Let’s Dive into Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press
Reloading ammunition, while a rewarding process, can be time-consuming. That’s where the Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press comes in. This accessory, designed by Hornady, promises to significantly speed up the reloading process by automatically feeding cases into your progressive press, freeing up your hands for other critical tasks like powder and bullet placement.
As someone with over a decade of experience in the outdoor and tactical gear world, and a dedicated reloader myself, I was eager to see if this case feeder could live up to the hype and streamline my reloading workflow. I was tired of the monotonous task of manually placing each case. Upon unboxing, the unit felt solid, and the materials appeared durable. It looked like a quality piece of equipment worthy of the Hornady name.
I had considered other case feeders, namely those from Dillon Precision and RCBS. Ultimately, I chose the Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press due to its advertised compatibility with my existing Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press and the Lock-N-Load bushing system which I already used. My first impression was excitement mixed with a bit of apprehension; could this really be the solution to my reloading bottleneck?
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my home reloading bench, where I typically load for various rifle and pistol calibers. I first tested it with .223 Remington, a caliber I load frequently. The setup took a little time to dial in. Once adjusted, the case feeder drastically increased my loading speed.
I encountered some minor hiccups with .40 S&W, as mentioned in the user feedback; some cases did tend to bind in the feed tube. A light coating of Hornady Dri-Lube significantly improved feeding consistency, though. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press worked reliably in my climate-controlled reloading room.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press has become an integral part of my reloading setup. It’s drastically reduced my reloading time across various calibers. There are no significant signs of wear and tear. I have cleaned the case feeder periodically with compressed air and a dry cloth to remove any powder residue or debris.
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press definitely outperforms manually feeding cases, allowing me to focus on maintaining consistent powder charges and bullet seating depths. I’d say that the time savings is well worth the initial investment.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press
Specifications
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press boasts several key specifications. The unit weighs approximately 15 pounds. Its dimensions are 26 x 17 x 13 inches. Hornady designed this case feeder to be compatible with their Lock-N-Load AP progressive reloading press, utilizing a 110-volt power supply. These specifications highlight its robust build and compatibility with a standard power outlet.
It includes cartridge adaptors for various calibers. The fail-safe case slide mechanism prevents damage from misfed cases. This feature alone saves time and frustration. The case feeder easily adapts to your existing AP press and feeds every cartridge with ease.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press excels at automating the case feeding process. It significantly speeds up reloading. It does require some initial setup and adjustment to ensure proper feeding for each caliber. The biggest strength is the ability to load hundreds of rounds without manually placing each case.
A minor weakness is the occasional need for fine-tuning, especially when switching between different cartridge sizes. Despite this minor issue, the overall performance is excellent. It met and exceeded my expectations for increased reloading speed.
Design & Ergonomics
The case feeder has a durable plastic housing and a well-designed case bowl. The weight provides stability on the reloading bench. The intuitive design minimizes the learning curve. The clear case feed tube allows for easy monitoring of case levels.
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press features intuitive adjustments and easy changeovers. Its user-friendly design is a major advantage.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press should last for many years. Periodic cleaning with compressed air keeps it running smoothly. The robust construction ensures long-term reliability. I anticipate minimal repair needs due to the simple yet effective design.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press comes with cartridge adaptors for various calibers. Hornady offers additional shell plates specifically designed for the Lock-N-Load AP press, which are required for different case head sizes. It is also compatible with Hornady’s Lock-N-Load bushing system, which allows for quick die changes.
The availability of caliber-specific shell plates enhances the feeder’s versatility. The Lock-N-Load bushing compatibility makes die changes seamless.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press
Pros
- Dramatically increases reloading speed.
- Frees up hands for powder and bullet handling.
- Easy to set up and use (once adjusted).
- Compatible with various calibers with adaptors.
- Fail-safe mechanism prevents damage from misfed cases.
Cons
- Requires fine-tuning for optimal performance with different calibers.
- Can be finicky with certain cartridges like .40 S&W without lubrication.
Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press?
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press is perfect for high-volume reloaders who want to significantly reduce their reloading time. It is also great for competitive shooters who need to produce large quantities of ammunition efficiently. Anyone using a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press and reloading more than a few hundred rounds a month would benefit greatly.
Those who only reload occasionally, or who are extremely budget-conscious, might not find the investment worthwhile. Someone who enjoys the manual process of reloading may find the automation less appealing. A must-have accessory is a quality case lubricant like Hornady One-Shot, especially when loading pistol cartridges.
Conclusion on Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press
Overall, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press is a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders looking to boost their productivity. While it may require some initial setup and occasional tweaking, the time savings and increased efficiency are undeniable. The price is justified given the substantial improvement in reloading speed and the durable construction of the unit.
I would highly recommend the Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press to anyone looking to streamline their reloading process. If you are tired of manually placing each case, then the Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press is for you. Take your reloading to the next level and invest in the Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Case Feeder 110 Volt for AP Press today!