Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters Review

Let’s Dive into Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters

The Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters are designed to allow reloaders to use their existing reloading presses for the massive .50 BMG cartridge. Hornady, a well-respected name in reloading, aims to provide a solution for those who want to reload this powerful round without investing in a dedicated, and often expensive, .50 BMG press. It promises compatibility and ease of use, integrating seamlessly with Hornady‘s existing reloading equipment.

I was drawn to the Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters because I was starting to reload .50 BMG, and the cost of a dedicated press was prohibitive. I wanted a way to utilize my existing single-stage press, hopefully saving money and space in my reloading room.

Upon unboxing, the adapter feels solid and substantial, crafted from what appears to be durable steel. Its weight inspires confidence, suggesting it can handle the considerable pressures involved in reloading .50 BMG. The finish is clean and functional, though not particularly fancy, which is perfectly acceptable for a tool like this.

Compared to some universal shell holders, the Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters are specifically designed for the .50 BMG, promising a tighter fit and greater stability. Other options often require modifications or shimming to properly hold the massive case, which is a potential safety concern. I chose this because of Hornady‘s reputation for quality and precision.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The adapter looked like it would solve my problem, but the fit and stability of the shell holder within the adapter remained a concern I saw raised by other reloaders. Only testing would reveal its true performance.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my home reloading bench, using a Hornady Lock-N-Load single-stage press. I was preparing .50 BMG rounds for long-range target shooting. The conditions were typical for my reloading room: dry and climate-controlled.

The initial setup was straightforward: the adapter fits snugly into the ram of my press. However, the shell holder itself didn’t feel as secure as I expected; there was noticeable play. This immediately raised concerns about consistent alignment during the reloading process.

The ease of use was somewhat hampered by the shell holder instability. It required constant attention to ensure the case remained properly seated during each step. There were no catastrophic failures, but the process was far from smooth.

The biggest surprise was the amount of movement within the shell holder. It wasn’t confidence-inspiring, and definitely required a more cautious approach to reloading than I’m accustomed to.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several reloading sessions, totaling approximately 200 rounds, the Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters have shown moderate wear, primarily slight scuffing on the steel surface. However, the underlying issue of shell holder instability persists. This remains my primary concern.

The durability of the steel itself seems adequate; there are no signs of cracking or deformation. However, the loose fit of the shell holder continues to be a weak point.

Maintenance is simple: I wipe it down with a dry cloth after each use to remove any powder residue or lubricant. There are no complex parts to disassemble or clean.

Compared to my previous experiences reloading other cartridges, this was considerably less enjoyable due to the constant need for vigilance. While it allows me to reload .50 BMG, it doesn’t provide the same level of confidence or efficiency as reloading with dedicated equipment for smaller cartridges. It underperforms in comparison to my standard reloading setup.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hornady. A well-known and respected manufacturer in the reloading industry.
• Quantity: One adapter per package. This is important to consider if needing multiples.
• Caliber: .50 BMG. Designed specifically for this large caliber round.
• Fabric/Material: Steel. Provides necessary strength and durability for reloading high-pressure rounds.

These specifications are crucial because they dictate the adapter’s compatibility and suitability for reloading .50 BMG. The steel construction ensures it can withstand the immense forces involved, while the .50 BMG caliber designation guarantees it’s sized correctly for the cartridge. The steel ensures it can handle the pressures generated.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters technically allow you to reload .50 BMG cartridges using a standard reloading press. However, the performance is compromised by the shell holder instability.

The biggest strength is its ability to circumvent the need for a dedicated .50 BMG press, saving significant money. The most glaring weakness is the loose shell holder, which impacts consistency and requires extra care during reloading.

It meets the minimum expectation of allowing .50 BMG reloading, but it falls short of providing a smooth, confidence-inspiring experience. The shell holder instability needs improvement.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is generally good; the steel is robust, and the machining appears precise. The weight feels appropriate for the task at hand.

However, the user-friendliness is diminished by the shell holder issue. The constant need to monitor and adjust the case position adds a significant learning curve, especially for novice reloaders. The loose shell holder detracts from its user-friendliness.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction suggests it will last for a considerable time, assuming the shell holder issue doesn’t worsen. Regular cleaning will help prolong its lifespan.

Maintenance is simple: wipe clean after each use. Repairs would likely involve replacing the entire adapter if the shell holder fit deteriorates further.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters don’t come with any specific accessories. Its primary function is to adapt a standard reloading press for .50 BMG cartridges.

The adapter relies on standard shell holders, but compatibility can be finicky due to the aforementioned stability issues. The lack of a secure shell holder locking mechanism limits the customization options. The Hornady shell holders should fit, but the fit itself is questionable.

Pros and Cons of Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters

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Who Should Buy Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters?

The Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters are perfect for reloaders who:

• Are on a tight budget and cannot afford a dedicated .50 BMG press.
• Only plan to reload .50 BMG occasionally.
• Are experienced reloaders comfortable with carefully monitoring each step of the process.

This product is not for:

• Novice reloaders.
• Reloaders who prioritize speed and efficiency.
• Those seeking a truly precise and consistent reloading experience.

A must-have modification would be to find a way to shim or secure the shell holder within the adapter to eliminate the excessive play. This could involve using shims, o-rings, or even a custom-machined insert.

Conclusion on Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters

The Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters present a mixed bag. While it successfully allows reloading .50 BMG on a standard press, the shell holder instability significantly detracts from the overall experience.

The price is justified for those who absolutely need to reload .50 BMG on a budget, but the compromised performance is a significant trade-off.

I would recommend it with reservations. Be aware of the shell holder issue and be prepared to address it before expecting consistent results.

Ultimately, the Hornady 50 BMG Shell Head Adapters are a viable, but imperfect, solution for budget-conscious .50 BMG reloaders. Proceed with caution and consider exploring alternative solutions if precision and consistency are paramount.