Hornady Lock-N-Load Ammo Plant User Manual

OWNER'S MANUAL

LOCK-N-LOAD

AMMO

PLANT

• Auto Progressive (AP™) Reloading Press

• Powder Measure & Case Activated Powder Drop

• Case Feeder

• Pistol Bullet Feeder

Items included with your

Lock-N-Load

Ammo Plant

See pages 4-5

See pages 16-17See pages 16-17

See pages 16-17

See pages 11-12

- 2 -

See pages 26-27

Table of Contents

ASSEMBLY

AP™ Press ....................................................................... Page 4

Powder Measure .............................................................. Page 11

Case Feeder .................................................................... Page 16

Pistol Bullet Feeder .......................................................... Page 26

OPERATIONS .......................................................... Page 34

CHANGE-OVERS

This section covers the selection and installation of the various components needed to change the Ammo Plant from one speciﬁc caliber to another.

AP™ Press ....................................................................... Page 38

Shell Plate Die Set Primer Components

Primer Slide Primer Tube Primer Punch

Powder Measure .............................................................. Page 40

Changing Powder Metering Insert/Rotor Powder Sleeve/PTX Expander

Case Feeder .................................................................... Page 45

Feed Plate Feed Tube Pivot Adapter/Pivot Adapter Bushing Drop Tube V-Block Adjustments Case Feed Door Adjustment

Pistol Bullet Feeder .......................................................... Page 47

Plate Height Wiper Adjustment Drop Tube Funnel Drop Tube Bullet Feed Die

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Lock-N-Load® AP™ Press ................................................. Page 50

Shell Plates .................................................................... Page 50

APPENDIX

APPENDIX A

Dies & Reloading Essentials Sizing Chart ............................... Page 51

APPENDIX B

Lock-N-Load® AP™ Press Mounting Template .......................... Page 55

- 3 -

Lock-N-Load® Auto Progressive (AP™) Reloading Press

PARTS LIST

Production

ASSEMBLY

Item No.

1 398 318 1 Support Primer Tube

2 398356 1 Tube Primer Pickup, Large

3 398355 1 Tube Primer Pickup, Small

4 398358 1 Tube Primer, Large

5 398357 1 Tube Primer, Small

6 398322 1 Housing Tube Primer

7 392220 1 Screw, BHCS 1/4-20 X 1/2

8 392202 1 Lock-N-Load® AP™ Bracket

9 392342 1 SHCS SS 3/8-16 X 3/4

10 398359 1 Primer Follower

11 392338 1 Screw, SHCS 10-24 X 1/2

12 Shell Plate (Sold Separately)

14 398 319A 1 Housing Body Primer Tube

Part No. Qty. Description

392218 1 Primer Slide, Large Assembly

392219 1 Primer Slide, Small Assembly

392336 1 Spring Primer Slide

392363 1 Spring Case Retainer

398695 1 AP™ Breakaway Cam Wire

398698 1 Nut, 8-32

190216 1 Frame

392368 6 Clip C, C-50

480039 1 Box Catcher

392408 2 Lock-N-Load® AP™ Link

398309T 1 Sub Plate

398289 1 Bracket Box Catcher CF

398505 1 Primer Seater Punch, Small

398507 1 Primer Seater Punch, Large

392467 1 Spring Counter Balance

Item No.

Production

Part No. Qty. Description

392345 1 3/8 Flat Washer SS

392355 1 Drive Hub

392356 1 Drive Shaft

392231 2 Screw, BHSCS 8-32 X 3/8

392344A 2 Pawl

392423 2 Spring Pawl

392306 2 Dowel Pin 1/8 X 1/2

392221 2 Screw, FHCS 1/4-28 X 3/8

290029 1 Spent Primer Tube

398163 1 Ram Assembly

398422 3 Grease Zerk

392343 1 Toggle

392340 1 Pin Yoke

392424 5 Spring Washer

392417 2 Pin Link Toggle

390027 1 Nut Jam, 5/8-18

390657 1 Handle

480003 1 Knob

392358A 1 Index Wheel

390081 2 Clip E 1/2

392302 5 Lock-N-Load® Bushing, Male

392303 5 Lock-N-Load® Bushing O-Ring

392365 1 Spent Primer Tube, Plastic

392301 5 Lock-N-Load® Bushing, Female

398697 1 Breakaway Cam Plunger

398696 1 Breakaway Cam Wire Spring

9987 1 DVD

™

We guarantee every one of our reloading tools and accessories for life

Hornady reloading tools and accessories are warranted against material defects and workmanship for the life of the products. Parts which by nature of their function are subject to normal wear such as springs, pins, bearings, etc… and parts which have been altered, abused, or neglected are excluded from the warranty. Hornady electronic components are covered by a one-year warranty from the date of purchase.

