Quick Look: Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Prep Trio

[@stevep8363]

I have this tool and enjoy it. One quick tip: Mark the top of each tool head with a sharpie and it allows you to count the rotations on each operation to keep the amount of chamfer constant between brass instead of speeding up and slowing down as you get impatient with a big lot of brass. This thing makes the chore of brass prep less painful.

[@ironbomb6753]

That's a good tip 👍 thanks

[@TTiger86268]

I have the frankford arsenal and love it. Heard to many of these breaking etc... Ill stick to what I have.

[@karlweiby2307]

I have had this setup and it was great. Price was good. And it does a great job. My downfall was that it only lasted about 2 yrs and the internals cam apart on it. I would recommend this for a lower volume reloader looking to save some time with brass prep.

[@TheAussiePirate]

I’ve just finished doing exactly those three preps to two thousand pieces of once fired brass. I am _so_ ready to buy to buy that machine!

[@ironbomb6753]

I bet your fingers are tuff as nails tho. 🤣👍

[@markr6754]

I bought this tool nearly 2 years ago when I started cutting down .223 Rem cases for .300 BO. I have this right next to my Harbor Freight mini-cutoff saw to clean up the cut cases...I added a 30 cal neck brush to ensure all cutting chips are out of the case, then a light champfer/deburr prior to sizing. Then after trimming the now .300BO to length I hit it again for a proper champfer/deburr.

[@andrewmckinley6571]

Glad to see that you got one that runs true, the one I purchased the output shafts are so out of true I watch the tools wobble as its running

[@captainjj3599]

I've had mine for years been so long I really cant remember when I got it, made in America, I did remove the switch end and add some 8-32 nuts so I could have more onboard storage. Great little tool doesn't take up much space on the bench and works!!!

[@scottmillett9862]

I've used mine extensively for a couple of years, and LOVE the compact size and the quietness. I've used the three heads to chamfer the mouth's outside & inside (VLD) and the primer pockets on a couple thousand range-recovered LC and FC (crimped) rounds. I mounted it on a little board with a lip that hangs down over the front edge of my bench to keep it from sliding back - now I can use two hands on the brass. Recently I broke a gear on mine (my fault) when I went in cockeyed on a decrimp and jammed it. Hornady sent me a new set that tool five minutes to install, but first I lubed them up with red'n'tacky grease and now it runs as quiet as a nuke sub! To the other folks whose gears broke, maybe you're pushing harder than you need to. As Gavin said, it doesn't take much force at all to properly chamfer the mouth or clean a primer pocket. And it shouldn't take a lot of torque to decrimp the primer pocket IF you're doing it right - I was careless and came in at an angle when I broke mine so the tip dug into the sides of the primer pocket, yanked the case out of my hand, and ruined the case and a gear.

[@rmm4680]

Had several issues with mine. The internal gears are PLASTIC! The plastic gears strip out over time. Had had to send mine back 2x. Not well built. Will not last.

[@cwinter90]

Mine broke on its second use yesterday. Garbage. Turned it on and immediate loud grinding noises and a loud crack and everything quit moving.

[@yootoobnz8109]

Really? That's bad! Ruin a good idea with crap internals. Can't understand why Hornady made that dumb decision, some bean counter overruling the design engineers, most probably.

[@ironbomb6753]

I almost chose this one. I love Hornady equipment, but I went with the Lyman case prep center, I can put more on it.

[@jasonkirkland7587]

With 5.56 prices going up atm, I want to start reloading it and this would really help with those primer crimps.

[@critter9a]

I got this tool last year. I have used it on about 10k cases and it's still going strong

[@johnmcdougald1238]

I really haven't done a lot of rifle reloading, and when I do, it's just for plinking so I really don't stress the prep process other than to clean and reload. If I were to get into serious, precision marksmanship, I'd use it to for every single shot I made. I would use it to match, case per case, down to weight, capacity, size, and dimension. That way, every case would be an exact match to the next.

