Hornady Lock n Load Classic Kit / Press Review

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Hornady lock n load Classic Kit / Press Review.

This is is a single-stage press kit. In this comprehensive review, we look at the Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic and the upgraded Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Kit Deluxe.

This product is featured in the Best Reloading Kits On the Market List.

Hornady lock n load Classic Kit

Hornady lock n load Classic Kit

 

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The Lock-N-Load Classic Kit is the perfect reloading kit for the reloading beginner. It offers everything needed for a starter. The Lock-N-Load reloading Classic kit has a classic single-stage press, an electronic scale, a powder measure, and 3 die bushings.

You also get a handheld priming tool, a universal reloading block, one-shot case lube, primer catcher, positive priming system, primer turning plate universal reloading block, and chamfering and de-burring tool.

The single-stage press is made for speed, versatility, and precision. The Kit uses Hornady shell holders which are usually sold separately.

What is Included

  • Lock-N-Load Powder Measure
  • A Reloading Handbook
  • Universal Reloading Block
  • A Digital Scale
  • Lock-N-Load Die Bushings (3)
  • Powder Funnel
  • Primer Catcher
  • Positive Priming System
  • One-Shot Case Lube
  • Handheld Priming Tool
  • Chamfer & Deburr To
  • Powder Trickler

 

Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Kit Deluxe

 Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Kit Deluxe

 

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This Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Kit Deluxe is the upgraded version, in addition, to all that is included in the Classic Kit, the Deluxe Classic Kit has shell holders in most of the popular sizes, handy tools, bushings, and Sure-Loc rings.

Also Included in this Upgraded kit

  • Lock-N-Load Straight OAL Gauge
  • Six Sure-Loc Lock Rings
  • Metering Assembly and Pistol Rotor
  • 1,2,5,16,35 Shellholders
  • Three Additional Die Bushings
  • A Powder Measure Stand
  • A Decorative Tin Sign
  • Kinetic Bullet Puller
  • Steel Dial Caliper

General Hornady lock n load Classic Kit Features

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Kit is a single-stage press that works great for both beginners and those in need of a reloading kit that takes total control of the whole process. with the Hornady lock n load classic kit you get precision and dependability, the frame is uniquely angled and made of solid cast. The frame offers easier access to the cartridge and greater visibility. This kit is also designed for the perfect die and shell holder alignment,  this is also enhanced by the quick change bushing system.

This Hornady lock n load classic kit has bushings that not only allow you to switch from one die to another in seconds, but the bushings also make it possible to have the easiest and quickest die set up.

  • PPS-Positive Priming System
  • Has a Reloading Handbook
  • Handheld Priming Tool
  • Comes with a Digital Scale
  • Primer Catcher
  • Has a Universal Reloading Block
  • Chamfer & Deburr Tool

 

Lock-N-Load Quick Change Bushing System

 Lock-N-Load Quick Change Bushing System

The Hornady lock n load Classic Kit bushings come with quite a number of goodies,  with the bushings you are able to switch from one die to another in seconds and also get the easiest and quickest die set up on the market.

All you need to do is set the die and tighten the Sure-Loc ring on to the Lock-N-Load bushing. After that remove and reinstall quickly without readjusting the die or by keeping a separate seater die for each of your pet loads.

Power-Pac Linkage and Solid Steel Arms

Power-Pac Linkage and Solid Steel Arms

The Arms rotate on steel pins, the pins run totally through the frame. With the arms, it’s easy to size cases without fatigue thanks to the multiplied leverage which brought about the  Power-Pac linkage design.

Positive Priming System (PPS)

Positive Priming System (PPS)

With PPS once the spent primer is ejected at the top of the stroke, you can add a new one to the PPS and it will self-align to feed and insert the primer at the best leverage. The self-aligning primer arm makes it easy to manually insert primers without the need to raise handles.

Strong Angled Frame

Strong Angled Frame

This alloy frame is very strong for rigidity and stability. These two are very crucial for precision reloading. The unique angles on the frame offer greater visibility and easier access to the cartridges.

