The Hornady LNL AP press has solidified its place as a popular choice among reloaders, balancing affordability with impressive capabilities. This comprehensive review delves into its features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value, helping you decide if it's the right press for your reloading needs.
What is the Hornady LNL AP Press?
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP (Automatic Prime) press is a progressive reloading press designed for high-volume reloading while maintaining accuracy and ease of use. Unlike single-stage presses that perform one operation at a time, the LNL AP handles multiple steps in a single press stroke, significantly speeding up the reloading process. It’s a robust machine built for durability and consistency, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced reloaders.
Key Features and Functionality
The LNL AP boasts several features that contribute to its efficiency and user-friendliness:
- Automatic Primer Feeding: This is a significant advantage. The automatic primer system consistently feeds primers, reducing the manual effort and speeding up the reloading process.
- Progressive Operation: The progressive nature of the press means multiple steps – case feeding, resizing, powder dispensing, bullet seating, and priming – are performed with each pull of the handle, drastically reducing the overall time spent reloading.
- Adjustable Powder Measure: The adjustable powder measure allows for precise powder charges, crucial for consistent and safe ammunition. Accurate powder dispensing is essential for safety and performance.
- Versatile Case Feed System: The case feed system is designed to accommodate a wide range of cartridge cases, minimizing the need for significant adjustments between calibers.
- Durable Construction: The press is built with heavy-duty materials to withstand the rigors of frequent use and high-volume reloading. This translates to long-term reliability.
Advantages of the Hornady LNL AP Press
- Speed and Efficiency: The LNL AP significantly increases reloading speed compared to single-stage presses. This is particularly beneficial for those who reload large quantities of ammunition.
- Ease of Use: While it's a progressive press, the LNL AP is relatively user-friendly, even for beginners. Hornady provides excellent documentation and numerous online resources to aid in setup and operation.
- Consistent Results: The automatic features help ensure consistent ammunition quality, reducing the risk of variations in powder charges or primer seating.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial investment might seem higher than a single-stage press, the long-term efficiency and speed translate into cost savings, especially when reloading a large volume of ammunition.
- Large Community Support: The popularity of the LNL AP means a large and active online community is available for support, troubleshooting, and tips.
Disadvantages of the Hornady LNL AP Press
- Higher Initial Cost: The LNL AP is more expensive than basic single-stage presses. This is a factor to consider, particularly for budget-conscious reloaders.
- Steeper Learning Curve: While generally user-friendly, mastering the LNL AP and achieving optimal efficiency requires a learning curve that's steeper than single-stage presses.
- Space Requirements: The LNL AP requires more bench space than single-stage presses due to its size and additional components.
- Maintenance: Like any complex mechanical device, regular maintenance and occasional troubleshooting are necessary to ensure its optimal performance.
Is the Hornady LNL AP Press Right for You?
The Hornady LNL AP press is an excellent choice for reloaders who prioritize speed, efficiency, and consistent results, and are willing to invest in a high-quality progressive press. It's a robust, reliable machine that can significantly increase your reloading output. However, it's essential to consider the higher initial cost and the learning curve before making a purchase. If you're a beginner, carefully weigh the benefits against your reloading needs and budget. If high-volume, consistent reloading is your priority, the LNL AP is a strong contender.
Conclusion
The Hornady LNL AP press represents a significant investment in reloading equipment, but its performance and features justify the cost for many reloaders. Its ease of use (relative to other progressive presses), robust construction, and high-volume capabilities make it a worthwhile consideration for those seeking efficient and reliable ammunition production. Remember to thoroughly research and understand the machine's operation before starting to reload. Always prioritize safety when handling firearms and reloading components.