[@1stFlyingeagle]

That is a little beast. 1000s of rounds run on it. Note take the cover off and add some quality grease to it. I am currently running 2500 223/5.56. I run the flash drill in the primer hole and then do the inside and outside deburring. I love this tool.

[@1stFlyingeagle]

I swedge primer pockets first it is faster and makes drilling the flash hole out easier.

[@jacobfranke3138]

I purchased one just recently, great for small workspaces.

[@BlackDotPatrick]

One of my plastic gears broke. I might have dropped the tool so not sure but I only can use two of the three tools now. I also would like to slow it down a little. The inside case mouth tool is pretty aggressive and you have to be careful not to over do that one.

[@danielselby8001]

Found they don't last got the Lyman case prep centre about 2 years ago much better and is still going strong.

[@davidmontgomery8142]

Mine had one of the plastic gears under the black cover break. It locked up and would not move. I took it apart and removed the broken prices and it works again, but with only 2 outputs turning of course. I'm not sure if the competition is any better, but I would try something else I was starting over.

[@danlawson625]

David, contact Hornady and they will send you a free set of replacement gears. Easy to replace with five screws. Just make sure to relube and don’t place a lot of pressure on the cutters. It’s not necessary to do the job.

[@m118lr1]

I have used it to ream the primer pockets when the brass has a crimp in it

[@TexasTrained]

I looked at buying one at Academy .Its a neat tool.A bit pricey I thought if the tag was correct on shelf..But at that store it may have been for something else.LOL Great Video and Product Gavin.

[@jeffreygoldstein4707]

OMG I would like to have one of these. Today I use my drill on super low speed. And I have to change bits for each function. It takes so much time.

[@may2888]

If I had this Gavin, I would use the heck out of it!! I think I would get a good synthetic grease for it.

[@Malukevin407]

Gavin can you do a video using the trim it 2. Isn’t this a better product since it does everything in this video while also trimming case length? I understand it comes with a motor or can purchase to be hooked up to a motor. Still waiting to purchased my first case prep supplies. Looking forward to your response

[@Dayattherange]

I feel cheated Gavin. I have had mine since 2016 and use it the exact same way. BUT back then mine did not come with the debur and chamfer tools ☹ At least we know that longevity is good as mine is still running today and used often for 308, 223, 300Blkout and 6.5. Mine is also bolted to the bench right next to the trimmer.

[@shanebreland]

Thanks for the review, been looking at this for a while.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Glad I could help

[@moscasucio1686]

franklin arsenal trimmer has three modular stations including a universal trimmer.

[@wilburnmartin9522]

I want to try one for pocket uniforming, cleaning and decrimping.

[@cwinter90]

Bought one of these a year ago and just finally took it out of the box last week and used it for a bit. Then, went to use it yesterday and turn it on and hear grinding noises and a loud crack. Now none of them move when turned on.

[@duggydo]

Looks okay, but I think the Lyman and RCBS are better designs. Much rather have the tools spinning in vertical orientation than horizontal.

[@pipedreams57]

RCBS makes some decent dies but everything else I use is by Lyman including their turret press. 30 years experience.

[@williamwinn948]

I wonder if you could attach those bits to a dremmel flex shaft

[@tzuwarrior499]

Fun how you say give the brass a twist, when you weren't doing it initially until you said it?

[@jamescross3259]

Used mine three times for 50 rounds each time, didn't make it through the last 50. Set up was same as in the video, it quit working, I assume the gears are misaligned now as it is hung up and tries to turn but won't, I threw it in the garbage.

[@ThePbrown1]

I have one for 2 going on 3 years now no problem yet

[@jackdale9831]

are those 3 functions included in certain "7-stage" loaders? Also Are there any champherers where the cutting-function is buried, so I don't have to risk cutting a finger when doing that primer-last thing?

[@ExplorinInTheWoods]

Can you do a video on working with MIL brass with crimped primers?

[@chadatkinson3224]

Can you do a review on the RCBS brass boss in the future? Seems to offer a lot more flexibility than this one.

