When it comes to reloading your own ammunition by hand, Hornady is a name you can trust for precision, safety, and reliability. In this video series, John Scoutten of Shooting USA partners with Seth Swerczek from Hornady to guide us through the beginner steps of reloading using the Lock-N-Load Iron Press Kit.
The Essential Gear
The Lock-N-Load Iron Press Kit provides everything needed to start the reloading journey. While you can pick up each tool separately, Hornady makes it easy by packaging them together. Your workstation layout is crucial. Position your press, powder measure, and batch tray strategically for a smooth workflow.
Case Inspection
Every reload begins with inspecting your brass casings. They can be reused, but each shot puts wear and tear on them. Check for cracks, dents, or other signs of damage. Measuring their length with calipers ensures they’re within safe limits before reloading. If the brass is too long, trim it down using the guidelines in Hornady’s reloading manual.
Cleaning Brass
Dirty brass can damage your die or even scratch your firearm’s chamber. For low volumes, cleaning each casing with a rag works fine. However, a Vibratory Tumbler, like Midsouth Tumbler Kit Pro With Brass Sorter, speeds up the process when dealing with large batches.
Setting Up the Sizing Die
- Clean the Die: Start by degreasing and cleaning the sizing die.
- Shell Holder: Install the correct shell holder.
- Adjust for Full-Length Resize: Raise the press ram fully and thread the die until it touches the shell holder. Lock it in place for consistent resizing.
Lubrication and Sizing
Apply lubrication to prevent the brass from getting stuck during resizing. Aerosol sprays provide quick and even coverage. Insert the brass into the shell holder, lift the ram to resize it fully, and pop out the spent primer. It’s good to go for future reloads once the sizing die is set with the Lock-N-Load bushing.
The Importance of a Handbook
The Hornady Handbook Of Cartridge Reloading manual is your best friend, whether you’re new or experienced. It has essential reloading data, ballistic information, and specific instructions for Hornady bullets and powders. Keep it handy to ensure consistent and safe reloading.
Live Inventory Price Checker
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Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Kit Auto Prime | Brownells.com | $ 629.99 |
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Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Kit w/Auto Prime | Optics Planet | $ 769.41 $ 626.49 |
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HORNADY Lock-N-Load Iron Press Kit w/Auto Prime | KYGUNCO | $ 642.38 |
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Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Kit Red Accepts 7/8-14 Dies | GrabAGun | $ 599.99 |
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Load Up!
Reloading is an exciting way to craft ammunition tailored to your needs. With John and Seth’s guidance, you’ll be well-prepared to set up your Lock-N-Load Iron Press Kit and confidently make quality reloads. Stay tuned for the next video, where Hornady dives even deeper into fine-tuning the reloading process.