Hornady Lock-n-load conversion kit?

[BarrettMRAD]

Has anyone into precision loading who's tried the Hornady Lock-N-Load die conversion set-up run into consistency issues in connection with shoulder bumping cases etc.? When full length resizing and bumping the shoulders, the repeatability and consistency factor has come under question, particularly when I noticed the die and bushing moving under pressure... I recognize the Hornady set-up is convenient, but I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem/issue?

[broadside]

you need to make sure cases are lubed and the bushing is tight in the press. It shouldn't move at all

[nedro]

The lock n load turret plate does not sit solid. No matter what, it moves a bit.
That is why I never bought one for my lee press.

[baih777]

if your talking about the die conversion bushing to use on a single stage press.
make sure its tight. then when you put in the die. after adjustment. make sure the lock ring is snug.

but i just use a case guage. check brass at random each time i empty the bin.
never had a problem.

but i have never checked each one with calipers yet.

[baih777]

Are you sizing mixed headstamp brass?

['ol shooter]

The bushings move because the o-ring compresses slightly on the down withdrawal stroke, which does not change anything in the important up stroke when the case is being forced into the die and the bushing is in solid contact with the adapter. If your bushing has vertical play when just sitting in the adapter, replace the o-ring.
hornady lock n load bushings.JPG
I have used them for over a decade on my Rock Chucker with good results.

[mike.h]

I use them in my rock chucker and have no complaints. Yes, the die moves up against a hard stop, but if you are consistent with down pressure it shouldn't give you any problems. When using quality brass like Lapua, I get great results. Cheaper brass like Fiocchi, resizes just fine, but that's due to the brass, not the equipment. But of course I'm not holding my AR brass to the same standard as the BR brass.

BTW, I anneal my brass with the Amp annealer, and this contributes to better resizing. Brass that is fire hardened and not annealed, doesn't resize as easily and the results aren't as consistent.

Hope this helps

[BarrettMRAD]

Are you sizing mixed headstamp brass?

No, it's all Lapua brass....

[BarrettMRAD]

I use them in my rock chucker and have no complaints. Yes, the die moves up against a hard stop, but if you are consistent with down pressure it shouldn't give you any problems. When using quality brass like Lapua, I get great results. Cheaper brass like Fiocchi, resizes just fine, but that's due to the brass, not the equipment. But of course I'm not holding my AR brass to the same standard as the BR brass.

BTW, I anneal my brass with the Amp annealer, and this contributes to better resizing. Brass that is fire hardened and not annealed, doesn't resize as easily and the results aren't as consistent.

Hope this helps

No, I've been using nothing but Lapua brass. I've been researching this and have found complaints about the bushings, particularly the one that remains in the press wearing excessively due to inferior materials it's made from... I'm annealing everytime with the AMP Mark-2. And yes, perhaps my expectation are a little high based off of BR and PRS competition standards....

[baih777]

I would try some brass without the bushing.
Since your annealing. I would not expect variances more than .001

Are you shooting the same brass in two different rifles ?

[BarrettMRAD]

I would try some brass without the bushing.
Since your annealing. I would not expect variances more than .001

Are you shooting the same brass in two different rifles ?

No, all my brass is separated for each rifle... It's getting pretty frustrating at this point. As I've progressed in both tools/reloading equipment together with technique (I think) some of the upgrades may perhaps be bringing out my own shortcomings if it's not the Hornady bushings, but then again perhaps advancements in technology might be coming back to bite me....

You've made a great point regarding running a batch of brass without the bushings to see if that makes a difference or improves the outcome.... Hey, I haven't been hand loading all that long, so it could be that I'm doing something wrong. I guess buying the best of everything isn't a guarantee of ones success...

[Trakker]

https://ultimatereloader.com/2019/04/08/fourteen-reloading-presses-compared-single-stage-shootout/4/

What kind of variations are you measuring?


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[Trakker]

What dies are you using for the full length resize? When you pull the expander back out you are actually stretching the case. Each case varies slightly in spring back. What is your measured variation?


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[BarrettMRAD]

https://ultimatereloader.com/2019/04/08/fourteen-reloading-presses-compared-single-stage-shootout/4/

What kind of variations are you measuring?


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Just read some reviews on the RCBS Summit press, which is what I've been using over the past 2-3 years..... Some of the least favorable reviews hit on the exact same issues I have brought up here, as it pertains to inconsistent shoulder bumps among other things... No complaints about RCBS's Rock Chucker.... Might be time to replace the press..... Any suggestions?

[Trakker]

https://fastandfriendlybrass.com/shop/item.aspx/honey-badger-trimmer-adapter/34/

Trimming and reloading on the same press is a pipe dream. Too much vibration going on at one time.


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