Lock N load not indexing spot on every time

Glock.45 · October 5, 2011, 10:03 PM

When she indexes, the primer is off sometimes and I have to move the shell plate a few degrees to get the primer to line up with the pocket. Sometimes it right on and sometimes not. Id say about 75% of the time it doesn't line up.
Any ideas?

Charlie98 · October 5, 2011, 11:24 PM

Your shell plate nut is too tight.

Glock.45 · October 6, 2011, 12:16 AM

checked the shell plate nut. needed to loosen it with the allen wrench. then snugged it back finger tight. Same problem.

I also noted that my brass is binding up in the down stroke just before it ejects. I started helping them out by hand and that seemed to lessen the index problem.

The press has just under 400 rounds through it. I checked the index tabs at the bottom and the still look brand new.

I added grease to all the zerks. also no joy

Waldog · October 6, 2011, 01:16 AM

Does this misalignment happen on ALL you shell plates, or just one plate?
See if your shell plate lines fails to line up on a SPECIFIC SHELL STATION. If it lines up on 4 stations and fails to line up on the last station, your shell plate may be bad. I have heard of this before. The offending shell plate was incorrectly machined. Hornady provided new shell plate at no charge.
Call Hornady CS. They will make it right.

micksis86 · October 6, 2011, 05:21 AM

I had the exact same problem when I got mine. I had to slightly adjust the indexing pawls. It was only a slight adjustment if Remember correctly but it was some time ago. I would suggest ringing hornady they will no doubt be able to talk you through the adjustment process.

PA-Joe · October 6, 2011, 07:05 AM

Also keep a case in each station, this will help keep the shell plate level.

FlyFish · October 6, 2011, 07:08 AM

It sounds like it doesn't happen every time, so that leaves two possibilities.

If the small ball-bearing detents on the bottom of the shellplate are fitting fully into the corresponding recesses on the subplate each time, then the shellplate must be incorrectly machined. More likely is that the shellplate isn't rotating enough for the detents to engage properly every time, requiring you to add a final little clockwise push by hand to get it into the correct position (do you feel the shellplate clicking into place when you move it?). That's easily corrected by adjusting the left-hand pawl. Using a small Allen wrench, back out the set screw that holds the spring-loaded pawl a little bit - the pawl will then apply a bit more rotation on the up-stroke of the handle. It doesn't take much adjustment, but it's not big deal to get it right.

In the unlikely event that the shellplate is moving past the correct position (which means you would have to rotate it slightly counter-clockwise by hand), then turn the set screw down a bit.

P.A. Dutchman · October 6, 2011, 08:33 AM

Sounds like a Pawl adjustment. I had to re-adjust mine a couple of weeks ago after 3 years of use for the same reason. The pawl you need to adjust is on the left side of the ram (for the down stroke), and just turn the allen head adjusting screw about 1/4 turn at a time till it lines up. 1/4 turn may be all you need.

Beanie-Bean · October 6, 2011, 09:45 AM

Thank you all for posting the tips here--I've been watching the LnL videos trying to get information about the AP, and possible issues with the press that I may experience running mine.

JMP · October 6, 2011, 08:53 PM

I had this problem with mine soon after I got it. The little tab that fits in the spot on the shellplate to turn it was broke but not all the way. When I would take the shellplate off it wasn't noticeable because it would re-align from pulling the shellplate up. I screwed around with the pawls a lot but it didn't change. I just happened to notice it one day and called Hornady. A new one arrived two days later.

Glock.45 · October 20, 2011, 11:15 AM

Ok. Im back online. Thank you for all the responses.

I adjusted the left paw and that fixed my indexing problem. The right paw needed a small tweak too.

I ran 50 more cases through and im still having the hang up on the eject.

I started to mark the plate. making a dot with a sharpie at the offending slot.
The results: only one slot had no dots. the rest had a almost equal amount of dots.
Im starting to think that maybe the shell plate is bent. I have a new plate ordered but it will be 6 weeks before im home again. (damn job)

rajbcpa · August 30, 2012, 02:37 PM

I have the same issue with a new L-N-L. Eventually, the press froze and I broke the left pawl.

