Thinking of going with Hornady - The Firearms Forum

Dennis C · 11-22-2011, 07:09 PM

Been thinking for a long time of trying my hand at reloading, and I've been doing some research on different presses. I think I have decided to start out with a single stage press and go with the hornady lock and load kit. Before I buy it I would like any comments or concerns from experienced reloaders here. Here is a link to the kit

http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-Load-Classic-Kit/

JLA · 11-22-2011, 07:12 PM

It will serve you well. Just get your manuals and study up before taking the plunge.

I recommend at least 2, 3 or more is better. Get you the Lyman 49th and the Hornady 8th, if you go with 3 grab a ABCs of reloading. But most importantly, read the first 120 or so pages of the manuals. This is the how to part of the manual before you get to the load data. It will explain everything with illustrations and examples.

reynolds357 · 11-22-2011, 07:13 PM

Cant go wrong with it or a Rock Chucker.

noylj · 11-23-2011, 02:00 AM

The Hornady is very easy to learn on and its an excellent press.
I have been loading with Hornady Progressives since the first one came out. Great machines.
However, if you want a case feeder (I never any need for one in over 35 years with a progressive press (could it be longer than that?)), I would then consider the Dillon 650. However, the Dillons, to me, are simply not as open and easy to see what's happening.
To me, presses decisions come down to:
Forster Co-Ax
Lee Classic Turret
Hornady L-N-L AP (or Dillon 650, but you have to buy a case feeder or you'll go buggy)
Dillon Super 1050

woolleyworm · 11-23-2011, 02:02 AM

What cartridges and how much volume are you looking at loading Dennis?

Dennis C · 11-23-2011, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woolleyworm

What cartridges and how much volume are you looking at loading Dennis?

Would be reloading .380, 9mm, .38/.357
I don't think volume would be an issue, I would say 250-500 rounds a month. I suppose if I get into more it may go up.
I've been wanting to try reloading out for several years now, and my wife is looking for something to get me for Christmas so I am thinking this could be a super gift.

Caneman · 11-23-2011, 09:14 AM

can't go wrong with Rhed, Green is good as well, and i think you are wise to start with a single stage

RandyP · 11-23-2011, 09:20 AM

Hornady -like all the manufacturers out there - makes fine products that should last a lifetime. If the LNL meets your realistic ammo needs and budget it is a good choice.

For reference, I get 50-75 rounds per hour single stage and 150-175 RPH on my Classic turret.

Sometimes for pistol shooters the relatively low single stage output gets old pretty quick. It did for me.

cutter · 11-23-2011, 02:43 PM

I use a single stage for larger rifle calibers (don't shoot as many) and a progresive press for pistol and small caliber rifle!!! Started out on a single stage. A lot eaiser to learn on!!! Like fas been said here you can't go wrong with a red or green single stage,( I like the blue progresive best.)

dbach · 11-23-2011, 04:25 PM

Bridge the single/progressive gap and go with a Turret.

RCBS makes a nice one.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/264...s-turret-press

I have one and like it a lot.

11-22-2011, 07:09 PM	#1
Dennis C Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: South Dakota Posts: 789	Thinking of going with Hornady Been thinking for a long time of trying my hand at reloading, and I've been doing some research on different presses. I think I have decided to start out with a single stage press and go with the hornady lock and load kit. Before I buy it I would like any comments or concerns from experienced reloaders here. Here is a link to the kit http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-Load-Classic-Kit/ __________________ "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms. . . disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. . . Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man." - Thomas Jefferson -->

11-22-2011, 07:12 PM	#2
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,305	Re: Thinking of going with Hornady It will serve you well. Just get your manuals and study up before taking the plunge. I recommend at least 2, 3 or more is better. Get you the Lyman 49th and the Hornady 8th, if you go with 3 grab a ABCs of reloading. But most importantly, read the first 120 or so pages of the manuals. This is the how to part of the manual before you get to the load data. It will explain everything with illustrations and examples. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

11-22-2011, 07:13 PM	#3
reynolds357 Former Guest Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 707	Re: Thinking of going with Hornady Cant go wrong with it or a Rock Chucker.

11-23-2011, 02:00 AM	#4
noylj V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 113	Re: Thinking of going with Hornady The Hornady is very easy to learn on and its an excellent press. I have been loading with Hornady Progressives since the first one came out. Great machines. However, if you want a case feeder (I never any need for one in over 35 years with a progressive press (could it be longer than that?)), I would then consider the Dillon 650. However, the Dillons, to me, are simply not as open and easy to see what's happening. To me, presses decisions come down to: Forster Co-Ax Lee Classic Turret Hornady L-N-L AP (or Dillon 650, but you have to buy a case feeder or you'll go buggy) Dillon Super 1050

11-23-2011, 02:02 AM	#5
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,881	Re: Thinking of going with Hornady What cartridges and how much volume are you looking at loading Dennis? __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

11-23-2011, 09:14 AM	#7
Caneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 1,244	Re: Thinking of going with Hornady can't go wrong with Rhed, Green is good as well, and i think you are wise to start with a single stage

11-23-2011, 09:20 AM	#8
RandyP V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 430	Re: Thinking of going with Hornady Hornady -like all the manufacturers out there - makes fine products that should last a lifetime. If the LNL meets your realistic ammo needs and budget it is a good choice. For reference, I get 50-75 rounds per hour single stage and 150-175 RPH on my Classic turret. Sometimes for pistol shooters the relatively low single stage output gets old pretty quick. It did for me. __________________ Lee Anniversary and Lee Classic 4-Hole Turret, presently reloading .380, 7.62 Nagant (32-20), 9mm and 45ACP

11-23-2011, 02:43 PM	#9
cutter Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 629	Re: Thinking of going with Hornady I use a single stage for larger rifle calibers (don't shoot as many) and a progresive press for pistol and small caliber rifle!!! Started out on a single stage. A lot eaiser to learn on!!! Like fas been said here you can't go wrong with a red or green single stage,( I like the blue progresive best.)

11-23-2011, 04:25 PM	#10
dbach V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Trinity, TX Posts: 164	Re: Thinking of going with Hornady Bridge the single/progressive gap and go with a Turret. RCBS makes a nice one. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/264...s-turret-press I have one and like it a lot. __________________ David Bachelder Trinity, TX Rookie Reloader but learning fast 9mm, 40S&W, 45ACP, 45 Colt, 38 Special, .357 Magnum, 38 S&W, .243, & 30-06 CHL ~ Texas