Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only Review

Everything You Need to Know About the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments – from rugged outdoors to precise lab benches and demanding field operations – I’ve developed a keen eye for tools that not only perform but excel. My introduction to the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only came out of a practical necessity: processing a significant volume of military-surplus brass. For anyone who reloads a substantial amount of .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition, particularly once-fired range brass, the persistent issue of crimped primer pockets on cases like Lake City becomes an unavoidable bottleneck. Existing methods, such as hand reaming, are time-consuming and often lead to inconsistent results, or worse, damaged brass. I needed a solution that could integrate seamlessly into my existing setup and dramatically speed up this tedious but crucial step. After a brief initial inspection, the tool presented itself as a robust piece of equipment, typical of Hornady’s reputation for quality. It felt solid, well-machined, and hinted at the efficiency it promised. While I briefly considered other standalone swaging tools or even bench-mounted presses, the prospect of integrating this into my progressive press was the primary driver for this specific purchase. My initial reaction upon unboxing was one of cautious optimism mixed with a sense of relief, a feeling that a persistent reloading challenge might finally have a streamlined solution.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of this swage tool was conducted on my dedicated reloading bench, specifically integrated with my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press. I dedicated an entire afternoon to processing a large batch of mixed military brass, focusing on the .223/5.56mm calibers. The conditions were controlled – a well-lit, clean workshop environment with consistent ambient temperature. The tool integrated smoothly into the press’s shell plate and primer feed system, though I quickly learned that initial setup was critical for optimal performance. There was a slight learning curve in finding the perfect depth adjustment, which initially led to a few instances where primers wouldn’t seat properly in subsequent reloading steps, a minor frustration but quickly rectified.

The real test, however, came with extended use over subsequent reloading sessions. I’ve since processed several thousand rounds of .223/5.56mm brass using this setup. The tool’s ability to maintain consistent swaging depth after being properly dialed in has been a standout feature. I found that using a dedicated tube attached to the eject die, as suggested by some online resources, significantly improved the efficiency by allowing cases to exit the press quickly without jamming. This setup allows for a processing speed of roughly two seconds per case, which is phenomenal for this task.

Durability has been impressive; after countless cycles, there are no visible signs of wear on the swaging die itself or the associated components. The Hornady build quality seems to hold up exceptionally well to the repeated forces involved. Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after a long session is usually all that’s needed. I haven’t experienced any stiffness or performance degradation. Compared to the laborious process of hand-reaming primer pockets, this tool is an absolute revelation in terms of speed and consistency. It’s significantly faster and yields a much more uniform primer pocket than manual methods ever could.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the past six months, this swage tool has become an indispensable part of my reloading workflow for .223/5.56mm cartridges. It consistently performs its primary function: removing crimps from primer pockets without creating brass shavings. The robustness of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only is evident in its continued reliable operation, even when I’ve pushed it through several hundred cases in a single session. I’ve noticed no reduction in its swaging effectiveness, nor have any components shown signs of premature wear.

The Hornady system requires very little in the way of maintenance. A light application of lubricant on the press’s moving parts, which I do regularly anyway, is sufficient. The swage die itself needs no lubrication. I keep it stored in its original packaging when not in use, protecting it from dust and potential damage. This attention to simple care ensures its longevity, a trait I’ve come to expect from Hornady products. Compared to other methods I’ve employed in the past, like universal decapping dies with chamfering tools or dedicated manual swaging tools, this integrated AP press solution offers unparalleled speed and efficiency. It eliminates the need to move cases between different tools or operations, streamlining the entire process.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only

Specifications

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only is specifically designed to work with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive press. It is calibrated exclusively for 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington cartridges, making it a specialized tool for high-volume reloaders of these popular calibers. The kit includes essential components: a dedicated shell holder, a feed die, a swage die, and an eject die. These parts are constructed from hardened steel, designed to withstand the significant forces required for swaging.

The swage depth is adjustable, a critical feature that allows users to precisely control the amount of material removed from the primer pocket. This adjustability is key to accommodating slight variations in brass thickness from different manufacturers, ensuring a perfect fit for new primers. Unlike cutting or milling methods, swaging displaces the metal, effectively reforming the pocket to its original dimensions without creating debris, which is a significant advantage for case cleanliness and safety. The price point of $135.99 reflects its specialized nature and integration with a progressive press system.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, this swage tool performs exceptionally well, efficiently and cleanly removing the factory crimp from primer pockets. The action of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only is mechanical and direct; when the press ram is fully actuated, the swage die forcefully re-forms the primer pocket to accept new primers. This process is consistently effective, ensuring that subsequent primer seating is smooth and reliable.

