What Makes Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 – 1 out of 140 models Stand Out?
The Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 is more than just a set of reloading dies; it’s a gateway to precision and consistency for the serious .338 Ultra Magnum shooter. Hornady is a well-respected name in the reloading world, known for quality and innovation, and this die set promises to deliver both. This particular set, one of 140 models, aims to bring handloading accuracy and reliability to the powerful .338 Ultra Magnum cartridge.
As a long-time handloader and experienced .338 Ultra Magnum shooter, I was drawn to this die set because of my perpetual quest for tighter groupings and more consistent performance. Factory ammunition, even the premium stuff, often leaves something to be desired when chasing extreme accuracy. I needed a way to fine-tune my loads for my specific rifle.
Upon unboxing the Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel and apparent quality of the materials. The dies have a substantial weight and a smooth, polished finish that inspires confidence. They feel like professional-grade tools designed to last.
I considered other die sets from Redding and RCBS, both reputable manufacturers, but Hornady’s reputation for user-friendly design and innovative features like the Zip Spindle™ and integrated elliptical expander ultimately swayed my decision. I wanted a set that was not only precise but also easy to use and consistent. My first impression was definitely positive. It felt like I was investing in a set of tools that would significantly improve my reloading process.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 – 1 out of 140 models to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use of the Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 was at my home reloading bench, where I carefully followed Hornady’s instructions and consulted several reloading manuals. I was loading for an upcoming elk hunt in the high country of Colorado. The conditions were controlled, but the stakes were high; I needed ammunition that would perform flawlessly in a demanding hunting environment.
The dies performed smoothly and consistently from the very first case. The full-length sizing die resized the brass with minimal effort, and the bullet seating die provided precise and repeatable seating depths. There were no issues with case sticking or excessive friction. I found the dies very easy to use. No significant learning curve was involved. The set was very user friendly.
After firing the first batch of reloads at the range, I was immediately impressed with the improved consistency and accuracy compared to my previous factory loads. The standard deviation in velocity was noticeably lower, and the group sizes were significantly tighter. The results were more than promising; they were exactly what I had hoped for.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 has proven to be incredibly durable and reliable. There are no signs of wear and tear on the dies themselves. They still function as smoothly and precisely as they did on day one. A quick cleaning with a solvent and a light coat of oil after each reloading session is all it takes to keep them in top condition.
Compared to my previous experience with a less expensive die set, the Hornady dies are in a different league. They consistently produce more accurate and reliable ammunition, and they make the reloading process much more enjoyable. The set is a definite upgrade. It delivers on its promises.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 – 1 out of 140 models
Specifications
- Caliber: .338 Ultra Magnum. This die set is specifically designed for reloading the .338 Ultra Magnum cartridge, a potent and accurate big-game round.
- Type: 2-Die Set. This set includes a full-length sizing die and a bullet seating die, covering the essential steps in the reloading process.
- Full-Length Sizing Die: Resizes the entire case to factory specifications, ensuring proper chambering in your rifle. This is crucial for reliable feeding and extraction, especially in a magnum cartridge.
- Bullet Seating Die: Seats the bullet to the desired depth, ensuring consistent cartridge overall length (COAL) and optimal accuracy. Precise bullet seating is a key factor in achieving tight groupings.
- Hornady Zip Spindle™ Design: Positively locks to eliminate slippage during resizing. This is a fantastic feature! It allows you to make the resizing process far smoother.
- Integrated Elliptical Expander: Provides smooth neck sizing and reduces friction and case neck stretch. This prolongs case life and improves accuracy.
- Lock Rings: Feature the Hornady Sure-Loc™ design, which clamps around the entire die to hold it in place. These lock rings are of very high quality.
- Compatibility: Designed to work with most standard reloading presses. This makes it simple to integrate into existing setups.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 performs exceptionally well in all aspects of the reloading process. It sizes cases smoothly and accurately, seats bullets with precision, and produces consistent ammunition that delivers excellent accuracy. The Zip Spindle™ design prevents slippage. The elliptical expander reduces friction, making resizing easier and prolonging case life.
The main strength of this die set is its consistency. It consistently produces high-quality ammunition with minimal variation in bullet seating depth and case dimensions. A potential area for improvement is the lack of a crimping die in the standard 2-die set. I often prefer to apply a light crimp to my .338 Ultra Magnum loads. The crimp improves powder ignition. However, you can purchase a Hornady crimp die separately.
Overall, this die set meets and even exceeds my expectations. It offers a significant improvement in the quality and consistency of my reloads compared to previous methods. The dies have proven to be very useful.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 features a well-thought-out design and excellent ergonomics. The dies are made from high-quality steel with a smooth, polished finish that makes them a pleasure to use. The Zip Spindle™ and elliptical expander are intelligently designed. They contribute to a smoother and more efficient reloading process.
The dies are relatively heavy. This weight inspires confidence in their durability. There is no significant learning curve to using these dies. The set is very user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 is built to last. The high-quality steel construction and precise machining ensure long-term durability. The dies require minimal maintenance. A quick cleaning and a light coat of oil after each use are sufficient to keep them in top condition.
Given the robust construction, I expect this die set to last for many years of regular use. The Hornady reputation for quality gives me further confidence in its longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 comes with the two essential dies needed for reloading: a full-length sizing die and a bullet seating die. While it doesn’t include a crimping die, Hornady offers a separate crimping die that can be purchased separately. This allows you to customize your reloading process based on your specific needs.
The dies are compatible with most standard reloading presses and shell holders, making them easy to integrate into existing reloading setups. You can also purchase different bullet seating stems from Hornady to accommodate various bullet shapes and profiles.
Pros and Cons of Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 – 1 out of 140 models
Pros
- Exceptional Consistency: Produces ammunition with minimal variation in bullet seating depth and case dimensions, leading to improved accuracy.
- Smooth Operation: The Zip Spindle™ and elliptical expander make resizing easier and reduce friction.
- High-Quality Construction: Made from durable steel with precise machining, ensuring long-term reliability.
- User-Friendly Design: Easy to set up and use, even for reloaders with limited experience.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Contributes to tighter groupings and more consistent performance compared to factory ammunition.
Cons
- Lacks a Crimping Die: A crimping die is not included in the standard 2-die set and must be purchased separately.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some competing die sets, although the quality justifies the cost.
Who Should Buy Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 – 1 out of 140 models?
The Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 is perfect for serious .338 Ultra Magnum shooters who demand the highest level of accuracy and consistency from their ammunition. It’s ideal for hunters preparing for long-range shots on big game. It is also perfect for competitive shooters looking to fine-tune their loads for maximum performance. Anyone wanting to achieve handloaded accuracy from the .338 Ultra Magnum cartridge will love this set.
This product might not be necessary for casual shooters who are satisfied with the accuracy of factory ammunition. Additionally, those who are new to reloading might find it beneficial to start with a more basic die set before investing in this higher-end option.
A must-have accessory for this die set is the Hornady crimping die, which provides a consistent and reliable crimp for improved powder ignition and bullet retention.
Conclusion on Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 – 1 out of 140 models
In summary, the Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 is an excellent investment for anyone looking to reload accurate and consistent ammunition for their .338 Ultra Magnum rifle. The Hornady dies are easy to use, built to last, and deliver exceptional performance.
While the price is slightly higher than some competing die sets, the quality and features justify the cost. The Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338 provides users with a strong value proposition.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this die set to any serious .338 Ultra Magnum shooter looking to take their accuracy and consistency to the next level. Invest in the Hornady 2 Die Set, .338 Ultra Magnum, .338. You won’t be disappointed!