This is for a Hornady LNL by the way. Although I guess it doesn't matter much

 

Ok for 9mm I am currently running

 

1- Size/decap

2- Expander

3- Case Activated Powder Drop

4- Seat

5- Taper Crimp

 

I'd ideally like to run a powder cop or RCBS lockout die. To do this is seems like I would have to run it like this

 

1- Size/decap

2- Powder thru expander

3- Powder Cop or Lockout die

4- Seat

5- Taper Crimp

 

Has anyone had experience with the Hornady Powder Thru Expander? I have read that a lot of people have issues with it not belling the case mouth enough and order a product called Powderfunnels instead. Just wondering if anyone here has any experience. I plan to mirror the same setup for .45 as well.

Was it just the Hornady Power/bell die or the lock-n-load press that was having issues that you have been reading about?

 

Harry

I use the following setup on the LNL

1 size/decap.

2 expander

3 powder fill

4 RCBS lockout

5 Hornady seat and crimp

 

I have had no issues with feeding or setback using the Hornady seat die

 

The lockout die has saved me a couple of times. I highly recommend it.

Was it just the Hornady Power/bell die or the lock-n-load press that was having issues that you have been reading about?

 

Harry

 

It was just the ptx dies. Apparently they weren't belling the case enough, especially for loading lead. It seems they redesigned them all though from what I have been reading.

 

I have only had some very small issues with the LNL and most of it comes from being a noob to reloading. To start with a progressive isn't the easiest thing in the world but if you have any sense of mechanical ability you will figure out the little things. It's not a steep learning curve though. It seems like a lot at first but once it all clicks, it clicks and you are good to go. If you have any mechanical ability I suggest going with a progressive because you will outgrow a single stage very quickly. I think the Dillon 550 would be a pain in the a** too. I don't want to manually index anything. I want to pay attention to what's going on at the shell plate.

 

I know you have been looking to get into reloading for awhile. Just pick red or blue and jump in. It's actually a lot of fun and it really saves money. I used one of the reloading calculators and plugged in what I paid for the bullets, primers, powder, brass, and how much my reloading stuff cost. For approx 1000 in reloading gear the press will be paid for in savings in just over 5500 rounds of 9mm. Now that's basically because I have picked up over 5000 9mm brass cases at USPSA matches so my brass was free but obviously you can see the savings. Pick a more expensive caliber and the savings add up big time.

 

Have the LNL progressive, case feeder (awesome add on), a whole new workbench, 2 die sets, powder cop die, crimp die for 9mm, a bullet puller, scale, canned air, oneshot lube, and a few other things so I figured 1000 is what it all cost. If you have a workbench minus out some cash for that.

 

I can't recommend one over the other but for the price and the free bullets I am happy with the Hornady. My cousin has a Dillon 1050 and its such a pain in the a** to change calibers he is coming over this week to make some 9mm. So there ya go.

I use the following setup on the LNL

1 size/decap.

2 expander

3 powder fill

4 RCBS lockout

5 Hornady seat and crimp

 

I have had no issues with feeding or setback using the Hornady seat die

 

The lockout die has saved me a couple of times. I highly recommend it.

 

I see that Hornady is coming out with a seat and taper crimp die. If I don't go the Powder through Expander method I think I will go your route. I have the powder cop but once in awhile a squib gets by me. I do like seating and crimping in 2 different stations though.

I see that Hornady is coming out with a seat and taper crimp die. If I don't go the Powder through Expander method I think I will go your route. I have the powder cop but once in awhile a squib gets by me. I do like seating and crimping in 2 different stations though.

 

The seater die that comes in the 3 die sets is a taper crimper. After adjusting the seating depth you turn the die body down a little more to set the crimp. The more you turn the die the tighter the crimp, but if you overdue it you can crush the brass.

The seater die that comes in the 3 die sets is a taper crimper. After adjusting the seating depth you turn the die body down a little more to set the crimp. The more you turn the die the tighter the crimp, but if you overdue it you can crush the brass.

 

The seating/crimping die is a roll crimp die.

 

Link to the 3 die sets