Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Primer Feed for Classic and 007 Press Review

Worth the Money? My Take on the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Primer Feed for Classic and 007 Press

As someone who’s spent over a decade wrestling with gear in everything from dusty workshops to high-pressure lab environments, I’m always on the lookout for tools that genuinely streamline processes and eliminate tedious steps. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Primer Feed for Classic and 007 Press immediately caught my eye for its promise of hands-off priming, a task that can easily become a bottleneck and a source of frustration during high-volume reloading sessions. My journey to this specific primer feed began when I was churning out hundreds of rounds for a long-range shooting trip, and the repetitive, often finicky nature of manual priming was slowing me down considerably, sometimes leading to dropped primers or double feeds. I was seeking a more efficient, reliable solution that would integrate seamlessly with my existing setup.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of robust engineering. The unit felt solid, with a good weight that suggested durability. Unlike some flimsy plastic attachments I’ve encountered, this Hornady accessory felt built to withstand the rigors of a reloading bench. I had considered a few other aftermarket primer feeding systems, but their compatibility claims with my specific press were often vague or relied on complex adapters. The promise of a direct fit from Hornady itself for their Classic and 007 models was a significant draw. The moment I held it, there was a sense of relief, knowing that a potential point of contention in my reloading workflow might soon be a thing of the past.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Primer Feed for Classic and 007 Press to the Test

My initial testing of the automatic primer feed took place right on my dedicated reloading bench, a space that’s seen its fair share of dust, oil, and countless rounds processed. I was specifically looking to integrate it into my workflow for loading rifle cartridges, where precision and speed are both paramount. The press, a Hornady Classic, is known for its straightforward operation, and I wanted to see if this auto primer feed could enhance that simplicity without introducing new complications.

First Use Experience

Installation was remarkably straightforward, taking less than ten minutes from opening the box to having it mounted. The user feedback echoed this sentiment, with many noting the quick setup time. I attached the feeder to my Hornady Classic press, loaded the primer tubes, and began cycling rounds. The process was surprisingly intuitive; I didn’t need to spend hours deciphering an instruction manual or watching numerous online tutorials.

Performance in those initial hours was outstanding. I managed to process over 500 rounds on my first day with the auto primer feed installed. Each primer seated reliably and consistently, a significant improvement over my previous manual setup. There were no jams, no dropped primers, and no instances of primers failing to seat. It truly lived up to its promise of a “100% hands-off priming capability” once the tubes were loaded and the press was in operation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few weeks of consistent use, pushing past the initial few hundred rounds and into the thousands, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Primer Feed for Classic and 007 Press has held up exceptionally well. I’ve continued to use it primarily for rifle ammunition, but have also dipped into loading some pistol calibers where it performed equally well. The unit shows no signs of wear and tear; the plastic primer tubes remain clear and free from cracks, and the feeding mechanism is as smooth as it was on day one.

Maintenance has been minimal, which is a huge plus in my book. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep it clean. I haven’t experienced any performance degradation, such as stiffness in the primer tubes or the feed arm sticking. Compared to some budget primer systems I’ve tinkered with in the past, this Hornady unit is in a different league for durability and consistent performance. It has become an indispensable part of my reloading setup, reliably feeding primers without me ever having to think about it.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Primer Feed for Classic and 007 Press

Specifications

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Primer Feed for Classic and 007 Press is designed to integrate seamlessly with Hornady’s Lock-N-Load reloading presses, specifically the Classic and 007 models. The core of this system consists of large and small primer tubes, which are interchangeable, allowing for versatile use with a wide range of ammunition calibers. This dual-tube system is crucial for reloaders who handle various pistol and rifle cartridges requiring different primer sizes.

The 100% hands-off priming capability is arguably its most significant feature, directly enabled by the positive priming system designed by Hornady. This means once the primer tubes are loaded and the press ram is cycled, primers are fed and seated automatically. The unit itself is constructed from durable materials designed for longevity on a reloading bench. The inclusion of both primer sizes in one package makes it a comprehensive solution for many reloading needs.

