Hornady Lock N load issues

kgpcr · February 12, 2023, 03:45 PM

I love the progressive press but i hate the Lock N Load bushing thing with a passion. is there a way to convert it back to standard threads and do away with the bushings? Thanks for your help!

**Unclenick** · February 12, 2023, 05:38 PM

Leave the Lock-N-load bushing in place, and just screw the dies in and out. If the bushing moves too easily, you can Loctite it.

cgaengineer · February 14, 2023, 09:22 AM

See if the RCBS inserts will work since the new RCBS can do LNL bushings using standard dies or standard dies in the press directly. If the threads are the same you will be in luck. The female LNL parts screw out but you may need to weld a handle on a bushing to get them out.

Metal god · February 15, 2023, 04:00 PM

Correct I believe the RCBS will fit however , may I ask what you don’t like about the system specifically ? And are you talking specifically the AP press

cgaengineer · February 15, 2023, 04:38 PM

Not the OP but I’m guessing he doesn’t like the sloppiness of them and they are kinda sloppy but they are still repeatable. And yes, he’s talking about the AP.

I was hoping I was correct about the rcbs bushing inserts working, that’s great to know for future reference.

Metal god · February 15, 2023, 05:43 PM

Fwiw I was talking it works on the single stage . the AP looks different more stream lined not sure if at has the same thread

There is also a flange at the top of the insert that works as a stop . Even if it’s the right threads the flange may make it a tight fit on that small tool head between each station

cgaengineer · February 15, 2023, 06:24 PM

There’s a flange on the hornady inserts as well! If the rcbs insert is larger it wouldn’t take much for a machine shop to take some off of them to the diameter of the recess on the LNL AP. Hell you could probably do it in a drill with a file honestly, it’s not critical as long as it fits the AP recess.

cgaengineer · February 15, 2023, 06:26 PM

Love your tagline by the way…

Charley345 · March 17, 2023, 07:12 PM

Just got reacquainted with my Hornady ammo plant and one issue that I had was seeing the powder measure die wiggle up and down while cycling. My remedy was to select a slightly thicker o-ring for the lock n load die and that worked perfectly. Now it locks in tighter and no wiggle while cycling the press.

Woody'sDad · March 18, 2023, 08:43 AM

Great tip Charley,
I will definitely give it a try
Thanks

Nathan · March 24, 2023, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kgpcr

I love the progressive press but i hate the Lock N Load bushing thing with a passion. is there a way to convert it back to standard threads and do away with the bushings? Thanks for your help!

Don’t fight it. It’s not worth your effort. It works, it’s easy, it makes good ammo. Can you explain what is not to like about that?

It could be worse….it could be a wobble plate like the Dillon?

Hiding from the Dillon fanboys!

February 12, 2023, 03:45 PM	#1
kgpcr Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2005 Posts: 955	Hornady Lock N load issues I love the progressive press but i hate the Lock N Load bushing thing with a passion. is there a way to convert it back to standard threads and do away with the bushings? Thanks for your help! __________________ Colt King Cobra .357 Colt Anaconda .44mag Springfield Armory .45 Double stack Loaded XD40 service XD45 Taurus 617 .357mag Smith M&P 40

February 12, 2023, 05:38 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Leave the Lock-N-load bushing in place, and just screw the dies in and out. If the bushing moves too easily, you can Loctite it. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

February 15, 2023, 04:00 PM	#4
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	Correct I believe the RCBS will fit however , may I ask what you don’t like about the system specifically ? And are you talking specifically the AP press __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

February 15, 2023, 05:43 PM	#6
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	Fwiw I was talking it works on the single stage . the AP looks different more stream lined not sure if at has the same thread There is also a flange at the top of the insert that works as a stop . Even if it’s the right threads the flange may make it a tight fit on that small tool head between each station __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

February 14, 2023, 09:22 AM	#3
cgaengineer Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Posts: 264	See if the RCBS inserts will work since the new RCBS can do LNL bushings using standard dies or standard dies in the press directly. If the threads are the same you will be in luck. The female LNL parts screw out but you may need to weld a handle on a bushing to get them out.

February 15, 2023, 04:38 PM	#5
cgaengineer Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Posts: 264	Not the OP but I’m guessing he doesn’t like the sloppiness of them and they are kinda sloppy but they are still repeatable. And yes, he’s talking about the AP. I was hoping I was correct about the rcbs bushing inserts working, that’s great to know for future reference.

February 15, 2023, 06:24 PM	#7
cgaengineer Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Posts: 264	There’s a flange on the hornady inserts as well! If the rcbs insert is larger it wouldn’t take much for a machine shop to take some off of them to the diameter of the recess on the LNL AP. Hell you could probably do it in a drill with a file honestly, it’s not critical as long as it fits the AP recess.

February 15, 2023, 06:26 PM	#8
cgaengineer Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Posts: 264	Love your tagline by the way…

March 17, 2023, 07:12 PM	#9
Charley345 Member Join Date: February 11, 2008 Location: NE Iowa Posts: 19	Just got reacquainted with my Hornady ammo plant and one issue that I had was seeing the powder measure die wiggle up and down while cycling. My remedy was to select a slightly thicker o-ring for the lock n load die and that worked perfectly. Now it locks in tighter and no wiggle while cycling the press.

March 18, 2023, 08:43 AM	#10
Woody'sDad Member Join Date: October 22, 2018 Posts: 22	Great tip Charley, I will definitely give it a try Thanks