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What do you guys think of the new Hornady Iron Press
- Thread starter zanemoseley
- Start date
compared to that my little Lee aluminum looks like a life preserver. I wonder how reliable the primer feed is, looks simple enough.Ozzieman
I really don’t see any real advantage of the “lock and load” for the dies. All it is is a collate that the die is screwed into and it allows a quick way to remove the die. Ok I agree with that but you’re talking several seconds VS 30 seconds to unscrew a die.
Also the brushes and the case chamfer tools are way too close to other mounted tools. I also don’t care for hand twisting cases on one. I use the RCBS chamfer tool on a power screwdriver. Takes all the wear and tear off the fingers.
I like the openness of the press but don’t like the ball on the end of the rod. They make it difficult to lower without turning your hand on the ball. My RCBS was the same until I got an inline fab roller handle. Greatest addition to the rock chucker. It has a rotating right angle rubber handle that rotates as you push down. More efficient and easer on the arm and hand.
http://inlinefabrication.com/collections/rcbs
From the pictures I've seen and watching the video, it looks like a handle similar to what the Rockchucker comes with. Looks like it mounts the same way also. When I buy oneof these Iron presses, I will contact Inline Fabrication and talk to him about a roller handle. It might be the same size rod and threads for all we know.
And then there is the price. The new Hornady press is close to being within $60.00 of the RCBS SUMMIT.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/RCBS...61&gclid=CLHhndb68cgCFSgRMgodZacFww&gclsrc=ds
http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-Load-Iron-Press
F. Guffey
http://www.cabelas.com/product/RCBS...61&gclid=CLHhndb68cgCFSgRMgodZacFww&gclsrc=ds
http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-Load-Iron-Press
F. Guffey
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That's an apples to oranges price comparison, MSRP of one to actual retail price of the other.
If you compare MSRPs, there's a $1.14 difference.
If you compare actual retail prices from one source, MidwayUSA for instance, there's a $40 difference. Maybe Midway will lower the price of the Hornady press when they get some? Then there's the RCBS rebate thing to boot.
If you compare MSRPs, there's a $1.14 difference.
If you compare actual retail prices from one source, MidwayUSA for instance, there's a $40 difference. Maybe Midway will lower the price of the Hornady press when they get some? Then there's the RCBS rebate thing to boot.
Interesting looking press, but a solution without a problem to solve!
The price of $270 plus another $80 for the priming system for it put's it at $350 for a single stage press.
My problem with it is the lack of lateral support and just how straight will the ram bring the cases into the dies. It looks beefy enough but that is no guarantee as too the tolerances used in manufacturing this press. First thing that hit me in watching the video is how it would work using a stuck case remover kit and I definitely do not like the way they have it made for the handle and how it brings up the ram. It just does not seem to have the leverage to provide a good amount of force on the ram to insure it will work on difficult cases.
I too had the question on the shell holder issue and whether it would work with standard shell holders or do you have to purchase a separate new set for each caliber.
Cast iron is also a problem for me, unless each and every one has been x-rayed to insure there are no stress fractures during manufacture each casting could be a press waiting to break. And with the top being supported so poorly I could see the top breaking off at it's least supported points.
Only time will tell if this will be a win or a loss and I would wait to see at least one year of production before jumping into the deep end of the pool.
The two major issues I have is price point and quality control in manufacturing. Since almost everything is made in China nowadays, I will take a pass on this. My RCBS RockChucker (I purchased used) has given me
8 abusive years of un-failing reliable use, so this would be just a new toy to play with.
Time my prove me wrong, but for now I will hold on to my $350.00 and maybe look at a progressive press instead.
Good luck and stay safe.
Jim
The price of $270 plus another $80 for the priming system for it put's it at $350 for a single stage press.
My problem with it is the lack of lateral support and just how straight will the ram bring the cases into the dies. It looks beefy enough but that is no guarantee as too the tolerances used in manufacturing this press. First thing that hit me in watching the video is how it would work using a stuck case remover kit and I definitely do not like the way they have it made for the handle and how it brings up the ram. It just does not seem to have the leverage to provide a good amount of force on the ram to insure it will work on difficult cases.
I too had the question on the shell holder issue and whether it would work with standard shell holders or do you have to purchase a separate new set for each caliber.
Cast iron is also a problem for me, unless each and every one has been x-rayed to insure there are no stress fractures during manufacture each casting could be a press waiting to break. And with the top being supported so poorly I could see the top breaking off at it's least supported points.