If the product is deemed defective by either workmanship or material, the reloading tool or accessory will either be repaired, reconditioned or replaced at Hornady Manufacturing Company’s option. If it breaks, we’ll repair it or replace it at no charge.

To return a product, call toll free (800) 338-3220 and ask for Customer Service. They will provide instructions for return if the problem can’t be solved over the phone. Prices and or speciﬁcations are subject to change without notice. For the best prices on any of our products, contact your nearest Hornady dealer.

Hornady Manufacturing Company cannot assume liability for damage which may result from use of the products or information given herein, since Hornady had no control over the manner in which its products or components are used during reloading.

- 4 -

ASSEMBLY: AP PRESS

Lock-N-Load® AP™ Reloading Press

EXPLODED VIEW

ASSEMBLY

14 15

47 48

ASSEMBLY: AP PRESS

- 5 -

Lock-N-Load® AP™ Reloading Press

OVERVIEW

Your new Lock-N-Load® Auto Progressive (AP) Reloading Press has been packaged to insure minimal vibration and damage during transportation.

ASSEMBLY

Remove all the parts from the packing box (see page 2) and spread them out over a large ﬂat surface. Refer to the Lock-N-Load® AP™ Reloading Press parts list and exploded view on the previous pages and check to make sure all necessary parts are identiﬁed.

The manual provides step-by-step instructions and suggestions that make set-up and operation easy and understandable.

If at any time during operation you feel like you are forcing the press, stop and identify the problem. Do not force anything, or damage could occur. Powders and primers are explosive if handled carelessly! Always work slowly and carefully without distractions and wear eye protection. Try to avoid touching primers with oily ﬁngers. The oil on your ﬁngers may contaminate the primers and cause them to misﬁre.

Tools needed for assembly and set-up:

• 7⁄16" End Wrench

• (2) 1⁄2" End Wrenches

• 15⁄16" End Wrench

• 3⁄32" Hex Wrench (included)

• 1/8" Hex Wrench (included)

• 5⁄32" Hex Wrench

• Needle Nose Pliers

• Electric Drill

• 5/16" Hex Wrench

Hand loading is very safe, but before reloading any case please read the following warnings.

• Primers may explode if subjected to impact or heat.

• Keep away from the opening end of the Primer Tube at all times.

• Variations may occur with different brands and condition of cartridge cases, which can cause inconsistent primer and bullet seating. Sort and inspect all of your cases before reloading.

• Verify your powder charges at frequent intervals to insure consistency.

• Careless or improper hand loading techniques can result in serious personal injury. Make sure there are no distractions while you are reloading.

• Before operating this press, be sure you have read and understand all the instructions contained in this manual, and that you understand the principals of hand loading.

- 6 -

ASSEMBLY: AP PRESS

Mounting the Lock-N-Load® Auto Progressive

Your work area should be well lit and have plenty of room for

your reloading accessories. Your Hornady Lock-N-Load® AP™ should be mounted securely 2 1/4" from the edge of a solid level bench and 3.75" apart and at least 16" from the nearest wall.

Use the template found on the last page and a hole punch to help locate each hole. (Check for obstructions on or below the

bench before you drill any holes.)

Place cartridge catcher bracket under press, line up holes in press

with holes in bracket.Insert and ﬁrmly tighten both bolts.

Mount the press using two 5/16" bolts that are long enough to secure the press to the bench with plenty of clearance for the nuts. (Due to variation of benches, these bolts are not provided.) We also recommend using 5/16" ﬂat washers top and bottom, in addition to lock washers on the bottom side.

ASSEMBLY

Insert and ﬁrmly tighten both bolts.

Thread the press Handle into the Toggle at the bottom of the press

and tighten the Jam Nut using a 15/16" wrench.

Handle

Toggle

Jam Nut

ASSEMBLY: AP PRESS

- 7 -

Determine which shell plate is required for your application

Refer to Appendix A to determine the correct shellplate.

ASSEMBLY

Installing the Shell Plate

Put a small amount of general-purpose grease on the Shell Plate Ball Detents located on bottom side of Shell Plate, and on the top surface of the Sub-Plate.

Align the Shell Plate (12) with the keyed Drive Hub.

Place the 3/8" Shell Plate Retainer Bolt (9) thru the 3/8" Flat Washer (28), (large end up) and thread the bolt into the Drive Hub (29).

