Hornady Lock N Load AP Issues

[99blkta]

I recently acquired a Hornady Lock N Load AP as stated in the title.

Mechanically the press operates fine; however, I'm having an O.A.L issue when processing multiple cartridges.

If I take and insert a single case and run it through the press everything comes out spot on. The O.A.L might vary withing .0005 of an inch, a margin of error I'm quite comfortable with.

However, if I insert multiple cases, the O.A.L changes. For instances instead of 1.260 it becomes much longer somewhere around 1.266 etc.

I'm using an RCBS Sizing Dies, an RCBS Expander, the Hornady Lock N Load Powder Measure, an RCBS Seating Die, and a Lee Factory Crimp Die (obviously sizing and crimping in different steps).

I've checked to insure that the dies aren't contacting the shell plate. As previously stated a single round will come out correctly, but when multiple cases are inserted the O.A.L changes.

Does anyone have an idea as to what will remedy this problem? I bought the press to load high volume, but at this rate its about the same speed as using my old Rock Chucker and Uniflow Powder measure.

This problem has been experienced with multiple bullets, as well.

Thanks for the help. :dunno:

[Hrsuhd]

I have two thoughts first make sure your collets are staying seated /dont have any play.
Second make sure you are running the handle through the full range of motion.Just thoughts not experiance

[MythosVR4]

Mine does the same thing with 10mm. With 40S&W it is okay for some reason. I minimize it by keeping a case in the first station. It hasn't fixed it totally but it has kept the variance down to .003.

My new Hornady Seater w/ Taper Crimp should be here today and I'm hoping that will fix it completely by applying a light crimp to make sure it stays, before it goes through my Lee FCD for full crimp.

[gwsanfor]

That shell plate flexes by design. The factory people told me it's designed to operate with the shell plate full, so you will get a longer OAL if you only have one round on the plate. What I do if I'm loading the tail end of a batch is to put empty cases in the stations that would otherwise be empty, and my COL remains constant. Actually, I typically just load the stations across the shell plate from the round being inserted, because that's the station that mainly prevents flex relative to the station under the bullet seater. This would be easier to show than tell.

[Taterhead]

Do all of your adjustments with a full shell plate. That should tighten up the consistencies.

[99blkta]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to do exactly what y'all have said and readjust with a full shell plate. Don't know why this hasn't occurred to me before, once again, thanks.