What Makes Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110 Stand Out?
The Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110 isn’t just another sonic cleaner; it’s a meticulously engineered solution designed to restore your brass and small gun parts to pristine condition with ease and efficiency. Manufactured by Hornady, a name synonymous with quality in the reloading world, this unit boasts a heated tank, a generous 2-liter capacity, and a user-friendly interface, making it a compelling choice for reloaders and gun owners seeking a deeper, more effective clean.
My journey to the Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110 began with a persistent problem: inconsistent reloads due to carbon buildup in primer pockets and on case exteriors. Hand-cleaning each case was tedious and time-consuming, and tumbling media often left dust and residue. I craved a faster, more thorough method, and the promise of sonic cleaning, particularly with the added benefit of heat, piqued my interest.
Unboxing the cleaner, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction. The stainless-steel tank felt robust and well-finished, and the controls were simple and intuitive. The overall design seemed practical and durable, suggesting a long lifespan with proper care.
Compared to similar products from Lyman and RCBS, the Hornady stood out for its combination of heated cleaning and a larger tank capacity within a comparable price range. I opted for the Hornady model primarily for the added cleaning power of heat, believing it would be particularly effective on heavily soiled brass. Initial impressions were positive; I was genuinely excited to see how it would perform.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved cleaning a batch of mixed .223 and 9mm brass that had seen considerable range time. I used Hornady’s One Shot Sonic Clean Solution, following the recommended dilution ratio. The process was straightforward: load the brass, add the solution, set the timer, and let the machine do its work.
I ran two 15-minute cycles, and the results were immediately noticeable. The brass emerged significantly cleaner than it ever did with my old tumbler. The primer pockets, a notorious problem area, were noticeably free of carbon deposits, and the case exteriors gleamed. There were no issues encountered during the first use; everything worked exactly as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110 has proven to be a reliable and valuable tool in my reloading process. The unit has consistently delivered excellent cleaning results across various calibers and levels of fouling. I have found that even the most heavily tarnished brass is restored to near-new condition after a couple of cleaning cycles.
The stainless-steel tank shows no signs of corrosion or wear, even with frequent use of cleaning solutions. Maintenance is simple; I just rinse the tank after each use and occasionally wipe down the exterior. Compared to my previous experiences with tumbling media, the Hornady cleaner is significantly less messy and requires far less hands-on effort. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110
Specifications
2 Liter Stainless Steel Tank: The generous capacity allows for cleaning up to three hundred .223 cases or one hundred fifty .308 cases in a single batch, saving significant time and effort. This is especially useful for high-volume reloaders.
80 Watt Ceramic Heater: The integrated heater enhances the cleaning action of the sonic waves, particularly effective in removing stubborn carbon fouling and grime. The heater significantly reduces cleaning time.
5 to 30 Minute Timer: The adjustable timer provides flexibility to select the appropriate cleaning cycle for different levels of fouling, offering precise control over the cleaning process. Shorter cycles work well for lightly soiled brass, while longer cycles are ideal for heavily tarnished cases.
Microjet Action: The sonic waves create microjets that penetrate and clean internal and external surfaces, including primer pockets. This ensures thorough cleaning of hard-to-reach areas.
Tank Dimensions: The 7.25″ x 6″ x 3″ (2.1qt) tank dimensions provide ample space for a significant quantity of brass or small gun parts while maintaining a compact footprint on the workbench. The dimensions are well-suited for both case cleaning and smaller firearm components.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110 performs its primary function – cleaning brass and small gun parts – exceptionally well. The combination of sonic action and heat effectively removes carbon residue, grime, and tarnish, leaving items remarkably clean.
The cleaner’s strengths lie in its thoroughness, ease of use, and time-saving capabilities. A potential improvement would be a built-in drain to facilitate easier emptying of the tank. The machine reliably delivers consistent cleaning results.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110 features a robust and functional design. The stainless-steel tank provides excellent durability and resistance to corrosion from cleaning solutions.
The controls are straightforward and intuitive, and the unit is relatively compact, making it easy to fit on most workbenches. There is minimal learning curve associated with operating the cleaner.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110 appears to be built for long-term use. The stainless-steel tank and sturdy construction suggest a durable and reliable product.
Maintenance is simple: rinse the tank after each use and occasionally wipe down the exterior. Occasional descaling may be necessary, depending on water hardness.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110 comes with the basic unit itself. No accessories for customization are included in the original packaging.
It is designed to be used with Hornady’s One Shot Sonic Clean Solution, but it is also compatible with other commercially available sonic cleaning solutions. The effectiveness of different cleaning solutions may vary.
Pros and Cons of Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110Pros
- Heated tank significantly enhances cleaning power, especially for stubborn carbon fouling.
- Large 2-liter capacity allows for cleaning a substantial amount of brass in a single cycle.
- Effective microjet action thoroughly cleans internal and external surfaces, including primer pockets.
- Simple and intuitive controls make it easy to operate, even for beginners.
- Durable stainless-steel tank ensures long-lasting performance.
Cons
- No built-in drain, making it slightly inconvenient to empty the tank.
- Cleaning solution not included; must be purchased separately.
Who Should Buy Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110?
Pros
- Heated tank significantly enhances cleaning power, especially for stubborn carbon fouling.
- Large 2-liter capacity allows for cleaning a substantial amount of brass in a single cycle.
- Effective microjet action thoroughly cleans internal and external surfaces, including primer pockets.
- Simple and intuitive controls make it easy to operate, even for beginners.
- Durable stainless-steel tank ensures long-lasting performance.
Cons
- No built-in drain, making it slightly inconvenient to empty the tank.
- Cleaning solution not included; must be purchased separately.
Perfect for reloaders of all skill levels who value efficiency and thoroughness in their brass cleaning process. It is also excellent for gun owners seeking to clean small gun parts, such as bolts and firing pin assemblies.
Those on an extremely tight budget or who only reload occasionally might find a less expensive, non-heated ultrasonic cleaner sufficient. Someone who prioritizes extreme portability over capacity may also find this unit too bulky.
Must-have accessories include Hornady’s One Shot Sonic Clean Solution or a comparable sonic cleaning solution. A small strainer or mesh basket can also be helpful for retrieving small parts from the tank.
Conclusion on Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110
The Hornady LNL Sonic Cleaner LiH 2 Liter Heated, 110 is a well-designed and effective tool that significantly simplifies and improves the brass cleaning process. The combination of sonic action and heat delivers exceptional cleaning results.
At $152.99, the price is justified by the time saved, the thoroughness of the cleaning, and the overall durability of the unit. This cleaner has become an indispensable part of my reloading setup, and I would highly recommend it to anyone serious about reloading or gun maintenance. Upgrade your cleaning process today!