Published: April 2026 | Last updated: April 2026
Disclaimer: Specifications and pricing in this article are drawn from manufacturer and retailer sources current at time of publication. Always verify current pricing before purchasing.
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure occupies an interesting spot in the market. At just over $100, it’s a serious step up from the entry-level measures that come bundled with starter reloading kits, but it stops well short of the $280-$310 territory occupied by precision competition tools like the Redding Competition PR-50 or the Redding Competition BR-30. What it offers for that price is a genuinely wide charge range – 0.5 to 75 grains with proper accessories – a quick-change drum system that integrates with Hornady’s Lock-N-Load bushing platform, and a design that scales from pistol charges through heavy magnum rifle loads without requiring a dedicated competition-grade tool for each application.
For the reloader who loads across multiple calibers and doesn’t want to run a separate measure for rifle and pistol, the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure is worth a close look. It’s not the right answer for every situation, but it covers a lot of ground at a price that doesn’t force difficult tradeoffs.
Key Specifications
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hornady Manufacturing |
| Model | Lock-N-Load Powder Measure |
| SKU | 290524 |
| UPC | 090255500691 |
| Charge Range | 0.5 to 75 grains (with accessories) |
| Metering System | Micrometer adjustable drum |
| Quick-Change | Lock-N-Load bushing compatible |
| Mount | Standard 7/8″-14 threaded bench stand |
| Rating (92 reviews) | 4.2 / 5.0 |
| MSRP | $103.49 |
| Approx. Street Price | $90.00 – $103.49 |
The 0.5-to-75-grain range covers essentially the full span of practical reloading applications. The low end – 0.5 grains – handles light pistol charges for target loads in 38 Special or light 9mm Luger practice rounds. The high end – 75 grains – puts large-capacity rifle cartridges like 300 Winchester Magnum, 7mm Remington Magnum, and 338 Lapua Magnum within reach. That full range from a single measure, at this price, is the core value proposition of the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure.
The Lock-N-Load System
Hornady’s Lock-N-Load bushing system is the thread that runs through their entire equipment lineup. The same push-button quick-change mechanism that indexes dies in the Lock-N-Load AP progressive press and the Lock-N-Load Classic single-stage press also works with the powder measure. In practice, this means you can remove the measure from its bench stand, snap it into the press’s toolhead, and use it press-mounted if that’s how your workflow is organized. It takes about three seconds in either direction.
For reloaders running a Hornady press setup, this integration is genuinely useful. You’re not adapting between thread standards or buying additional hardware to mount the measure where you need it. The measure, the dies, and the press all speak the same language mechanically.
For reloaders on a non-Hornady press, the standard 7/8″-14 threaded base means the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure mounts on any standard bench stand from RCBS, Lyman, Redding, or Lee without issue. The Lock-N-Load bushing is Hornady-specific, but the base thread is universal.
Build Quality and Metering System
The Lock-N-Load Powder Measure is machined aluminum construction throughout the critical metering components – the drum, the body, and the charge bar. The hopper is transparent, which is a practical detail worth mentioning: you can see your powder level without removing the hopper or peering into it from the top, which means you catch a low hopper before it starts affecting throw consistency rather than after.
The metering drum is micrometer-adjusted with a graduated scale that allows you to return to a specific setting after a powder change or press teardown. This is standard on mid-tier and above measures and important if you reload multiple loads in rotation – you don’t want to re-dial and re-weigh from scratch every session when you’re returning to a load you’ve already developed.
The drum-to-housing fit is machined to minimize powder leakage between the drum and the body. Some powder dust at the drum interface is normal with any volumetric measure; whole kernels escaping the drum channel indicate either a fit issue or debris in the channel and should be investigated.
The push-button quick-change release is the most distinctive external feature. Unlocking the drum for removal and replacement takes one hand and a few seconds. If you have multiple drums configured for different loads or powder types, switching between them is fast enough to be practical during a session rather than a bench-reorganization event.
The Extended Range with Accessories
The base charge range of the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure covers standard pistol and rifle applications. Hornady offers additional metering inserts and accessories to extend the range downward for extremely light pistol charges and upward for heavy magnum loads beyond what the standard drum handles. If you’re loading at the extremes – very light target pistol loads or full-charge magnum rifle rounds – verify whether your specific charge weight falls within the standard range or requires an additional accessory drum before purchasing.