The main strength of this tool lies in its speed and integration. When set up correctly, it processes cases at a rate that significantly outperforms manual methods, allowing reloaders to process large batches of brass in a fraction of the time. This also contributes to consistent results; once the die is adjusted, every case processed will have a uniformly swaged primer pocket. A minor weakness, noted in user feedback, is the significant force required to achieve a proper swage. If the adjustment is slightly off or the press linkage is not optimized, the progressive primer feed can indeed encounter issues. However, with careful setup and calibration, this is easily managed.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Hornady swaging setup is inherently tied to the Lock-N-Load AP press, making its ergonomics largely dependent on the press itself. The components are machined with tight tolerances, reflecting Hornady’s reputation for quality manufacturing. The swage die and associated dies are robust and feel substantial in hand, indicating they are built for durability.

The adjustable swage depth is a cleverly designed feature that allows for precise control. This is manipulated via an adjustment screw on the die body, which, once set, can be locked into place. The feed and eject dies are also crucial for the automated process, ensuring smooth case movement through the station. While the initial setup and adjustment require a bit of trial and error, the overall operation once dialed in is straightforward and requires minimal user interaction beyond cycling the press. The benefit of having this integrated into a progressive press means that ergonomics are essentially the same as any other station on the press, which is generally comfortable and efficient for repetitive tasks.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only is constructed from hardened steel, designed for the high-stress environment of a progressive reloading press. Based on my extended use, it exhibits excellent durability, showing no signs of significant wear or performance degradation even after processing thousands of cases. The hardened steel components are resistant to deformation and abrasion, which is essential given the forces involved in swaging.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. The dies themselves require no lubrication and are best kept clean and dry. A quick wipe-down after use is sufficient to remove any stray brass dust. Proper storage, such as keeping them in the original packaging or a dedicated tool case, will further protect them from damage and corrosion. Potential failure points are minimal, largely dependent on correct setup and avoiding overtightening of the adjustment screw, which could strip the threads. However, with reasonable care, these dies are built to last for many years of heavy use.

Accessories and Customization Options

This specific swage tool is a self-contained unit designed to integrate directly into the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press. The primary accessory that enhances its functionality, and one highly recommended for users processing large volumes of brass, is a tube for the eject die. This simple addition allows the swaged cases to be directed away from the press and into a bin, preventing jams and maximizing throughput.

While the tool itself isn’t typically “customized” in the traditional sense, the adjustability of the swage depth is the key customization feature, allowing users to tailor it to their specific brass lot. It’s important to note that this tool is designed specifically for .223/5.56mm brass and is not interchangeable with other calibers. This specificity ensures optimal performance within its intended application. Users are advised to purchase the correct bushing for their dies, as mentioned in user feedback, though this is usually a standard part of setting up dies on the AP press.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only

Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only?

This tool is an excellent investment for dedicated reloaders who process substantial quantities of .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO brass. If you frequently reload for AR-15 platforms or engage in high-volume target shooting where military surplus brass is common, this swage tool will drastically cut down your processing time. It is particularly beneficial for those who own a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive press and want to optimize its functionality for this specific, time-consuming task.

However, if you only reload small batches of brass, or if your brass primarily consists of newer commercial cases without crimped primers, this tool might be overkill and not offer sufficient value. Individuals who primarily use manual reloading presses or do not own a Hornady AP press would also find this product incompatible with their setup. For optimal use, consider purchasing a tube for the eject die to maximize throughput.

Conclusion on Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Primer Pocket Swage Tool For .223/5.56mm Only is a purpose-built, highly effective solution for a common bottleneck in reloading .223/5.56mm ammunition. Its integration with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press makes it an exceptionally fast and efficient tool for dealing with crimped primer pockets on military brass. While it requires a precise setup and a significant amount of force to operate, the payoff in terms of time saved and consistent results is substantial for high-volume reloaders.

Considering its robust construction, specialized functionality, and the significant time savings it offers, the $135.99 price point is justifiable for serious enthusiasts. It’s not a tool for casual reloaders, but for those who find themselves drowning in brass that needs swaging, this Hornady product is an excellent, reliable, and ultimately, highly recommended addition to their reloading setup. If you’re committed to processing large volumes of .223/5.56mm brass on your AP press, you’ll find this swage tool to be a game-changer.