Let’s Dive into Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes are designed to streamline the reloading process for progressive presses. These tubes, manufactured by Hornady, allow reloaders to pre-load bullets and quickly feed them into bullet feeder dies. They promise to increase reloading speed and efficiency.
My progressive press was feeling a bit sluggish. I wanted to upgrade from manually placing each bullet. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes seemed like a good solution.
The tubes arrived in a simple package. The plastic felt durable, but not exceptionally high-end. The milled window looked useful for checking bullet levels.
I considered building my own bullet tubes. I spent hours researching materials and designs. After multiple failed attempts, I realized the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes were worth the investment.
I was cautiously optimistic. The idea of speeding up my reloading process was exciting, but I was also aware that sometimes aftermarket accessories can cause more problems than they solve. Hopefully, these tubes would work flawlessly.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes at my reloading bench. I was loading 9mm rounds for an upcoming pistol competition. The tubes were easily installed into my Hornady bullet feeder die.
The tubes performed well. I was able to load significantly more bullets at once. The milled window was helpful for monitoring how many bullets were left.
The initial setup took a few minutes. After some initial adjustments, the bullet feeding process was smooth and reliable. I didn’t experience any major hiccups during the first loading session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the tubes have held up well. They still look and function as new. There are no cracks or signs of wear and tear.
Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe with a dry cloth removes any powder residue. I haven’t had to perform any deep cleaning or maintenance on them.
My previous experience involved manually placing each bullet, which was tedious and slow. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes significantly improved my loading speed and efficiency. This system definitely outperforms my previous methods.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes
Specifications
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes are designed for use with Hornady Lock-N-Load bullet feeder dies. Each tube is designed to hold 40+ bullets depending on caliber and bullet weight. The tubes are constructed from durable plastic.
The 7/8-14 thread allows for compatibility with most progressive reloading presses. The milled window allows for visual inspection of bullet levels. These features are essential for smooth, efficient bullet feeding. The 9mm Luger caliber is specifically designed to load 9mm bullets.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes significantly improve reloading speed. They reduce the frequency of manually adding bullets to the bullet feeder. The increased capacity allows for longer, uninterrupted loading sessions.
The tubes performed exceptionally well. The only slight issue is the time required to initially fill each tube. However, the time saved during the loading process more than compensates for this.
Design & Ergonomics
The tubes are made from a sturdy plastic material. They feel durable enough to withstand regular use. The tubes are lightweight and easy to handle.
The design is straightforward. The tubes attach to the Hornady bullet feeder die easily. There is no complicated setup. The milled window allows for easy visual monitoring.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes appear to be built to last. The plastic is resistant to cracking and wear. With minimal care, these tubes should last for years.
Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe with a cloth is all that’s needed. No special cleaning solutions are required. Regular cleaning will extend their lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes are primarily designed to work with Hornady’s bullet feeder dies. There are no significant customization options. The tubes are compatible with progressive presses that use standard 7/8-14 thread die stations.
They require a bullet feeder die to function properly. The tubes are specifically designed to enhance the bullet feeding process. Ensure the caliber matches your bullet feeder die and the bullets you’re loading.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes
Pros
- Significantly increases reloading speed. Allows for faster, more efficient loading.
- Large capacity. Holds 40+ bullets depending on the caliber and weight.
- Easy to install and use. Simple setup with minimal adjustments.
- Durable construction. Made from sturdy plastic that withstands regular use.
- Milled window. Provides visual inspection of bullet levels.
Cons
- Initial tube loading can be time-consuming. Requires manual filling of each tube.
- Sold in packs of three. Some users might not need all three tubes.
Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes?
Perfect for reloaders who use progressive presses and want to increase their reloading speed. They are also ideal for high-volume reloaders who need to produce large quantities of ammunition. These are suitable for competitive shooters and anyone who enjoys reloading as a hobby.
Those who manually load small batches of ammunition might not find these necessary. Individuals who are satisfied with the standard capacity of bullet feeder dies may not benefit from these. If you don’t have a compatible bullet feeder die, these tubes are useless.
You’ll need a progressive reloading press with 7/8-14 thread die stations. You will also need a bullet feeder die compatible with your chosen caliber. Having a dedicated space for reloading is also beneficial.
Conclusion on Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes are a valuable addition to any progressive reloading setup. They significantly enhance loading speed and efficiency. The increased capacity allows for longer, uninterrupted loading sessions.
The price is justified given the time and effort saved. These tubes are a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders. They are a fantastic way to improve efficiency.
I would definitely recommend them. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Tubes streamline the reloading process. Say goodbye to slow loading speeds and hello to efficient reloading. Upgrade your press today!