Hornady Lock n Load Classic Kit dilemma

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Danen

CGN Regular
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Hamilton, On
I'm brand new to reloading and just picked up a Hornady Lock n Load Classic kit today at Bass Pro (have $500 usd in gift cards for there). Now, I don't know if I did the right thing. What are the opinions out there for this press? I see a lot of opinions for the Lee and RCBS presses but not so much for this one. Don't know if I should return it and just buy accessories for reloading there and just splurge on a Forster, just use the bloody thing or buy an RCBS press and other pieces individually from Bass Pro.

I only plan to reload .223 and .308 rifle and maybe 9mm in the future, all low volumes.

I got a good deal on it and figured I may as well buy it and if I changed my mind I could always return it. What would you do in my shoes?
 
There are some opinions for this press but other then the press and maybe the primer feed, pretty much everything else you might need or use can be any of the major players items they all work together.
 
I personally haven't used that press, but the other Hornady reloading kit I do use seems good enough for my needs. The locknload concept is neat- but it also isn't so bad using lockrings and threading dies in if you are doing rifle. For handgun a single stage press is tedious. IMHO at this stage you don't need a Forester or anything fancy and if you outgrow the press and get something fancier you can sell the old one easy
 
Thanks for your responses so far. I've learnt the buy once cry once mentality when it comes to firearms. So rather than constantly buying and selling I don't mind spending a little more if need be if it will save me from buying something better in the future. Just wanted to make sure it's a good press.
 
Danen said:
Thanks for your responses so far. I've learnt the buy once cry once mentality when it comes to firearms. So rather than constantly buying and selling I don't mind spending a little more if need be if it will save me from buying something better in the future. Just wanted to make sure it's a good press.
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If the Hornady kit would have been available locally when I got my rcbs bit I probably would have gotten the hornady kit. Both are good setups
 
I think the concept is great with the quick change setup, but that's got me thinking, if I buy the bushings for every new die I get and eventually upgrade all the parts eventually in the kit, I'm not saving anything in the long run.
 
I've had the same press and measure in operation since 1979 only difference is mine says Pacific on on it. I've loaded thousands of rounds of pistol and rifle formed cases its never skipped a beat. If your worried about the scale get a check weight.
 
It's an excellent starter kit, and you won't be disappointed!!! About the only thing I have left of my original kit is the press. Almost everything else has been upgraded - but only by choice, not by necessity. I was producing good quality, accurate & consistent ammo with just the basics that came with the kit.
 
Danen said:
I've read the scale is finicky and the powder measure as well.
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The digital scale that came with mine can wander and doesn't stay on long enough for my liking but there is nothing wrong with their powder measures. I have 3 and have upgraded them to the micro adjustment and very happy with them.
 
I did some tests on the Hornady measure testing for consistency using an analytical balance (0.0001gram) accuracy. I found that the measure is within +/- 0.08 grains over 27 grains.
 
Armored Metal said:
Are you sure you're not mixing them up with the Lee scale and perfect powder measure?
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I used both extensively and never had a problem. The scale isn't easy to dampen but it's always been accurate. The perfect powder measure might have a stupid name, but I always get reliable charges out of it. It's a bit of a both to set up though.
 
I have the Hornady kit, and I quite like it. The only thing I bought to add to it was getting the case trimmer, which I promptly trimmed the center piece down so it could accept standard shell holders (though it doesn't work quite as well now).

In comparison to my buddies Lee kit, you can see the difference in quality. Both will get the job done, however the Hornady kit is nicer. The other advantage I like, is since it has a big baseplate on the press, I just attach it to my table with a clamp, and when I am done with it, I can pack it away easily.
 
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