Hornady lock n load Classic Kit Parts

  1. Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Charge
  2. Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Ammo Loader with Manual Prime
  3. Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plate
  4. Hornady Lock-N-Load Deluxe Control Panel
  5. Hornady Insert Lock-N-Lock 26
  6. Hornady Lock-N-Load Die Bushing 
  7. Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plate
  8. Hornady Sure-LOC Lock Rings

Hornady lock n load Classic Kit Parts

Item No. Qty Description
1 1 Bushing Press LN
2 1 Frame
3 1 Primer Catcher
4 1 Knob Handle
5 1 Handle
6 2 AP Yoke Pin
7 2 Link
8 1 Spring Shell Holder
9 4 Clip C C-50
10 1 Pin Roll 3/32 x 5/8 Slotted
11 1 Ram
12 1 Pin Dowel 5/16 x 2
13 1 Toggle
14 1 Nut Jam 5/8-1
15 4 Spring Washer
16 2 Large and Small Primer Punch
17 2 Large and Small Primer Cup
18 1 Primer Cup Spring
19 1 Primer Arm

 

Hornady lock n load Classic Kit Warranty

All Hornady reloading tools and accessories have a lifetime warranty against material defects that are warranted against material defects and workmanship. If the tools and accessories break they will be repaired or replaced.

  • The product has been damaged accidentally if the damage occurs from neglect, lack of servicing, or other unreasonable reasons the warranty will be void.
  • If the product has been altered or repaired by unauthorized personnel the warranty is void
  • If the product has been used commercially the warranty is void
  • The warranty is void if the product is defaced

How the Hornady lock n load Technology Works

This System is a unique bushing system, it lets you change dies with great ease and in a few seconds. With the Lock-N-Load® technology, you will be able to start/ stop loading or change dies in a very short time.

The system works very easy

  1. The first step is to insert the Lock-N-Load die bushing into the press bushing and twist it to lock into place.
  2. Insert the standard die into the Bushing
  3. Adjust the die to the proper position and lock with the  Sure-Loc Lock Ring.

If you want to change the calibers, twist the die counterclockwise, remove die and insert your next preset die and bushing.

Hornady lock n load Classic Kit  Installation and Operation Instructions

1.Mounting Securely on a stable and Solid bench

Mounting Securely on a stable and Solid bench

To have a stable and solid mount, you need to position the press on the bench with mounting holes back enough for a firm grip and support plus good clearance for the toggle.

2. Choose a Shell Holder

Here you choose a shell holder for the cases to be reloaded. The shell is usually retained in the top of the ram using a detent spring. When the spring is not used to the process the change in the shell holder may be difficult but it will become smooth after several changes. The detent can easily be damaged, if you must remove it be very careful.

3.Insertion and Adjustment of the Sizing Die

When inserting and adjusting the sizing die make sure that the presses slightly cam over to help you exert maximum pressure with very minimal effort. Screw die down to firmness on the shell holder. The sizing die should be when the ram is at the top of the stroke.

4.Installing the primer arm into ram

First Screw the seater punch or cup into the arm then place in the ram. For the automatic primer feeders, make sure to adjust the feed body first. The ram comes at the top of the stroke. Primer feed adjustment should be done so that the primer retainer spring is deflected by the primer cup far enough to allow a primer to drop. Make sure you don’t overtighten the adjusting screw to allow the body to move to prevent a primer from being caught or crushed.

5.Cleaning, inspection, and lubrication of all cases before resizing

 

Use the  Hornady® One Shot® Case Lube, it lubricates the bottleneck cases with ease. Use the lube in the right quantities to prevent the shoulder from buckling.

6. Placing the  lubricated case in the shell holder and pulling the operating handle

The ram moves up, the PPS primer arm pivot moves forward to make it possible for the decapped primer to deflect off the arm into the primer catcher. The primer also moves in position to pick up a new primer. if it’s not an automatic primer feed insert the feed by hand at the top of the ram stroke.

7. Returning the handle to the rest position

When the primer is in the cup, it time to return the handle to the rest position, The ram’s downward movement, makes the PPS primer arm to pivot back into position under the decapped case and being held in position by the ram and the frame casting. When the arm is finally down the case is brought down over the primer cup and the primer is seated.

8. Checking Case Length

Using a Deburring tool and  Hornady Chamfering, the Chamfer inside and the debur outside of case mouth and wipe the case free of all lubricant with a clean dry cloth. Trim first before sizing

9. Charge Cases

Charging the prepared cases is done with selected powder and weighed.

Replacing the  Sizing Die

Replace the sizing die with the seating die according should be done as per the instructions on the manual. The PPS primer arm should be removed to simplify bullet seating.

Hornady lock n load Classic Kit Benefits

  • Maximum rigidity and accuracy in reloading, this is enhanced by the combination of  six lugs and the close tolerance of tooling grip t
  • Accidental loosening is prevented by  the rubber o-ring on the die bushing
  • This Kit is used by beginners and Experts
  • Quick and easy to Reload
  • The kit is designed for efficiency, speed, and versatility

Video Review

Conclusion

The Hornady lock n load Classic Kit does not only make reloading fun and economical but it’s also rewarding as it helps you get to the right accuracy levels.

This is one of the best reloading kits by Hornady and on the Market.