I called Hornady customer service and they said the press indexing (pawl adjustment) was incorrect from the factory......

In addition to that, I also have a couple of primer issues. Apparently, this was not set correctly at the factory too.

BulletBoy · November 7, 2014, 12:00 PM

I found this thread because I was having the exact same problem. I know it's an old thread, but I think this info can help someone.

I have identified the problem, and it isn't a pawl adjustment issue. Do this: remove the shell plate, turn it over and look at the underside. Around the perimeter you will find a raised ridge. If you inspect this ridge closely you will probably find one or more shiny spots where the ridge is being polished as it rotates.

These shiny areas are high spots on the plate, and were caused by a manufacturing defect. The drag they cause results in the failure to index properly. (You may also notice slight resistance in the operation of the press handle.) Because they are not distributed evenly around the perimeter, they only cause the failure to index on certain stations.

If you call Hornady and describe the problem, they should replace the shell plate for you.

cryogenic419 · November 8, 2014, 09:11 AM

Some things I would try.

Is the press level? You wouldn't think it being off a little would make much difference but in some cases it does. The way the case retaining spring holds the cases in doesn't seem like its high enough to keep them from tipping slightly, just enough so they stay in the shellholder. I initially had an issue where the indexing was spot on, but I would still have issues entering the sizing die. Noticed I always had to push the case a certain direction in order to get it to feed into the die. Took a level to the top of the press and saw I wasn't quite level. Just loosened the bolts holding the press, slid a thin washer underneath, tighten back down. Had to adjust a few times to find the optimum spot but did manage to get it perfect.

Keep the divots in the subplate cleaned out, don't let crap build up in them. Keep the ball detents on the shellplate cleaned up. Use a toothpick or something similar to keep them clean. If there is build up in them the ball detents in the shellplate don't get a positive lock into the subplate. This can lead to indexing issues as well as your shellplate sitting at a slight angle which may cause some issues with brass entering the dies, seating slightly crooked, crimp not being even, etc.

Lightly lube the surface of the pawls and indexing wheel. Lightly lube the subplate. Choose your lube and lube points wisely as you do not want to introduce petroleum products anywhere near your primer pocket. I use a brush on moly dry lube as it seems to do the job well and no worries about contamination.

Getting hung up on the eject? I know when my press was new it had that issue every now and again. The more ammo I loaded on the press the less it happened. Now its a non issue. I think it might just be where something needs to break in a little bit. You could probably speed that along with some really fine grain sandpaper or some polish like Flitz.

When I first got the machine I found a post about pawl adjustment that I think is invaluable when working with this press.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368171

Hopefully this helps.

Three44s · November 9, 2014, 09:20 AM

+1 on the past advice and in particular, cryogenic419's

I also took a fine sand paper to my eject tab under the shell plate.

Some of my shell plates worked from the get go and others required some breaking in ....... basically involved just going slow for a few rounds until the few wiskers from machining wore off.

Just be very light on sanding your eject tab .......

Three 44s

Urban_Redneck · November 9, 2014, 10:27 AM

This is the best thread I have found on timing the LnL

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368171

YMMV

cryogenic419 · November 10, 2014, 06:00 AM

It is the best advice EVER on setting up those pawls. Don't know whatever happened to that guy but if I ever meet him I am buying him a beverage of his choice.

