Changing Calibers on the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP

[locatellick]

ok thank you for your reply

[locatellick]

so the new version of the lock n load ap doesn't include any of this? would you happen to know the numbers of the plates, dies, and bushings by any chance?

[fatty2027]

@locatellick I doubt it comes with what I mentioned, bushings are standard, shell plates are new so you will have to look it up, I use RCBS dies #11103 for .223 and RCBS#22115 for 10mm and .40S&W.

I get most of my press accessories from Midway their descriptions should help figure out what you need.

[locatellick]

so does the new lock-n-load AP come with everything that is needed to start reloading .223 and .40 or do i have to purchase dies, and shell plates or anything else for that matter?

[fatty2027]

@locatellick When I bought mine in 1999 I had to buy the shell plate for the caliber I was to load and the die set. IIRC it came with a few die bushings but you will want more. For 2 handgun(with extra crimp die for each when loading cast lead) and one rifle caliber that I now load plus 1 Powder Cop and 3 powder drop lowers I use 14 die bushings.

Minimum to get started with .223 and .40 you need 1shell plate for each, 1die set for each, 3bushings for .40 2bushings for .223 1bushing for pwdr drop

[fatty2027]

@kevinh89 The kit comes with everything you need it is not necessary to get the extras you wil just have to make more adjustments when changing calibers. The case activated powder drop lower assembly(CAPDLA) threads into the die bushing just like a die. The powder measure slips into the top of the CAPDLA. Case length differences of the various calibers require different height adjustments to aviod this adjustment I bought multiple CAPDLAs.

[fatty2027]

@kevinh89 The powder measure included w/the LNL AP kit has a rotor/drum? into which the adjustable metering inserts snap. I could use the same insert for .223 or 10mm I just have to readjust for the different powder volumes to avoid this adjustment I bought multiple inserts.

I also bought a complete Case Activated Powder Drop(everything but the powder measure) so I can use my RCBS Rockchuck Powder measure also for my light .40S&W loads.

[fatty2027]

@kevinh89 The powder drop lower and metering insert are included with the L-N-L AP press. Those 2 items are adjustable for all cartridges and calibers. I bought extra ones that I have pre-adjusted for the calibers that I most frequently load so I don't have to adjust anything. I just pop them in and they are ready to go. Doing this greatly reduces setup time going from one caliber to another. No screwing dies or dinking around.

There is no ".223 meter" or ".40S&W meter" etc. specifically .

[argo84]

I like the replacement handle you are using. Is it available for sale somewhere or did you have it made custom?

Thanks!

[fatty2027]

@argo84 Thanks, I made it after misplacing the original, I later found the original; this is a couple inches longer but works fine.

[argo84]

@fatty2027 Thanks!

[goodnightChesty1775]

why 10mil and not .40?

[fatty2027]

@goodnightChesty1775

Because I was putting in dies for 10mm auto, I have a separate die set for .40S&W because of the different OAL, that way nothing needs adjusting just twist in the dies.

[goodnightChesty1775]

@fatty2027 oh gotcha i but i was asking why you shoot 10 mil and not .40 but i thought 10mil was exspencive

[fatty2027]

@goodnightChesty1775

I shoot both, .40S&W and 10mm cost the nearly same when reloading the only cost difference is about a penny more powder for the 10mm. I have never bought factory ammo for my 10mm because yes it is expensive.

[goodnightChesty1775]

@fatty2027 got ya how long have you been reloading, you seem to know your stuff

[fatty2027]

@goodnightChesty1775

I have been reloading since'96 or '97. It sure allows you to shoot a lot more for the same money. I started casting my own lead bullets for 10mm and .40 a couple years ago so the bullets for those are almost free accept for the time involved of course.

[goodnightChesty1775]

@fatty2027 wow thats a long time. i am really interested in starting to reload. im 16 so my logic is, i can make all the mistakes and figure out works early. but casting bullets thats badass how do you get the lead? just a big ass block?

[fatty2027]

@goodnightChesty1775

You have to be careful and pay a lot of attention to detail because people do blow up guns from improper loads. Reloading becomes a hobby by itself and can be very time consuming when you first start out..

I use scrap lead for casting bullets. The lead can be gotten from auto tire shops for free, the old wheel weights to balance tires are lead, the scrap yard often has scrap lead they will sell, you can find it on ebay already melted into clean handy ingots. etc.

[goodnightChesty1775]

@fatty2027 wow i never would have thought about tire weights thats cool

[armjunior69]

Is there anything you can't do? lol very good

[Psion63]

very good