LNL AP problem with consistant seating depth

nevanevan

nevanevan

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Afternoon Nutz,

I have always gotten used to the fact that my LNL ap will not be as accurate of a press as a single stage. However, there must be a solution to the problem I am having.

I have been using this press for about 3 years and now trying to get pretty anal about my reloads. If the press doesn't have all die stations with an operation being performed, my seating depth will vary about .010". Since I am reloading pistol on this press only, it isn't really a huge deal but we all strive for better accuracy.

The only solution that seemed to reduce the problem abit was to make sure that the ram cams over on the sizing die. This way you would think there would be equal pressure on the plate all the time. But I still get inconsistancies between running say 1 peice of brass through all 5 stations, or 5 pieces of brass going through all 5 stations. Guessing because there is still only consistant pressure on one side of the shellplate.

I am usually only using 4 stations as I don't use a powder cop (I look into each case) has anybody ever inserted a blank body die into a station, say a hollow decapping die that a round will just go into with no effect other than to put pressure on the opposite side of the shell plate from the sizing die.

Any insight will be appreciated.
Evan
 
if i have an empty station i alway throw a powder thru die in.. i haven't have my LNLAP long and i havent had a chance to buy small pistol primers, but i dont have consistency problems with 223
 
I have LNL AP.
I reload .308Win.
Haven't had issues with seating depth.
But I did have an issue that every 5th cycle, the plate does not turn/click fully.
I called Hornady Cust Service, and was told to adjust the "timing screw" at the bottom of the press.

I would strongly suggest that you call their Customer Service to find out what's wrong with your setup.


T.
 
I know that it is not a timing issue, I will have to give them a call. I have had nothing but great expeiriences with thier customer service, hopefully they have an easy solution.

Thanks,
Evan
 
The first question I have whenever seating depth consistency is questioned is:
What are you using to measure seating depth and how are you measuring it?
 
nevanevan said:
Afternoon Nutz,

I have always gotten used to the fact that my LNL ap will not be as accurate of a press as a single stage. However, there must be a solution to the problem I am having.

I have been using this press for about 3 years and now trying to get pretty anal about my reloads. If the press doesn't have all die stations with an operation being performed, my seating depth will vary about .010". Since I am reloading pistol on this press only, it isn't really a huge deal but we all strive for better accuracy.

The only solution that seemed to reduce the problem abit was to make sure that the ram cams over on the sizing die. This way you would think there would be equal pressure on the plate all the time. But I still get inconsistancies between running say 1 peice of brass through all 5 stations, or 5 pieces of brass going through all 5 stations. Guessing because there is still only consistant pressure on one side of the shellplate.

I am usually only using 4 stations as I don't use a powder cop (I look into each case) has anybody ever inserted a blank body die into a station, say a hollow decapping die that a round will just go into with no effect other than to put pressure on the opposite side of the shell plate from the sizing die.

Any insight will be appreciated.
Evan
Click to expand...

I experience the exact same issue on my LNL AP. When I get down to my last 4 rounds, I place an empty case into station one before each of the final pulls of the handle, and then I remove the case from station two and place it back into station one until I have finished my rounds.
 
depending on the shape & consistency of your bullet & style of seating die , a variance of .005" is normal . .010" is a little much though .
 
To answer your question Thump_rr, I am using a set of calipers. I do not reload rifle on this press otherwise I would be using a bullet comparator. With flap top 180gn bullets for my 40S&W I think I should be getting some fairly consistant results. I have also adapted the same practise as ccain does, but it would be nice to set up the press using one round for a complete cycle, not having to have all five stations going to adjust the seating die properly.

This is my only dislike with the press, otherwise it is golden. It would be interesting to hear from some Dillon owners about their expeirience, please try to leave the bias out (red vs blue).

I am used to getting 0.001 though tolerance on my LEE classic cast single stage, so I would expect 0.005< from the LNL.
 
nevanevan said:
To answer your question Thump_rr, I am using a set of calipers. I do not reload rifle on this press otherwise I would be using a bullet comparator. With flap top 180gn bullets for my 40S&W I think I should be getting some fairly consistant results. I have also adapted the same practise as ccain does, but it would be nice to set up the press using one round for a complete cycle, not having to have all five stations going to adjust the seating die properly.

