Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 Review

Let’s Dive into Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 is designed to streamline and speed up the tedious process of cartridge case preparation. This all-in-one unit from Hornady promises to accurately trim, chamfer, deburr, and clean primer pockets, all powered by a single motor. It aims to replace multiple hand tools, saving reloaders valuable time and reducing hand fatigue. I was drawn to it because prepping brass, especially for high-volume reloading, had become a major bottleneck in my process, and I was searching for a solution that could improve both my efficiency and the consistency of my reloads.

My first impression upon unboxing the Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 was that this thing is built like a tank. The unit is solid and heavy, giving it a stable feel on the workbench, unlike some of the lighter, more plasticky case prep solutions I’ve seen. Compared to separate hand tools or even other powered units like the RCBS Case Prep Center, the Hornady stands out due to its vertical trimmer design and the integration of all functions into a single, dedicated machine. The promise of improved speed and accuracy immediately piqued my interest.

I had been using a combination of hand tools and a basic motorized trimmer, and the inconsistency and time commitment were frustrating. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 seemed like a potential game-changer. I was definitely excited, but also a little skeptical given the mixed reviews I had seen online, especially regarding case length consistency.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 in my reloading room, prepping a batch of 223 Remington brass for an upcoming AR-15 build. The most immediate difference was the speed; I was able to cycle through the trimming, chamfering, and deburring processes much faster than with my old setup. The dust collection isn’t perfect, but the design definitely helps keep shavings from falling inside the cases.

I primarily worked with once-fired brass in a controlled environment, so extreme conditions were not a factor. Initial setup for trimming took a bit of fiddling to get the precise case length, but once dialed in, it was relatively straightforward. I found that applying too much pressure during trimming would affect the case length, an observation echoed in some online reviews.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 has proven to be a worthwhile addition to my reloading bench. The motor still runs strong, and the various tools remain sharp. I’ve prepped thousands of cases in various calibers, from .223 to .308, and have experienced minimal issues.

The only real wear and tear I’ve noticed is some slight discoloration on the chamfering and deburring tools, but that’s purely cosmetic. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth and occasional compressed air to remove brass shavings. Compared to my previous methods, this unit significantly reduces the amount of time spent on case prep, and provides more consistency, leading to improved accuracy in my reloads.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hornady. They are known for high quality reloading equipment.
• Caliber: Universal. It handles cases from 3/4 inch to 3 1/4 inches in length.
• Additional Features: Case Prep Center. This includes trimming, chamfering, deburring, and primer pocket cleaning.
• Quantity: 1. This includes the main unit and the included accessories.
• Micro adjustable to 1/1000 inch: This allows for extremely precise case trimming. The precision helps create consistent ammunition.
• Trim cases from 3/4 inch to 3 1/4 inches in length: This accommodates a wide variety of rifle calibers. This range makes it versatile for different reloading projects.
• Vertical design of the power trimmer: This keeps shavings from falling into cases. It also makes case discharge easy.
• Horizontal design of the tools: This also prevents shavings from falling into the cases.
• Power chamfer/deburr tool: This automates the chamfering and deburring process. Automating this process saves time and effort.
• Large and small primer pocket cleaners included: These ensure proper primer seating. Cleaner primer pockets lead to more reliable ignition.
• Comes with five popular neck brush sizes: These help clean the inside of case necks. Clean case necks contribute to consistent bullet seating.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the ease, speed, and accuracy of case preparation. The micro-adjustability ensures precise case lengths, while the included tools cover all the essential steps. The design minimizes mess and promotes efficiency.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 performs its core functions admirably, significantly speeding up the case prep process. Trimming is accurate, though it requires a delicate touch to avoid over-cutting. Chamfering and deburring are quick and consistent, leaving cases ready for priming and loading.

The strength lies in its all-in-one design; having all the tools in one place minimizes setup time and improves workflow. The main weakness is that the trimming process can be sensitive to pressure, leading to slight variations in case length if you’re not careful. Overall, it meets expectations for speed and convenience, but requires some practice to achieve optimal accuracy.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent; the unit is sturdy and well-made. The weight helps keep it stable on the bench. The ergonomics are generally good, though the T-handle for the trimmer adjustment can be a little awkward to reach depending on your setup.

The controls are intuitive, and the Lock-N-Load bushings make caliber changes relatively quick. There is a slight learning curve in mastering the trimmer adjustment and pressure, but after a few cases, it becomes second nature.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on several months of use, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 appears to be a durable piece of equipment. The motor is strong and the tools are made from quality materials. Proper maintenance involves keeping the unit clean and occasionally lubricating the moving parts.

Replacing worn tools is straightforward, as Hornady offers replacement parts. Given its robust construction, I expect it to last for many years with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 comes with large and small primer pocket cleaners, as well as five popular neck brush sizes. It uses Hornady’s Lock-N-Load bushings, allowing for quick caliber changes. While there aren’t many third-party accessories specifically designed for this unit, the Lock-N-Load system allows you to adapt other compatible tools. The ability to swap out the trimming pilots for different calibers is a key customization option.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012

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Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012?

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 is perfect for high-volume reloaders who want to save time and improve the consistency of their ammunition. It’s also ideal for reloaders who process a variety of calibers, as the Lock-N-Load system makes caliber changes quick and easy. Competitive shooters and precision reloaders will appreciate the micro-adjustable trimmer for achieving precise case lengths.

This product might be overkill for casual reloaders who only process a small number of cases. Those on a tight budget may find the price prohibitive and might be better off with individual hand tools. A must-have accessory is a good set of calipers for verifying case lengths after trimming.

Conclusion on Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 is a solid investment for serious reloaders seeking to improve efficiency and consistency. While the price is significant, the time savings and improved accuracy justify the cost for those who reload frequently. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 streamlines the case prep process, making it less of a chore and more of a manageable task.

I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone looking to upgrade their reloading setup and reduce the time spent on case preparation. If you’re tired of manually trimming, chamfering, and deburring cases, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Power Case Prep Center 050012 is a game-changer. Upgrade your reloading bench today and reclaim your precious time!