Introduction
Recently, an older thread I authored resurfaced on INGO. It described my first 18 months reloading.
https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...ing-started-reloading-my-first-18-months.html
Some members asked if I had an update and that go me to thinking about my decision to buy a progressive press. I thought I would share my thought process as I went into the decision and then discuss various improvements and issues that I faced. Would I make a different decision if I had it to do all over again? Read on.
This is my press (there are others like it, but this one is mine......)
Disclaimer
I'm not here to incite a riot or question your parentage. I find that reloading has its loyalty cliques much like the Ford versus Chevy fans. What I'm relating is my experience and my opinions. I have as much right to be wrong as you do, so please don't get angry. Can't we all just get along.......
A Bit of History
I started reloading on a single stage RCBS Rock Chucker press in October 2010. I built a bench and installed it in our house.
https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...ding/116529-built-my-own-reloading-bench.html
I bought the LNL press in August of 2012. My main interest was to use it to produce the higher-use calibers, specifically 9mm and .223. I like to do load development for rifles, but that loading is done exclusively on the Rock Chucker.
To date, I've made 10, 274 rounds on the single stage press and 8, 138 on the LNL progressive.
Why Did I Buy the LNL Press?
I compared the Horndany LNL with the Dillon 650 and 550 models. Not a surprise to those who know me, I had a spreadsheet to help me keep all the information organized.
A key attribute I liked in the LNL was their innovative half turn feature of the shellplate. This was promoted as keeping the shellplate acceleration less thereby yielding less powder spillage.
Both the LNL and Dillon 650 had five stations which I liked. With five stations I could have a powder check station and still have space for a factory crimp die.
The basic Dillon 650 versus the LNL with equal features was $224 more.
I did end up getting a case feeder, but it wasn't a part of the original decision process.
Modifications/Improvements Made to the Press
Raising the Press
My reloading bench is a stand-up bench. Yet once I placed the LNL on it, the handle was too low.
Rather than buy a metal frame to lift it up, I laminated several layers of plywood that was left over from building the bench. After gluing, final cutting, sanding, and varnishing; I mounted the press by running long 1/2" bolts through the stack and the bench. It's very sturdy.
Stop Block
The simplest and cheapest improvement was to make a small piece of wood that when inserted between the case feeder pivot assembly and the support arm stops any more cases from feeding. It's a very helpful way to stop and clear the shellplate area. Insert the wood block and cycle the press until the last case is done. A piece of dowel rod would work well. (This idea came from the LNL owner's manual.)
Roller Handle
The press came with a straight handle with a ball on the end. Not bad, but once I decided to get the case feeder, I wanted a roller handle so I wouldn't have to reposition my hand as I cycled the press.
I found a great aftermarket site for reloading presses. They have a variety of handles, lifts, ammo catch boxes, lights, etc. for all major brands of presses.
Inline Fabrication - Inline Fabrication
Initially I tried their Ergo Handle. It didn't work for me and the bench. In the neutral position, it placed the handle too far away from me.
Dan, the owner, worked out a simple swap for me to get their standard roller handle. It was just right!
Gooseneck Light
I found a sleek light on a weighted base helps me see the powder in the cases as an additional check to avoid an empty round. I think I bought it at Target or Walmart. I can't remember.
A side note: Inlinefabricators.com has some very nifty LED lights that stick on the supports of the press and light up the shellplate.
Low Primer Alarm
This is another accessory I purchased from Inlinefabrication.com. He doesn't build these himself.
Note the Hornady red paint covering the Dillon brand!
Small Loop on the Primer Shuttle Spring
This next modification was something I read while researching the LNL. I thought it was a clever low-tech improvement.
Whenever you work around the primer shuttle, you have to take the shuttle return spring off the shuttle assemble. Needlenose pliers would be one way to do that.
I added a small loop to the primer return shuttle to make it easier to take the spring loop off the shuttle. It also makes if very quick and easy to put the spring back on.
Issues with the Press
The following comments highlight some trouble areas I've had with the LNL press. Some issues have been fixed, some have been lessened, and some continue unchanged.
Cracked Holder for the Cam Feed Rod
The cam feed rod is held in place at the top by a plastic tab. In my early experiences with the LNL press, I had problems with the primer shuttle getting dirty and not moving properly. Several times this caused the cam rod to be stressed. Soon, the plastic holder started to crack allowing it to move upward slightly. This let the bottom of the rod pop out.
I made an aluminum tab to reinforce the plastic piece that holds the primer shuttle rod in place. It holds the tab down as it should. Haven't had any issues after this fix.
Problems with the Primer Shuttle
As mentioned above, bits of powder, dirt, and shavings would get in the track and prevent the shuttle from moving completely into position thus leaving the primer slightly short of where it should be. This caused priming to be stiff and in some cases would stop the shellplate from incrementing.
The only solution I came up with was to be aware of this and occasionally blow out the cavity with canned air.
