Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders Review

Let Me Tell You About the Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders

As someone who’s spent over a decade wrestling with gear in every conceivable environment, from dusty workshops to pristine labs and rugged fields, I’ve learned to appreciate tools that genuinely streamline a process. The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders caught my eye as a potential game-changer for anyone looking to boost their rifle cartridge reloading output. This system aims to turn a standard progressive press into a near-automated bullet-feeding machine, a concept that immediately appealed to my desire for efficiency. My own reloading bench has seen countless hours, and the repetitive nature of hand-placing bullets has always been a bottleneck. I considered a fully automated press, but the cost and complexity felt like overkill for my current needs, making a well-designed bullet feeder a more practical intermediate step. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid engineering; the unit felt substantial and well-constructed, sparking a healthy dose of curiosity about its real-world performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders to the Test

First Use Experience

I set up the Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders on my reloading bench, integrating it with my existing press. The initial setup was relatively straightforward, though I did need to adjust the height of my press mount slightly to accommodate the feeder’s optimal operating angle, a common tweak with any press modification. The system is designed to work in conjunction with the press stroke, activating the bullet feed upon case contact, which is a clever and effective mechanism. My first 100 rounds of .223 Remington loaded with this unit were a revelation in terms of speed, though I did notice a slight learning curve in ensuring consistent bullet orientation as they dropped into the die. A few bullets didn’t seat perfectly on the first try, requiring a gentle nudge, but this became less frequent as I got a feel for the rhythm.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several hundred rounds through the feeder, its reliability has become quite apparent. The consistent feeding of projectiles, once the initial setup kinks were ironed out, significantly sped up my reloading sessions. I’ve encountered no significant wear or tear on the feeder mechanism or the accompanying die. Cleaning is straightforward; the bin detaches easily for emptying and a quick wipe-down, and the flex tube can be flushed if any debris accumulates. Compared to the painstaking process of hand-placing each bullet, this automatic feeder is a night-and-day difference. While it’s not a fully automated system, its contribution to efficiency is undeniable, easily outpacing budget manual methods and rivaling some more complex semi-automatic setups in terms of pure speed per station.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders

Specifications

The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders is presented as a comprehensive unit, primarily for .22 caliber rifle bullets, with the added versatility of a .30 caliber conversion kit being available. This system is designed to integrate with the Hornady Lock-N-Load® AP™ reloading press but also utilizes the industry-standard 7/8″-14 die threads, making it compatible with other presses. The .22 caliber kit is specified to accommodate cartridge sizes from .221 Fireball through 22-6mm, a broad range for common varmint and small game cartridges. The .30 caliber conversion kit expands this to cover from 300 Savage through 300 Rem Ultra Mag, offering significant flexibility for reloaders working with diverse rifle calibers. The unit uses a case-activated mechanism within its specialized feeder die, meaning a bullet is only presented when a primed case makes contact. This design conserves components and prevents accidental feeding when no case is present.

The quantity of the primary unit is one, designed as a complete kit. It comes in a black finish and is sold as a new product. The integration with the press’s action allows for bullet feeding, seating, and crimping to occur in a single station, a significant time-saver. Coupled with a case feeder, Hornady suggests potential speed increases of up to 50%, a figure I found to be ambitious but not entirely out of reach with practice. The robustness of the hopper and the feeder tube are important for uninterrupted operation; a longer, more flexible feed tube would have been beneficial for easier bin positioning.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders is to automate the placement of bullets onto cases, and in this regard, it performs admirably. Once dialed in, the system consistently feeds bullets into the seating die with remarkable regularity. The case-activated feed is a critical feature, ensuring that it only functions when there’s a case present to receive a bullet. This smart design prevents waste and potential issues with misfed components. For .223 Remington, which I primarily tested with, it performed flawlessly after the initial setup adjustments. The speed increase is noticeable; what used to be a deliberate two-step process (pick bullet, place bullet) is now largely a single, fluid motion of pulling the press handle.

However, the system isn’t without its minor quirks. The user feedback highlighted the need for potential modifications, such as drilling an additional hole in the bin to improve feed tube angle. I found this to be true in my case; the provided flex tube, while functional, could be a bit more accommodating in terms of length and flexibility to avoid creating an uphill climb for the bullets before they reach the die. This is a small point, but in the context of high-volume reloading, optimizing every angle matters for ultimate smoothness. The die itself, performing the feed, seat, and crimp, does an adequate job, though I typically prefer to separate seating and crimping into distinct operations for finer control over bullet runout and precise seating depth.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders is functional, prioritizing efficiency over intricate aesthetics. The main component, the bullet feeder die, screws into a standard press station, and the hopper attaches to the press frame or a dedicated mount. The hopper itself is a capacious plastic bin that holds a substantial number of bullets, reducing the frequency of reloads during a session. The connecting flex tube is a crucial element for transferring bullets from the hopper to the die; while it does its job, as mentioned, its length and rigidity could be improved for better flow, especially when the hopper is not positioned optimally. The overall construction feels robust enough for typical reloading bench use.

