Hornady Lock & Load AP Loader 5 Station Progressive Press

Product Description

The Hornady Lock & Load AP Loader is a five-station progressive reloading press designed for efficient rifle and handgun ammunition production. It combines automatic indexing, automatic priming and automatic cartridge ejection in one progressive platform.

The five-station layout allows several reloading operations to take place during each cycle. In addition, the automatic indexing system moves the shell plate between stations as the handle operates. As a result, reloaders can perform multiple operations within one continuous loading sequence.

The press also uses Hornady’s Lock-N-Load quick-change bushing system. Therefore, preset dies can be changed quickly while retaining their established settings. Hornady lists the AP as a professional-grade, auto-indexing five-station progressive press.

Hornady Lock & Load AP Loader Progressive Press

The Hornady Lock & Load AP Loader uses a high-strength frame and compound linkage system. Furthermore, the Power-Pac Linkage System increases the leverage applied through the handle, providing smooth operation during repeated loading cycles.

The five-station arrangement gives reloaders flexibility when configuring their dies. For example, stations can accommodate sizing, powder charging, powder checking, bullet seating and crimping operations.

In addition, automatic indexing moves the shell plate through the loading sequence. Hornady divides the indexing movement between the downstroke and upstroke, which provides smooth movement between stations.

Hornady Lock & Load AP Loader Die System

The Lock-N-Load quick-change bushing system allows standard 7/8″-14 dies to remain installed in individual bushings. Once a die reaches its correct setting, the bushing and die can stay together.

Therefore, changing between preset dies requires a simple twist rather than a complete die adjustment. The six locking lugs also secure the bushing in position.

The five-station bushing system makes calibre changes particularly convenient. As a result, reloaders can keep multiple die sets prepared for different cartridges and change between them without losing their established settings.

Automatic Indexing and Case Handling

The automatic indexing system moves the shell plate through each station as the operator works the handle. Unlike a manually indexed press, it does not require the operator to rotate the shell plate after every operation.

Furthermore, the universal case retainer spring allows the operator to insert or remove a case at any point in the loading process. This feature provides useful flexibility when checking or correcting a case during progressive operation.

The EZject system also automatically ejects the completed cartridge at the final station. Consequently, case handling becomes part of the continuous loading cycle.

Hornady Lock & Load AP Loader Priming and Powder System

The press incorporates an automatic priming system for progressive operation. Hornady’s system can change between large and small primers by changing the primer seater punch, primer shuttle and primer feed tube.

The case-activated powder drop dispenses a charge only when a cartridge case operates the powder system. Therefore, the powder measure does not dispense a charge when the station has no case.

In addition, the Lock-N-Load powder measure uses quick-change metering inserts. These inserts allow reloaders to change powder metering setups quickly when configuring the press for different loads.

Hornady Lock & Load AP Loader Applications

The Hornady Lock & Load AP Loader suits reloaders who want higher production efficiency than a single-stage press can provide. Because the press performs several operations during each handle cycle, it can produce ammunition efficiently once correctly configured.

The five stations also provide flexibility for different loading sequences. For instance, a reloader can use separate stations for sizing, powder charging, powder checking, seating and crimping.

Optional accessories can increase the level of automation. Hornady offers a case feeder, pistol bullet feeder and rifle bullet feeder for the AP platform.

For more progressive and single-stage reloading equipment, browse our Reloading Equipment. You can also compare this press with the Hornady L&L Classic Kit for a single-stage alternative.

For additional manufacturer information, visit Hornady.

Key Features

• Five-station progressive reloading press
• Automatic indexing
• Automatic priming
• Automatic cartridge ejection
• EZject ejection system
• Lock-N-Load quick-change bushing system
• Standard 7/8″-14 die compatibility
• Case-activated powder drop
• Quick-change powder metering inserts
• Power-Pac Linkage System
• Universal case retainer spring
• Large and small primer capability
• Compatible with optional case and bullet feeders
• Suitable for rifle and handgun reloading
• Shell plates required separately
• Reloading dies required separately

Product Specifications

Brand: Hornady
Product: Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press
Item Number: 095100
Press Type: Progressive
Number of Stations: 5
Die System: Lock-N-Load Quick-Change Bushing
Die Thread: 7/8″-14
Indexing: Automatic
Priming: Automatic
Case Ejection: EZject System
Powder System: Case-Activated Powder Drop
Case Retainer: Universal Case Retainer Spring
Linkage: Power-Pac Linkage System
Shell Plate: Required separately
Reloading Dies: Required separately

What’s Included

The standard Hornady Lock & Load AP Loader is the five-station AP progressive press. Hornady states that dies and shell plates are required separately before the press can be configured for a specific cartridge.

The press package includes its integrated operating systems:

• Lock-N-Load AP five-station progressive press
• Automatic indexing system
• Automatic priming system
• EZject ejection system
• Universal case retainer spring
• Five-station Lock-N-Load quick-change bushing system
• Case-activated powder drop system

Required separately:

• Calibre-specific shell plate
• Reloading dies
• Additional Lock-N-Load bushings where required

Optional accessories such as the case feeder, pistol bullet feeder, rifle bullet feeder and Powder Cop are available separately and can expand the press’s capabilities.