Broken Primer Shuttle
The rod that is press fit in the side of the shuttle that holds the roller that rides along the actuation arm fell out. Hornady replaced it at no charge. It was stressed by the jamming issues already discussed.
Case Feeder Back-Ups
The case feeder will occasionally back up at the top of the drop tube, in the feed funnel. A case will go sideways in the throat of the funnel and the other cases will fill the funnel. Nine millimeter cases do this more often than .223, but as the photo shows, .223 can jam up. Overall, the casefeeder has been very reliable
Cases Tilting Going Into the Shellplate
This is an ongoing and unresolved issue. Way too often, the brass cases being pushed into the shellplate will tilt and jam going into the shellplate. I've tried many timing adjustments to try and make sure everything is right. It still happens too often. In a run of 91 pieces when I kept track, 16 pieces were tilted. That's 18% of the time. When it happens, I have to reach in and lightly tap the case into place. It's not hard to do, but it breaks my loading rhythm.
One of the first fixes I tried was to lightly chamfer the baseplate to try to stop cases from hanging up. I also polished the five openings on the shell plate that accepts the case. The machined edges were surprisingly sharp. The hang-up happen less often than originally, but it's still not totally fixed.
Bullet Seating Depth Variation
I have one final issue that seems to be a feature of the press and not fixable.
When setting up the press to run, I noticed I was getting a variation in bullet seating depth of around 5-10 thousandths. I eventually found that the first round seated was shorter that subsequent rounds. This was because the first round didn't have another round in the last station (factory crimp die). The round in crimp die was keeping the bullet seating die from seating as deeply. The LNL seems like a sturdy press and I was surprised that the crimp die was restricting the motion of the shellplate very slightly.
I haven't thought of a fix other than to be aware of it. Now when I'm setting the press for a run, I put a completed round in the crimp die position when the first new round enters the bullet seating die.
If I Could Make the Choice Again, Which Press Would I Buy?
This isn't a clear cut response. The Hornady LNL press has produced some good ammunition. Overall, it's a good press.
Perhaps there is an element of "the devil you know versus the devil you don't know" going on here. If I had owned a Dillon and worked through its idiosyncrasies it might make the comparison with the LNL more balanced and realistic.
The unresolved problems of tipping/jamming brass cases and seating depth changes both nag at me. These problems should not exist in a machine of this quality.
To be fair, I've always had limited patience with machines that don't do what they're supposed to do. That factors in to this situation.
My final choice if I were to do it again? I would buy a Dillon. They have a strong reputation for working well and reliably. They are priced as a premium product but they have earned that reputation and seem to deliver on their promises.
Recently, an older thread I authored resurfaced on INGO. It described my first 18 months reloading.
https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...ing-started-reloading-my-first-18-months.html
Some members asked if I had an update and that go me to thinking about my decision to buy a progressive press. I thought I would share my thought process as I went into the decision and then discuss various improvements and issues that I faced. Would I make a different decision if I had it to do all over again? Read on.
This is my press (there are others like it, but this one is mine......)
Disclaimer
I'm not here to incite a riot or question your parentage. I find that reloading has its loyalty cliques much like the Ford versus Chevy fans. What I'm relating is my experience and my opinions. I have as much right to be wrong as you do, so please don't get angry. Can't we all just get along.......
A Bit of History
I started reloading on a single stage RCBS Rock Chucker press in October 2010. I built a bench and installed it in our house.
https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...ding/116529-built-my-own-reloading-bench.html
I bought the LNL press in August of 2012. My main interest was to use it to produce the higher-use calibers, specifically 9mm and .223. I like to do load development for rifles, but that loading is done exclusively on the Rock Chucker.
To date, I've made 10, 274 rounds on the single stage press and 8, 138 on the LNL progressive.
Why Did I Buy the LNL Press?
I compared the Horndany LNL with the Dillon 650 and 550 models. Not a surprise to those who know me, I had a spreadsheet to help me keep all the information organized.
A key attribute I liked in the LNL was their innovative half turn feature of the shellplate. This was promoted as keeping the shellplate acceleration less thereby yielding less powder spillage.
Both the LNL and Dillon 650 had five stations which I liked. With five stations I could have a powder check station and still have space for a factory crimp die.
The basic Dillon 650 versus the LNL with equal features was $224 more.
I did end up getting a case feeder, but it wasn't a part of the original decision process.
Modifications/Improvements Made to the Press
Raising the Press
My reloading bench is a stand-up bench. Yet once I placed the LNL on it, the handle was too low.
Rather than buy a metal frame to lift it up, I laminated several layers of plywood that was left over from building the bench. After gluing, final cutting, sanding, and varnishing; I mounted the press by running long 1/2" bolts through the stack and the bench. It's very sturdy.
Stop Block
The simplest and cheapest improvement was to make a small piece of wood that when inserted between the case feeder pivot assembly and the support arm stops any more cases from feeding. It's a very helpful way to stop and clear the shellplate area. Insert the wood block and cycle the press until the last case is done. A piece of dowel rod would work well. (This idea came from the LNL owner's manual.)