Setup and Calibration
Setup follows the standard protocol for mechanical powder measures, with a few Hornady-specific steps:
Mount. Secure the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure on your bench stand or press. Ensure the stand is on a stable, vibration-free surface. If you’re mounting directly to a press, use the Lock-N-Load bushing interface and confirm the measure is seated fully before operation.
Fill the hopper. Load your powder to a working level – not to the brim, not so low that the powder column height affects flow consistency. The transparent hopper lets you keep the level in a consistent range throughout the session.
Set approximate charge. Use the micrometer drum to approach your target charge weight. The graduated scale gives you a starting reference if you’ve used this powder before and recorded your setting.
Throw and discard priming charges. Before weighing for records, throw and discard at least five charges. The first throws after filling the hopper are often slightly off as powder settles and the drum seats properly. This is standard practice for any mechanical measure.
Weigh a series. Throw 10 charges into your pan and weigh each on a quality digital scale like the Dillon D-Terminator or the RCBS Rangemaster 2000. Record the average and the extreme spread across the ten throws. Fine-tune the drum setting until your average matches target weight. Log the setting.
Powder Behavior by Type
Ball powders – Hodgdon CFE 223, Winchester 748, Hodgdon H335, Ramshot TAC, Hodgdon H380 – flow freely through the Lock-N-Load drum and typically produce the tightest throw-to-throw consistency. Ball powders are the most forgiving powder geometry for any volumetric measure, and the Lock-N-Load handles them cleanly across its full range.
Extruded powders – Hodgdon Varget, IMR 4064, Alliant Reloder 15, Hodgdon H4350, Vihtavuori N140 – require more attention. Longer kernels can bridge across the hopper outlet and cause irregular flow, producing outlier throws. A consistent, deliberate drum stroke – rather than a fast or jerky motion – reduces bridging. Some reloaders lightly tap the hopper before each stroke with extruded powders. Extreme spread with stick powders in the Lock-N-Load typically runs wider than with ball powders, which is true of every general-purpose measure at this price point.
Flake powders – Hodgdon Titegroup, Alliant Power Pistol, Hodgdon Universal – behave similarly to ball powders in terms of flow and are generally reliable in the Lock-N-Load for pistol charge weights.
Where the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure Fits
The Lock-N-Load is a general-purpose measure, and that’s a description, not a criticism. Understanding where it excels and where it hits its limits helps you decide whether it’s the right tool for your specific bench.
Where It Excels
For the reloader who loads two or three calibers with different charge weights and powder types – say, 308 Winchester with Hodgdon Varget, 9mm Luger with Hodgdon Titegroup, and a magnum rifle round with Hodgdon H4350 – the Lock-N-Load handles all three from a single measure with drum changes rather than requiring a separate tool for each application. The quick-change drum system makes those switches practical mid-session.
For reloaders running a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP or Lock-N-Load Classic press, the bushing integration gives you operational flexibility that doesn’t exist with non-Hornady measures – you can move the measure between bench stand and press toolhead without tools or adapters.
For volume hunting load production where you’re building 150 rounds of 30-06 Springfield or 270 Winchester and need the measure to run reliably for two hours without needing constant attention, the Lock-N-Load is consistent enough for hunting-grade accuracy at a price that makes sense for that use case.
Where It Reaches Its Limits
For precision competition loading where you’re targeting sub-0.2-grain extreme spread on every string, the Lock-N-Load is working against the nature of a general-purpose measure. The Redding Competition series – PR-50, BR-30, LR-1000 – are purpose-built for specific charge ranges and will outperform the Lock-N-Load in pure throw consistency. The Forster Bench Rest Powder Measure is another step up in precision at a price increase.
For benchrest loading of cartridges like 6mm BR or 6mm PPC where you’re chasing the tightest possible ES at a specific small charge weight, a dedicated benchrest measure is the right tool. The Lock-N-Load’s general-purpose range works against it at the extremes.
Competitive Analysis
At $103.49, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure competes with a field of mid-tier mechanical measures that are priced within $50 of each other in either direction.
Lee Precision Auto-Disk Powder Measure – Lee’s disk-based system is the budget alternative, popular for pistol loading on Lee turret presses. It’s less versatile across charge weights and powder types than the Lock-N-Load, but it’s also priced significantly lower and integrates seamlessly with Lee’s progressive and turret systems. If you’re all-in on a Lee setup and primarily load pistol, the Lee disk measure is worth considering before spending the extra $50-60 on the Lock-N-Load.
RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure – RCBS’s standard mechanical measure is in the same general-purpose category as the Lock-N-Load at a comparable price. The RCBS lacks the quick-change drum system and Lock-N-Load bushing integration, but it has a long track record and wide availability of spare parts. Choice between these two often comes down to which brand’s press ecosystem you’re already in.
Redding Model 3 Powder Measure – Redding’s modular general-purpose measure with interchangeable metering chambers. The Model 3 with universal and pistol inserts covers the same range as the Lock-N-Load and is machined to tighter tolerances. It runs about $100-130 more depending on which insert configuration you choose. The Redding will throw more consistently, particularly with extruded powders. Whether that consistency improvement justifies the price difference depends on your accuracy standards and volume.
Redding Competition BR-30 / PR-50 – Purpose-built competition measures at $285-$310. If you primarily load one charge weight range and precision is the priority, these are the tools. They are not general-purpose instruments, which means you’re giving up the Lock-N-Load’s versatility for significantly better consistency within a defined range.
Hornady Lock-N-Load Bench Rest Powder Measure – Hornady’s own step up from the standard Lock-N-Load, designed for benchrest precision. If you’re in the Hornady ecosystem and want more consistency than the standard model, the Bench Rest version is worth pricing out before looking at Redding’s competition line.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Hornady Lock-N-Load | RCBS Uniflow | Redding Model 3 (Universal) | Redding PR-50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charge Range | 0.5 – 75 gr | 1 – 100 gr | Broad (inserts) | ~10 – 50 gr rifle |
| Quick-Change System | Yes (LNL bushing) | No | No | No |
| Metering Material | Machined aluminum | Machined aluminum | Machined aluminum | Machined aluminum |
| Powder Baffle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Micrometer Drum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Mixed rifle/pistol | General purpose | Mixed with more precision | Dedicated precision rifle |
| Price Range | $90 – $103 | $85 – $105 | $180 – $220 | $285 – $310 |
Real-World Use Notes
The 92-user rating of 4.2 out of 5 across a large sample is meaningful data. It tells you that the overwhelming majority of reloaders who buy the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure are satisfied with it, and that the minority who aren’t tends to center their complaints around specific edge cases rather than fundamental design failures.
The most common positive feedback is about the quick-change system and the wide charge range – exactly what Hornady designed the measure to do. The most common criticism is throw consistency with coarse extruded stick powders at higher charge weights, where the measure’s general-purpose drum geometry isn’t optimized the way a Redding competition insert is. If your primary load is a 58-grain charge of Hodgdon H4831 for a 7mm Remington Magnum and you’re chasing tight precision, the Lock-N-Load will need a check-weigh and trickle step on every charge to compete with what a dedicated measure achieves volumetrically. For hunting loads where ±0.3 grains is acceptable, you can skip the trickle step and run faster.
For 6.5 Creedmoor with Hodgdon H4350, 308 Winchester with Hodgdon Varget, or 270 Winchester with IMR 4831 – common hunting calibers at moderate charge weights – the Lock-N-Load performs well enough that most reloaders loading for field use won’t need the check-weigh step for every charge.
Troubleshooting
Inconsistent throws with stick powder. The most common cause is bridging – longer kernels of extruded powder spanning the hopper outlet and causing irregular flow into the drum. Slow down the drum stroke to a deliberate, full-travel motion. Add a light tap to the hopper body before each stroke. Some reloaders keep a dedicated hopper tap (a short dowel rod works fine) next to the measure specifically for extruded powders.
Throws running consistently heavy or light after calibration. If the drum setting that worked in your last session is reading off today, check that the hopper level is consistent with where it was when you calibrated. A nearly empty hopper can cause slightly lighter throws with some powders due to reduced column pressure. Top off the hopper and recheck before adjusting the drum.
Powder leaking from the drum area. A small amount of powder dust at the drum-to-body interface is normal. If whole kernels are escaping, remove the drum and check for debris in the drum channel and housing bore. Clean both with a soft brush before reassembling.
Lock-N-Load bushing not seating fully. If the measure doesn’t lock solidly into the bushing on your press or bench stand, check that the bushing is clean and that there’s no debris in the locking groove. Worn bushings should be replaced – Hornady replacement bushings are inexpensive and widely available.
FAQ
Does the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure work on non-Hornady presses? Yes. The standard 7/8″-14 threaded base mounts on any standard bench stand or press that accepts that thread. The Lock-N-Load bushing quick-change feature only applies to Hornady presses and stands with matching bushings – on other equipment you use the threaded base like any standard measure.