October 5, 2011, 10:03 PM	#1
Glock.45 Member Join Date: January 23, 2010 Location: North East NH Posts: 44	Lock N load not indexing spot on every time When she indexes, the primer is off sometimes and I have to move the shell plate a few degrees to get the primer to line up with the pocket. Sometimes it right on and sometimes not. Id say about 75% of the time it doesn't line up. Any ideas? __________________ Support the little local shops

October 6, 2011, 12:16 AM	#3
Glock.45 Member Join Date: January 23, 2010 Location: North East NH Posts: 44	checked the shell plate nut. needed to loosen it with the allen wrench. then snugged it back finger tight. Same problem. I also noted that my brass is binding up in the down stroke just before it ejects. I started helping them out by hand and that seemed to lessen the index problem. The press has just under 400 rounds through it. I checked the index tabs at the bottom and the still look brand new. I added grease to all the zerks. also no joy __________________ Support the little local shops

October 6, 2011, 01:16 AM	#4
Waldog Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2007 Location: SOCAL Posts: 359	Does this misalignment happen on ALL you shell plates, or just one plate? See if your shell plate lines fails to line up on a SPECIFIC SHELL STATION. If it lines up on 4 stations and fails to line up on the last station, your shell plate may be bad. I have heard of this before. The offending shell plate was incorrectly machined. Hornady provided new shell plate at no charge. Call Hornady CS. They will make it right. __________________ I am the Christian Conservative that CNN warned you about!! “Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy.” Winston Churchill

October 6, 2011, 05:21 AM	#5
micksis86 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2009 Posts: 420	I had the exact same problem when I got mine. I had to slightly adjust the indexing pawls. It was only a slight adjustment if Remember correctly but it was some time ago. I would suggest ringing hornady they will no doubt be able to talk you through the adjustment process. __________________ Never argue with morons, they will lower you down to their level and beat you with experience.

October 6, 2011, 09:45 AM	#9
Beanie-Bean Member Join Date: October 4, 2011 Location: Central TX Posts: 87	Thank you all for posting the tips here--I've been watching the LnL videos trying to get information about the AP, and possible issues with the press that I may experience running mine. __________________ Ammo by Dillon and Hornady

October 5, 2011, 11:24 PM	#2
Charlie98 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2006 Location: Great state of Texas Posts: 1,077	Your shell plate nut is too tight.

October 6, 2011, 07:05 AM	#6
PA-Joe Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: NEPA Posts: 909	Also keep a case in each station, this will help keep the shell plate level.

October 6, 2011, 07:08 AM	#7
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,723	It sounds like it doesn't happen every time, so that leaves two possibilities. If the small ball-bearing detents on the bottom of the shellplate are fitting fully into the corresponding recesses on the subplate each time, then the shellplate must be incorrectly machined. More likely is that the shellplate isn't rotating enough for the detents to engage properly every time, requiring you to add a final little clockwise push by hand to get it into the correct position (do you feel the shellplate clicking into place when you move it?). That's easily corrected by adjusting the left-hand pawl. Using a small Allen wrench, back out the set screw that holds the spring-loaded pawl a little bit - the pawl will then apply a bit more rotation on the up-stroke of the handle. It doesn't take much adjustment, but it's not big deal to get it right. In the unlikely event that the shellplate is moving past the correct position (which means you would have to rotate it slightly counter-clockwise by hand), then turn the set screw down a bit.

October 6, 2011, 08:33 AM	#8
P.A. Dutchman Member Join Date: August 17, 2011 Posts: 51	Sounds like a Pawl adjustment. I had to re-adjust mine a couple of weeks ago after 3 years of use for the same reason. The pawl you need to adjust is on the left side of the ram (for the down stroke), and just turn the allen head adjusting screw about 1/4 turn at a time till it lines up. 1/4 turn may be all you need.

October 6, 2011, 08:53 PM	#10
JMP Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2010 Location: Wyoming Posts: 118	I had this problem with mine soon after I got it. The little tab that fits in the spot on the shellplate to turn it was broke but not all the way. When I would take the shellplate off it wasn't noticeable because it would re-align from pulling the shellplate up. I screwed around with the pawls a lot but it didn't change. I just happened to notice it one day and called Hornady. A new one arrived two days later.

