What Makes Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models Stand Out?
The Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models isn’t just another reloading die; it’s a precision tool designed to help you craft consistent and accurate ammunition. Hornady has a long-standing reputation for quality, and this die is intended to uphold that standard, specifically for the powerful .270 Weatherby Magnum cartridge. The inclusion of features like the zip spindle design and elliptical expander suggests a focus on smooth operation and minimized case neck runout, which are crucial for achieving consistent bullet seating and, ultimately, superior accuracy.
For years, I’d been chasing tighter groups with my .270 Weatherby, a cartridge known for its flat trajectory and potent energy. Factory ammunition was decent, but the cost was prohibitive, and I knew I could unlock even greater potential with handloads tailored to my rifle. This die promised the precision I needed to achieve that goal, making it a vital piece of my reloading setup.
Unboxing the die felt like a step up in quality compared to some of my older sets. The finish was smooth, the threads were clean, and the weight felt substantial, inspiring confidence in its durability. The lock rings with wrench flats were a welcome sight, ensuring a secure and repeatable setting, something that cheaper dies often lack.
While I have other full-length dies from Redding and RCBS, I chose the Hornady die for its specific features and the positive experiences I’ve had with other Hornady reloading components. The Redding die, while excellent, is significantly more expensive, and the RCBS die lacked some of the finer features that I was looking for, like the zip spindle. The Hornady die seemed to strike the perfect balance between price and performance.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to try it out and see if it lived up to its promises, but also aware that reloading is a process with many variables, and the die is just one piece of the puzzle. Time would tell if it would make a real difference in my handloads.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use of the Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models was in my reloading room, a space dedicated to the meticulous process of crafting accurate ammunition. I was working with a batch of once-fired .270 Weatherby brass, carefully cleaned and prepped for reloading. I was using my Forster Co-Ax press, which provided excellent leverage and alignment.
The die performed flawlessly, resizing the cases smoothly and consistently. The zip spindle design made adjusting the die’s position incredibly easy, allowing me to quickly achieve the correct shoulder bump. Even in slightly dusty conditions (reloading rooms are rarely pristine), the die continued to operate without a hitch.
The ease of use was immediately apparent. The zip spindle allowed for quick and precise adjustments. No issues arose during the first use, reinforcing my initial positive impression.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds reloaded, the Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models continues to perform admirably. It has consistently resized my brass with minimal effort and exceptional uniformity. I have observed no signs of wear or tear, a testament to the die’s robust construction.
The die has held up incredibly well. There are no visible signs of wear, even after resizing a significant number of cases. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each reloading session is all that’s needed.
Compared to my experience with older, less precise dies, the Hornady die has significantly improved the consistency of my handloads, resulting in tighter groups at the range. The consistency and ease of use have far exceeded my previous reloading experiences.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models
Specifications
- Caliber: .270 Weatherby Magnum (.277 bullet diameter). This ensures the die is specifically sized for this particular cartridge, providing optimal resizing for accurate reloading.
- Type: Full Length Resizing Die. This means the die resizes the entire case body and neck, returning it to SAAMI specifications for reliable chambering.
- Material: High-quality steel, heat-treated for durability. This provides a robust and long-lasting tool capable of withstanding repeated use.
- Features: Zip Spindle Design, Lock Rings with Wrench Flats, Elliptical Expander, Smooth Finish. These features contribute to ease of use, precise adjustments, and minimal case neck runout, all of which are crucial for accuracy.
These specifications are important because they contribute directly to the quality and consistency of the reloaded ammunition. A well-resized case ensures proper chambering, while minimal runout promotes consistent bullet seating and improved accuracy. The .270 Weatherby Magnum is capable of exceptional performance when reloaded accurately, and the Hornady die helps make it happen.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models excels at its primary job: resizing cases to SAAMI specifications. It does so smoothly and consistently, with minimal effort required on the reloading press. My resulting handloads chamber flawlessly and exhibit excellent accuracy.
The zip spindle design makes adjusting the die’s position incredibly easy, allowing for precise control over shoulder bump. The elliptical expander minimizes case neck runout, promoting consistent bullet seating. It performs its job with precision and ease, exceeding expectations.
One minor weakness is that the die does not include a built-in case neck sizer. While the elliptical expander helps minimize runout, a dedicated neck sizer would provide even greater precision for those seeking the absolute highest level of accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The die is constructed from high-quality steel with a smooth finish. The weight feels substantial, inspiring confidence in its durability. The design is straightforward and functional, with no unnecessary frills.
The lock rings with wrench flats are a thoughtful addition, allowing for secure and repeatable settings. The zip spindle design makes adjustments quick and easy. Its design prioritizes function and ease of use.
There is no real learning curve associated with using the die. Its operation is intuitive and straightforward, even for novice reloaders.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models is built to last. Its high-quality steel construction and heat-treated components ensure a long service life. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each reloading session is all that’s required. Occasional lubrication with a high-quality gun oil will help prevent corrosion. The maintenance requirements are minimal.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models does not come with any additional accessories beyond the lock ring. However, it is compatible with standard reloading presses and shell holders. This allows for broad compatibility.
Customization options are limited to adjusting the die’s position to achieve the desired shoulder bump. The die can also be used in conjunction with other Hornady reloading components, such as their bullet seating dies and powder measures. The lack of accessories is a minor drawback.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models
Pros
- Zip spindle design allows for quick and precise adjustments.
- Elliptical expander minimizes case neck runout, promoting consistent bullet seating.
- Lock rings with wrench flats ensure secure and repeatable settings.
- High-quality steel construction provides excellent durability.
- Smooth finish and precise machining result in consistent and reliable performance.
Cons
- Does not include a dedicated case neck sizer.
- Comes with no additional accessories beyond the lock ring.
Who Should Buy Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models?
The Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models is perfect for hunters and target shooters who reload .270 Weatherby Magnum ammunition and prioritize accuracy and consistency. It is also a good choice for reloaders who appreciate ease of use and durable construction. Anyone looking for quality reloads on a budget.
Those who are seeking the absolute highest level of accuracy and are willing to invest in more specialized equipment may prefer a die set that includes a dedicated case neck sizer. Those looking for more accessories may prefer to buy a die set instead.
A quality reloading press (like the Forster Co-Ax) and a reliable powder measure are must-have accessories for reloading .270 Weatherby Magnum ammunition. I also recommend using a concentricity gauge to check the runout of your loaded rounds.
Conclusion on Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models
The Hornady Full Length Die, 270 Weatherby, .277, – 1 out of 125 models is a well-made and reliable tool that delivers consistent and accurate results. At $63.99, the price is justified by its features, performance, and durability. It strikes a good balance between performance and price.
I would definitely recommend this die to anyone who reloads .270 Weatherby Magnum ammunition and is looking for a high-quality tool that will help them achieve consistent and accurate results. It’s a solid addition to any reloading bench and a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders. Take your reloading to the next level and experience the difference a quality die can make!