The Hornady Lock-N-Load® Iron Press® Kit With Auto Prime (MPN 085521) is a comprehensive, mechanical single-stage metallic cartridge reloading system designed for precision rifle and handgun handloading. Built around an ultra-rigid cast iron frame with an assembled press weight of approximately 26 lbs (11.8 kg), this system minimizes frame flex to deliver exact concentricity during sizing and bullet seating operations. It features a patented open-front shell holder platform paired with an integrated, gravity-fed automatic priming system, allowing reloaders to deprime, pause for case preparation, and re-prime within a single station. Powered completely by manual mechanical linkage, the press incorporates a standard 3-bolt bench mounting footprint matching standard Hornady AP, Classic, and RCBS Rock Chucker layouts.

Key Features

• Rigid Cast Iron Construction: Built from heavy-duty cast iron supported by a 1-1/8 inch (28.6 mm) solid steel ram with spring assist to handle heavy case-forming pressures without linkage deflection.
• Lock-N-Load Quick-Change Bushing System: Accepts standard 7/8"-14 threaded dies, allowing rapid tool changeovers and repeatable depth settings without losing die adjustments (3 bushings included).
• Integrated Auto-Prime Assembly: Gravity-fed primer system includes large and small primer tubes, pick-up tubes, and housing for streamlined priming on the press downstroke.
• Patented Open-Front Shell Holder Deck: Provides direct access to cases and is factory compatible with standard snap-in shell holders from Hornady, RCBS, and Lee (Hornady Shell Holders #1, #2, #5, #16, and #35 included).
• Accessory Mounting Deck: Top-mounted caddy holds case preparation tools directly on the press frame, including chamfer and deburr tools, primer pocket cleaners, and neck brushes.
• Complete Precision Kit: Bundles essential handloading equipment, including the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure, digital pocket scale, digital caliper, Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator set with 6 inserts, powder funnel (.22 to .45 calibre), Unique case lube, and the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading.

Specifications

• Product Name: Hornady Lock-N-Load® Iron Press® Kit With Auto Prime
• Model Number (MPN): 085521
• Press Type: Single-stage mechanical reloading press
• Frame Material: Rigid cast iron
• Ram Diameter: 1-1/8 inch (28.6 mm) solid steel ram
• Press Weight: Approximately 26 lbs (11.8 kg) assembled
• Die Thread Compatibility: Standard 7/8"-14 dies (via Lock-N-Load bushings)
• Shell Holder Interface: Snap-in platform (compatible with Hornady, RCBS, and Lee)
• Bench Mounting Footprint: Standard 3-bolt mounting pattern
• Power Requirements: Manual mechanical operation (standalone batteries power included digital scales and calipers; zero mains 240V power required)

Who is the Hornady Lock N Load Iron Press Kit With Auto Prime for?

• Precision rifle reloaders — Requires zero frame flex during benchrest sizing, relying on this single-stage reloading press kit's 26 lbs (11.8 kg) cast iron frame and 1-1/8 inch (28.6 mm) solid steel ram to eliminate linkage deflection and maintain strict batch-to-batch headspace consistency.
• Handloaders stepping up to heavy magnum rifle calibres — Operates with maximum mechanical leverage to size large metallic cases up to .338 Lapua Magnum using standard 7/8"-14 threaded dies anchored to a rigid 3-bolt bench mounting footprint.

Less suitable for: Handloaders requiring sustained high-volume production of 300 to 600 plus rounds per hour, who are better served by a progressive reloading press; users requiring large-format 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" dies for calibres such as .50 BMG, who need an oversized ultra-magnum press; or shooters needing mobile range-box carry, who require a lightweight portable hand press rather than a 26-lb permanent bench-mounted unit.