Hi gang!

I was wondering if the Hornady LnL AP Press powder drop expands the case as it charges normally or does an expander attachment need to be purchased for the powder drop. If an expander has to be purchased, can you all recommend what would be needed?

Yes it does

Maybe I am misreading the question. The Hornady case activated powder drop does not expand the case by itself. You have to purchase the powder through expanders for each caliber you will be working with.

PaseMkr,
First off, you need to purchase the Powder thru Expander unit.
It replaces the part that comes with the powder drop be it small or large.
It is caliber specific.
Now, is your LnL a "new" model or old in that it will take a bit of "fixin" for 223 and maybe other small cases if you have the old style(without the turnbolt adjustment on the powderdrop assy)
I have one of the early models and was having issues with 223's and spoke at length with Hornady rep and ended up dropping in 2 split ring washers between the expander unit and powder hopper above to keep me/the unit from crushing about every 10 case.
Works like a charm now and have loaded over 1 thousand rounds without a hiccup.

Anyway, to answer your question, you need the specific part to expand while you drop the powder charge.

As far as pistol loads go, works great with 380, 9mm, 38/357, 44 and 45's.
Flare quite adjustable and sure makes things go faster by skipping the separate case mouth flare step.

Gary

I use one of these. Only goes 30 cal and up though Pretty simple eh?

http://powderfunnels.com/