Only time will tell if this will be a win or a loss and I would wait to see at least one year of production before jumping into the deep end of the pool.
The two major issues I have is price point and quality control in manufacturing. Since almost everything is made in China nowadays, I will take a pass on this. My RCBS RockChucker (I purchased used) has given me
8 abusive years of un-failing reliable use, so this would be just a new toy to play with.
Time my prove me wrong, but for now I will hold on to my $350.00 and maybe look at a progressive press instead.
Good luck and stay safe.
Jim
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Interesting looking press, but a solution without a problem to solve!
More power? More stuck cases then there is the better lube.
F. Guffey
serf 'rett
New member
Observations from the video:
1. Don't see were the old primers are going. Are they dropping down through the ram?
2. It appears the operator is forced to reach around the plastic bin to access the deck.
3. Case prep tools are located on either side of the die which could result in nasty scrape/cut from reaching across the projecting decapping/seating stem.
4. It appears the ram must be held "off bottom" or part way up for the removal of a case for prep work.
Would be interested in looking at this press in person, but I can't see much advantage over my current Rock Chucker set up with the Hornady bushings.
1. Don't see were the old primers are going. Are they dropping down through the ram?
2. It appears the operator is forced to reach around the plastic bin to access the deck.
3. Case prep tools are located on either side of the die which could result in nasty scrape/cut from reaching across the projecting decapping/seating stem.
4. It appears the ram must be held "off bottom" or part way up for the removal of a case for prep work.
Would be interested in looking at this press in person, but I can't see much advantage over my current Rock Chucker set up with the Hornady bushings.
William T. Watts
New member
Not interested!
I don't see see anything to get excited about, I've had a Rock Chucker seems like forever and I will finish with a Rock Chucker. The only thing new I'm tempted with is a new pickup, I'm sure there are other things out there I need more than a new loading press. William
I don't see see anything to get excited about, I've had a Rock Chucker seems like forever and I will finish with a Rock Chucker. The only thing new I'm tempted with is a new pickup, I'm sure there are other things out there I need more than a new loading press. William
4. It appears the ram must be held "off bottom" or part way up for the removal of a case for prep work.
It looks like it has a spring assist that holds it up when it's at rest.
I don't see how the so-called "unique" ability to remove a case after sizing/depriming to do some case prep and then reinsert it to finish priming on press is any different than my Lee Classic Cast or other S/S presses. What am I missing here?
Vance - "Regarding the shell holders. I asked Hornady about them on their facebook page and they said it is using the standard shell holders. No need to get all new shell holders."
Did they say standard Hornady shell holders or any RCBS design standard shell holder? From memory, I think the Hornady priming system only works with the Hornady shell holder. I would check on this if I were seriously interested in the press.
Edit: the Hornady shell holder has a slightly large hole than other shell holders making it the only shell holder suitable for use with their priming system.
Did they say standard Hornady shell holders or any RCBS design standard shell holder? From memory, I think the Hornady priming system only works with the Hornady shell holder. I would check on this if I were seriously interested in the press.
Edit: the Hornady shell holder has a slightly large hole than other shell holders making it the only shell holder suitable for use with their priming system.
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My RCBS RockChucker (I purchased used) has given me
8 abusive years of un-failing reliable use,
Mine is beat up and nasty looking and 35 years old. Only one I use.
flashhole
Did they say standard Hornady shell holders or any RCBS design standard shell holder?
From memory,
I think the Hornady priming system only works with the Hornady shell holder.
You think Hornady priming systems only work with Hornady shell holders, but you don't know for sure. Yet if that is so because the Hornady shell holders have a slightly larger hole in the center, it is not that difficult to drill out the hole in other brands of shell holders.
I would check on this if I were seriously interested in the press.
I only prime off press for my single stage reloading using a RCBS automattic bench primer tool
Edit: the Hornady shell holder has a slightly large hole than other shell holders making it the only shell holder suitable for use with their priming system.
Did they say standard Hornady shell holders or any RCBS design standard shell holder?
From memory,
I think the Hornady priming system only works with the Hornady shell holder.
You think Hornady priming systems only work with Hornady shell holders, but you don't know for sure. Yet if that is so because the Hornady shell holders have a slightly larger hole in the center, it is not that difficult to drill out the hole in other brands of shell holders.
I would check on this if I were seriously interested in the press.
I only prime off press for my single stage reloading using a RCBS automattic bench primer tool
Edit: the Hornady shell holder has a slightly large hole than other shell holders making it the only shell holder suitable for use with their priming system.