Tips for using the Hornady Lock N Load AP (LnL) Progressive Press

[halh]

some great info here, thanks to all that have contributed!

[jkurzner]

I realize this is an old topic, but it really is helpful.  I have a Hornady AP Press coming in and would like some advice on mounting.  I am new to reloading and not sure how much space requirement is needed for it.  I see in the Hornady manual they recommend mounting the edge of the unit at least 16 inches from the nearest wall.  Is that recommendation only accurate if the wall is on the left of the unit?  Does it change if the wall is to the right?  I'm trying to preserve as much workbench space as possible and want to keep the unit out of the main workspace area.

[MikeBjerum]

The easiest way for me to describe functional and efficient work space is to pretend you are eating a sit down meal.  Center line of press is your shirt button line, and you need free elbow space on both sides.

If you have a major space restriction, consider through holes on the bench with metal inserts, short pieces of pipe with the same ID as the OD of the bolts you use, and remove the press from the workspace when not in use.

[PegLeg45]

The easiest way for me to describe functional and efficient work space is to pretend you are eating a sit down meal.  Center line of press is your shirt button line, and you need free elbow space on both sides.

If you have a major space restriction, consider through holes on the bench with metal inserts, short pieces of pipe with the same ID as the OD of the bolts you use, and remove the press from the workspace when not in use.

^^^^^^^
This.

My next project is to mount my presses on dovetailed slide-in inserts (also having a blank insert, and one with my vice attached) so that they all mount in the same spot but can be removed when not in use.

[jkurzner]

Yes, I have seen that before and it looks really cool.  May have to do that someday.

[Sponsor]

[alfsauve]

...... I see in the Hornady manual they recommend mounting the edge of the unit at least 16 inches from the nearest wall.

Assuming you don't have the automatic case or bullet feeder, then you need enough room to the left of the press for a container or tray of each. I'd say 16" would be about correct.   On the right side you don't need much room at all.  Though you might want to consider where you are going to place your scale.

So if you want max utilization, mount your press towards the right end of your bench.