October 20, 2011, 11:15 AM	#11
Glock.45 Member Join Date: January 23, 2010 Location: North East NH Posts: 44	Ok. Im back online. Thank you for all the responses. I adjusted the left paw and that fixed my indexing problem. The right paw needed a small tweak too. I ran 50 more cases through and im still having the hang up on the eject. I started to mark the plate. making a dot with a sharpie at the offending slot. The results: only one slot had no dots. the rest had a almost equal amount of dots. Im starting to think that maybe the shell plate is bent. I have a new plate ordered but it will be 6 weeks before im home again. (damn job) __________________ Support the little local shops

August 30, 2012, 02:37 PM	#12
rajbcpa Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2012 Posts: 321	I have the same issue with a new L-N-L. Eventually, the press froze and I broke the left pawl. I called Hornady customer service and they said the press indexing (pawl adjustment) was incorrect from the factory...... In addition to that, I also have a couple of primer issues. Apparently, this was not set correctly at the factory too.

November 7, 2014, 12:00 PM	#13
BulletBoy Junior Member Join Date: March 10, 2012 Posts: 1	I found this thread because I was having the exact same problem. I know it's an old thread, but I think this info can help someone. I have identified the problem, and it isn't a pawl adjustment issue. Do this: remove the shell plate, turn it over and look at the underside. Around the perimeter you will find a raised ridge. If you inspect this ridge closely you will probably find one or more shiny spots where the ridge is being polished as it rotates. These shiny areas are high spots on the plate, and were caused by a manufacturing defect. The drag they cause results in the failure to index properly. (You may also notice slight resistance in the operation of the press handle.) Because they are not distributed evenly around the perimeter, they only cause the failure to index on certain stations. If you call Hornady and describe the problem, they should replace the shell plate for you.

November 8, 2014, 09:11 AM	#14
cryogenic419 Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2009 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 569	Some things I would try. Is the press level? You wouldn't think it being off a little would make much difference but in some cases it does. The way the case retaining spring holds the cases in doesn't seem like its high enough to keep them from tipping slightly, just enough so they stay in the shellholder. I initially had an issue where the indexing was spot on, but I would still have issues entering the sizing die. Noticed I always had to push the case a certain direction in order to get it to feed into the die. Took a level to the top of the press and saw I wasn't quite level. Just loosened the bolts holding the press, slid a thin washer underneath, tighten back down. Had to adjust a few times to find the optimum spot but did manage to get it perfect. Keep the divots in the subplate cleaned out, don't let crap build up in them. Keep the ball detents on the shellplate cleaned up. Use a toothpick or something similar to keep them clean. If there is build up in them the ball detents in the shellplate don't get a positive lock into the subplate. This can lead to indexing issues as well as your shellplate sitting at a slight angle which may cause some issues with brass entering the dies, seating slightly crooked, crimp not being even, etc. Lightly lube the surface of the pawls and indexing wheel. Lightly lube the subplate. Choose your lube and lube points wisely as you do not want to introduce petroleum products anywhere near your primer pocket. I use a brush on moly dry lube as it seems to do the job well and no worries about contamination. Getting hung up on the eject? I know when my press was new it had that issue every now and again. The more ammo I loaded on the press the less it happened. Now its a non issue. I think it might just be where something needs to break in a little bit. You could probably speed that along with some really fine grain sandpaper or some polish like Flitz. When I first got the machine I found a post about pawl adjustment that I think is invaluable when working with this press. http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368171 Hopefully this helps.

November 9, 2014, 09:20 AM	#15
Three44s Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2008 Posts: 108	+1 on the past advice and in particular, cryogenic419's I also took a fine sand paper to my eject tab under the shell plate. Some of my shell plates worked from the get go and others required some breaking in ....... basically involved just going slow for a few rounds until the few wiskers from machining wore off. Just be very light on sanding your eject tab ....... Three 44s

November 9, 2014, 10:27 AM	#16
Urban_Redneck Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Posts: 73	This is the best thread I have found on timing the LnL http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368171 YMMV

November 10, 2014, 06:00 AM	#17
cryogenic419 Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2009 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 569	It is the best advice EVER on setting up those pawls. Don't know whatever happened to that guy but if I ever meet him I am buying him a beverage of his choice.