Let’s Dive into Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders promise to transform your reloading process, turning your progressive press into a true ammo-making machine. Hornady claims a significant boost in reloading speed, and after years of manually placing bullets, the promise of a faster, more efficient system was definitely appealing. This accessory for the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press, boasts easy setup and caliber changes, along with a generous hopper capacity.
I’ve been reloading for over a decade, and bottleneck caliber pistol rounds, particularly 9mm, have always been time-consuming due to the delicate nature of getting the bullet started straight. The allure of consistent bullet seating, increased output, and less tedious hand-work spurred my interest in the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders. I had also been researching Dillon Precision’s offerings in this category, but the Hornady system, at a lower price point, with a similar feature set was much more compelling.
Unboxing the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders, I was immediately impressed by the solid steel construction of the bullet feeder die. The hopper, while plastic, felt durable and well-designed, offering a generous capacity. Initial setup was straightforward, requiring only a few adjustments to the center plate and bullet feed wipers to ensure smooth feeding.
I considered similar bullet feeders from RCBS and Dillon, but ultimately chose the Hornady for its perceived ease of setup, competitive price, and compatibility with my existing Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press. The Dillon system seemed to have a slightly more robust design, but the price difference was significant. RCBS, while a respectable brand, lacked the same level of integration with my current setup.
I was cautiously optimistic. The promise of increased efficiency was exciting, but I had heard stories of finicky bullet feeders. My initial impression was positive, the build quality seemed excellent, and the design appeared well-thought-out.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test run with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders was at my home reloading bench, focusing on loading 9mm rounds. I coupled it with my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press and Hornady case feeder. After the initial setup, the first few rounds were a bit of a learning curve as I fine-tuned the bullet seating depth and crimp.
I found that a specific amount of pressure was required on the operating lever and slight adjustments to the feed rate helped tremendously. The testing environment was fairly controlled; however, I experimented with different bullet types and weights to see if any particular projectiles were more prone to issues.
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders significantly reduced the manual labor involved in reloading, and helped improve seating depth consistency. I initially experienced a few instances of bullets not feeding correctly, but tweaking the feed wipers and center plate quickly resolved the issues. No special tools were required, which was great.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders have proven to be a valuable addition to my reloading setup. The bullet feeder has held up well, with no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the steel collets. I have reloaded thousands of rounds using the system, using a variety of lead, plated and jacketed bullets.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning of the hopper and collet with a dry cloth to remove any powder residue. A small amount of dry lubricant on the moving parts helps keep everything running smoothly. The steel is durable and corrosion resistant.
Compared to my previous fully-manual process, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders has dramatically increased my reloading speed and accuracy, making the reloading process more efficient. It has allowed me to spend more time at the range. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders
Specifications
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders are designed as an accessory for progressive reloading presses, specifically the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP. It features case-activated bullet feeding, ensuring a bullet is only dispensed when a case is present in the seating station.
The bullet hopper holds up to 200 pistol bullets, and the adjustable center plate and bullet feed wipers optimize smooth feeding. The solid steel collets are built to last, while the system utilizes standard 7/8″-14 die threads for compatibility with various presses. This ensures compatibility and long life.
The 7/8″-14 die threads are industry standard, and being case-activated is a major advantage when comparing to competitor solutions. The hopper capacity is more than adequate for a continuous reloading session, and the lifetime warranty provided by Hornady inspires confidence in the product. The solid steel collets are durable and built to last.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders excels at its primary function: automating bullet placement during the reloading process. It provides a consistent bullet feed, and once properly adjusted, it significantly reduces the chance of spilled powder due to off-center bullet placement.
The system excels with round-nose or conical bullets. The main weakness of the system is in the adjustability – without precise settings, feeding errors will occur. It more than meets expectations, making the reloading process easier and more productive.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders are well-built, using a combination of durable polymer for the hopper and robust steel for the critical feeding components. The weight is negligible once mounted, and does not affect press operation.
The design is user-friendly. There is a slight learning curve when initially setting up the feeder, but the intuitive design makes it easy to fine-tune. The adjustment knobs are easily accessible and allow for precise control.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders are built to last, with steel components designed to withstand years of use. I expect it to last for many years of reloading. The steel collets and durable plastic hopper are robust.
Maintenance is minimal, involving only periodic cleaning of the hopper and collet. The system appears easy to disassemble and repair if needed, and spare parts are readily available from Hornady.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders are primarily a standalone accessory, but integrate seamlessly with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press and Hornady case feeder. Caliber-specific bullet feeding dies are available, allowing the system to accommodate different pistol bullet sizes.
The system is not compatible with accessories from other brands. The availability of caliber-specific bullet feeding dies is a huge advantage, as it allows you to switch between different calibers quickly and easily. This provides exceptional flexibility.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders
Pros
- Dramatically increases reloading speed.
- Reduces manual labor and fatigue.
- Easy setup and caliber changes.
- Consistent bullet seating depth.
- Lifetime warranty from Hornady.
Cons
- Requires careful adjustment for optimal performance.
- Can be finicky with certain bullet shapes (e.g., flat-nosed bullets).
Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders?
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders are perfect for high-volume reloaders who want to significantly increase their production speed and reduce manual effort. It’s especially beneficial for those who reload pistol cartridges in bulk, such as competitive shooters or those who simply enjoy frequent range trips.
Those who only reload occasionally or prefer a more hands-on approach might not find the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders necessary. Reloaders who primarily work with rifle cartridges may not benefit as much. A must-have accessory is a well-lit reloading bench, and a bullet sorting tray can also be helpful for pre-sorting bullets by type.
Conclusion on Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders are a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders seeking to streamline their process and boost efficiency. The price is justified by the time saved, reduced fatigue, and improved consistency it offers.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their progressive reloading setup. It transformed my reloading experience. If you want to drastically cut down your reloading time, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders are a game-changer.