Anyone else using a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press for precision bolt rifle ammo

[SONIC SAAMI]

I have been loading all my precision rifle ammunition on one for about 2 years with much success.
Re-size the brass and seat the bullet with the AP.
.001 to .002 run out is the norm.
Maybe its the rubber o-ring under the quick change bushing?

 

[Twoboxer]

I use my AP for pistol and plinking rifle, and the ammo is very good, but I don't use it for "precision" ammo. The Hornady powder measure is good, but not as good as hand weighing. YMMV.

The runout is very good, as you say, likely because there is zero slop in the tool head . . . because it's not removable . . . and the cases sit directly on the subplate. So the cases go straight up into a straight die . . . except for one thing. Because the subplate is held by two bolts on opposite sides (~Stations 2 and 5) there is often a small amount of variation in COL when (eg) a bullet is seated (Station 3) with a case in the seating die (Station 1) vs without. If eg it were held by 4 bolts, there might not be any variation.

 

[SONIC SAAMI]

I should have explained how I use the press a little more clearly.
First lube all case by hand with Imperial Sizing wax.
Then run all case through the FL die in station #1
Trim if needed
Prime cases off the press by hand
Charge with powder off the press by hand fifty case at a time in a charging block then set a bullet in the case mouth.
Seat bullet on the press with the seater die in station #1
This has worked really well at producing bottle neck rifle cartridges with .000/.002 run out measured at the bearing surfice of the bullet.

 

[Twoboxer]

^ That approach should yield a very consistent product. You have pretty much eliminated all the progressive press "automation" using the press as a single stage.