Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade Review

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Let’s Dive into Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime Systems Upgrade promises to breathe new life into an already robust single-stage reloading press. Hornady aims to provide reloaders with enhanced speed and efficiency through this upgrade. It transforms the manual priming system of the Iron Press into an automated one.

My reloading bench has seen better days, and my hands have certainly felt the strain of repetitive priming tasks. I’ve been searching for a way to increase my reloading efficiency without sacrificing the precision and control I value in single-stage presses. Manual priming has always been a bottleneck in my process, and I was looking for a solution that wouldn’t break the bank or require a completely new press setup.

The upgrade kit arrived in a sturdy cardboard box, and upon opening it, I was immediately impressed by the heft and solid construction of the components. The steel parts felt durable and well-machined, giving me confidence in their long-term reliability. The fit and finish appeared to be excellent, indicating a high level of quality control by Hornady.

I considered the RCBS Automatic Bench Priming Tool and the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Hand Priming Tool. However, the integrated design of the Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade appealed to me more. I wanted a system that worked seamlessly with my existing press. My decision was further solidified by positive user reviews praising its consistency and ease of installation.

Initially, I was excited about the potential time savings and reduced fatigue that the automated priming system promised. I also held a slight reservation about whether the upgrade could truly maintain the precision I’ve come to expect from my manual priming process. Time would tell if the upgrade lived up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade on my reloading bench in my garage. I was preparing to reload .223 Remington cartridges for an upcoming varmint hunting trip. The garage environment is relatively controlled, but some dust inevitably finds its way in.

The upgrade performed remarkably well, even with the ambient dust. The automated priming process was smooth and consistent, feeding primers reliably into the cases. The system significantly sped up my reloading process compared to my old hand priming tool.

The initial setup took a little longer than expected, requiring careful adjustment of the primer feed system. Once dialed in, the system ran flawlessly. I encountered a few minor hiccups with primer seating depth. However, these were easily corrected with slight adjustments to the press settings.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and hundreds of rounds reloaded, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade continues to impress me. The system has proven to be remarkably consistent, delivering reliable primer seating with minimal effort. There’s a satisfying rhythm to the automated process that makes reloading sessions more enjoyable.

The upgrade shows no signs of wear and tear, even after considerable use. The steel components seem robust and well-protected against corrosion. I periodically clean the primer feed system with compressed air and a dry cloth to remove any accumulated powder residue.

Compared to my previous hand priming tool, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade is a game-changer. The system significantly reduces hand fatigue and allows me to reload more rounds in less time. I’m consistently producing high-quality ammunition with excellent primer seating depth.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade

Specifications

Manufacturer: Hornady produces this upgrade kit. The company is known for its reloading equipment and ammunition.
Quantity: The kit includes one complete Auto Prime System. This ensures that you have everything you need to upgrade your Iron Press.
Compatibility: Designed specifically for the Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press. It integrates seamlessly with the existing press framework.
Automated Priming: Converts the manual priming system to an automated one. This significantly increases reloading speed.
Primer Feed: Features a reliable primer feed system. This ensures consistent and smooth primer delivery.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the performance and user experience. The automated priming feature, for example, boosts productivity. The compatibility ensures a hassle-free installation and optimal integration with the Iron Press.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade excels at its primary function: automating the priming process. It significantly speeds up reloading, allowing me to produce more rounds in less time. The system consistently seats primers to the correct depth, ensuring reliable ignition.

The main strength lies in its ability to streamline the reloading process without sacrificing precision. Minor adjustments to the primer feed system are occasionally needed to accommodate different primer brands. The primer feed can sometimes be a little finicky with small rifle primers.

The upgrade meets my expectations for speed and consistency. The improvement in reloading efficiency has been noticeable and welcome.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade boasts a robust and well-engineered design. The steel components are durable and feel substantial, suggesting a long lifespan. The upgrade integrates seamlessly with the existing Iron Press.

The system is relatively user-friendly, although the initial setup requires some patience and fine-tuning. The instruction manual is clear and provides helpful diagrams. After the initial setup, the system is easy to use, and adjustments are straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade is built to last. The steel components appear resistant to wear and tear, even with regular use. The system should provide many years of reliable service with proper care.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the primer feed system. I use compressed air to remove powder residue and a dry cloth to wipe down the components. The system is designed for easy access, making cleaning a breeze.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade includes all the necessary components for converting the priming system. There are no additional accessories included in the standard kit. The upgrade is primarily designed as a direct replacement for the manual priming system.

The system is compatible with standard small and large primer feed tubes. Reloaders can purchase additional primer tubes to expedite the reloading process. There are no specific customization options beyond the primer feed tubes.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade

Pros

Significantly increases reloading speed. This allows for higher production rates.
Provides consistent primer seating depth. This ensures reliable ammunition performance.
Reduces hand fatigue compared to manual priming. This makes reloading sessions more comfortable.
Durable steel construction. This guarantees long-term reliability.
Relatively easy to install and use (after initial setup). This minimizes the learning curve.

Cons

Initial setup can be time-consuming and require fine-tuning. This may frustrate some users.
Primer feed system can be finicky with certain primer brands. This requires extra attention.
Limited customization options. This may disappoint reloaders seeking advanced features.

Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade?

This upgrade is perfect for reloaders who already own a Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press and want to increase their reloading efficiency. It’s also ideal for those who experience hand fatigue from manual priming. Competitive shooters who need to produce large quantities of ammunition will also find this upgrade beneficial.

Reloaders who are new to reloading or who prefer a more hands-on approach to priming might want to skip this product. If you don’t already own a Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press, purchasing a complete automated reloading press might be a better option. Those who prioritize absolute precision over speed may also prefer to stick with manual priming.

A must-have accessory is a supply of extra primer feed tubes to keep your reloading process flowing smoothly. You should also ensure you have a good primer tray to load the tubes efficiently.

Conclusion on Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade is a worthwhile investment for reloaders seeking to enhance the speed and efficiency of their reloading process. It transforms the manual priming system into an automated one. It significantly reduces hand fatigue while maintaining consistent primer seating depth.

At $108.99, the price is justified for the increased productivity and reduced strain on your hands. The upgrade offers excellent value for reloaders already invested in the Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press system. It is a cost-effective way to boost reloading performance.

I would personally recommend this upgrade to anyone looking to streamline their reloading process and reduce hand fatigue. If you’re tired of manually priming cases, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Auto Prime SyStems Upgrade is a must-have. Upgrade your press and experience the difference today!