Hornady Lock-N-Load 450-400-3in: A Review
As a reloading enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on the Hornady Lock-N-Load 450-400-3in, a premium reloading press designed to make precision reloading easier and more efficient. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this product, highlighting its key features, pros, and cons.
Design and Build Quality
The Lock-N-Load 450-400-3in boasts a robust and heavy-duty design, built to withstand the demands of heavy use. The press’s body is made of a high-strength aluminum alloy, ensuring durability and resistance to wear and tear. The ergonomic design and contoured handles provide a comfortable grip, reducing fatigue during extended reloading sessions.
Key Features
• Positive Prime System: Hornady’s proprietary positive prime system ensures a precise and consistent case fit, eliminating the need for case trimming.
• Floating Dalton Adj. Shellplate: The adjustable shellplate allows for perfect alignment and minimizes case stretching.
• Auto-Indexed Shellplate: The shellplate automatically returns to its home position, simplifying the reloading process.
• Oversized case gauge: The built-in case gauge makes it easy to check case size and alignment.
• Heavy-duty ball bearings: The press features heavy-duty ball bearings that reduce friction and wear, ensuring smooth operation.
Reloading Experience
I loaded over 100 rounds with the Lock-N-Load 450-400-3in, and the experience was nothing short of impressive. The press handled various calibers with ease, and the positive prime system ensured a snug fit every time. The floating Dalton adj. shellplate provided precise case alignment, making it simple to load cases of various lengths. The auto-indexed shellplate was also a significant time-saver, as it allowed me to focus on other tasks while the press did its magic.
Pros:
• Easy to use: The Lock-N-Load 450-400-3in is incredibly intuitive, making it accessible to reloaders of all skill levels.
• Precise reloading: The positive prime system and floating Dalton adj. shellplate ensure precise case fit and alignment, resulting in flawless reloads.
• Durable construction: The press is built to last, with a robust design and high-quality materials.
• Time-saving features: The auto-indexed shellplate and oversized case gauge make reloading faster and more efficient.
• Excellent customer support: Hornady’s reputation for excellent customer service is well-deserved, with quick and helpful responses to any questions or concerns.
Cons:
• Weight: The press is heavy (24.7 lbs), making it difficult to move or store for larger reloading setups.
• Price: The Lock-N-Load 450-400-3in is an investment, with a higher price point than some other reloading presses on the market.
• Part swapping: While the press is designed for ease of use, part swapping (such as changing the shellplate or case gauge) can be a bit tricky without the right tools.
Conclusion
The Hornady Lock-N-Load 450-400-3in is an impressive reloading press that delivers on its promise of precision and efficiency. While it may not be the lightest or most affordable option, its durability, ease of use, and time-saving features make it an excellent choice for serious reloaders. With proper care, this press will serve as a reliable and trusted companion for many years to come. If you’re in the market for a high-quality reloading press, the Hornady Lock-N-Load 450-400-3in is definitely worth considering.
