The Hornady Lock-N-Load powder measure is a popular choice among reloaders, known for its precision, ease of use, and robust construction. This in-depth review will explore its features, benefits, and potential drawbacks, helping you decide if it's the right powder measure for your reloading needs. We'll cover everything from setup and calibration to common issues and troubleshooting. This review includes the Hornady Lock-N-Load powder measure, focusing on its capabilities and use in precision reloading.
Understanding the Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure's Design
The Hornady Lock-N-Load powder measure stands out due to its innovative design. Its key features contribute to its accuracy and user-friendliness:
- Micro-adjustable metering system: This allows for incredibly precise adjustments to the powder charge, crucial for consistent reloading. You can fine-tune the powder drop to within a fraction of a grain, ensuring accuracy across your entire batch of ammunition.
- Positive throw mechanism: Unlike some other powder measures that rely on gravity, the Hornady Lock-N-Load utilizes a positive throw mechanism. This ensures a consistent powder drop, even with less free-flowing powders. This minimizes variations in powder charges caused by inconsistent powder flow.
- Durable construction: Built from high-quality materials, the Hornady Lock-N-Load powder measure is designed to withstand years of use. Its robust build reduces wear and tear and ensures it remains accurate over time. The all-metal construction provides stability and longevity that plastic measures often lack.
- Easy-to-use interface: The intuitive design makes setup and calibration straightforward, even for beginner reloaders. Clear markings and straightforward adjustments minimize the learning curve, allowing for quick and accurate setup.
Case Studies: Real-World Performance of the Hornady Lock-N-Load
Several online forums and reloading communities showcase the Hornady Lock-N-Load powder measure's consistently good performance. Many users report incredibly tight charge weights across large batches of ammunition. For example, a user on the Reloading.com forum reported consistent charge weights within 0.1 grain over a batch of 500 rounds using a Hornady Lock-N-Load powder measure with spherical powder. This precision highlights the measure's accuracy and reliability.
Setting Up and Calibrating Your Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure
Proper setup and calibration are essential for achieving optimal performance from the Hornady Lock-N-Load powder measure. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Choose the right powder bar: Hornady offers different powder bars for various powder types. Selecting the correct bar is critical for accurate metering. Improper powder bar selection will significantly impact the measure's accuracy and could lead to unsafe powder charges.
- Install the powder bar: Ensure the powder bar is securely installed in the measure to avoid powder spillage or inconsistent throws.
- Adjust the metering system: Begin with a rough adjustment, gradually refining it using the micro-adjustment mechanism. Start with a small number of throws, checking the weight of each charge on a scale. This helps avoid unnecessary powder waste during calibration.
- Calibrate the measure: Use a reloading scale to accurately weigh each charge until you reach the desired weight consistency. This process requires patience and attention to detail but is crucial for safety and precision. Refer to Hornady's instruction manual for detailed guidance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper setup, you might encounter issues. Here are solutions to common problems:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Inconsistent powder drops | Recheck powder bar selection, clean the measure thoroughly, re-calibrate. |
| Powder bridging | Use a powder funnel, ensure the powder is free-flowing, adjust the throw speed. |
| Powder spillage | Check powder bar installation, tighten any loose components. |
Comparing the Hornady Lock-N-Load to Other Powder Measures
The Hornady Lock-N-Load isn't the only powder measure on the market. Let's briefly compare it to some competitors:
| Feature | Hornady Lock-N-Load | RCBS Chargemaster Lite | Dillon Powder Measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Mid-range | Mid-range | High-end |
| Precision | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Ease of Use | Good | Good | More complex |
| Capacity | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Automatic Features | No | Yes (automatic dispensing) | Yes (automatic dispensing) |
Conclusion: Is the Hornady Lock-N-Load Right for You?
The Hornady Lock-N-Load powder measure is an excellent choice for reloaders who value precision and ease of use. Its robust construction, micro-adjustable metering system, and positive throw mechanism ensure consistent and accurate powder charges. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, the investment in accuracy and reliability is worth it for many reloaders. However, if you're looking for an automatic powder measure, you might consider alternative options. Ultimately, the best powder measure depends on your individual needs and budget. Remember always to prioritize safety and consult reloading manuals for safe practices.