Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only Review

Let’s Dive into Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only

Reloading .223/5.56mm ammunition, especially when dealing with range pickup brass or military surplus, often presents the headache of crimped primer pockets. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only promises a solution: efficient and consistent crimp removal directly on your progressive press. This tool aims to streamline the reloading process, saving time and effort compared to hand-operated swagers or tedious reaming.

Years of reloading experience led me to seek a better solution for processing crimped primer pockets. I was tired of hand-swaging and wanted to integrate the process directly into my reloading workflow on my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press.

Out of the box, the Hornady swage tool felt substantial and well-made. The steel components looked robust, promising durability, and the included shell holder seemed precise.

I considered the RCBS Primer Pocket Swager Combo 2 and the Dillon Precision Super Swage 600, but I chose the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only due to its integration with my existing Hornady progressive press, promising a more seamless workflow. This eliminated the need for a separate swaging station.

My first impression was excitement and a hint of anticipation. I was eager to ditch the hand swager and see if this tool could truly streamline my .223/5.56mm reloading process.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only in my reloading room, processing a batch of 500 mixed headstamp .223/5.56mm cases picked up from a local range. The conditions were typical: controlled temperature and humidity.

The swage tool performed admirably, consistently removing primer pocket crimps. I did encounter a few instances where the swage depth required adjustment to accommodate variations in case headstamps and crimp severity.

The initial setup took some time, dialing in the correct swage depth required some trial and error. However, once adjusted, the tool worked smoothly, though I noticed needing to apply a decent amount of force on the press handle.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and thousands of processed cases, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only has proven to be a reliable addition to my reloading bench. It’s significantly reduced the time spent prepping .223/5.56 brass.

The tool shows minimal signs of wear, mainly some slight scuffing on the swage die. Regular cleaning and lubrication seem sufficient to keep it in optimal working condition.

Maintaining the tool involves occasionally wiping down the dies with a clean cloth and applying a light coat of oil to prevent rust. This is a simple and quick process.

Compared to hand-swaging, the Hornady tool is a significant improvement in terms of speed and consistency. While not perfect (adjustments are sometimes needed), it outperforms hand methods by a wide margin.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only

Specifications

• The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only is specifically designed for use with .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO cases. It is important to note that this is only for these calibers.
• The tool is designed to work exclusively with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive reloading press. This allows for seamless integration into the reloading process.
• It includes a shell holder, feed die, swage die, and eject die. This complete kit provides everything needed to remove primer pocket crimps.
• The swage depth is adjustable to accommodate variations in case brands. This ensures proper primer seating after swaging.
• It’s designed to swage crimps rather than cut them. This eliminates brass shavings and potential damage to the primer pocket.

These specifications are crucial for ensuring proper function and preventing damage to the brass. The caliber-specific design guarantees accurate swaging, and the adjustability allows for fine-tuning based on brass variations.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only performs its primary function of removing primer pocket crimps effectively. It prepares the brass for smooth and consistent primer seating.

The tool’s strength lies in its speed and integration with the progressive press. The primary weakness is the need for occasional adjustments based on brass variations and the force needed on the press handle.

It largely meets expectations, delivering on its promise of streamlining primer pocket swaging. Some minor adjustments are necessary for optimal performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid, with durable steel components. The weight is appropriate for the task, providing stability on the press.

The tool is relatively user-friendly, although the initial setup requires some patience and fine-tuning. The learning curve is not steep, but it is important to carefully follow the instructions.

Durability & Maintenance

The tool appears to be durable and should last for a long time with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining optimal performance.

Maintenance is straightforward, involving wiping down the dies and applying a light coat of oil. Repairing the tool is usually not necessary, as the design is simple and robust.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only comes with all the necessary dies and shell holder for .223/5.56. There aren’t many customization options beyond the swage depth adjustment.

The product is designed specifically for the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press. While aftermarket shell holders might work, it’s best to stick with the Hornady supplied one for optimal compatibility and performance.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only

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Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only?

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only is perfect for high-volume reloaders who use a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive press and process a lot of .223/5.56mm brass, particularly those using range pickup or military surplus brass. It is a must-have for reloaders seeking to speed up their process and maintain consistency.

Those who reload only a small amount of .223/5.56mm or who don’t own a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press should probably skip this product. Hand swaging tools or reaming tools might be more suitable for low-volume reloading.

A must-have accessory is a spent case tube attached to the eject die. This prevents swaged cases from scattering and makes collection much easier.

Conclusion on Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only is a valuable addition to any high-volume .223/5.56mm reloader’s setup, especially those already using a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press. It significantly speeds up the primer pocket swaging process, providing consistent results and saving considerable time and effort.

At $135.99, the price is justified for the time savings and increased efficiency it offers. It’s an investment that pays off quickly with increased reloading speed and reduced fatigue.

I would absolutely recommend the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only to any serious .223/5.56mm reloader. If you are tired of hand swaging and want to streamline your reloading process, this tool is well worth the investment. Pick one up and experience the difference!