Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models Review

What Makes Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models Stand Out?

The Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models is a specialized reloading tool designed to enhance the accuracy and longevity of .22 caliber short ammunition. Hornady has a reputation for quality reloading equipment, and this die is no exception. It’s built to precisely size the necks of cartridge cases, ensuring optimal bullet seating and consistent chamber pressure, leading to improved accuracy, and it achieves this without working the entire case body, as full-length resizing does.

Like many reloaders, I’ve always chased that extra edge of accuracy, and the promise of extended case life is appealing given the current cost of components. I was looking for a solution to fine-tune my .22 Short loads specifically for my favorite vintage bolt-action rifle. I wanted to achieve the best possible accuracy from that combination.

My initial impression was positive. The die felt solid and well-machined in my hand, a testament to Hornady’s commitment to quality. The finish was smooth, and the threads were clean, indicating attention to detail.

I considered the Lee Collet Neck Sizing Die and the Redding Neck Sizing Die, but I chose the Hornady die due to its integrated expander button and Hornady’s reputation for consistent sizing. Plus, the Zip Spindle™ design intrigued me with its promise of easy adjustments. I also prefer to keep my reloading setup within the same brand when possible to avoid potential compatibility issues.

I was definitely excited to try it out. The promise of better accuracy and longer case life is every reloader’s dream, and I had high hopes that the Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models would deliver on that promise. The die looked serious, so I thought it could give me serious performance.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models at my local shooting range, handloading .22 Short rounds for my vintage Remington Model 12 bolt-action rifle. The weather was a typical spring day, with mild temperatures and a slight breeze.

The die performed admirably in the dry conditions. It was easy to set up on my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press and the sizing process was smooth and consistent. The Zip Spindle™ made fine-tuning the neck tension surprisingly easy and repeatable.

The Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models requires some getting used to, but the provided instructions were clear and concise. Adjusting the depth of the neck sizing took a few test rounds to dial in the ideal neck tension for my rifle and preferred bullets, but the Zip Spindle™ made it a breeze. There were no immediate issues, and the first few resized cases felt noticeably more uniform than those resized with a full-length die.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models continues to perform reliably. The die shows no signs of wear and tear, and the sizing process remains smooth and consistent.

The die’s durability is impressive. Even after resizing hundreds of cases, the internal surfaces remain polished and free of scratches. Regular cleaning with a dry brush keeps it functioning perfectly.

Compared to full-length resizing, the Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models significantly outperforms in terms of case life and accuracy. My .22 Short brass is lasting longer, and I’ve noticed a measurable improvement in group sizes at 50 yards. It has far exceeded what I expected.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models

Specifications

The Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models is specifically designed for .22 Caliber Short cartridges. It features a .224 bullet diameter sizing capability. The die body is constructed from hardened steel for durability, and it incorporates an integrated elliptical expander.

• Effective neck sizing die for bolt-action rifles by Hornady: This means the die is optimized for rifles with controlled chamber dimensions. Cases fired in these rifles experience minimal expansion, and neck sizing alone is sufficient to ensure proper fit.
• Should only be used in cases that will be fired from a bolt action or single shot rifle: Neck sizing is not suitable for semi-automatic rifles, as the cases may not chamber reliably. The die is designed for the precise tolerances of bolt-action or single-shot actions.
• Eliminates problems of excessive head space and aligns the bullet perfectly with the bore, resulting in better accuracy and longer case life: By only resizing the neck, the die preserves the fire-formed fit of the case body to the chamber. This reduces stress on the brass, leading to longer case life and improves alignment, contributing to increased accuracy.
• Zip Spindle™ design on die positively locks to eliminate slippage: The Zip Spindle™ allows for precise and repeatable adjustments of the internal expander, preventing slippage during the sizing process. It’s a feature that simplifies fine-tuning neck tension.
• Internal die profile is precision machined and polished to a smooth finish that delivers reliable functioning without case sticking or excessive friction: A smooth internal finish is crucial for preventing case sticking and ensuring consistent sizing. This feature contributes to a smooth and reliable reloading process.
• Integrated elliptical expander provides extremely smooth neck sizing and significantly reduces friction and case neck stretch: The elliptical expander gently expands the case neck to the correct diameter after sizing, minimizing friction and preventing the brass from becoming overworked. It is a critical feature for maintaining case integrity.
• Locking retainer spring removes in seconds for easy disassembly and cleaning of the die: Easy disassembly is essential for cleaning and maintaining the die. The locking retainer spring allows for quick and easy access to the internal components.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the accuracy, consistency, and longevity of reloaded ammunition. The precision machining and thoughtful design features contribute to a smoother, more reliable reloading process.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently sizes the necks of .22 Short cases to the correct diameter, ensuring optimal bullet seating and chambering. The accuracy of my reloads has improved noticeably, and I’m experiencing longer case life.

The die’s greatest strength is its ability to improve accuracy by ensuring consistent neck tension. However, it requires careful setup and adjustment to achieve optimal results. It is not a “set it and forget it” tool; it requires continuous tweaking as you change bullets and powder.

It meets and exceeds my expectations. It’s a well-designed and well-executed tool that delivers on its promise of improved accuracy and longer case life. The neck sizing is extremely accurate, giving excellent bullet seating.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The die is made from hardened steel and features a smooth, polished finish. The weight feels substantial, indicating durability and quality.

The die is relatively user-friendly. The instructions are clear and concise, and the Zip Spindle™ makes adjustments easy. It does require some experience with reloading to fully appreciate its capabilities.

Durability & Maintenance

The die is built to last. The hardened steel construction and smooth finish resist wear and tear. Regular cleaning with a dry brush is all that’s needed to keep it functioning perfectly.

The die is easy to disassemble and clean, thanks to the locking retainer spring. There are no complicated parts or procedures involved. The simple design contributes to its reliability and longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

The die itself does not come with any accessories. However, it’s compatible with standard Hornady reloading presses and shell holders. The die can be used with different expander buttons to adjust neck tension for various bullet types. This is not a plug-and-play product; its modularity means it may require the use of other products to attain your desired results.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models

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Who Should Buy Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models?

The Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models is perfect for: competitive shooters and reloaders who seek to optimize the accuracy of their .22 Short ammunition. The die is also perfect for shooters looking to extend the life of their brass.

This product is not suitable for: reloaders who primarily load for semi-automatic rifles or those who are new to reloading. It is also not suitable for those who prefer the convenience of full-length resizing.

Must-have accessories: A high-quality reloading press, a .22 caliber shell holder, and a case lube.

Conclusion on Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models

The Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models is a valuable tool for reloaders who are serious about accuracy and case longevity. It’s well-designed, well-executed, and delivers on its promises.

The price of $53.99 is justified given the quality of construction and the performance benefits. It’s an investment that will pay off in improved accuracy and longer case life.

I would definitely recommend it. It’s a must-have for any reloader looking to squeeze the most accuracy out of their .22 Short ammunition and extend the life of their brass. So, if you’re ready to take your reloading to the next level, give the Hornady Neck Size Die, .22 Caliber Short, .224 – 1 out of 19 models a try!