Performance & Functionality

This automatic primer feed excels at its primary function: reliably and consistently feeding primers for seating. The mechanism is smooth, and I’ve found that it reliably places primers into the primer pocket with every stroke of the press. This consistent performance is critical for ensuring that each loaded round is safe and functions as intended. Its ability to deliver primers without manual intervention significantly speeds up the reloading process, reducing the time spent on each cartridge.

The main strength of this unit is its automation and consistency. It virtually eliminates the risk of double-feeding primers or mishandling them, which can happen with manual methods. The only minor drawback I’ve encountered is that the primer tubes, while efficient, do have a finite capacity, meaning they need to be refilled periodically during very long reloading sessions. However, this is a minor inconvenience given the overall efficiency gained. It meets, and in my experience, exceeds expectations for a component designed to streamline reloading.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Primer Feed for Classic and 007 Press is functional and robust, prioritizing utility over aesthetic flair, which is perfectly suited for a workshop tool. The materials used feel substantial; the plastic primer tubes are thick and clear, allowing you to easily see the primer count, and the mounting hardware is solid metal. The overall feel of the unit when attached to the press is secure and well-integrated, not like a flimsy afterthought.

Ergonomically, it’s designed for ease of use. The primer tubes slide in and out smoothly, and the mechanism for engaging the primer feed with the press ram is intuitive. There’s virtually no learning curve; once installed, it’s ready to go. The markings on the tubes are clear, and the way it attaches to the press is simple and secure, requiring no special tools beyond what’s typically found on a reloading bench.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction and the lack of complex moving parts that are exposed to the elements, this automatic primer feed is built for long-term durability. After thousands of cycles, I have seen no signs of wear that would indicate premature failure. It’s designed for the repetitive motion of a reloading press, and it handles that task with ease.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. Keeping the primer tubes clean and free of debris is the main requirement. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth, and occasionally a blast of compressed air, is usually sufficient to keep it in optimal condition. There are no intricate mechanisms to lubricate or complex parts to replace. For a tool that’s continuously in use during reloading, its ease of maintenance is a significant advantage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary “accessory” that comes with the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Primer Feed for Classic and 007 Press are the large and small primer tubes themselves. These are the heart of the system, allowing for a broad range of compatibility. There are no other significant accessories included or required for its basic operation.

Customization is limited in the traditional sense, as this is a purpose-built component for specific presses. However, the ability to switch between large and small primer tubes is the key form of adaptation offered. This allows users to tailor the feed to whatever primer size they are currently using without needing to purchase entirely separate feeding units. The compatibility with Hornady’s own Lock-N-Load system ensures it integrates seamlessly, and the tubes are designed to hold a good number of primers, reducing the frequency of reloads.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Primer Feed for Classic and 007 Press

Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Primer Feed for Classic and 007 Press?

This automatic primer feed is an ideal upgrade for any reloader who owns a Hornady Classic or 007 Lock-N-Load press and is looking to increase their efficiency and reduce tedious manual labor. It’s particularly suited for individuals who reload in moderate to high volumes, such as competitive shooters, hunters preparing for multiple expeditions, or hobbyists who simply want to streamline their process. Those who have struggled with manual priming systems, experiencing dropped primers or inconsistent seating, will find significant value here.

However, individuals using reloading presses from other manufacturers will unfortunately find this unit incompatible. Furthermore, if you only reload a handful of rounds very infrequently and don’t mind the manual priming process, the added automation might not be a necessary investment. For optimal use, ensuring your press is clean and properly set up is recommended, though the feeder itself doesn’t require specialized accessories to function.

Conclusion on Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Primer Feed for Classic and 007 Press

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Primer Feed for Classic and 007 Press is a genuinely useful and effective accessory for the right user. It delivers on its promise of hands-off priming, significantly boosting efficiency and reducing the potential for error during reloading. The inclusion of both large and small primer tubes enhances its versatility, making it a solid investment for reloaders who work with a variety of calibers.

Considering its robust build, reliable performance, and the sheer amount of time it can save, the price point of $79.79 feels justified for the value it adds. If you own a compatible Hornady press and are looking to upgrade your priming process from manual to automatic, I would absolutely recommend this unit. It’s a well-executed piece of equipment that simplifies a critical step in reloading, allowing you to focus on more important aspects of your craft.