Was in Cabelas today. They had Hornady American Dies on sale for $19.95 with shell holder.

Other than no box what is the difference from their normal dies? Anyone used them? How did they work?

From what I can tell they're just a normal die set without the lock n load stuff and no storage box. If you want the L n L rings, and a storage box that's going to cost you more than just buying a set of LnL dies. But it gives you a cheaper choice for a basic die set.

Thanks,
Looking at their site and the pictures of the dies I can't tell if there is anyway to lock the die adjustment ring. Maybe a set screw like RCBS?

Not sure I know what the LNL rings are. I'm just a rockchucker user.

They are limited to a smaller range of popular cartridges

But look to be an RCBS clone

Thanks Ted.

Can't imagine a drawer full of dies with no box. By the time you add a box you might as well have the better dies.

They are a different design than the regular Hornady dies, but certainly aren't of lower quality. They use O rings on the lock rings, like Lee does, and screw in decapping pins like RCBS does, both proven systems, and cheaper to make than the Hornady collet system. And lower cost due to packaging, and sometimes, not assembled. They certainly aren't "better" and "lesser" quality of dies. Just different ways of getting to the same place. And they are only offered in the high production calibers; thereby giving a lower unit cost as well. There is no special Lock N Load die lock ring; not sure that Mickin is referring to here. Any die lock ring will work on the LNL bushings, including the O ring lock ring. . So, bottom line; you are giving up nothing in terms of quality of reloads with these dies. The shell holder thing is made to compete with Lee.
I would, personally, get the standard Hohrnady dies as I like the way (collet and grooved rod) the decapping pins are held in. I never liked the RCBS/Lyman system.

quote:

not sure that Mickin is referring to here

The only thing I know about the American loading dies is what I read. I saw this on Midsouth Shooters.

Additional Upgrades
Optional accessories available to enhance the American Series die sets:

Sure-Loc Lock Ring
Sure-Loc Lock Ring (6 Pack)
Die Box - Large
Universal Loading Block W/ Sleeve
LNL Die Bushing (2 Pack)
LNL Die Bushing (3 Pack)
LNL Die Bushing (10 Pack)
LNL Conversion Kit

Other than what I wrote I have no opinion one way or the other about these dies.

One other thing I forgot to mention; the American dies do not have the sliding seater system that the regular Hornady dies have. They are solid, just like most other dies.
So, bottom line; Hornady American dies are just like RCBS dies with Lee locking rings. Other Hornady dies, have more neat features.