Gently tighten the bolt using a 5/16" Allen wrench.

DO NOT over-tighten bolt, as It may damage Drive Hub or Pawls.

Shell Plate

Sub-Plate

Drive Hub

Stretch the Case Retainer Spring (17) around the Shell Plate (12).

Retainer Bolt

While cycling the Press, push the Case Retainer Spring into the relieved area on the Sub-Plate.

You will have to cycle the press a couple of stations to achieve these results.

Removing the Shell Plate

Use a 5/16" Allen wrench to remove the Bolt and shell plate. If the bolt is over tightened, use the Hornady Lock-N-Load® Deluxe Die Wrench (Item No. 396495 sold separately) to hold the shell plate while loosening the Bolt. This will prevent damage to the Drive Hub and/or Pawls.

Flat Washer

Case Retainer Spring

- 8 -

ASSEMBLY: AP PRESS

Automatic Primer Feed Assembly

Installing the Primer Slide, Large or Small

Lower the handle.

Place the Primer Slide (15) ﬂat side up in the groove on the Sub-Plate (24) and slide forward. The bump on the bottom

side of the slide is the travel stop as well as an alignment guide while the slide is in the retracted position.

Attach the Spring to the Sub-Plate with the open end up (you may need to use needle nose pliers). Attach the other end of the Spring to the pin on the Primer Slide.

ASSEMBLY

Installing the Primer Punch Assembly,

Large or Small

Raise the Ram to the top of the stroke.

Screw the Primer Seater Punch (26) into the Sub-Plate from the bottom side.

Tighten the Primer Seater Punch assembly until it is snug using a wrench. (Do not over-tighten the Primer Punch).

Installing the Primer Tubes

Place the tube of your choice (large or small primers) in the center hole of the Primer Body with the shoulder section of the tube facing down. Make sure the tube is fully seated in the Primer Body (14).

Primer Slide

Spring

Sub Plate

Primer Seater Punch

Primer Tube

Primer Body

ASSEMBLY: AP PRESS

- 9 -

Installing the Primer Tube Housing

Slip the threaded end of the Primer Tube Housing (6) over the Primer tube and onto the Primer Body.

Screw the Primer Tube Housing on to the Primer Body (14) clockwise: tighten very lightly. Lower the handle.

Primer Tube

Housing

ASSEMBLY

Primer Tube Support installation

Place the Primer Tube Support (1) over the Primer Feed Tube and slip the three tapered “ﬁngers” inside the Primer Tube Housing. This will create a recess that allows the Primer Filler Tube to properly align with the Primer Feed tube during reﬁllings.

Primer Tube

Support

Assembly of the Lock-N-Load® AP™ Press is now complete. Please proceed to the Powder Measure assembly section on the next page.

- 10 -

ASSEMBLY: AP PRESS

Lock-N-Load® Powder Measure

PARTS LIST

Item

Production

No.

Part Number

1 170405 1 HOPPER CAP

2 398520 1 HOPPER

3 392740 1 BODY

4 392719 2 SCREW BHSCS 10-32 X 3/8

5 392752 1 HANDLE ASSEMBLY

6 392741 1 ROTOR

7 392743 1 METERING PLUNGER

8 392742 1 SLEEVE

9 480083 1 O-RING 1/2 ID X 11/16 OD

10 392764 1 NUT LOCK METERING UNIT

11 392766 1 O-RING 1 1/2 ID X 1 5/8 OD

12 390702 1 SMALL DROP TUBE

13 390701 1 LARGE DROP TUBE

14 392760 1 MOUNTING BRACKET

15 390656 1 3/32” HEX WRENCH

16 O44000 1 LOCK RING

17 390653 1 1/8” HEX WRENCH

Qty. Description

EXPLODED VIEW

ASSEMBLY

Precautions for the Powder Measure:

• Always change the metering units with the handle and the metering unit in the horizontal position, and after you have dropped the charge. If you allow the Handle to fall while changing units, you will drain the Hopper.

• Be sure that you have the proper Lock-N-Load® device locked in place, before operating.

• Always verify your charges with a scale before loading.

8 9

• Any moisture in the unit will cause powder to stick, and charge weights will vary dramatically.

