reloading press to anyone it would be this Hornady Lock N Load Auto-Progressive Reloading Press. You really can’t go wrong with this purchase. Whether you have been reloading for years or are just starting out, do yourself a favor and check out this Hornady AP reloading press.

Features:

Lock-N-Load® Powder Measure

The only system that uses a full size powder measure that can be reset to another charge or powder with the push of a button. The unique inserts can be preset to the charge you use with the caliber you are loading. The most flexible (and economical) powder system available for progressive presses.

Priming System

The primer slide in the shell carrier receives a primer at the top of the stroke and inserts in the case at the bottom of the stroke. The slide stays in perfect alignment, and is easily changed from large to small. Use the included primer pick-up tubes (large and small) to fill the primer tube.

Lock-N-Load® Bushing System

Switch dies from one caliber to another or change out die stations and begin reloading again in seconds. Once set, dies never needs readjusting. Bushing locks standard 7/8″-14 dies rock-solid in perfect alignment.

Case Activated Powder Drop

Get a charge of powder only when a cartridge is in place. Works with any cartridge, pistol to magnum rifle. Can be manually operated to check powder charge. Install the optional Lock-N-Load powder die for the fastest changeover of all progressive presses. Also fits RCBS measurer.

Five-station Die Platform

Five stations allow for all the variables and still let you use your standard dies — most 7/8″-14 dies and 7/8″-14 powder measures will work.

Universal Ejector

Cases are automatically ejected into the included case catcher.

Automatic Indexing

This very important feature automatically advances shells to the next station with the smoothest indexing of any press in this price range, and rotates every half stroke to lessen the chance of powder spillage.

Case Retainer

Quickly and easily remove and/or replace a case from the shell plate at any point in the cycle without extra retaining buttons. Case retainer fits all calibers.

Large Cartridge Catcher

A large capacity catcher comes standard with the Lock-N-Load AP Press. An extra large capacity catcher which holds up to 1/3 more completed cartridges is available as an option.