Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders Review

Let’s Dive into Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders

The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders promise to transform your reloading setup into a high-volume ammo production line. Designed specifically for the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press, this bullet feeder seeks to eliminate the tedious manual bullet placement, speeding up the reloading process significantly. With claims of up to 50% faster reloading speeds, it’s a product that immediately caught my eye.

I’ve been reloading for over a decade, starting with a single-stage press and slowly upgrading my setup. My biggest bottleneck has always been bullet seating, especially when cranking out hundreds of rounds for 3-gun competitions or long range practice. I needed a solution to significantly reduce my reloading time and improve my overall efficiency.

My first impression was of a well-engineered piece of equipment, albeit one that requires some setup and adjustment. The components felt robust and durable, suggesting a long lifespan with proper care. The black finish gives it a tactical, professional look that blends well with my existing reloading equipment.

I considered other bullet feeders, including those from RCBS and Dillon Precision. Ultimately, the Hornady offering appealed to me due to its integration with my existing Lock-N-Load AP press and the promise of seating and crimping in a single station. Price was also a factor, with the Hornady system being slightly more budget-friendly.

Initially, I was excited but also a bit skeptical, as I’ve encountered reloading gadgets that promise the world but fall short in real-world application. The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders had a lot to prove, but I was hopeful it would live up to the hype. It seemed like a robust system with the potential to seriously boost my reloading speed, if I could get it dialed in correctly.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders in my reloading room, setting it up on my trusted Lock-N-Load AP press. The initial setup took a couple of hours, involving adjusting the bullet collator, feeder die, and case activation mechanism. I was loading .223 Remington rounds, a common caliber for my AR-15.

The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders performed adequately in dry conditions. However, even slight adjustments to the press speed or bullet orientation could lead to hiccups, such as bullets not feeding correctly or tipping over in the die. I noticed that consistency was key, and minor variations in bullet weight or case dimensions could affect performance.

Ease of use was a mixed bag. The bullet feeder required constant monitoring and occasional tweaking, especially during the first few hundred rounds. It was not a “set it and forget it” system, demanding my full attention to ensure smooth operation and prevent jams.

The biggest surprise was the sensitivity to bullet imperfections. Even minor dents or deformities on the bullet tips could cause the feeder to malfunction, requiring me to manually remove the offending bullet and restart the process. This added a level of frustration that I hadn’t anticipated.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders has shown both strengths and weaknesses. It has definitely sped up my reloading process, but it’s not without its quirks.

Durability has been good overall. I’ve noticed some wear on the plastic components of the bullet collator, but nothing significant enough to affect performance. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent malfunctions and ensure smooth operation.

Maintenance involves regularly cleaning the bullet collator and feeder die to remove any powder residue or bullet lubricant. The flex tube also needs periodic inspection to ensure it’s free from obstructions and properly aligned. It is much more involved than simply cleaning a die.

Compared to my previous manual bullet seating method, the Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders definitely saves time, but requires more attention during the reloading process. While the increased speed is welcome, I often find myself longing for the simplicity and reliability of hand-seating bullets. The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders does not completely eliminate manual intervention.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders

Specifications

• Caliber: Comes as a complete unit for .22 caliber bullets. A conversion kit is available for .30 caliber bullets. The interchangeability is good, but requires purchasing additional parts.
• Compatibility: Designed for the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP™ reloading press. Also compatible with other presses using industry standard 7/8″-14 die threads.
• Cartridge Size Range (.22 cal): Accommodates cartridge sizes from .221 Fireball through 22-6mm. This provides a wide range of .22 caliber cartridges that can be loaded.
• Cartridge Size Range (.30 cal): With the .30 caliber conversion kit, accommodates cartridge sizes from .300 Savage through .300 Rem Ultra Mag. Again, a diverse cartridge range for the .30 caliber.
• Operation: Case activated; the bullet feeds upon contact with the case. This case activation is what allows the Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders to operate.
• Function: Feeds, seats, and crimps the bullet in one station. This multi-functionality helps save on die space.
• Color: Black. This black coating helps blend in with all other reloading equipment.
• Manufacturer: Hornady. Hornady is a big name in the reloading market.
• Quantity: 1. The product is sold as one unit.

These specifications are important because they define the compatibility, functionality, and limitations of the bullet feeder. Knowing the caliber and cartridge size ranges ensures that the feeder is suitable for the specific cartridges I reload. The case-activated operation is essential for reliable feeding, and the ability to seat and crimp in one station saves valuable space on my reloading press.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders performs its primary job of feeding bullets into the seating die reasonably well, but it’s not without its challenges. The bullet collator can be finicky, requiring constant adjustments to ensure proper bullet orientation.

The strengths lie in its potential to increase reloading speed and reduce manual labor. However, the weaknesses include its sensitivity to bullet imperfections and the need for constant monitoring.

The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders initially exceeded my expectations in terms of potential speed, but fell short in terms of reliability and ease of use. It does not replace manual bullet seating completely and will require constant tweaking for optimal results.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent, with a combination of metal and plastic components. The weight is manageable, but the overall design could be more refined.

The system is relatively user-friendly, but requires a significant learning curve to master. The instructions are not always clear, and some trial and error is necessary to get everything dialed in correctly.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, the Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders should last for several years. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent malfunctions and ensure smooth operation.

Repairing the Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders may require specialized tools and knowledge. Replacement parts are readily available from Hornady, but the cost can add up over time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders comes with the necessary components for .22 caliber bullets, including the bullet collator, feeder die, and flex tube. A separate conversion kit is available for .30 caliber bullets.

The system is compatible with other Hornady accessories, such as the Lock-N-Load® Case Feeder, which can further enhance reloading speed. There are also aftermarket accessories available, such as taller mounts for elevated presses.

Pros and Cons of Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders

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Who Should Buy Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders?

The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders is perfect for high-volume reloaders who primarily load .223 or .308 and who are looking to increase their reloading speed on a Lock-N-Load AP press. It’s also suitable for competitive shooters who need to produce large quantities of ammunition for practice and matches.

Those who should skip this product are reloaders who prioritize simplicity and reliability over speed, or those who primarily load a wide variety of calibers. Reloaders who load many different calibers may find switching between calibers more time-consuming than manual bullet seating.

A must-have accessory is a taller mount if using an elevated press. Also, purchasing a stronger mount may be desired as well.

Conclusion on Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders

The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders is a promising product that can significantly increase reloading speed, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Its finicky nature and sensitivity to bullet imperfections can be frustrating, requiring constant attention and adjustment.

The price of $476.49 is somewhat justified if you prioritize speed and efficiency, but it’s a significant investment that may not be worthwhile for casual reloaders. The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders may not provide as much value to them.

I would cautiously recommend the Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders to experienced reloaders who understand its limitations and are willing to invest the time and effort to get it dialed in correctly. Just be prepared for a learning curve and occasional frustrations.