Hornady 50 BMG User Manual

Lock-N-Load

50 Cal. BMG

TM

INTRODUCTION

The single-stage Lock-N-Load 50 BMG is a big, strong press that
provides the experienced or beginning handloader with all the capac­ity, strength, and leverage to reload all rifl e and pistol calibers. With
the Hornady Lock-N-Load 50 BMG press compound leverage system
and massive 1 1/2" ram, Lock-N-Load 50 BMG will form cases or
swage bullets. With an optional ram end adapter bushing, and
standard Lock-N-Load die bushing, the press can be converted to load
ammo with any standard die using 7/8-17 threads. With seven inches
between the top plate and the main press frame, Lock-N-Load 50 BMG
will easily handle the longest standard cartridge.

BEFORE RELOADING

Before using the Lock-N-Load 50 BMG press, read the instruction
manual carefully to fully learn how to safely operate the related
reloading equipment. Failure to properly operate certain reloading
equipment can result in severe personal injury and/or equipment dam­age. If you have read these instructions and still do not understand
some operations, call us at 1-800-338-3220 and a technician will
assist you . This instruction manual contains specifi c safety and
operating information. It should be considered a permanent part of
your reloading equipment and remain with the equipment at all times
for easy reference.

SAFETY

Reloading is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby that can be conducted
safely. But, as with any hobby, carelessness or negligence can make
reloading hazardous. When reloading, safety rules must be followed.
By observing these rules, the chance of a hazardous occurrence caus­ing personal injury or property damage is minimized.

WARNING

To avoid injury, read and follow these safe priming practices.

DO NOT attempt to prime military cartridge cases with crimped primer
pockets until the crimp has been removed with a counter sink, a spe­cial reamer or by swaging. Primers seated into crimped pockets are
subject to deformation which can cause misfi res and even detonation
during seating which can cause serious personal injury.

DO NOT attempt to seat primers against excessive resistance which
may cause detonation and possible serious personal injury. Check
to be certain that the case was not previously primed, that the fi red
primer was removed, that a portion of the primer cup wall might still
be in the primer pocket and that you are using the correct size primer.

DO NOT modify the priming system in any manner or attempt to use
similar parts or priming systems from other manufacturers. To do so
could result in primer detonations resulting in serious personal injury.
NEVER seat a primer into a powder charged case.

INSTALLATION

Before proceeding, mount the Lock-N-Load 50 BMG to a sturdy work
surface. Use three bolts at least 5/16” in diameter and of suffi cient
length to extend through the press base and work surface with enough
length to allow washers and nuts. Install the threaded portion of the
handle through the toggle block. Attach the handle nut and tighten
fi rmly. The handle nut must remain tight at all times to avoid damage
to the handle and toggle. To correctly position the primer catcher, snap
it onto the rear post as shown. Spent primers drop through the partially
hollow ram and into the primer catcher.

50 Cal. BMG PARTS

Your 50 Cal BMG press
comes with the
following items:

1

.50 BMG Shell Holder

2

Lock-N-Load Bushing

3

Lock-N-Load Bushing Adapter

4

Ram Prime System

1

2

Die Station

Shell Holder

Toggle Block

3

4

Reloading Die

Reloading Die

(optional)

(optional)

Handle

Primer Catcher

Handle Lock Nut