Hornady LNL AP Press Review: Precision, Speed, and Downsides
By Amis Thains Updated 5 min read
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On this page (7 sections)
You want to reload bulk pistol and pistol cases faster than a turret press allows, but you need to know if the Hornady LNL AP holds up over thousands of rounds. This review breaks down the press's consistency, maintenance needs, and where it loses to manual or other progressive systems.
In short: The Hornady LNL AP is a durable, fast progressive press that excels at bulk pistol reloading, though it requires regular cleaning to keep priming accuracy high. It is not a left-handed tool, and matching-grade rifle work is difficult without external case preparation. If you prioritize speed for 9mm or .45 ACP over match-precision rifle rounds, it is a strong choice.
Quick picks
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A no-drill LED light that mounts to the AP frame to illuminate the feed and die area, improving accuracy in dim rooms.
A bench tool that gives you the precise primer seating control the AP's on-press system struggles with for precision loads.
A single-stage press that costs less than the AP, ideal for shooters who find the AP's complexity and price unnecessary for their volume.
Best for high-volume pistol shooters: Hornady LNL AP
The Hornady LNL AP is built for shooters who prioritize speed in bulk pistol reloading. The cast-iron alloy body resists rust and deformation, providing the stability needed for consistent outputs over thousands of rounds. Before you buy anything, it is worth looking at testing hornady iron press.
Its five die stations allow you to size, prime, charge, and seat a round in a single stroke, significantly cutting down the time per case compared to a turret press.
For calibers like 9mm and .45 ACP, the press handles the entire process on the machine. For bottlenecked rifle cases, you will likely need to trim cases on a separate press before moving them to the AP for the final loading stages.
The press is a workhorse, but it is not a precision tool for match-grade rifle ammo out of the box.
Who should skip it: Left-handed reloaders and those who exclusively reload match-grade rifle rounds requiring frequent trimming will find the AP restrictive.
Pro tip: Keep a spare plastic primer tube support on hand, as this is the most common part to break during heavy use.
The AP is a bulky machine; this light ensures you can clearly see the case and die area to catch misfeeds quickly.
- Made for Your Hornady Press- Designed specifically to fit Hornady Lock-n-Load AP and
- Super Bright & Adjustable- 27 ultra-bright LEDs (500 lumens) light up your press. The
Best for precision priming: Hornady Versa-Prime
The AP’s on-press priming system is fast, but it degrades in accuracy as debris from brass and powder builds up. Many reloaders find that about one in twenty cases is misaligned or not seated properly if the punch gets dirty. To get match-grade consistency, you need to manage this process manually. Loaders in this spot often ask about frankford arsenal m press bolt pattern as well.
Using a dedicated bench priming tool allows you to set a precise seating depth and stop the automatic errors caused by a dirty automatic punch. This step adds a minute or two to your workflow, but it guarantees that every primer is seated perfectly on center.
It provides the precise primer seating depth control that the AP’s automatic system lacks for precision shooting.
- 6061 billet aluminum with hardened steel parts
- Quick change over between small and large primers
Best for low-volume or learning: Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic
If you reload less than 200 rounds a session, the complexity and setup of the AP may not be worth the effort. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic is a single-stage press that is simpler, cheaper, and easier to clean. It does not have the speed of the AP, but it removes the indexing complications and the need for extensive maintenance.
It comes with primer catchers and die bushings, making it a solid entry point. It is the right choice if you value simplicity and precision over the bulk-loading speed of a progressive system.
It is a simple, reliable single-stage press that avoids the high setup and maintenance demands of the AP.
- Lnl classic loader
- Each lock-n-load classic press Comes with primer catcher and three lock-n-load DIE
Maintenance and Consistency: What the AP actually needs
Reaching 500 rounds per hour is easy with the AP, but maintaining that consistency requires specific care. The indexing pawls can chip if the ram is forced, which stops the auto-indexing. You must inspect the pawl screws frequently. The primer punch and the area below the shell holder plates collect debris that disrupts priming alignment.
- Cleaning frequency: Clean the primer punch and shell holder area every 500 to 700 rounds.
- Lubrication: Lube the linkages and ram every 1,500 to 2,000 rounds, depending on the grease used.
- Parts: Keep plastic replacement parts in stock, especially the primer tube support.
Without this maintenance, the press will still function, but your consistency will drop, and you will likely encounter jamming or misprimes.
Safety first: Never force the lever if the ram is stuck; this will chip the indexing pawls and ruin the auto-indexing system. We cover lock-n-load kit in a guide of its own.
How to choose your next press
Choosing between the AP and other presses comes down to three factors: your volume, your case type, and your handedness.
- Volume: The AP is for 200+ round sessions. If you shoot small amounts, a single-stage or turret is better.
- Case Type: The AP is optimized for straight-wall pistol cases. For rifle cases, you must account for external trimming.
- Handedness: The AP is strictly right-handed. Left-handed shooters should look at different brands or setups.
| Product | Best For | Key Strength | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady LNL AP | Bulk pistol ammo | 5-station speed | Dirty-primer inconsistency |
| Hornady Versa-Prime | Precision priming | Manual depth control | Slower per-case time |
| Lock-N-Load Classic | Learning/Low volume | Simplicity | No progressive speed |
The bottom line
The Hornady LNL AP is the right press if you reload high-volume pistol ammunition and accept the need for regular cleaning. It is not the tool for match-grade rifle precision without external modifications. For most users, the AP paired with a dedicated priming tool offers the best balance of speed and consistency.
- 6061 billet aluminum with hardened steel parts
- Quick change over between small and large primers
Frequently asked questions
How precise is the Hornady AP press?
The sizing and bullet seating are highly consistent, but the on-press priming system loses accuracy as it gets dirty. To maintain match-grade precision, you should prime cases manually using a bench tool.
What are the rounds per hour on the LNL AP?
Most reloaders report a speed of about 8 cases per minute, which translates to roughly 500 rounds per hour for bulk pistol loads. Rifle loads may be slower due to the need for external trimming.
Is the Hornady LNL AP worth it over a turret press?
Yes, if you reload more than a few hundred rounds in a session. The AP is faster, but the turret press is more precise for priming and easier to maintain for match-grade work.
Can I use the LNL AP for rifle calibers?
You can load rifle cases, but you must trim and resize them on a separate press first. The AP is not suitable for the full rifle reloading cycle because it lacks a trim station.