The Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Press is a five-station progressive reloading press built for serious handloaders who want speed, reliability, and the flexibility to work with multiple cartridge types without constant tool head swaps. Whether you're loading for competition, hunting, or volume shooting, this press combines a high-torque motor with a modular die system to keep you at the bench longer and fussing with setup less.

The press's defining feature is its Lock-N-Load bushing system: twist in or out your dies and powder measure inserts without changing the entire tool head. This means you can preset your favorite loads on quick-change powder measure inserts, store them, and swap them back in seconds—no re-adjusting, no guesswork. The solid top-plate design eliminates the need to buy additional tool plates, and the press accepts standard 7/8-14" dies and powder measures from other manufacturers via Lock-N-Load bushing adapters, so you're not locked into a single ecosystem.

Automation is where the Lock-N-Load shines. A case-activated powder drop prevents double-charging and mess by dispensing powder only when a cartridge is seated. The automatic indexing system advances cases every half-stroke—shorter movements that reduce powder spillage—and ejects finished rounds into a large-capacity case catcher. Priming is straightforward: drop a primer at the top, it inserts at the end of the stroke, and the tray switches easily between large and small primers. Pair the press with the appropriate shell plate and your dies, and you're ready to load hundreds of rounds per hour.

Hornady's full-size powder measure gives you charge flexibility without breaking the bank on new hardware, and the case retainer lets you pull or replace cases at any point in the cycle without special buttons or tools. For those looking to maximize efficiency, additional quick-change powder measure inserts, powder cop accessories, and other upgrades are available separately.

Key Features

• Five-station progressive design for high-volume reloading
• Lock-N-Load quick-change die and accessory system—no tool head removal needed
• Case-activated powder drop with automatic case indexing to prevent double charges
• High-torque motor capable of hundreds of rounds per hour
• Hornady full-size powder measure with quick-change insert storage for preset loads
• Automatic case ejection into included large-capacity case catcher
• Half-stroke indexing to minimize powder spillage
• Compatible with standard 7/8-14" dies and powder measures (via Lock-N-Load inserts)
• Solid top-plate construction—no need to purchase additional tool plates
• Universal case retainer works with all calibers
• Easy-swap primer tray for large and small primers; includes pickup tubes

Specifications

Press Type	Five-station progressive reloading press
Die System	Lock-N-Load quick-change bushings; accepts standard 7/8-14" dies
Powder Measure	Hornady full-size measure with quick-change inserts
Indexing	Automatic, every half-stroke
Priming	Automatic, accepts large and small primers
Case Ejection	Automatic into included large-capacity case catcher
Production Rate	Hundreds of rounds per hour
What's Included	Press, large-capacity case catcher, primer tray, pickup tubes
Not Included	Shell plate, dies, cartridge-specific powder measure inserts

Frequently Asked Questions

What shell plate do I need, and how do I know which size?

Shell plate size depends on your cartridge. Contact our customer service team with your caliber, and we'll direct you to the correct plate for your needs.

Can I use dies and powder measures from other manufacturers?

Yes. The press accepts standard 7/8-14" dies and powder measures from other brands by installing Lock-N-Load bushing inserts. You'll want to confirm compatibility with your specific equipment.

What comes in the box, and what do I need to buy separately to start loading?

The press includes the case catcher and priming system components. You'll need to separately purchase a shell plate matched to your cartridge and your reloading dies to begin.

Can I preset powder charges and swap them without re-adjusting?

Yes. The Hornady powder measure uses quick-change inserts that you can preset for different cartridges, store, and swap back in without losing your load settings. Additional inexpensive inserts are available for each cartridge you load.