Hornady LNL decision...?

[KAC-SR-25-EMCARBINE]

I have decided my first press is going to be a Hornady LNL.

I am trying to weigh out whether or not to buy the standard press, or to go all out on the Ammo Plant. Either way I am also going to buy a magnum ultrasonic unit.

I have about 2K 9mm, 300 .308, plus plans for other calibers in the future.

The Ammo Plant is appealing because of the time savings/ ease of ammo assembly. I priced my setup from Midway USA, and all told it was pushing $1700.00 for a 9mm setup. WOWZA! I could pull that off, but I'd have to save for a short while, and push my other FNH purchases back a ways. I really am leaning towards saving up and acquiring one of these.

On the other hand I could buy a standard LNL now. I just have the feeling I'll kick myself later for not going all out, and having to pay even more to get where I want to be.

Is the Ammo Plant really REALLY worth it? $1200.00 vs. $400.00 is a crap pot of ammo, and almost enough for my .45 tactical/ FiveseveN.

There is also a $700.00 version that comes with an automatic case feeder.

LINKS:

Standard: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/679...gressive-press

Ammo Plant: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/632...plant-110-volt

Any input?

Thanks guys,
KAC-SR-25-EMCARBINE.

[hyperdog]

Wow I wish I had your budget when I first started loading!

Ammo plant is going to take you a long time to pay itself off. I would only recommend it if you shoot 1,000 rounds a week or more.

Standard is easy, simple to use, and gets the job done. Later on you can buy the case and bullet feeder separate if you must.

If you have the budget why not go with Dillon? I hear they are the best in the biz. I personally am a Lee guy

[GunTotingLiberal]

This is your FIRST press?? JTDC man... you can learn a LOT about reloading off a single stage press and to be honest, I wouldn't want to learn off a progressive unless you've been using someone else's for a while.

But that's not what you asked. You can get a real sweet setup for $400. None of the 3 calibers you mention are big payoffs for reloading. 9 because it's so cheap to buy factory, and the 30 cals because the components aren't cheap. So your break even comes a lot sooner, obviously, on the cheaper unit. As for later on... you can FLY with a 4 or 500 dollar press... And you may want something more custom to your needs after you've been doing it a while... my 2 pennies

[KAC-SR-25-EMCARBINE]

Hyperdog,

Thanks. Every time I look at the Lee presses, I see the price, and I get itchy to pull the trigger on one. However, I have read so many negative reviews about the primer system being finnicky and parts wearing out... Which model do you use?

I know it will take me a long LONG time to pay off the press, especially reloading 9mm. Where it would really shine is in the rifle/ big bore pistol calibers. But, I am looking at it as a serious investment. I am young, and want to set myself up and be done.

I may just end up buying a standard unit.

The Dillon XL650 is about the same as the Hornady Ammo Plant when configured as desired... AHHHHHH!!!! Too much pressure!



GTL, I am researching fastidiously on the subject. I am a fabricator by trade, I have a good attention to detail, OCD, and I feel confident in my ability to work on, and load off a progressive. Maybe I'm crazy?!?

[hyperdog]

If you feel confident in the progressive press then go for it. I use the Lee Classic Turret. With the Lee progressive presses I too have heard those same issues with the priming system. This is why I would prime all of my cases before going to the press. I already have them out to clean the primer pocket.

You may find your own method since you plan to clean using the ultra sonic method. As for parts wearing out? Keep everything that moves nice and lubed up. The turret press gets me about 100-150 rounds per hour. That is a very moderate not rushing anything pace. I reload for fun and as a hobby, not out there to crank out rounds as fast as I can. That's when accidents happen. And when you have your first primer go off on you on the press, you find out real fast how much room you got in your underpants!

[thmpr]

Go for a progressive system if you plan to shoot often. You may regret it later...Just my 2 cents.

[KAC-SR-25-EMCARBINE]

I once encountered a negligent discharge of a shot shell primer. It was only a primer thankfully. My first, and hopefully my only negligent discharge. I had bells following me around for almost a week. I know what you mean. Primers are no joke.

I was figuring I'd de-prime then clean the brass in the ultrasonic cleaner. Shiny polished brass is nice, so I may also get a tumbler for that. The other reason why I want a decent ultrasonic unit is so that I can THOROUGHLY clean my pistols/ bolts, etc.

As far as priming the cases, the Hornady progressive primer feed system seems to do an excellent job. Otherwise, I wouldn't really have any qualms with buying an RCBS hand primer, or similar.

[KAC-SR-25-EMCARBINE]

thmpr,

That's precisely the reason why I want to get into reloading, and the reason why I am definitely going progressive. Thanks!

[SONYtec]

Dillon 650.