Let’s Talk About Hornady Crimp Starters
The Hornady Crimp Starters are unassuming little red plastic tools, but don’t let their simple appearance fool you. They are designed by Hornady to assist in achieving consistent and accurate crimps when reloading ammunition. These inexpensive tools, often overlooked by novice reloaders, can be a game-changer in ensuring proper bullet seating and consistent ammunition performance.
I was consistently struggling with achieving the correct crimp on my .223 rounds. My bullets were either too loose, leading to potential feeding issues in my AR-15, or over-crimped, which could deform the bullet and affect accuracy. After ruining several cases trying to get it just right, I knew I needed a solution to help me get consistent crimps.
My first impression upon receiving the Hornady Crimp Starters was that they seemed surprisingly basic. They are lightweight and made of plastic, but the Hornady name gave me confidence. I had initially considered a more elaborate, adjustable crimping tool, but the simplicity and affordability of the Hornady Crimp Starters won me over.
I briefly considered a set of Lee Factory Crimp Dies, which are known for their post-sizing crimp, and a Redding Profile Crimp Die, favored by precision reloaders. However, the Hornady Crimp Starters, combined with my existing Hornady dies, offered a more incremental and controlled approach for fine-tuning my crimps, something I valued. The price also made them an easy decision.
I was initially skeptical about how much these little plastic pieces could actually improve my reloading process. However, I was eager to see if they could make the tedious task of crimping more consistent and less prone to error. Ultimately, I was cautiously optimistic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Crimp Starters to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Crimp Starters at my home reloading bench, focusing on .223 Remington rounds for my AR-15. I was aiming for consistent neck tension and a secure bullet seating depth, crucial for accurate shooting at the range. The first use was a learning experience.
I found that the Hornady Crimp Starters were most effective when the reloading press and dies were clean and well-lubricated. The ambient temperature also seemed to play a minor role, as the plastic felt slightly more pliable on warmer days. After a few rounds, it became clear what the product description meant by setting the crimp when the tool is “cold”.
The tool requires some experimentation to find the sweet spot for each bullet type and powder load. While the crimp was easier to start consistently, the description of removing the tool and tossing it in the recycling bin after a single crimp was immediately confusing. I kept the tool and used it over and over, as intended.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several reloading sessions spanning a few months, the Hornady Crimp Starters have proven to be more reliable than I initially anticipated. The plastic, while basic, hasn’t shown any signs of cracking or significant wear, despite being subjected to repeated pressure. It continues to perform as expected.
The Hornady Crimp Starters have withstood numerous crimping cycles without any noticeable degradation, which speaks to the quality of the plastic used. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth to remove any powder residue is all that’s needed to keep them in good working order. It’s a simple tool and simple to maintain.
Using the Hornady Crimp Starters has significantly improved the consistency of my crimps compared to my previous haphazard approach. The rounds now feed more reliably in my AR-15, and my group sizes at the range have noticeably tightened. This tool outperforms by delivering repeatable results.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Crimp Starters
Specifications
Manufacturer: Hornady is a well-known and respected brand in the reloading industry, known for producing quality reloading equipment and components. Their reputation gave me confidence in the product.
Quantity: The product includes one crimp starter. This is adequate for most reloaders, as only one is needed per press.
Fabric/Material: The crimp starter is made of plastic. While plastic might seem cheap, it’s designed to withstand the pressures involved in crimping.
Condition: The product is new. A new product ensures it hasn’t been damaged or worn down, providing optimal performance.
Color: The crimp starter is red. The red color is easy to spot on a reloading bench.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Crimp Starters significantly improve the consistency of the initial crimp. This consistency results in more uniform bullet seating and neck tension. With a more uniform bullet seating and neck tension, performance is much more improved.
The strength is its simplicity and low cost, but a weakness is the lack of adjustability. For reloaders seeking more precise control, this tool may not be sufficient. It does meet expectations for starting a uniform crimp.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is basic but functional. It is lightweight and easy to handle. The user-friendliness is high, as there is no real learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The plastic construction is reasonably durable. While it’s not indestructible, it should last for a long time with proper care. Minimal maintenance is required, just a quick wipe down after use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Crimp Starters themselves don’t have any accessories or customization options. They are designed to be used in conjunction with Hornady crimp dies. This tool’s main compatibility is with your press and existing dies.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Crimp Starters
Pros
- Inexpensive: The Hornady Crimp Starters are very affordable. This makes them accessible to reloaders on a budget.
- Improved Consistency: They help achieve more consistent crimps. This leads to better ammunition performance.
- Easy to Use: Simple design with no learning curve.
- Lightweight: Easy to handle and store.
- Durable Enough: The plastic construction is reasonably durable for its intended purpose.
Cons
- Lack of Adjustability: Offers no adjustability for different bullet types or crimp strengths. If you require more fine-tuning of the crimp, look elsewhere.
- Plastic Material: The plastic construction might not appeal to reloaders who prefer metal tools. A metal tool might feel more robust and durable.
Who Should Buy Hornady Crimp Starters?
These Hornady Crimp Starters are perfect for reloaders who are new to crimping or those seeking a simple and inexpensive way to improve the consistency of their reloaded ammunition. This includes casual reloaders, target shooters, and hunters who want reliable and accurate rounds. They are also useful for high-volume reloaders looking for a quick and easy crimping solution.
Those who require very precise crimp adjustments or who work with a wide variety of calibers and bullet types may find these starters too limiting. Competitive shooters who demand the utmost precision might prefer more sophisticated crimping tools.
A must-have companion is a quality Hornady crimp die matched to your caliber. Having a reliable reloading press is also essential.
Conclusion on Hornady Crimp Starters
The Hornady Crimp Starters are a simple but effective tool for improving crimp consistency, especially for reloaders on a budget. While they lack the adjustability of more expensive options, their ease of use and affordability make them a worthwhile addition to any reloading bench. The value is definitely justified.
I would recommend the Hornady Crimp Starters to anyone looking for a straightforward way to achieve more consistent crimps and improve the overall quality of their reloaded ammunition. Don’t let the simple design fool you; these little red plastic tools can make a noticeable difference in your reloading process. Give them a try and see the difference for yourself!