[@26ydtibbs39]

Gavin, I have a ton of 556 and 30-06 brass with red sealant around the primers. Do you have a trade secret to removing them without damaging the depriming pin?

[@reloadeverything8695]

So i ordered hornady precison reloading kit online this tool came in it and the plastic gears were broken ive never used had it for 2 years tried to use once 1 year ago after having it in the box for a year and it made horrible crunching noise and stopped working 😆 took it apart gears were cracked with teeth missing 😆. Looking like jackolanterns on halloween. Would be nice if someone made affordable metal gears for replacement on this tool i use my cordless and switch pieces now but i would like to be able to perform 3 operations at once with this tool 😆

[@tomburson5733]

I have one, it went back to Hornady once for new gears(free of charge) use it a lot. They make excellent products

[@czjunky2045]

Can you please review the Lee Load All lol in 12 gauge it’s a awesome little cheap press

[@64samsky]

I have an old RCBS case prep machine that does 4, but it's a little noisy.

[@henryian]

Can somebody kindly explain why we are doing the inside first and the outside next? Because what Im understating the chamfering supposed to open the casing neck a bit so it will be easier for the bullet the get in when inserting it. But Im not sure. Thanks,

[@ghost00tj]

after reading the reviews below I'm buying a Lyman Case Prep Xpress

[@Mike_S_Swift]

Reviews on Amazon say the plastic gears break easily.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Electric case prep has been a big deal for me. I buy bulk Lake City 5.56 and 7.62 brass. Manual Dillon Primer Pocket Swager followed by a quick cleanup with pocket reamer and pocket brush in the prep station. I also run a VLD chamfer tool and a primer flash hole cleanup tool in the prep station.

[@TrailBoss1860]

You never showed the primer pocket so I don't know if it's cleaned I can't clean mine that quick

[@eXdXgXe4life]

I own and I recommend.

[@cwoodside907]

Does it decrimp the primer pockets or only clean them? I have a TON of LC .308/7.62 military brass.

[@patmancrowley8509]

Question: Does the .308/7.62 N.A.T.O. round have the dual flash holes for the primer pocket? If so how did you remove the primers?

[@USAFTACP]

I had the plastic gears break, now I'm only able to use one tool at a time. I need to get with Hornady and get new ones.

[@reneramirez8904]

Just call or email them. One of my gears broke and they sent all three. Free of charge

[@tonygslc801]

Which case prep station is your Favorite? Hornady, Lyman, Frankford Arsenal etc...

[@mastermoarman]

It would be nice if they made a resize and trimming die for the AP.

[@dgreenapple]

I have a question for you unrelated to this video: I am interested in custom loading a 300 AAC Blackout round. I was told that I can choose any .308 (30 caliber) bullet on the market and load it in 300 BLK ammo. Would you agree, or are there specific bullets that must be used only for 300 BLK and other 30 calibers that are only for .308? Thanks!

[@charliejones3083]

Holly crap. I watch the vid and I dont have to buy anything! I've been using that one for years.

[@AdrianThErIpPeR]

How much does it take to be able to legally reload ammunition and sale it?? We've all thought about it correct??

[@txzebra]

Gavin, where did you get that tray? I've been wondering for years. I've tried Googling every combination of words I can think of and I can't find it.

[@Ultimatereloader]

I found a huge pile of them at an Estate Sale!

[@txzebra]

Dang. They look super handy. I'm going to have to keep hunting. This video is very timely. I'm in the middle of trimming and reaming tight primer pockets on a big batch of .357 brass. Did about 100 by hand and my hands were dying.

[@hank3152]

TXZebra just find a small tin cooking pan from Walmart or Amazon

[@ironbomb6753]

Bend one up buddy, three simple bends, you use hand forming pliers...👍

[@calculusentropy]

I use a 22 rifle brush to clean out the necks instead of pocket cleaner

[@malibual0]

My gears broke as well. Called Hornady and they sent me 18 extra gears, there still plastic and cheap, but I have a bunch and there easy to replace yourself. When I get low I’ll get them to send me a bunch more. Even with me being in Canada and during Covid I had them in about 2 weeks.

