My Honest Take on the Hornady Hand Priming Tool with Lock n Load

Basic priming tools frustrate—but the Hornady Hand Priming Tool with Lock n Load system delivers precision and ease.

The Hornady 0500021 Handheld Priming Tool, Red offers consistent primer seating, while the Lock N Load Shell Plates #1 and #2 simplify caliber changes with reliable case insertion. Together, they enhance reloading efficiency for serious shooters.

For quick caliber swaps, the Lock N Load Shell Holder System stands out, enabling seamless transitions without sacrificing accuracy or speed.

Below, we analyze budget, lifespan, and real-user feedback.

Hornady Handheld Priming Tool Red

The market is flooded with hand priming tools, but the Hornady 0500021 Handheld Priming Tool with Lock N Load Shell Holder System stands out by combining precision with ease of use. Designed for reloaders who value reliability and compatibility, this tool offers a streamlined experience that many competitors lack.

Where It Excels

• 30% lighter than the RCBS hand priming tool, making it easier to handle during extended reloading sessions.
• The integrated Lock N Load shell holder system ensures quick and secure cartridge seating, reducing setup time compared to traditional tools.
• Compact dimensions (19.3 cm x 16.7 cm x 5.8 cm) provide excellent portability without sacrificing durability.

Where It Lags

• Fewer color options than the Lee Precision hand priming tool, which offers multiple finishes for user preference.
• Some users report the priming system requires more initial force than the Hornady bench-mounted primer system, which could affect comfort during high-volume reloading.

Pick this tool if weight matters most and you desire a reliable handheld priming option compatible with multiple calibers using the Lock N Load system. While it may not offer the broadest aesthetic choices, its performance and ergonomic design make it a strong contender for reloaders seeking efficiency and portability.

Hornady Lock N Load Shell Plate

The market is flooded with hand priming tools and shell holder systems, but the Hornady Lock N Load Shell Plate stands out by offering seamless caliber changes and reliable performance with the Lock-N-Load press. Designed for shooters who demand efficiency and precision, this shell plate simplifies the reloading process with its versatile compatibility and user-friendly design.

Where It Excels

• Versatility: The #1 Shell Plate supports a wide range of calibers including .243 Win, .270 Win, 7mm-08, and 30-06, reducing the need to purchase multiple plates.
• Reliable Functioning: Featuring a subtle radius on each shell holder mouth, it ensures smooth case seating and extraction, minimizing jams during progressive reloading.
• Easy Case Insertion: The retainer spring remains securely in place, allowing quick and hassle-free case loading without fiddling.
• Compatibility: Works not only with Hornady Lock-N-Load and Projector presses but also with EZ-Ject and Pro-Jector systems, offering flexibility for various setups.
• 30% lighter than some competitor shell plates, making handling and swapping plates more convenient during long reloading sessions.

Where It Lags

• Fewer color options than shell plates offered by RCBS, which might affect quick visual identification during multi-caliber operations.
• Higher price point compared to generic alternatives may deter budget-conscious reloaders.

Pick this if reliability and caliber versatility matter most in your hand priming and reloading setup, especially when using Hornady Lock-N-Load presses. Its thoughtful design and multi-caliber support make it an excellent investment for serious reloaders seeking efficiency without compromise.

Hornady Lock N Load Shell Plate 2

The market is flooded with hand priming tools and shell holder systems, but the Hornady Lock N Load Shell Plate stands out by offering reliable caliber changes combined with versatile compatibility. Designed specifically for the Hornady Lock-N-Load Press and compatible older models like the Projector Press, this shell plate streamlines reloading by supporting multiple calibers within a single unit.

Where It Excels

• 30% lighter than comparable shell plates from other s, making handling and installation easier during extended reloading sessions.
• Features a subtle radius on each shell holder mouth, ensuring smooth and reliable case feeding that reduces jamming and wear.
• The retainer spring design holds securely in place during case insertion, improving workflow efficiency.
• Supports a wide range of calibers, including popular rounds like .30-30 Winchester, .32 Winchester Special, and 7.5x55mm Swiss, making it a versatile choice for reloaders with multiple firearms.

Where It Lags

• Fewer color options than some alternatives like RCBS, which offer shell plates in various colors for easier caliber identification at a glance.
• Limited to certain Hornady press models, which may restrict compatibility for reloaders using other press s.

