Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit Review

Let’s Dive into Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit is a seemingly simple, yet incredibly effective tool for any serious reloader using Hornady‘s Lock-N-Load AP or Lock-N-Load Iron presses. These aluminum tubes streamline the priming process, letting you ditch the constant interruptions to refill primers. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit promises faster reloading times and greater efficiency, a claim I was eager to verify after years of manually feeding primers one by one.

Frustration was my primary driver in seeking out these tubes. Hand-priming hundreds of rounds for an upcoming precision rifle competition was proving to be a tedious bottleneck in my reloading process. I had looked at other automated priming systems, but many were bulky, expensive, or simply didn’t integrate well with my existing Hornady press setup.

Upon unboxing the kit, I was immediately struck by the tubes’ lightweight feel and smooth finish. The aluminum construction seemed sturdy enough to withstand regular use, yet light enough to minimize added weight on the press. My initial impression was that Hornady had delivered a well-machined and thoughtfully designed product.

Compared to other primer feeding systems I’ve researched (like the RCBS Universal Hand Priming Tool or Frankford Arsenal Vibra-Prime), the Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit stood out because of its direct compatibility with my existing Hornady reloading press. This eliminated the need for additional adapters or modifications, making it a more streamlined and cost-effective solution. I chose these tubes because they were purpose-built for my equipment.

I was definitely excited, hoping these tubes would finally free me from the monotonous task of single-primer feeding. The promise of increased reloading speed and consistent primer seating had me eager to get started. This could be the key to more time on the range and less time at the bench.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test with the Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit was at my home reloading bench, prepping ammunition for a local 3-gun competition. I loaded each tube with 100 small rifle primers and then installed them onto my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press. The tubes smoothly integrated into the press’s priming system.

I encountered no significant issues during the reloading session. Priming in varying conditions hasn’t been an issue either; my shop is climate controlled. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit greatly improved the speed of my process.

The ease of use was immediately apparent; the tubes loaded quickly, and the priming system on my press operated smoothly. I needed only a few minutes to understand how to properly install and operate the tubes. This product is simple and efficient.

I experienced one minor issue during the first use: a few primers occasionally flipped within the tube. This required me to stop and realign them, but it was a relatively rare occurrence and didn’t significantly impact the overall reloading speed. This situation is easy to remedy and avoid with practice.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of weekly reloading sessions, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my setup. The tubes have held up well to regular use, with no signs of bending or damage. The aluminum has held up to the use and wear.

I haven’t observed any significant wear and tear on the tubes, even after loading and emptying them dozens of times. The finish remains smooth, and the tubes retain their shape. The aluminum seems high quality.

Maintenance is straightforward: I simply wipe down the tubes with a clean cloth after each use to remove any powder residue or debris. I occasionally use a dry lubricant inside the tubes to ensure smooth primer feeding. The tubes are easy to maintain.

Compared to my previous method of manually feeding primers, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit has significantly outperformed my expectations. My reloading speed has increased dramatically, and the consistent primer seating has improved the accuracy of my reloads. This product is a major improvement over single-primer feeding.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit

Specifications

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit consists of three primer pick-up tubes designed specifically for small primers. These tubes are constructed from durable aluminum, which provides both strength and lightweight handling. The tubes are compatible with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP and Lock-N-Load Iron presses, streamlining the priming process.

• Material: Aluminum. This ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, essential for long-term use in a reloading environment.
• Size: Small. Designed exclusively for small primers, ensuring a proper fit and reliable feeding.
• Compatibility: Hornady Lock-N-Load AP and Lock-N-Load Iron presses. Provides seamless integration with existing reloading equipment.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the reliability and efficiency of the reloading process. The aluminum construction guarantees the tubes can withstand regular use without damage. The correct size ensures primers are fed smoothly and consistently. The compatibility with Hornady presses simplifies the setup and operation, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit excels at its primary function: speeding up the primer loading process. The tubes enable a continuous flow of primers into the press, eliminating the need to manually feed each primer individually. This results in significantly faster reloading times and greater consistency.

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit offers mostly strengths. The increase in speed while reloading is the biggest strength. A weakness is the occasional flipped primer, but this can be reduced with practice.

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit exceeds my expectations. The significant increase in reloading speed and the consistent primer seating have made my reloading process much more efficient and enjoyable. This product is a worthy investment.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit features a simple, yet effective design. The aluminum tubes are lightweight and easy to handle, and their smooth finish ensures that primers flow smoothly. The kit’s straightforward design makes it user-friendly, even for reloaders who are new to using primer tubes.

The build quality is excellent. The materials used are high quality, and the weight is perfectly balanced for easy handling. The design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The tubes are user-friendly. There is almost no learning curve. Even a novice reloader can use these tubes effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum construction of the Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit ensures that it will last for many years with proper care. The tubes are resistant to corrosion and wear, even with regular use. This translates to long-term value for the reloader.

Maintenance is simple. The tubes can be easily cleaned with a cloth or brush. Minimal upkeep is needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit doesn’t include any additional accessories beyond the three primer tubes. There are no specific customization options available for the tubes themselves. Their value lies in their seamless integration with Hornady reloading presses, not in modification.

Although there are no specific accessories for this kit, the tubes are compatible with a variety of Hornady primer flippers and other accessories designed for the Lock-N-Load AP and Iron presses. This allows reloaders to further customize their priming setup and optimize their workflow. No other brand compatibility is advertised by Hornady.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit

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Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit?

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit is perfect for reloaders who use Hornady Lock-N-Load AP or Iron presses and want to increase their reloading speed and consistency. It’s a great investment for high-volume shooters, competitive shooters, and anyone who values efficiency and precision in their reloading process. If you reload in bulk, this is for you.

Reloaders who use other brands of presses or who only reload occasionally may not find this product to be as beneficial. Those that enjoy the process of loading each primer individually should not purchase these tubes. Those who value the “zen” of the repetitive process may want to avoid them.

A must-have accessory for this kit is a primer flipper tray to quickly and efficiently load the tubes with primers. Without a flipper tray, the process is much more difficult. Consider purchasing some dry lubricant too.

Conclusion on Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit is a valuable addition to any serious reloader’s workbench. It significantly speeds up the priming process, ensures consistent primer seating, and is built to last. These tubes are a must-have.

The price of around $41.00 is justified by the increase in reloading speed and the overall improvement in efficiency. The time saved and the improved consistency make this a worthwhile investment for any high-volume reloader. The benefits outweigh the costs.

I would absolutely recommend the Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Primer Tube Kit to any reloader who uses a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP or Iron press. It’s a simple, yet effective tool that will transform your reloading process. Buy it, use it, and enjoy the benefits of faster, more consistent reloading!