Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: Rob on January 03, 2021, 05:38:01 PM

Title: Anyone have issues with shells not ejecting from a lock-n-load Progressive?
Post by: Rob on January 03, 2021, 05:38:01 PM: I have a Hornady lock and load Progressive press.

For some reason when I load 9mm about 60% of the shells won't auto eject from the press when they hit the final position.

I load lots of other cartridges and most work just fine. I occasionally have an issue with 223 win, and 7.62x39 but the 9mm is the worst! This is not a new problem-has always given me trouble.

I have cleaned the base plate and shell plate, and the little ejection tab seems to be in good shape as well.

I am wondering if my shell plate is out of spec.

The press was bought new around 2008, and i use a number 8 hornady shell plate.

Photo of the base
Title: Re: Anyone have issues with shells not ejecting from a lock-n-load Progressive?
Post by: fly-by on January 06, 2021, 12:45:15 PM: If the plate were out of spec you might encounter the problem more frequently at a specific notch in the plate. You may want to mark it and see.

Maybe try a new retainer spring? Mine often get sucked into the press and chewed up. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1165196770

I have the same system and find it "fussy". I'm always pleasantly surprised when able to run through 25 rounds without a stoppage of some sort.
Title: Re: Anyone have issues with shells not ejecting from a lock-n-load Progressive?
Post by: Rob on January 06, 2021, 01:27:16 PM: Good thought, but I am seeing that it happens 4-5 times in a row, followed by maybe 10 flawless ones, then 2 more that stick... So very random

My spring is in pretty good shape - they always seem to have a kink or two in them. I have a buddy who replaced the spring with an o-ring. Said that it keeps powder from jiggling out of the shells as they rotate. He has an extra so I am going to try that.

He has a 9mm shell plate that he says is not an issue on his press so I will borrow that and give it a go and report back.

I hear you about the "fussyness" of the system. Primer tray is the worst. bits of metal get stuck in the plunger of the seating nut which prevents the tray from sliding and pops the wire off! drives me nuts. I busted a couple of the plastic things that hold the top of the wire. Finally I found an after market replacement for the wire holder that is stronger and easier to reset when it happens.

Best 3 bucks you will spend!
https://www.blackcatworks.com/Hornady-LNL-AP-Brackets_c_12.html
Title: Re: Anyone have issues with shells not ejecting from a lock-n-load Progressive?
Post by: Jason on January 06, 2021, 03:13:30 PM: It's a pretty simple system and in my experience works pretty good. I occasionally have a round that doesn't make it to the bin, maybe 1 in 150-200 rounds.

The powder bouncing out of the case when indexing has been a pain in the arse. I started using a thicker grease under the shell plate and that has seemed to help.
Title: Re: Anyone have issues with shells not ejecting from a lock-n-load Progressive?
Post by: Rob on January 06, 2021, 07:01:03 PM: Ill let you know how the o-ring works with the powder issue. My buddy said it made a good difference.

I use my LNL to reload more than 40 different cartridges and most work great. The 9mm has just always given me fits!
Title: Re: Anyone have issues with shells not ejecting from a lock-n-load Progressive?
Post by: SGTDuffman on January 08, 2021, 05:49:58 AM: Can you tip the brass when it’s in the shell plate? If so, you may have a warped plate. Check all the stations. Otherwise, the side of ejector tab That contacts the brass needs to be sharp and square, or cases can ride up and bind during ejection. The drive hub can also cause ejection issues and inconsistent priming. Here’s a little tutorial on shimming the drive hub.

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?144901-How-to-tune-the-Hornady-Lock-N-Load-AP-progressive-press