What accessories are needed to reach the full 0.5 to 75 grain range? The standard drum covers the core of the range. For the lowest pistol charges below about 3 grains, Hornady offers a small pistol metering insert. For charges above the standard drum’s upper limit, a large rifle insert extends the range. Verify your specific charge weight against the standard drum capacity before assuming accessories are required.
How does it compare to the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bench Rest Powder Measure? The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bench Rest is Hornady’s precision-focused measure with tighter drum tolerances optimized for a specific charge weight range. If your loading is primarily one caliber at a consistent charge weight and you want the best consistency Hornady offers mechanically, the Bench Rest version is worth the additional cost. If you load across multiple calibers and powder types, the standard Lock-N-Load’s versatility is the better tradeoff.
Can it handle very fine ball powders like Hodgdon Titegroup for light pistol loads? Yes. Fine ball powders and flake powders like Hodgdon Titegroup, Alliant Bullseye, or Hodgdon HP-38 flow cleanly through the Lock-N-Load drum for pistol charge weights. Consistency is generally better with ball powders than with stick powders in any general-purpose measure.
Does it need a bench stand or can it mount directly to a press? Both. With a Lock-N-Load bushing, it snaps directly into any Hornady press toolhead. With the threaded base, it mounts on any standard 7/8″-14 bench stand. Hornady’s own bench stand accepts both bushing and threaded mounting.
Is it worth adding a powder trickler for precision rifle loading? Yes, if precision is the goal. The Lock-N-Load as a standalone volumetric measure is suitable for hunting loads and general precision at ±0.3 grains. Paired with a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler or the Lyman Brass Smith Powder Trickler, you can bring individual charges exactly to weight for competition-grade loading without purchasing a dedicated precision measure.
What’s the warranty situation? Hornady backs their equipment with a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Hornady’s customer service is generally responsive for equipment issues. Replacement parts for the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure, including metering drums, hopper assemblies, and Lock-N-Load bushings, are available directly from Hornady.
Pros and Cons
Where the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure earns its price: The quick-change drum system and 0.5-to-75-grain range make it one of the most versatile mechanical measures under $110. The Lock-N-Load bushing integration with Hornady’s press lineup is a genuine operational advantage for Hornady ecosystem users. The micrometer drum with graduated scale lets you return to saved settings reliably. Build quality is solid for the price point – machined aluminum throughout the critical components.
Where it falls short: Throw consistency with coarse extruded powders at high charge weights is the measure’s weakest point, and it’s where comparisons to dedicated precision measures like the Redding PR-50 are least favorable. The quick-change drum is a real advantage, but it’s primarily valuable for Hornady press users – on a non-Hornady bench, you’re paying for a feature that offers less benefit. At $103, it’s also not dramatically cheaper than the Redding Model 3 base unit, which opens the door to more precision at a moderate additional cost.
Conclusion
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure is a well-built, versatile general-purpose measure that does what it’s designed to do competently and reliably. Its strengths – wide charge range, quick-change drum, Lock-N-Load bushing integration, and solid construction – make it a natural fit for the mixed-caliber reloader who wants one measure covering pistol through magnum rifle without spending $300 for a dedicated precision instrument.
It is not a benchrest measure and doesn’t pretend to be. If your priority is the tightest possible throw-to-throw consistency for a single caliber at a fixed charge weight, a dedicated Redding competition measure is the better tool and the price difference is worth it. But for the reloader who loads 9mm Luger for practice, 308 Winchester for hunting, and occasional magnum loads for big game season, the Lock-N-Load handles all three without requiring a bench full of specialized equipment.
Choose the Lock-N-Load Powder Measure if you reload across multiple calibers spanning pistol and rifle charge weights, run a Hornady press setup where the Lock-N-Load bushing integration is a real advantage, and want a solid mechanical measure that covers the full practical range without requiring premium competition-grade pricing.
Choose the Redding Model 3 instead if you want the versatility of a modular measure with better machining tolerances and can absorb the price increase.
Choose the Redding Competition PR-50 instead if your loading is primarily precision rifle and throw consistency in the 10-to-50-grain rifle range is the priority.
Choose the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bench Rest instead if you’re in the Hornady ecosystem and want better precision than the standard model within a single caliber’s charge range.
Editorial note: Originally published April 2026. Article covers the Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure (SKU 290524, UPC 090255500691, MSRP $103.49). Internal links updated throughout to current myreloading.com equipment reviews, powder pages, and caliber guides.
