Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 Review

What Makes Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 Stand Out?

The Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 is a crucial component for any serious reloader looking to streamline their progressive reloading process. This powder drop is designed specifically to work with progressive presses like the Hornady Lock-n-Load AP, offering automated powder dispensing activated by the presence of a case. Its promise is faster, more consistent reloading, and as a veteran of the reloading bench for over a decade, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

I had been manually charging cases for years, a painstaking process that ate into my time and frankly, my enjoyment of reloading. I was seeking a system to improve efficiency without sacrificing the precision that hand-loading demands. After researching various case-activated powder drops, the Hornady unit’s reputation for reliability and compatibility with my existing Hornady press swayed my decision.

Unboxing the Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 revealed a solid piece of equipment. The materials felt robust, and the construction appeared well-engineered, instilling confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of high-volume reloading. It came with the quick-change powder die, a welcome addition for someone who frequently switches between calibers.

I considered the RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure with Case-Activated Powder Drop and the Dillon Precision Powder Measure. However, the Hornady system seemed better suited for my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press, offering seamless integration. I was excited to see if this would revolutionize my reloading process and save me valuable time at the bench.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 extensively at my home reloading bench. I was loading .223 Remington for AR-15 practice and competition, a caliber I shoot often and reload in high volumes. The initial setup was straightforward, attaching the powder drop to my Lock-N-Load AP press without any major hiccups.

The press ran flawlessly, dispensing accurate powder charges consistently every time. The case-activated feature worked as advertised, preventing powder spillage if a case was missing. The powder drop functioned smoothly even when running the press at a relatively high speed, ensuring a steady flow of precisely measured powder into each case.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 has proven to be a reliable addition to my reloading setup. I have reloaded thousands of rounds of .223 Remington and 9mm without experiencing any significant issues. The Hornady unit shows no noticeable signs of wear and tear, demonstrating the durability of its construction.

Cleaning the powder drop is simple, requiring just a quick disassembly and wipe down with a brush. Compared to my previous manual charging method, the Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 has significantly improved my reloading speed and consistency. It has exceeded my expectations and made reloading far less of a chore.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073

Specifications

• The Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 is designed for use with progressive presses, particularly the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP. Its compatibility with standard 7/8-inch-14 threaded dies makes it versatile for many presses.
• It dispenses powder charges only when a case is present, preventing powder spills and ensuring consistent powder loads. This is a critical feature for progressive reloading, significantly reducing waste and improving safety.
• The Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 includes a quick-change powder die, facilitating rapid caliber changes. This saves valuable time for reloaders working with multiple calibers.
• Note that a powder measure is not included; it must be purchased separately. This allows reloaders to choose a powder measure that best suits their needs.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 performs its primary function of dispensing powder effectively and consistently. It integrates seamlessly with progressive presses, automating the powder charging process. The accuracy of the dispensed charges depends largely on the powder measure used, but the activation mechanism itself is reliable.

The strength of this unit lies in its case-activated design, minimizing powder waste and potential errors. One area for potential improvement could be finer adjustments for powder charge weights directly on the activation unit. Overall, it meets expectations for a mid-range case-activated powder drop, enhancing reloading efficiency.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 is constructed from durable materials, providing a solid feel and reliable performance. Its straightforward design ensures ease of use and minimal learning curve. The quick-change die is a thoughtful addition, simplifying caliber changes.

The weight is balanced, not adding excessive bulk to the press. The ergonomic design allows for comfortable operation over extended reloading sessions.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 is built to withstand the repetitive motions of progressive reloading. Proper maintenance involves regular cleaning to remove powder residue and prevent malfunctions. With regular care, the unit should provide years of reliable service.

The simple design makes maintenance straightforward. There are few parts that are prone to breaking, ensuring longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073 does not come with many accessories beyond the included quick-change powder die. Customization primarily revolves around selecting a compatible powder measure to pair with the unit. It is compatible with most standard 7/8-inch-14 threaded dies, allowing for use with various presses and accessories.

The most significant “accessory” is the powder measure itself. Finding the right powder measure is critical to achieving precise and consistent loads.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop – 050073