ASSEMBLY: POWDER MEASURE

- 11 -

Lock-N-Load® Case Activated Powder Drop

PARTS LIST

ASSEMBLY

Item

16* 392703 1 17 CAL. SLEEVE

20* 290030 1 .355 POWDER THRU EXPANDER

20* 290031 1 .357 POWDER THRU EXPANDER

20* 290032 1 .400 POWDER THRU EXPANDER

20* 290033 1 .430 POWDER THRU EXPANDER

20* 290034 1 .451 POWDER THRU EXPANDER

20* 290035 1 .452 POWDER THRU EXPANDER

20* 290037 1 .475 POWDER THRU EXPANDER

20* 290038 1 .500 POWDER THRU EXPANDER

* (Sold Separately)

Production

No.

Part Number

1 392721 2 BHSCS 10-32 X 1.00

2 392708 2 MOUNTING CLAMP

3 392710 1 ROTOR ARM

4 392719 5 BHSCS 10-32 X 3/8

5 392715 2 SHOULDER NUT

6 398735 1 PIVOT

7 398737 1 DRIVE LINK

8 398736 1 MEASURE LINK

9 398742 2 BHSCS 10-32 X 1.25

10 392717 1 GROOVE PIN 3/16 X 7/8

11 392718 1 SPRING PIN 1/8 X 3/8

12 392707 1 UPPER BRACKET

13 398739 2 SPRING NUT

14 398738 1 RETURN SPRING

15 392705 1 DROP TUBE

17 392701 1 #1 POWDER SLEEVE

18 392702 1 #2 POWDER SLEEVE

19 392700 1 PISTOL POWDER SLEEVE

21 392704 1 MEASURE ADAPTER

22 392706 1 LOWER BRACKET

23 398741 1 LOCKING BOLT

24 392722 1 RETAINING RING

25 O44000 1 LOCK RING

26 392302 1 LOCK-N-LOAD

Qty. Description

BUSHING

EXPLODED VIEW

- 12 -

ASSEMBLY: POWDER MEASURE

Assembly of Lock-N-Load® Case Activated Powder Drop

The Case Activated Powder Drop helps make reloading faster and easier than ever before. It automatically activates and dispenses a charge with every pull of the handle, but only when a case is present in the station. Plus, it works with Lock-N-Load® Bushings. (You can remove and change Hornady

powder measures with a quick turn, without changing adjustments.) The Case Activated Powder Drop unit can be

used ONLY on the Hornady® Lock-N-Load® Powder Measure.

The Lock-N-Load® Powder Measure comes with the Standard Rotor and Standard Metering Insert installed, with the Pistol Rotor and Pistol Metering Insert packaged separately.

Your Lock-N-Load® Powder Measure has been treated with a rust preventative that must be removed prior to use. We recommend that you clean and degrease all metal parts with Hornady® One Shot® Cleaner and Dry Lube.

To Disassemble for Cleaning:

ASSEMBLY

Removing

Metering Unit

Set the Rotor with the Metering Unit perpendicular to the axis

of the Body, press the Push Button and hold it down while removing the Metering Unit.

NOTE: Do NOT remove push button. It is permanently installed and does not need cleaning.

Unscrew the Drop Tube (15) from the bottom of the

Powder Measure.

Remove the Handle, or Rotating Arm from the Powder Measure, by removing the two attaching screws with a 1/8" hex wrench.

Slide the Rotor out of the Body by pressing gently on the

handle side of the Rotor.

NOTE: Be careful not to drop or otherwise damage the Rotor while it is out of the Body.

Drop Tube

Rotor Body

ASSEMBLY: POWDER MEASURE

- 13 -

Remove the Lock Nut, O-Ring and Sleeve from the Metering

Plunger.

Spray all metal parts liberally with Hornady® One Shot® Gun Cleaner and Dry Lube. Be sure all rust preventative has been removed.

ASSEMBLY

Allow it to dry thoroughly before reassembling.

To Re-Assemble After Cleaning:

Reverse the procedure in the ﬁrst ﬁve steps above.

Lock Nut

O-Ring

Due to the tight machining tolerances of the Rotor and Body, they must be properly aligned to reassemble.

DO NOT FORCE IT OR PERMANENT DAMAGE WILL OCCUR.

Installing the Case Activated Powder Drop (Lower Assembly)

Screw the Measure Adapter (21) (Lower Assembly) onto the

Lock-N-Load® Bushing several turns. Place lower Assembly into top of press and rotate to lock into the Lock-N-Load® Bushing.

Select the appropriate powder bushing sleeve for your application (Refer to Chart on page 45). Insert the bushing, with the deep counter sink facing up, into the top of the measure adapter.

If using a Powder Through Expander Sleeve (PTX Sleeve), insert the PTX Sleeve with the deep countersink facing up, into the top of the Measure Adapter.

