Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool Review

What Makes Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool Stand Out?

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool is designed to quickly and cleanly remove primer pocket crimps on .223/5.56 cartridge cases when used with a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP reloading press. This tool promises to streamline the reloading process for high-volume reloaders who frequently work with military or crimped brass. The included shell holder, feed, swage, and eject dies offer a complete solution, and the ability to swage rather than cut the crimps eliminates messy trimmings.

I’ve spent years wrestling with inconsistent primer seating after struggling to remove military crimps. Manual reamers and hand-held swaging tools were simply too slow and laborious for processing the large quantities of brass I accumulate during range sessions and competitions. The promise of speed and cleanliness drew me to the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool.

My initial impression upon unboxing was that of robust construction. The dies are made of hardened steel, promising durability. This is a stark contrast to some of the cheaper hand-held tools I’ve used in the past, which felt flimsy and prone to bending.

While hand-held swaging tools like the RCBS Primer Pocket Swager Combo or the Dillon Precision Super Swage 600 are viable alternatives, they are manually operated and slower. The Hornady tool integrates directly with the progressive reloading press, potentially saving significant time. I was excited to see if it would live up to its promise of faster, cleaner swaging.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was my reloading bench, using a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press and a batch of once-fired military .223 brass. The setup was straightforward, replacing one of the standard dies with the swaging die. The instructions were clear, and after a few adjustments, I was ready to go.

Even under the dusty conditions of my garage, the tool performed admirably. The swaging action was smooth, and the primer pockets were uniformly prepped for new primers. The elimination of shavings was a significant improvement over chamfering or reaming the crimp away.

The first few cases did require some fine-tuning of the swage depth, but once dialed in, the process became remarkably quick and efficient.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of processing thousands of .223 cases, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool has proven to be a reliable and time-saving addition to my reloading setup. There are minimal signs of wear and tear on the dies. Regular cleaning of the dies is necessary to prevent buildup of residue, but the process is simple and takes only a few minutes.

Compared to my previous experiences with manual swaging tools, this Hornady tool represents a significant upgrade in both speed and consistency. It has allowed me to efficiently process large quantities of brass without the fatigue and inconsistencies associated with manual methods. This tool is truly impressive.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool

Specifications

• Caliber: Designed specifically for .223 Remington/5.56mm NATO cartridges. This limits its use to this single caliber.
• Compatibility: Requires a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive reloading press for operation. This tool is useless without the press.
• Components: Includes shell holder, feed die, swage die, and eject die. The inclusion of all necessary components simplifies setup.
• Swaging vs. Cutting: Swages the primer pocket crimp instead of cutting. This eliminates shavings and potential damage to the case.
• Adjustable Swage Depth: Allows for precise adjustment of the swaging depth to accommodate variations in case brands. Fine-tuning is required, but allows for consistent results.

These specifications highlight the tool’s purpose-built design for high-volume .223/5.56 reloading. The caliber specificity and press requirement are limitations, but the swaging action and adjustable depth contribute to efficient and consistent primer pocket preparation.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool performs its primary function exceptionally well: removing primer pocket crimps quickly and cleanly. The swaged primer pockets are consistently sized, ensuring proper primer seating. The tool easily handles thousands of cases with minimal adjustments.

The main strength lies in its integration with the progressive press, significantly increasing processing speed. The adjustable swage depth allows for fine-tuning to different case brands, minimizing the risk of over-swaging.

However, the caliber restriction and the need for a compatible press are limitations. The initial setup and adjustment can take some time to master.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is robust, with hardened steel dies that appear durable and well-machined. The tool integrates seamlessly into the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press. It requires minimal effort to operate, as the press provides the necessary leverage.

The learning curve is moderate. Adjusting the swage depth requires careful attention and a few test cases, but the process becomes intuitive with practice.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on several months of heavy use, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool appears to be built to last. Regular cleaning of the dies is recommended to prevent residue buildup and maintain smooth operation. Proper lubrication of the press itself will also contribute to the longevity of the swaging tool.

The simple design and robust materials suggest that this tool should provide years of reliable service with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool comes as a complete package and doesn’t require additional accessories for its primary function. While there are no specific customization options for the swaging tool itself, its performance can be further enhanced by using other Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press accessories.

These include case feeders and bullet feeders, which further automate the reloading process. The tool is compatible with standard Hornady shell plates and can be easily swapped with other dies in the press.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool