Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit Review

Let’s Dive into Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit promises to breathe new life into your progressive reloading press, offering a streamlined and efficient way to manage case feeding when paired with Hornady electronic scales. This kit aims to convert your existing Lock-N-Load AP press to a case feed model without the hassle of a separate case feed mechanism, potentially saving time and improving accuracy. It’s a compelling proposition for reloaders looking to enhance their precision and speed, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

I’ve been reloading for over a decade, primarily focusing on precision rifle cartridges for long-range shooting and hunting. Manual case feeding, while meticulous, became incredibly time-consuming as my volume increased. I was searching for a solution to automate this aspect without sacrificing quality, and the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit seemed like a viable option.

Upon unboxing, the kit appears well-made, comprising the necessary die springs, a spring retainer plate, and clear instructions. The components feel robust, suggesting they can withstand the rigors of progressive reloading. My initial thought was that the design was intelligently simplified, removing unnecessary complexities and focusing on direct integration with existing Hornady equipment.

I considered options from RCBS and Dillon Precision before settling on the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit. While Dillon offers robust case feeding solutions, the integration with the Hornady electronic scales was the deciding factor, as it promised a closed-loop system for powder dispensing and case feeding. The RCBS offering felt less refined in comparison. My hope was that this kit would enhance precision and speed, eliminating the manual bottleneck.

I was cautiously optimistic. The promise of seamless integration with the Hornady electronic scales excited me, but I also wondered if the simplicity of the design would translate to real-world reliability. Only time, and a lot of reloaded ammunition, would tell.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test was at my reloading bench, preparing .223 Remington rounds for AR-15 practice. I meticulously followed the instructions, retrofitting the case feeder to my Lock-N-Load AP press. The initial setup was relatively straightforward, although fine-tuning the case alignment took some patience.

The performance was immediately noticeable. The case feeding, synced with the electronic scales, streamlined the powder dispensing process. Initially, I encountered some minor hiccups with case alignment, but after a few adjustments, it ran smoothly.

The biggest surprise was the reduction in overall reloading time. What used to take me a couple of hours was now accomplished in under an hour. The automated process reduced the strain of repetitive tasks.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, reloading thousands of rounds in various calibers, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the components. The die springs maintain their tension, and the retainer plate shows no signs of deformation.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each reloading session keeps it functioning smoothly. Occasional lubrication of moving parts is recommended, but overall, it is extremely low maintenance. Compared to my previous manual case feeding process, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit has significantly improved my reloading efficiency and reduced fatigue. It has exceeded my initial expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit

Specifications

• The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit is designed specifically for retrofitting Hornady Lock-N-Load AP presses for use with Hornady electronic scales. This ensures a seamless integration for automated powder dispensing and case feeding.

• The kit includes die springs and a spring retainer plate, essential components for proper case feeding and preventing wear and tear on reloading dies. These parts are critical for smooth operation and long-term reliability.

• The system is designed to work with cases fed directly through the electronic scales. This increases accuracy by weighing each powder charge before the case is fed to the next stage.

• The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Hornady. This provides peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected against manufacturing defects.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit significantly enhances the speed and precision of reloading. It allows for efficient case feeding synchronized with electronic powder dispensing.

The primary strength lies in its seamless integration with Hornady electronic scales, creating a closed-loop system. The only minor weakness is the initial setup and fine-tuning, which may require some patience. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit has exceeded my expectations for a progressive reloading press upgrade.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple and functional, focusing on direct integration with the existing Lock-N-Load AP press. The build quality is solid, using durable materials that can withstand the repetitive stresses of progressive reloading.

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit is user-friendly, with clear instructions for installation and operation. A small learning curve exists when fine-tuning case alignment, but it becomes intuitive quickly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit is designed for long-term durability, constructed from robust materials. Regular cleaning and occasional lubrication are all that’s needed to maintain optimal performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit includes the necessary die springs and retainer plate for seamless integration. No specific accessories are bundled with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit beyond the essential components.

It is designed to be compatible with existing Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press accessories, particularly the electronic scales. Cross-brand compatibility with other case feeders or scale systems may require modification.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit

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Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit?

Perfect for high-volume reloaders looking to increase efficiency and precision. Those who already own a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press and Hornady electronic scales will benefit most from the seamless integration.

This product may not be ideal for reloaders who prefer manual case feeding or those using progressive presses from other manufacturers. Additionally, those who do not own or plan to purchase Hornady electronic scales should skip this product, as its primary benefit is the seamless integration between the two. A case feeder of the correct caliber is a must-have accessory for proper function.

Conclusion on Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Case Feed Retrofit Kit is a worthwhile investment for reloaders seeking to boost the speed and accuracy of their progressive reloading setup. Its seamless integration with Hornady electronic scales creates a potent combination, streamlining the powder dispensing and case feeding process.

The price is justified by the significant improvement in reloading efficiency and the durable construction of the components. I would wholeheartedly recommend this product to anyone looking to upgrade their Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press. Upgrade your reloading bench today and experience the efficiency firsthand!