Let’s Dive into Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer
Reloading ammunition is a fulfilling process, but dealing with military surplus brass can be a headache. The dreaded primer pocket crimp! That’s where the Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer comes in, promising to make GI brass reloadable with ease.
I’ve been reloading for over a decade, and I’ve always found dealing with crimped primer pockets to be a tedious process. I was looking for a reliable and efficient tool to remove primer pocket crimps without damaging the brass.
The Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer kit arrives in a simple, no-frills package. Initial impressions are that it’s a straightforward, functional tool. The reamer heads appear well-machined, and the handle feels comfortable enough to grip.
Compared to other crimp removal tools, like chamfer tools or dedicated swaging tools, I chose the Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer for its simplicity and the fact that it came with both large and small primer pocket reamer heads. I was hoping for a quick and easy solution.
My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism. I’ve used other hand-held reamers before and found them inconsistent. I was eager to see if the Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer would live up to the Hornady name and provide a more reliable and efficient solution.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was on a batch of 5.56 NATO brass I had picked up at the range. I set up my reloading bench and used the small primer pocket reamer head.
The reamer worked as advertised, cleanly cutting away the crimp. I found that applying consistent pressure and using a twisting motion gave the best results.
I initially found myself applying too much pressure, which resulted in a slightly rougher cut, but after a few cases, I got the hang of it. No issues arose during the first session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of cases, the Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer continues to perform reliably. The reamer heads have shown no signs of dulling or chipping.
The tool is surprisingly durable for its size. The handle has held up well to repeated use.
Maintenance is minimal; simply wipe down the reamer heads with a clean cloth after use. It’s definitely more efficient and consistent than using a deburring tool on each individual primer pocket.
Compared to my previous methods, the Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer is a significant upgrade. It’s faster, more consistent, and less fatiguing. It delivers on its promise to efficiently prepare GI brass for reloading.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer
Specifications
- The Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer kit includes a handle, a large primer pocket reamer head, and a small primer pocket reamer head. These accommodate both large and small primer pockets.
- The reamer heads are constructed from hardened steel for durability. This ensures a long working life.
- The weight of the entire kit is approximately 0.08 lbs. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle.
- The Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer is designed to remove primer pocket crimps from military surplus brass. This makes the brass reloadable.
- The tool is silver in color. It is a simple but effective visual indicator of a necessary reloading step.
These specifications contribute to the tool’s effectiveness and ease of use. The hardened steel construction and correct sizing is critical for reliably removing crimps without damaging the brass.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer performs its primary function of removing primer pocket crimps effectively. It does this by cutting away the crimp material, creating a smooth and consistent pocket for primer seating.
The tool’s primary strength is its simplicity and ease of use. It requires minimal effort to operate.
One potential area for improvement is the handle grip. It could benefit from a more ergonomic design for extended use, as the current handle can become slightly uncomfortable after reaming many cases. It effectively meets expectations and prepares the brass for reloading.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer is adequate. The steel reamer heads are well-machined and appear durable.
The handle, while functional, could be improved with a more ergonomic design. It’s easy to use, but a better grip would enhance comfort during extended reloading sessions. A longer handle would provide more leverage.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer is built to last. The hardened steel reamer heads should provide a long service life.
Maintenance is minimal; simply wipe down the reamer heads with a clean cloth and apply a light coat of oil periodically to prevent rust. This is a tool that you won’t have to replace frequently.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer kit comes complete with everything needed for its intended purpose. There are no additional accessories included.
Hornady sells replacement reamer heads separately, which is a plus. This allows you to replace worn-out heads without purchasing the entire kit. This ensures that you can keep using your Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer for years to come.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer
Pros
- Effectively removes primer pocket crimps from GI brass.
- Includes both small and large primer pocket reamer heads.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Durable hardened steel construction.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Handle could be more ergonomic.
- Requires some practice to achieve consistent results.
Who Should Buy Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer?
The Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer is perfect for reloaders who process a lot of military surplus brass. It is also a great option for those who are just starting out in reloading and want a simple and reliable tool for removing primer pocket crimps.
Those who might want to skip this product are reloaders who primarily use commercially available brass, as it typically doesn’t have primer pocket crimps. Those who prefer automated solutions will also want to skip this.
A must-have accessory is a good case prep station to hold the brass securely while reaming. Also, quality calipers are necessary to ensure consistent primer pocket depth after reaming.
Conclusion on Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer
Overall, the Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer is a solid and effective tool for preparing military surplus brass for reloading. It efficiently removes primer pocket crimps, making GI brass reloadable.
The price is justified for the value it provides. It saves time and effort compared to other methods.
I would definitely recommend the Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer to fellow reloaders who deal with crimped primer pockets. It’s a simple, reliable, and affordable solution to a common reloading problem. Get yours today and make reloading GI brass a breeze!