This is my only dislike with the press, otherwise it is golden. It would be interesting to hear from some Dillon owners about their expeirience, please try to leave the bias out (red vs blue).

I am used to getting 0.001 though tolerance on my LEE classic cast single stage, so I would expect 0.005< from the LNL.
Click to expand...
I think you answered your own question.
If you were using a comparator you wod know for sure.
Are you using a flat top seating stem so that you can measure with a caliper?
If you are using a conical stem then you definitely need to use a comparator.

This thread may also help you out.
I did this to my press a few years ago.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/414607_How_to_tune_the_Hornady_Lock_N_Load_AP_progressive_press.html
 
I believe the redding dies do have a conical stem, I am probably nieve in this regard, but will it make that large of a difference on pistol rounds. I know the rifle rounds considering the length of the bullets a comparator is a must, have you noticed a difference with pistol bullets using a comparator (say 230gn berrys for 45ACP) or whatever bullets you have tested
 
nevanevan said:
I believe the redding dies do have a conical stem, I am probably nieve in this regard, but will it make that large of a difference on pistol rounds. I know the rifle rounds considering the length of the bullets a comparator is a must, have you noticed a difference with pistol bullets using a comparator (say 230gn berrys for 45ACP) or whatever bullets you have tested
Click to expand...
Yes I have seen a difference.
Exactly how much I can't remember off the top of my head.
A little later when I get home, for fun I'll measure 10 random .45ACP and I will give you my results in both OAL and base to ogive.
I have Cam-Pro plated bullets which I know for certain were giving me fits and some Zero Brand hollow points.
 
that guy on ebay doesnt ship to canada
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PRECISION-BRAND-25220-Arbor-Shim-Assortment-/321269056317


theres amazon too
http://www.amazon.com/Steel-Arbor-Assortment-1008-1010-Chemistry/dp/B002C2GPJ4

Order total: $17.59 (this is cost with shipping)
i just wanted to see if there was a local source...20 bucks is alittle much when all i need is just one of these shims...i'm gonna to get my depth mic home to measure up my press...shimming my press will fix my priming problem and cases tilting in station #5

i may be able to spin a washer up on the lathe too
 
Last edited:
hexbasher said:
that guy on ebay doesnt ship to canada
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PRECISION-BRAND-25220-Arbor-Shim-Assortment-/321269056317


theres amazon too
http://www.amazon.com/Steel-Arbor-Assortment-1008-1010-Chemistry/dp/B002C2GPJ4

Order total: $17.59 (this is cost with shipping)
i just wanted to see if there was a local source...20 bucks is alittle much when all i need is just one of these shims...i'm gonna to get my depth mic home to measure up my press...shimming my press will fix my priming problem and cases tilting in station #5

i may be able to spin a washer up on the lathe too
Click to expand...

I get home from up north tomorrow. I have two weeks to tear my LNL apart and inspect the clearences. That AR-15 post was a doozie, I hope to find something wrong in my press as then I might have found a solution. I pre-emptively ordered the precision shim kit off Amazon, the shipping for something in an envelope chokes me but I doubt that GREGGS or acklands would sell such a kit. I will report on my press when I get it apart.

Evan
 
nevanevan said:
I get home from up north tomorrow. I have two weeks to tear my LNL apart and inspect the clearences. That AR-15 post was a doozie, I hope to find something wrong in my press as then I might have found a solution. I pre-emptively ordered the precision shim kit off Amazon, the shipping for something in an envelope chokes me but I doubt that GREGGS or acklands would sell such a kit. I will report on my press when I get it apart.

Evan
Click to expand...

I will do the same.

I have also ordered the shim kit. If any one finds out what size shims they need and I have them left over once I Install mine we can work something out to save some money.... feel free to pm me.
 
You can order the Precision Brand assorted kit from an industrial supplier. iIordered from a local SB Simpson branch here in Ontario.
 
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