The Hornady Lock-N-Load® Iron Press® Loader (SKU: 085520) is a heavy-duty, single-stage reloading press engineered for precise cartridge manufacturing and high-leverage case sizing. Built around a cast iron frame weighing approximately 26 lbs (11.8 kg), this mechanical press provides a rigid, low-flex platform for bullet seating, decapping, and sizing standard handgun calibres up to large magnum rifle cartridges. It operates manually without the need for mains electricity and mounts to standard reloaders' workbenches using a 3-hole mounting pattern compatible with standard Hornady and RCBS mounting footprints.

Key Features

• Cast Iron Arch Framework: Provides extreme structural rigidity and minimal frame deflection during heavy full-length rifle case resizing.
• 1-1/8 Inch Solid-Steel Ram: Features a 1.125-inch diameter solid-steel ram equipped with a spring-assist return to reduce mechanical fatigue during repetitive cycles.
• Lock-N-Load® Bushing System: Utilises 6-lug quick-change bushings compatible with standard 7/8"-14 threaded dies, allowing dies to be swapped in seconds without losing precise depth adjustments.
• Patented Shell Holder Platform: Enables cases to be deprimed, removed for case-prep steps like chamfering or deburring, and reinserted for priming immediately. Compatible with standard shell holders from Hornady, RCBS, and Lee.
• Integrated Accessory Mounting Deck: Built-in top-bridge platform holds case prep tools, brushes, or accessory trays directly above the press workspace.
• Ambidextrous Design: Features a reversible handle that can be configured for either right- or left-handed handloaders.

Product Specifications

• Press Type: Single-stage mechanical reloading press
• Frame Material: Heavy-duty cast iron
• Ram Diameter: 1-1/8 inches (1.125 inches) solid steel with spring-assist return
• Press Window Opening: 3-9/16 inches (3.5625 inches)
• Unit Weight: ~26 lbs (bare unit) / ~28 lbs (packaged)
• Die Thread Size: Standard 7/8"-14 threaded dies via Hornady Lock-N-Load® bushings
• Cartridge Clearance: Accepts standard handgun through large magnum rifle cartridges up to ~3.5 inches overall length
• Mounting Configuration: 3-hole bolt pattern matching Hornady AP/Classic and RCBS Rock Chucker footprints
• Power Requirements: Manual mechanical operation (no electrical requirements)

Who is the Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press for?

• Precision rifle reloaders — requiring minimal frame flex and zero die-setting drift, this single stage reloading press provides a 1-1/8 inch (1.125") solid-steel ram and a 26 lb cast-iron frame to ensure consistent concentricity and exact bullet seating depths.
• Small-to-medium batch ammunition producers — managing cartridges up to full-length magnums, this press provides a 3-9/16 inch (3.5625") press opening and a shell holder platform designed for manual batch throughput between 50 to 100 rounds per hour.

Less suitable for: High-volume reloaders requiring hundreds to 1,000+ rounds per hour (who require a progressive reloading press), or oversized large-bore calibres requiring 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" die bodies such as .50 BMG (which require a dedicated heavy-calibre, large-frame press).