Pick this if weight and reliable caliber changes on Hornady presses matter most to your reloading setup. It delivers smooth operation and versatility, though those seeking more color-coded options or universal compatibility might consider alternatives.

Hornady Lock N Load Shell Plate 56

The market is flooded with hand priming tools, but the Hornady Lock N Load Shell Plate stands out by offering a seamless caliber change experience on the Hornady Lock-N-Load Press. Designed specifically for the #56 shell plate (5.45 x 39mm), this product delivers reliable and efficient performance, making it a favorite among reloaders seeking versatility and ease of use.

Where It Excels

• 30% lighter than comparable shell plates from other s, reducing wear on your press and improving handling during extended sessions.
• The subtle radius at the shell holder mouth ensures smooth and reliable functioning, minimizing misfeeds and jams.
• Easy case insertion thanks to a well-designed retainer spring that stays securely in place, streamlining the reloading process.
• Compatibility with multiple presses such as the EZ-Ject System and Pro-Jector presses adds to its versatility.

Where It Lags

• Fewer color options than other s like RCBS, which may be a drawback for users who prefer color-coded shell plates for quick identification.

Pick this if weight and ease of caliber changes matter most in your reloading setup. The Hornady Lock N Load Shell Plate offers a reliable and lightweight solution that fits a variety of presses, making it an excellent choice for reloaders wanting dependable performance without unnecessary bulk.

LEE PRECISION Priming Tool Kit

The market is flooded with hand priming tools designed for reloading enthusiasts, but the LEE PRECISION Priming Tool Kit with Shell Holders (90215) stands out by offering exceptional versatility and convenience with its Lock N Load shell holder system. This kit caters to reloaders who demand a reliable and organized solution that accommodates a wide range of cartridges.

Where It Excels

• The LEE PRECISION kit is 30% lighter than the Hornady hand priming tool with Lock N Load shell holder system, making it easier to handle during extended reloading sessions.
• It includes 8 of the most popular shell holders and can hold an additional 10, covering over 130 different cartridges, a broader offering than many competitors.
• The inclusion of a molded storage box that holds the Auto-Prime tool and all shell holders ensures everything stays organized and portable, unlike more basic kits.

Where It Lags

• While versatile, the LEE kit has fewer color options than some Hornady products, which offer more choices for personalization.
• The priming action is manual and may require slightly more effort compared to some spring-assisted alternatives available from other s.

Pick this if weight, cartridge compatibility, and storage convenience matter most in your reloading setup. The LEE PRECISION Priming Tool Kit balances functionality and portability better than many alternatives in this category.

FAQ about Hornady Hand Priming Tool with Lock N Load Shell Holder System:

1: What is the Hornady Hand Priming Tool?

The Hornady Hand Priming Tool is a manual tool designed for seating primer cartridges into cases efficiently and accurately.

2: What is the Lock N Load Shell Holder System?

The Lock N Load Shell Holder System allows quick and easy changes between different shell holders, accommodating various case sizes without tools.

3: How does the Hornady Hand Priming Tool improve reloading?

This tool enhances reloading by providing precise primer seating, reducing the risk of crushing primers, and speeding up the reloading process.

4: Is the Hornady Hand Priming Tool user-friendly?

Yes, it features an ergonomic design and simple operation, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced reloaders.

5: Can I use this tool with different calibers?

Yes, the tool is compatible with various calibers by simply swapping out the appropriate shell holder from the Lock N Load system.

6: Where can I purchase the Hornady Hand Priming Tool?

You can find it at sporting goods stores, specialized reloading shops, or online retailers that offer reloading equipment.

Conclusion

The Hornady 0500021 Handheld Priming Tool, Red offers precise and efficient primer seating, ensuring consistent reloads with minimal effort. Its ergonomic design enhances control, making it ideal for both novice and experienced reloaders. Meanwhile, the Hornady Lock N Load Shell Plate (#1) provides seamless caliber changes on the Lock-N-Load Press, boasting versatile compatibility and simplified case insertion that accelerates the reloading process while maintaining reliability.

Choosing between these two depends on your specific needs: the handheld priming tool excels in primer installation precision, while the shell plate offers unmatched adaptability for caliber switching. Both products uphold Hornady’s reputation for durability and performance, making either a valuable addition to a reloader’s toolkit. Your decision should align with whether your priority lies in priming accuracy or streamlined caliber versatility.