Lower

Assembly

Lock-N-Load

Bushing

Powder

Bushing Sleeve

PTX Sleeve

- 14 -

ASSEMBLY: POWDER MEASURE

Final Powder Measure Assembly

Insert the Powder Drop Tube into the lower assembly

Connect the Link (8) to Lower Assembly by sliding the Link over the Thumb Screw (23).

ASSEMBLY

Tighten the Thumb Screw.

Attach PTX Powder Measure Stop.

Attach Spring (14).

(For adjustment, refer to Chart on page 43).

Link Arm

Thumb Screw

PTX Stop

Drop Bafﬂe into Powder Hopper to prevent powder bridging

and help produce consistent charges.

Spring

Bafﬂe

ASSEMBLY: POWDER MEASURE

- 15 -

Lock-N-Load® Auto Progressive (AP™) Case Feeder

PARTS LIST

Production

ASSEMBLY

Item No.

1 3984 41 1 Case Feed Bowl

2 398 313 4 10-32 x ¾ FHSCS

4 398445 4 8-32 x 3/4 Screw

5 398443 1 Case Feed Funnel Front

6 398375 2 4-40 Hex Head Lock Nut

7 398333 1 Micro Switch

8 398442 1 Case Feed Funnel Back

9 398376 2 4-40 x 5/8 B HSCS

10 398332 1 Rocker Switch

11 398331 1 Motor

12 398444 1 Motor Cover

13 398320 1 Feed Tube-Large

14 398321 1 Feed Tube-Small

15 398303 1 Feed Tube End-Large

16 398446 1 Feed Tube Mounting Bracket

17 396440 2 Lock Ring

18 398298 1 Pivot Adapter

19 398290 1 Pivot

20 398310 1 1/4 - 3/4 Shoulder Bolt

21 398311 1 3/0 x 3/4 Taper Pin

22 398305 1 Drop Tube-Large

23 398288 1 Spring, Torsion

24 398317 1 Push Rod

25 398371 1 Push Rod Tip

26 390178 3 1/4-20 Hex Head Nut

27 398349 1 Push Rod Bushing

28 398364 1 10 x 1/2 Sheet Metal Screw Pan Head Phillips

29 398344 1 Pivot Body

30 398363 1 Push Rod Spring

31 398343 1 Cam Wire Support

32 398425 1 E Clip 1/4

33 398373 1 Push Rod Nut

34 398372 1 Push Rod Lower

37 398285 1 Case Feed Door Adjustment

38 398291 1 Case Slide

Part No. Qty. Description

Item No.

Production

Part No. Qty. Description

39 398307 1 Case Slide Rod Guide

40 398308 1 Case Slide Rod Guide Spring

41 392011 2 10-32 Hex Head Nut

42 398289 1 Main Bracket

43 398299 1 Cam Wire

47 398321 2 1/4-20 x 125SHCS

48 390128 5 1/4 Flat Washer Zinc Plated

49 3920 31 2 1/4" Lock Washer

50 398304 1 Feed Tube End-Small

51 398300 1 Pivot Adapter Bushing

52 398301 1 Pivot Bushing

53 398306 1 Drop Tube-Small

54 095310 * Case Feed Plate-Small Pistol

55 095312 * Case Feed Plate-Large Pistol

56 095314 * Case Feed Plate-Small Riﬂe

57 095 316 * Case Feed Plate-Large Riﬂe

58 059100 * AP Press

59 398346 1 10-24 x 1/2 SHCS

60 398293 1 V-Block #1

61 398297 1 V-Block #2

62 398294 1 V-Block # 3

63 398292 1 V-Block #4

64 398295 1 V-Block #5

65 398296 1 V-Block # 6

66 398324 1 Plastic Feed Tube Small Bushing

67 390651 2 3/16" Flat Washer SAE

68 398362 1 10-24 x 5/16 B HSCS

69 398370 1 Case Feed Bowl Bushing

70 398388 3 1/4-20 x 150 SHCS

71 39 8416 1 O-Ring 7/8 OD, 11/16 ID

73 398302 * Intermediate Drop Tube

74 398 447 1 Case Feeder Stand 2-PC Upper

75 398449 1 1" Square Tube Connector

76 398448 1 Case Feeder Stand 2-PC Lower

Optional Accessories: Sold Separately

- 16 -

ASSEMBLY: CASE FEEDER

Lock-N-Load® AP™ Case Feeder

EXPLODED VIEW

ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLY: CASE FEEDER

- 17 -

+ 39 hidden pages

Hornady Lock-N-Load Ammo Plant User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual