Let’s Dive into Hornady Primer Turning Plates
The Hornady Primer Turning Plates are a simple, yet surprisingly crucial, tool for reloaders dealing with the often-frustrating issue of inverted primers. Manufactured by Hornady, a trusted name in reloading, these plates address a specific problem in a straightforward manner. For just $9.99, they promise to make primer handling a bit less stressful.
My journey to these plates began with countless hours spent reloading ammunition for my various firearms, ranging from hunting rifles to competition pistols. A recurring annoyance was the occasional, darn near inevitable, flipped primer in the priming tray. This slows down the entire reloading process and can be a safety hazard.
Unboxing the Hornady Primer Turning Plates, I was met with a no-frills, utilitarian design. The plates are lightweight and made of what appears to be durable plastic. The simplicity was immediately appealing; there’s no complicated assembly or intricate mechanism.
Similar products exist, like primer flippers from RCBS or Frankford Arsenal. I chose the Hornady option because I already utilize several Hornady reloading tools and appreciate their consistently solid build quality. Plus, the price point was tough to beat.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The plates seemed promising, but I reserved judgment until I could put them to work. Could something so simple really make a noticeable difference in my reloading workflow?
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Primer Turning Plates to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my reloading bench during a batch of .223 Remington ammunition for my AR-15. This is a high-volume task, making it an ideal scenario to assess the Hornady Primer Turning Plates. I used the plates to fill my priming tool’s tray.
The plates worked perfectly. Primers quickly oriented themselves correctly, making the entire process of filling the primer tray much more efficient and far less frustrating. I tested the plates in relatively controlled conditions, with a clean bench and dry primers.
The ease of use was remarkable. The plates require virtually no learning curve. Just pour primers onto the plate, gently shake, and watch the magic happen.
There were no initial issues. The Hornady Primer Turning Plates performed exactly as advertised, saving me valuable time and minimizing the risk of accidentally seating a primer upside down.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hornady Primer Turning Plates have proven to be a reliable addition to my reloading setup. They continue to function flawlessly, and I haven’t experienced any degradation in their performance.
The plates show no signs of wear and tear despite regular use. The plastic material appears to be durable and resistant to cracking or breaking.
Maintenance is non-existent. I occasionally wipe the plates down with a clean cloth to remove any stray powder or debris, but that’s all that’s needed.
Compared to manually flipping primers, which was my previous method, the Hornady Primer Turning Plates are a significant improvement. They save time, reduce frustration, and contribute to a smoother, more efficient reloading process.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Primer Turning Plates
Specifications
The Hornady Primer Turning Plates are designed to orient primers correctly for easy transfer to a primer tray. They are made of durable plastic, making them lightweight and easy to handle. The dimensions are approximately 6 inches in diameter, offering ample surface area for primer manipulation.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the plates’ usability and effectiveness. The lightweight design prevents fatigue during extended use, while the durable plastic ensures longevity. The sufficient diameter allows for efficient primer orientation.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Primer Turning Plates excel at their primary function: correctly orienting primers. Primers quickly and easily flip into the correct position with a gentle shaking motion.
The plates’ strength lies in their simplicity and effectiveness. A potential weakness could be the plastic construction; although durable, it might be susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals or excessive force.
The Hornady Primer Turning Plates far exceed my expectations. Their simple design delivers exceptional results, significantly improving the reloading process.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is surprisingly good for a simple plastic tool. The plates feel sturdy and well-made, despite their lightweight construction.
The Hornady Primer Turning Plates are incredibly user-friendly. There’s no learning curve, and they require minimal effort to operate.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Hornady Primer Turning Plates should last for many years with proper care. Their simple design eliminates many potential points of failure.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth is all that’s required to keep the plates in good working condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Primer Turning Plates are a standalone tool and do not require any accessories. They are designed to work seamlessly with standard primer trays from various manufacturers. There are no customization options available or necessary.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Primer Turning Plates
Pros
- Simple and effective design that quickly orients primers correctly.
- Durable plastic construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to use with virtually no learning curve.
- Saves time and reduces frustration during the reloading process.
- Inexpensive and offers excellent value for money.
Cons
- Plastic construction, while durable, could be susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals or extreme force.
- Somewhat basic design; lacks any advanced features or refinements.
Who Should Buy Hornady Primer Turning Plates?
The Hornady Primer Turning Plates are perfect for any reloader who wants to streamline their priming process. This is an essential tool for high-volume reloaders, as well as anyone who experiences frustration with manually flipping primers.
Those who might skip this product are reloaders who already have a sophisticated, automated priming system. Also, reloaders who only load a few rounds at a time may not find the Hornady Primer Turning Plates a worthwhile investment.
A must-have “accessory” is a quality primer tray. The Hornady Primer Turning Plates are designed to work seamlessly with standard primer trays.
Conclusion on Hornady Primer Turning Plates
The Hornady Primer Turning Plates are a simple yet invaluable addition to any reloader’s toolkit. They effectively solve a common problem, saving time, reducing frustration, and improving overall efficiency.
At just $9.99, the price is more than justified. The Hornady Primer Turning Plates offer exceptional value for money and are a worthwhile investment for any reloader.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Hornady Primer Turning Plates. If you’re tired of manually flipping primers, these plates are a game-changer. Add them to your reloading bench and experience the difference!