[@HuskyKMA]

You'd think at the cost of sending out 18 plastic replacement gears they would just switch to brass gears.

[@Russell-1]

Hornady & some other makers of reloading gear seem to be going through a phase of creating complex solutions for simple tasks.

[@mariorochette3198]

i have done less than 100 brass before internal platic gear break... just junk better to use a simple battery drill

[@nickgardner3813]

There junk! I went through 3 with a total of 4 plastic gears breaking.

[@tzuwarrior499]

I noticed this channel pushes some crap not all crap but he dose push crap. Still talking about the prouducts by the way.

[@frankponikvar9262]

Don't waste your money, I recommend the lyman case prep station. It's much much better than this one from Hornady.

[@TMS5100]

been using a lyman case prep station for many years. it's a great design.

[@aleembruggen]

Can it be screwed into a bench?

[@jacrockett1]

Gavin, Your review of the RCBS 3-way case trim cutter saved me from inside/outside case mouth deburring. Thank you for that! I use the K&M tools for neck uniform and primer pocket uniform. I use many Hornady products, but I'll pass on this one.

[@SA-lr1sf]

Your camera needs to be focused on the item you are are showing. I wish you had shown one of those primer pockets after you cleaned them.

[@alzathoth]

Case Prep Center or Case Prep Trio? whats your opinions?

[@paulwatterson5992]

Any speed adjustment?

[@reneramirez8904]

No, it’s just one speed.

[@metaller_alex]

At my view Lyman case prep is much better.

[@mikesmith-tr9qv]

I have had mine for years. Love it.

[@Daniel_Frisk]

It would be nice to see the result...

[@ironbomb6753]

Thinking the same thing....👍

[@johnpekarski5030]

What is your favorite case prep tool to use Lyman or Hornady??

[@Saltfactorynz]

DO NOT BUY THIS! Dont get me wrong, i love the form factor but the gears that run the shafts are made of nylon and break REALLY EASILY even with light use. Hornady need to step up their game with this. HEED MY WARNING!

[@mtnshooter2487]

5.56 military cases mostly anything I have in volume

[@danharvey5935]

Price?

[@ironbomb6753]

I've seen them for around $65. There are two models I think. Check out Mid South Shooting Supply👍

[@toddgilbert5214]

Us it on my 5.56

[@a.k.4363]

I insist on doing things the hard way!!

[@whisper.shooter]

Plastic gears don't last as mentioned. I've had 2 units fail :( They don't last and you should not be promoting this product. My local gun shop stopped stocking them.

[@Dadsgrieve2]

It's funny reading the other comments that liked this tool....I can't stand it...too slow but that i more like a me problem than the tools i guess.

[@pearlrival3124]

lol all these people destroying an awesome tool. When you de burr aggressive force is not necessary. let the plastic gears do the work. simply hold the shell in place.

[@americathefree3708]

I wasted my money on this. it has plastic gears that don't take anything to break. lasted 2 months. Very sad from Hornady

[@zrbsrbija]

This time your silly ...... Its junk my man ... there are easily 3 or 4 other alternatives that are way much better Dont forget what got you here be honest & tell the truth on these videos and Stop selling crap

[@Later2u]

Plastic gears that break. Absolute Junk. Luckily I have the means to repair it. Criminal for Hornady to sell this for what they do. Thanks for thew video, but please research what you are reviewing. I believe you wouldn't have if you were aware of how bad the prep center really is.

[@algray2604]

like

[@jstsmegy]

It’s too light and poorly made I moved to the Lyman

[@peterfalk5623]

I'm a fan of Hornady stuff, but this is trash. Gears broke after minimal use. Bad design to use such cheap/lightweight gears in something that gets that kind of use. 0/10. I've had the Lyman for a bunch of years now with no issues.

[@johnbernard2825]

I bought one. It didn’t last. The gears are plastic. Two out of four gears cracked. I got about nine months use out of it. I contacted Hornady about replacement gears. They are not available. 👎