What Makes Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax Stand Out?
The Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax is presented as a straightforward solution to a common reloading problem: case sticking. Hornady, a name synonymous with quality reloading components, offers this wax as an alternative to their popular One-Shot Case Lube. It aims to ease the sizing process, prevent stuck cases, and leave no sticky residue behind – a claim I was eager to test.
I’ve been reloading for over a decade, and stuck cases are a frustrating reality, especially when working with tight-tolerance dies. The messy sprays and questionable effectiveness of some lubes have led me on a constant search for the “holy grail” of case sizing lubricants. This wax, promising clean application and easy removal, felt like it could be the answer.
The Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax comes in a small, 2-ounce container. Initially, I was pleased with the simple, no-frills packaging. My first impression was that it looks like a shoe polish.
I’ve used spray lubes like Hornady One-Shot Case Lube and Dillon Case Lube in the past. This wax seemed more controlled and potentially less messy than those sprays. It offered the promise of targeted application and minimized overspray.
I approached the Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax with cautious optimism. The concept of a wax-based lubricant appealed to my desire for a cleaner, more efficient reloading process. I was particularly interested in whether it lived up to the claim of easy removal and non-sticky residue.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax while reloading .223 Remington cases. This was performed in my well-lit, but sometimes dusty, reloading room. The cases were previously fired from an AR-15.
The wax applied easily with my fingertips. A thin coat was all that was necessary. The sizing process went smoothly, with no stuck cases or excessive effort required.
I noticed immediately that the wax didn’t have the strong chemical odor of some spray lubes. Clean up was a breeze. A quick wipe with a clean cloth removed the wax completely. There was no sticky residue left behind.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several reloading sessions spanning a couple of months, the Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax continues to perform consistently well. It has become a reliable part of my reloading process.
I haven’t observed any noticeable wear and tear on the wax itself, despite repeated use. The small container still appears nearly full. My sizing dies show no signs of excessive build up of lubricant.
Maintenance is simple: keep the container closed to prevent dust contamination. This has resulted in a long life of the wax itself. This far exceeds my expectations with messy spray lubricants. Compared to spray lubricants, the Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax delivers superior control and leaves my cases cleaner.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax
Specifications
The Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax is a wax-based lubricant designed for resizing cartridge cases. It comes in a 2-ounce container. The all-natural formula includes built-in tarnish inhibitors.
The wax-based formula ensures a controlled application. The 2-ounce size provides a compact and portable solution. The tarnish inhibitors help prevent corrosion on sized cases.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax excels at preventing cases from sticking during the resizing process. Cases sized smoothly with minimal effort. I experienced no stuck cases during my testing.
The wax applies easily with fingertips. It is easily removed with a clean cloth. This eliminates the mess associated with spray lubricants. The absence of sticky residue is a major advantage.
Design & Ergonomics
The packaging is simple and functional. The small container is easy to store and access. The wax itself has a pleasant consistency and is easy to manipulate.
The Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax requires no special skills to use. The application process is intuitive. Even a novice reloader can achieve excellent results.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax appears to be very durable. The small amount needed for each case suggests the container will last a long time. Minimal maintenance is required. Simply keep the container clean and closed when not in use.
The formula contains tarnish inhibitors which reduce oxidation of cases. This results in a longer life of the brass. Cases can be stored for extended periods without concern for corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax doesn’t require any specific accessories for use. A clean cloth for removing excess wax is helpful. It is compatible with all standard reloading dies. This allows reloaders to continue to use the equipment they have invested in.
The Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax works seamlessly with other Hornady reloading products. This also goes for reloading products made by other leading manufacturers. The user is not limited in their equipment choices.
Pros and Cons of Hornady One Shot Case Sizing WaxPros
- Excellent lubrication: Prevents stuck cases effectively.
- Clean application: Easy to apply with fingertips.
- Easy removal: Wipes off cleanly with no sticky residue.
- Long-lasting: A small amount goes a long way.
- Tarnish inhibitors: Helps prevent corrosion on sized cases.
Cons
- Can be messy: Applying with fingers can get wax under fingernails.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some spray lubricants per ounce.
Who Should Buy Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax?
Pros
- Excellent lubrication: Prevents stuck cases effectively.
- Clean application: Easy to apply with fingertips.
- Easy removal: Wipes off cleanly with no sticky residue.
- Long-lasting: A small amount goes a long way.
- Tarnish inhibitors: Helps prevent corrosion on sized cases.
Cons
- Can be messy: Applying with fingers can get wax under fingernails.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some spray lubricants per ounce.
The Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax is perfect for reloaders who want a clean, effective, and long-lasting case lubricant. This includes high-volume reloaders and those working with tight-tolerance dies. It’s also ideal for reloaders who dislike the mess and odor of spray lubricants.
Reloaders on a very tight budget, or those who prefer the convenience of spray lubricants, might want to skip this product. Those that do a lot of case trimming and other high-volume case prep steps, will find this method tedious and time-consuming.
A small, dedicated brush for applying the wax could be a useful addition. Consider investing in a good set of nitrile gloves to keep the wax off of the skin.
Conclusion on Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax
The Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax is a highly effective and user-friendly case lubricant. It offers excellent lubrication, clean application, and easy removal. The lack of sticky residue and the addition of tarnish inhibitors are significant advantages.
The price of $16.99 is justified by the product’s performance and longevity. The small amount needed for each case makes the initial investment worthwhile.
I highly recommend the Hornady One Shot Case Sizing Wax to any reloader seeking a superior case lubricant. Give it a try and experience the difference!