The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive press has solidified its position as a favorite among reloaders, boasting speed, accuracy, and versatility. This in-depth review will explore its features, benefits, and potential drawbacks, helping you decide if it's the right progressive press for your reloading needs.
What Makes the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Stand Out?
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP's popularity stems from several key features designed to streamline the reloading process and enhance accuracy. These include:
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Robust Construction: Built with a heavy-duty cast iron frame, the AP offers exceptional stability and durability, minimizing vibrations and ensuring consistent reloading performance, even during extended use. This robust build contributes to its longevity and precision.
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Intuitive Operation: The press's straightforward design makes it relatively easy to learn, even for beginners. The clear layout of the various stages and smooth operation minimize frustration and allow for a more efficient workflow. Many users praise the intuitive setup.
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Versatility: The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is compatible with a wide range of calibers, thanks to readily available shell plates and dies. This flexibility makes it suitable for various cartridge types, enhancing its overall value and appeal to diverse reloaders.
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Precision: The press's sturdy construction and precise mechanism contribute to consistent case sizing, powder charging, and bullet seating, all crucial for optimal accuracy on the range. This contributes to consistent and reliable ammunition.
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Efficient Design: The streamlined design minimizes the number of steps required for each round, leading to increased speed and efficiency in your reloading process. The layout reduces movement, speeding up the process for higher volume reloading.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP enjoys widespread praise, a few aspects deserve consideration:
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Initial Setup: While operation is intuitive, the initial setup and adjustment of the dies can require some time and patience, especially for novice reloaders. This initial investment of time is a common factor with all progressive presses.
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Price Point: The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is positioned in the higher price range of progressive presses. While the build quality justifies this cost for many, it's a factor to consider when comparing options.
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Space Requirements: Like most progressive presses, the AP requires a dedicated workspace. Its size necessitates sufficient bench space for optimal use.
Who is the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Ideal For?
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is an excellent choice for reloaders who:
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Reload High Volumes: The press's speed and efficiency make it perfect for those needing to produce a significant quantity of ammunition.
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Prioritize Accuracy: The precision of the press ensures consistent reloading, a critical factor for achieving accuracy in shooting.
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Value Versatility: The compatibility with various calibers allows reloaders to handle a range of cartridges without investing in multiple presses.
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Appreciate Durability: The robust construction guarantees a long lifespan, justifying the investment for serious reloaders.
Conclusion: A Top Contender in Progressive Presses
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive press offers a compelling combination of speed, accuracy, versatility, and durability. While the initial setup might present a slight learning curve and the price is higher than some alternatives, its performance and overall value make it a strong contender among progressive reloading presses. Its reliability and robust design contribute to its enduring popularity within the reloading community. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is a worthy investment for those serious about reloading and committed to achieving consistent, high-quality ammunition.
