Hornady Lock-N-Load AP EZ-Ject Loader

I started my reloading career on a single stage Lee press and made many, many rounds on it. I finally did my research and settled on the Hornady Lock N Load AP.Here's what I love about it: Fit and finish wise, it's perfect. Everything works, it comes pre lubricated, and it comes with very clear setup instructions. What's even better than the instructions are the myriad of videos and how-to documents on the web that go into very good detail on getting it dialed in. After mounting it to my bench I set it up for 9mm. Out of the box it comes with the large primer feeder and the rifle powder drop, but they're both relatively easy to change out.Getting it to index properly took a little bit of time, but next to no effort. You just adjust the two screws for the PAWLS at the bottom, one for the down stroke index, one for the up stroke index. Once the detents are seating correctly, you're ready to rock and roll.After working out my process flow, which I'll detail later, I'm able to pump out about 400-500 rounds an hour (timed myself, got 11 rounds in 1 minute, but when you account for picking up a dropped round or reloading the primer tube, I think 4-500 is reasonable).Here's what I don't love - the bushings aren't great. My lee had two advantages over the hornady. 1 - the bushings had a small detent where they locked in, so you could lock the bushing and then adjust the die. The hornady bushings do not lock in, so some times if you are trying to unscrew a die slightly to be the right length, you instead unscrew the bushing - very frustrating. 2 - the lee bushings have a scalloped / rough perimeter and the hornady bushings are completely smooth. This makes tightening the bushing or releasing it increasingly difficult because you can't get a grip on it. The bushings are also quite a bit larger than the lee bushings, so I can't fit my dies in the original die box with the bushings still on.I've also found that the indexing action of the shell plate, when the ball detents lock in, causes a bit of a shock wave through the plate. In my 9mm and 223 cases, it's been known to kick out a few kernals of powder. Not a huge deal, but frustrating. If the powder gets into the primer feed path, then it becomes a problem as the primers won't index properly.Lastly, there's no easy way to remove the primers in the feed tube if you don't use them all. Every time you run the risk of dumping them all over the floor.I have added a new roller-handle and a primer alarm, both from Inline Fabrication and both awesome additions.I use position 1 for the sizing die (I deprime on my single stage, before cleaning). Position 2 holds the powder drop (which, btw, is relatively easy to swap from rifle to pistol, and is relatively easy to dial in for proper load size and drop). I have purchased a universal powder through expander for pistol cartridges from powderfunnels - a huge time saver. Position 3 holds my powder cop (safety first). 4 is the bullet seating and 5 is the crimp.Swapping between calibers takes a little time, especially getting the powder drop to dispense the right amount of powder while also belling the neck just the right amount, and then setting the powder cop. I wouldn't want to do it for only a few dozen rounds, but it's not so much effort that I lament the process.So now that I've added a few after market parts, tuned it to time right, and got it running - I absolutely love the reloader. I have probably pumped out over a thousand rounds over the past 2 - 3 weeks, just because it's that easy. Not a ton, but learning a new tool takes time. I am very glad I bought this and don't have to single-stage each and every round any more.

I have wanted a Lock n Load AP press for years. I would try them out in the stores and noted the incredibly smooth operation and quality build. Last summer I decided it was time to move from a Lee 4-hole Classic Turret Press to a full progressive press, as I do a lot of pistol shooting and compete some. I am baffled by some of the negative reviews. They are either written by blue press blue juicers or are incompetent and/or impatient.I took a full day to set up the press. It wasn't so much because it will take you that long, but I wanted to UNDERSTAND how it works, not just slap it together. I had a few hickups but nothing that was insurmountable. The large primer slide broke when a primer got stuck under the shell plate and I forced the ram up. Don't do that! If it isn't working smoothly, stop and see what's causing it. I called Hornady for a replacement part under warrantee and they could not have been more accommodating and friendly. The part came promptly so that I could resume reloading.My recommendation is to take time to set it up and get to know how it works before trying to load 500 rounds for the coming match. Now that I've been using it for about a month...I absolutely love it! It just looks so good on my work bench. I've loaded hundreds of 9mm and 45acp. I'm using Tight Group and Badman coated Bullets and the ammo is so quality and my shot groups are so small...very happy with loads.The other reviews have excellent advice on how to set up and use the presss. My primer feeding system works flawlessly after using emory paper lightly on the tip of the primer feed and primer slide. I use Lee dies without a powder cop, as I like to visually inspect each round for proper powder (it takes milliseconds). I'm a senior and it took a few sessions to feel comfortable doing full progressive mode, but you can start with just doing one round at a time and then work up....1.) Place brass 2.)Prime brass 3.) Place bullet...repeat...Easy Peasy!!!Before each reloading session take 30 seconds to make sure each die is firmly in place and hasn't backed out slightly, check powder and primer levels, make sure shell plate is clean over and under plate, and make sure shell plate nut is tight (not over tight). Yo can use a lock washer on shell plate flat washer If you want. I don't need to, so I don't.If you are an impatient type or don't want to take time to understand the press, stay away and just buy a Dillon like the sheep with herd mentality do. If however, you appreciate and enjoy fine engineering, smooth machinery and superb, accurate ammo, get the Hornady Lock n Load AP! I love mine and have no intention of replacing it. It just looks so good on my work bench!Happy reloading!