How to Use the Decapping Die on a Hornady Lock Load AP

The Hornady Lock N Load AP (Auto Progressive) press allows handloading hobbyists to quickly reload large numbers of their favorite cartridges in a short amount of time. The Lock N Load uses a mechanical indexing system to advance cartridges automatically through all of its reloading stations. The decapping die is mounted in the first station on the press because removing the spent primer (decapping) and resizing the cartridge casing are the first steps in the reloading process.

Instructions

  1. Installation

    • 1

      Screw the re-sizing die for your cartridge into a Lock-N-Load bushing. Insert the bushing into the first station on the press. Lock the bushing in place by turning it clockwise into the locking lugs.

    • 2

      Pull the operating handle to raise the shell holder plate to the top of its stroke. Note that the Lock-N-Load press handle will "Overcam" to apply maximum mechanical force. Do not overcam the operating handle during adjustment. The shell holder plate is pressed against the decapping die by a mechanical arm, or ram, attached to the operating handle. Raise the ram to the top of its stroke -- where the shell holder plate rests just beneath the decapping die -- and hold the operating handle in place.

    • 3

      Adjust the decapping die until it contacts the top of the shell holder plate. Turn the die clockwise to lower it, and then turn it counterclockwise to raise it. Once the die is adjusted, turn the locking ring down clockwise to secure the die's position in the bushing.

    Operation

    • 4

      Insert a cartridge into the shell holder plate beneath the decapping die.

    • 5

      Pull the operating handle to raise the ram to the top of its stroke. To ensure proper full-length resizing of the cartridge, pull the operating lever through the top of its stroke into the overcam position.

    • 6

      Lower the operating handle. As you lower the handle, the Lock N Load AP's indexing bar will rotate the shell holder plate so that your decapped cartridge advances to the next station on the press.