Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeder Review

First Impressions of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders promise to transform any progressive reloading press into a high-speed ammunition factory. Hornady, a trusted name in reloading, designed this accessory to work seamlessly with their Lock-N-Load AP press and potentially others, offering a significant increase in reloading speed and efficiency. As someone who’s spent countless hours meticulously hand-placing bullets, the allure of a system that automates this tedious process was too great to ignore.

I’ve been reloading for over a decade, primarily for my competitive shooting needs, and the bottleneck has always been bullet placement. My goal was simple: significantly reduce my reloading time without sacrificing quality or consistency. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders seemed like the perfect solution to boost my production rate, so I ordered one.

Unboxing the bullet feeder, I was immediately impressed by the solid, well-engineered feel of the components. The steel collets felt robust, and the hopper had a reassuring heft, suggesting durability. Compared to some of the DIY bullet feeding contraptions I’ve seen, the Hornady system appeared exceptionally professional and thoughtfully designed.

While I considered other bullet feeders like the Dillon Precision bullet feeder, the Hornady system’s reputation for easy setup and caliber changes, along with its more attractive price point, ultimately swayed my decision. Initial impressions were very positive; I was excited to see if it could live up to the hype and dramatically speed up my reloading process.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders in my reloading room, focusing on loading 9mm rounds, a caliber I shoot frequently. Setup was relatively straightforward, requiring adjustments to the die height and the bullet feed wiper tension. After about an hour of tinkering, I was ready to feed some bullets.

The first few rounds were a bit finicky. The bullet feeder required precise alignment, and I encountered some bullet tipping, but after fine-tuning the settings, the system started to perform much more smoothly. I found that consistent bullet dimensions were crucial for reliable feeding; slight variations in bullet diameter could cause jams.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders has proven to be a valuable addition to my reloading setup. It significantly decreased my reloading time. It’s not perfect, but it’s a substantial improvement.

While the initial setup required patience, once dialed in, the system has proven quite reliable. I’ve found that keeping the hopper clean and free of debris is essential to prevent malfunctions. Regular cleaning of the bullet feed wipers is also a must. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders has noticeably outperformed hand-feeding bullets, especially during long reloading sessions, reducing fatigue and increasing overall efficiency.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders

Specifications

• The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders is designed for use with progressive reloading presses, primarily the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, but compatible with any press using standard 7/8″-14 die threads. This universal compatibility allows reloaders to integrate it into existing setups.

• The hopper can hold up to 200 pistol bullets, reducing the frequency of refills during long reloading sessions. This capacity allows for extended periods of uninterrupted reloading.

• The bullet feeder utilizes case-activated feeding, ensuring that a bullet is dispensed only when a case is present in the seating die. This feature prevents wasted bullets and ensures proper operation of the press.

• The collets, constructed from solid steel, are built for durability and long-term use. The sturdy construction ensures that the collets can withstand the repetitive stress of reloading.

• No special tools are required for adjustments or caliber changes, making setup and maintenance relatively easy. This user-friendly design saves time and frustration.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders performs its primary function of automatically feeding bullets into the seating die with reasonable efficiency. It increased my reloading speed by an estimated 30-40% once properly adjusted. Consistent bullet feeding contributes to improved reloading consistency.

The primary strength lies in its ability to automate the bullet placement process. This reduces the time and effort required to produce ammunition. The main weakness is its sensitivity to bullet variations and the occasional need for adjustments. This can be frustrating. The system meets my expectations for increasing reloading speed, but requires careful setup and maintenance.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders is constructed from durable materials, including steel and high-impact polymer, which contribute to its overall robustness. While not exceptionally lightweight, its weight adds to its stability on the reloading bench. The design is functional, although the adjustment knobs could be more ergonomic.

The system is generally user-friendly, but there is a learning curve involved in mastering the setup and fine-tuning process. Novice reloaders may require some patience to achieve optimal performance. Experienced reloaders will likely appreciate the time savings.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders appears to be a durable piece of equipment, built to withstand the rigors of high-volume reloading. The steel collets and robust hopper suggest a long lifespan. The lifetime warranty offered by Hornady provides additional peace of mind.

Maintenance involves regular cleaning of the hopper, bullet feed wipers, and collets to prevent jams and ensure smooth operation. The system is relatively easy to disassemble and clean. Occasional lubrication of moving parts may also be required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders comes with collets for various pistol calibers. This allows for loading different types of ammunition. It’s designed to work seamlessly with other Hornady Lock-N-Load accessories, such as the Lock-N-Load Case Feeder, for a fully automated reloading experience.

While there are no extensive customization options, the ability to adjust the die height and bullet feed wiper tension provides some flexibility. The system is generally compatible with standard reloading dies and components.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders

Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders?

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders is perfect for high-volume reloaders, competitive shooters, and anyone looking to significantly reduce their reloading time. If you reload thousands of rounds per year and are tired of manually placing each bullet, this system can be a game-changer.

This product may not be ideal for beginners or those who only reload occasionally. The initial setup and fine-tuning process can be frustrating for those new to reloading. Those with limited reloading budgets might find the price prohibitive. Must-have accessories include a high-quality bullet sizer to ensure consistent bullet dimensions.

Conclusion on Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders is a valuable addition to any serious reloader’s arsenal. While not without its quirks, the significant increase in reloading speed and reduction in fatigue make it a worthwhile investment. It’s not a perfect system, but it’s a substantial step up from manually placing bullets.

The price of $389.99 is justified for those who reload frequently and value their time. The durable construction and Hornady’s lifetime warranty provide additional value. I would personally recommend the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders to any reloader looking to boost their production rate and streamline their reloading process. If you’re ready to take your reloading to the next level, consider investing in the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Bullet Feeders.