Roller Handle
The press came with a straight handle with a ball on the end. Not bad, but once I decided to get the case feeder, I wanted a roller handle so I wouldn't have to reposition my hand as I cycled the press.
I found a great aftermarket site for reloading presses. They have a variety of handles, lifts, ammo catch boxes, lights, etc. for all major brands of presses.
Inline Fabrication - Inline Fabrication
Initially I tried their Ergo Handle. It didn't work for me and the bench. In the neutral position, it placed the handle too far away from me.
Dan, the owner, worked out a simple swap for me to get their standard roller handle. It was just right!
Gooseneck Light
I found a sleek light on a weighted base helps me see the powder in the cases as an additional check to avoid an empty round. I think I bought it at Target or Walmart. I can't remember.
A side note: Inlinefabricators.com has some very nifty LED lights that stick on the supports of the press and light up the shellplate.
Low Primer Alarm
This is another accessory I purchased from Inlinefabrication.com. He doesn't build these himself.
Note the Hornady red paint covering the Dillon brand!
Small Loop on the Primer Shuttle Spring
This next modification was something I read while researching the LNL. I thought it was a clever low-tech improvement.
Whenever you work around the primer shuttle, you have to take the shuttle return spring off the shuttle assemble. Needlenose pliers would be one way to do that.
I added a small loop to the primer return shuttle to make it easier to take the spring loop off the shuttle. It also makes if very quick and easy to put the spring back on.
Issues with the Press
The following comments highlight some trouble areas I've had with the LNL press. Some issues have been fixed, some have been lessened, and some continue unchanged.
Cracked Holder for the Cam Feed Rod
The cam feed rod is held in place at the top by a plastic tab. In my early experiences with the LNL press, I had problems with the primer shuttle getting dirty and not moving properly. Several times this caused the cam rod to be stressed. Soon, the plastic holder started to crack allowing it to move upward slightly. This let the bottom of the rod pop out.
I made an aluminum tab to reinforce the plastic piece that holds the primer shuttle rod in place. It holds the tab down as it should. Haven't had any issues after this fix.
Problems with the Primer Shuttle
As mentioned above, bits of powder, dirt, and shavings would get in the track and prevent the shuttle from moving completely into position thus leaving the primer slightly short of where it should be. This caused priming to be stiff and in some cases would stop the shellplate from incrementing.
The only solution I came up with was to be aware of this and occasionally blow out the cavity with canned air.
Broken Primer Shuttle
The rod that is press fit in the side of the shuttle that holds the roller that rides along the actuation arm fell out. Hornady replaced it at no charge. It was stressed by the jamming issues already discussed.
Case Feeder Back-Ups
The case feeder will occasionally back up at the top of the drop tube, in the feed funnel. A case will go sideways in the throat of the funnel and the other cases will fill the funnel. Nine millimeter cases do this more often than .223, but as the photo shows, .223 can jam up. Overall, the casefeeder has been very reliable
Cases Tilting Going Into the Shellplate
This is an ongoing and unresolved issue. Way too often, the brass cases being pushed into the shellplate will tilt and jam going into the shellplate. I've tried many timing adjustments to try and make sure everything is right. It still happens too often. In a run of 91 pieces when I kept track, 16 pieces were tilted. That's 18% of the time. When it happens, I have to reach in and lightly tap the case into place. It's not hard to do, but it breaks my loading rhythm.
One of the first fixes I tried was to lightly chamfer the baseplate to try to stop cases from hanging up. I also polished the five openings on the shell plate that accepts the case. The machined edges were surprisingly sharp. The hang-up happen less often than originally, but it's still not totally fixed.
Bullet Seating Depth Variation
I have one final issue that seems to be a feature of the press and not fixable.
When setting up the press to run, I noticed I was getting a variation in bullet seating depth of around 5-10 thousandths. I eventually found that the first round seated was shorter that subsequent rounds. This was because the first round didn't have another round in the last station (factory crimp die). The round in crimp die was keeping the bullet seating die from seating as deeply. The LNL seems like a sturdy press and I was surprised that the crimp die was restricting the motion of the shellplate very slightly.
I haven't thought of a fix other than to be aware of it. Now when I'm setting the press for a run, I put a completed round in the crimp die position when the first new round enters the bullet seating die.
If I Could Make the Choice Again, Which Press Would I Buy?
This isn't a clear cut response. The Hornady LNL press has produced some good ammunition. Overall, it's a good press.
Perhaps there is an element of "the devil you know versus the devil you don't know" going on here. If I had owned a Dillon and worked through its idiosyncrasies it might make the comparison with the LNL more balanced and realistic.
The unresolved problems of tipping/jamming brass cases and seating depth changes both nag at me. These problems should not exist in a machine of this quality.
To be fair, I've always had limited patience with machines that don't do what they're supposed to do. That factors in to this situation.
My final choice if I were to do it again? I would buy a Dillon. They have a strong reputation for working well and reliably. They are priced as a premium product but they have earned that reputation and seem to deliver on their promises.
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