Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies Review

Let’s Talk About Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies

The Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies represent a dedicated solution for reloaders venturing into the powerful .50 Beowulf cartridge. Crafted in collaboration between Alexander Arms and Hornady, this die set promises precision and reliability for handloading this unique caliber. The set includes a full-length sizing die, bullet seating die, flare die, and a factory crimp die, providing a complete setup for crafting custom .50 Beowulf ammunition.

My journey into the .50 Beowulf cartridge began with a desire for serious stopping power. Factory ammunition for the .50 Beowulf is expensive, and I wanted more control over bullet selection and load development. This led me to explore handloading, and the Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies seemed like the logical starting point, being specifically designed for this caliber.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the heft and robust construction of the dies. The finish was smooth and consistent, indicating high-quality machining. Each die felt solid and well-made, providing confidence in their ability to withstand the pressures of reloading such a large cartridge.

Compared to universal die sets I’ve used in the past, this set feels specifically tailored for the .50 Beowulf. Other die sets can be adapted to various calibers, but this one promised a more precise and optimized reloading experience for my chosen caliber. The other brands are often a compromise; this one should be a precise fit.

My first impression was excitement tempered with a touch of apprehension, the .50 Beowulf is a significant cartridge, and I wanted to ensure I was using the best possible tools to reload it safely and accurately. The Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies seemed to offer that peace of mind.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies at my home reloading bench, focusing on producing accurate and reliable .50 Beowulf rounds for target practice at the range. The climate-controlled environment ensured consistent conditions for load development. I was able to focus on the dies themselves and their individual performance in the reloading process.

The dies performed admirably in this controlled setting. Each stage of the reloading process, from sizing to crimping, felt smooth and precise. The flare die was particularly helpful in expanding the case mouth to accept the large .50 caliber bullets, and the seating die allowed for consistent bullet seating depth.

The dies were very easy to use, even for a relative newcomer to reloading the .50 Beowulf. The included instructions were clear and concise, and the dies themselves were intuitive to set up and adjust. The learning curve was minimal, allowing me to quickly begin producing quality ammunition.

The initial sizing die required a bit more force than I anticipated. This is to be expected given the straight-walled, large caliber. Degreasing is necessary to avoid issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies continue to perform reliably. I’ve loaded hundreds of rounds with this set, and it shows no signs of degradation or wear. This is a testament to the quality of materials and construction.

The dies are showing no significant signs of wear and tear. The internal surfaces remain smooth, and the threads are still sharp and clean. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining their performance, but the overall durability is impressive.

The Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies are straightforward to clean and maintain. After each reloading session, I disassemble the dies, clean them with solvent, and lightly lubricate them before storage. A quick wipe-down is typically all that’s required.

Compared to reloading dies I’ve used for other calibers, this set feels significantly more robust and durable. The precision and consistency it provides are also superior, resulting in more accurate and reliable .50 Beowulf ammunition. The other sets feel almost toy-like after this.

Breaking Down the Features of Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies

Specifications

• Caliber: Specifically designed for .50 Beowulf, .50 AE Grendel. This ensures optimal performance and precise ammunition production for these calibers.
• Quantity: The set includes 4 dies: full-length sizing die, bullet seating die, flare die, and factory crimp die. This comprehensive set covers all essential stages of the reloading process.
• Gun Type: Designed for Rifle cartridges. This set is specifically tailored for reloading rifle ammunition.
• Included Accessories: The set includes a copy of the latest .50 Beowulf reloading data, ensuring safe and accurate load development. A crimping die, seater, flare die, and sizer are also included.
• Package Type: Comes in a plastic carry case for organized storage and protection. The case protects the dies from damage during storage and transport.
• Weight: Approximately 2 lbs. The weight reflects the solid construction and quality of the dies.
• Dimensions: 7 in (Length) x 5 in (Width) x 2 in (Height). The dimensions are compact enough for easy storage on a reloading bench.

These specifications matter because they guarantee a tailored and reliable reloading experience for the .50 Beowulf cartridge. The right components, dimensions, and accessories are all critical for producing safe and accurate ammunition. This dedicated set improves the handloading process significantly.

Performance & Functionality

The Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies perform exceptionally well in reloading .50 Beowulf ammunition. They offer precise control over each stage of the reloading process. This is important when dealing with the high pressures and unique characteristics of the .50 Beowulf.

The set’s strength lies in its consistency and ease of use, the flare die creates a perfect case mouth, and the seating die ensures consistent bullet seating depths. The factory crimp die provides a uniform crimp, which improves ignition and accuracy. The weakness of the set is the shell holder does not come with it.

The Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies meet and exceed expectations. They provide a level of precision and control that is unmatched by universal die sets. The dedicated design for the .50 Beowulf makes it a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders of this caliber.

Design & Ergonomics

The Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies are built with high-quality materials and feature a robust design. The dies are solid and heavy, providing a stable platform for reloading. This solid design reduces vibrations during the process and creates more reliable ammunition.

The Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies are very user-friendly. The dies are easy to set up and adjust, and the included instructions are clear and concise. There is minimal learning curve for experienced reloaders and beginners.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies should last for many years. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure long-term durability. This offers excellent long-term value.

The Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies are very easy to maintain and repair. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for keeping the dies in good working order. Simple maintenance can extend the lifespan of your dies.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies come with a copy of the latest .50 Beowulf reloading data. The die set is also compatible with standard reloading presses and shell holders. The only real need is the missing shell holder.

While there are no direct customization options for the dies themselves, reloaders can customize their .50 Beowulf ammunition by experimenting with different bullets, powders, and primers. This allows for creating custom loads tailored to specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons of Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies

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Who Should Buy Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies?

The Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies are perfect for serious .50 Beowulf reloaders who demand precision and consistency. These dies are the perfect choice for hunters seeking custom loads for optimal performance in the field. Those who shoot the .50 Beowulf cartridge regularly would also benefit significantly.

Reloaders on a tight budget or those who only occasionally reload .50 Beowulf might want to consider other options. A universal die set may suffice if extreme precision is not a primary concern. Those who only load factory loads should also consider another option.

A compatible shell holder is a must-have accessory. This should be acquired at the same time as the dies.

Conclusion on Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies

The Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies are a top-quality reloading set designed specifically for the .50 Beowulf cartridge. These dies offer unparalleled precision and consistency, making them an excellent choice for serious reloaders. These dies improve safety and consistency.

The price may be higher than universal die sets, but the dedicated design and superior performance justify the investment for those who demand the best. The increased cost provides increased reliability and performance.

I would personally recommend the Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies to anyone who is serious about reloading .50 Beowulf ammunition. These dies offer exceptional performance, durability, and ease of use. Invest in the Alexander Arms Hornady .50 Reloading Dies and experience the satisfaction of crafting your own high-performance .50 Beowulf ammunition.