Ergonomically, the system is designed to be integrated into the existing press stroke, meaning it doesn’t add significant physical effort. The primary interaction is loading bullets into the hopper and ensuring the feed tube is clear. The case activation means the bullet feeder die does not require manual manipulation, freeing up the operator’s hands. While the die’s ability to feed, seat, and crimp in one station is a space-saver on the press, I personally lean towards separate stations for seating and crimping to allow for finer adjustments and visual inspection. This integrated function is a compromise for speed, which is often the trade-off in high-volume reloading setups.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, the Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders appears to be built for the long haul, assuming it’s used within its intended parameters. The plastic components of the hopper are thick and seem resistant to cracking from minor impacts, and the metal die is standard robust reloading equipment. Regular maintenance involves keeping the hopper clear of debris and ensuring the flex tube doesn’t become kinked or clogged. I found that occasional flushing of the flex tube with compressed air or a suitable solvent (depending on residue) can help maintain smooth bullet flow. For a unit designed to be part of a repetitive mechanical process, its initial build quality suggests it will withstand thousands of cycles.

There are no complex internal mechanisms prone to failure. The case-activated aspect relies on simple contact, reducing potential points of breakdown. My only concern for long-term durability might be the flex tube’s eventual susceptibility to fatigue from repeated bending and stress, especially if it’s constantly being positioned in a less-than-ideal angle. However, given its relatively standard design, replacement flex tubing would likely be readily available if needed. The overall ease of maintenance makes it a practical addition to a busy reloading setup.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders primarily comes as a self-contained unit for a specific caliber range (.22). The most significant “accessory” or customization option is the readily available .30 caliber conversion kit, which significantly expands the versatility of the system without requiring an entirely new bullet feeder. This kit likely includes a different feeder die and potentially different internal components for the hopper or tube to accommodate larger projectiles. Beyond this primary conversion, there aren’t many other user-customizable parts for the feeder mechanism itself.

The hopper is a simple bin, and while one could fashion a custom lid or an extension, the standard unit is designed for straightforward operation. The compatibility with the Hornady Lock-N-Load® AP™ reloading press is a key aspect, but its use of standard 7/8″-14 die threads means it can be adapted to other presses, which is a form of customization in itself. For users wanting finer control over bullet seating and crimping, the integrated die can be swapped out for separate seating and crimping dies, effectively turning the feeder station into just that – a bullet feeding station. This offers a pathway to more granular control if ultimate precision is prioritized over sheer speed.

Pros and Cons of Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders

Who Should Buy Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders?

The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders is an excellent choice for high-volume rifle cartridge reloaders, particularly those who have experienced the bottleneck of hand-placing bullets during progressive press operation. It’s ideal for shooters who load large quantities of common calibers like .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, or 6.5 Creedmoor and are looking to maximize their output per hour. Reloaders who already own or plan to acquire a Hornady Lock-N-Load® AP™ press will find seamless integration.

However, those who prioritize minute precision in bullet seating depth and crimp, or who exclusively load very specialized, custom wildcat cartridges, might find the integrated seat/crimp station limiting. Users with very limited bench space might also need to consider how they will position the bullet hopper. For optimal performance, I’d recommend ensuring your press is at a comfortable working height and perhaps investing in a more flexible aftermarket feed tube if the standard one proves cumbersome. For its intended purpose of rapid rifle cartridge production, it’s a strong contender.

Conclusion on Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders

The Hornady LNL Ap Rifle Bullet Feeders is a well-engineered accessory that delivers on its promise of increased reloading efficiency for rifle cartridges. By automating bullet presentation, it significantly speeds up the progressive reloading process, turning what was once a tedious manual step into a fluid part of the press cycle. While the initial setup might require minor adjustments, particularly concerning the feed tube angle, the long-term benefits in terms of time saved are undeniable. The availability of caliber conversion kits adds substantial value, allowing users to adapt the feeder to a wider range of their reloading projects. Considering its robust construction and the noticeable impact it has on reloading speed, the price point feels justified for anyone serious about producing larger quantities of rifle ammunition. I would certainly recommend this system to dedicated rifle reloaders seeking to optimize their workflow and reclaim valuable time at the bench.