Let’s Dive into Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly
The Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly might seem like a small, unassuming part, but for reloaders, it’s a vital component that can make or break their ammo-making process. Manufactured by Hornady, a name synonymous with quality and precision in the ammunition and reloading world, this assembly is designed to work specifically with Hornady reloading presses. It’s essentially the nervous system of the press, ensuring the smooth and consistent operation of the powder measure.
I’ve been reloading for over a decade, initially starting with a single-stage press and eventually graduating to a progressive setup to keep up with my shooting volume. Over the years, I’ve learned that even the smallest part failure can grind production to a halt. I picked up a couple of these after a very scary kaboom happened due to a double charge on my rounds.
The Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly arrived in a simple, clear plastic package, which is typical for small replacement parts. The design looked simple, but felt robust, a testament to Hornady’s reputation. At a glance, the build quality appeared solid, with no obvious flaws or weak points in the wire or connectors.
Compared to some generic replacement parts I’ve tried in the past, the Hornady assembly felt noticeably sturdier and better made. I always buy the Hornady brand for replacement parts for this specific reason. My initial thought was, “Hopefully, this is the last time I need to worry about this breaking down.”
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly was during a high-volume reloading session for 9mm rounds destined for an upcoming IDPA match. I was using my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive press. The session lasted several hours, cranking out hundreds of rounds.
The assembly performed flawlessly, delivering consistent powder charges. The smoothness of the powder measure operation was restored immediately after installation. There were no hiccups or inconsistencies, even after several hundred rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and thousands of rounds reloaded using the Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly, I can confidently say it’s a reliable and durable component. There have been no signs of wear and tear, despite the constant cycling during reloading sessions. The powder measure continues to operate smoothly and consistently.
Maintenance has been minimal; I simply wipe it down with a clean cloth occasionally to remove any powder residue. Compared to the generic replacement parts I used to use, the Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly is on a whole different level. The consistency and long term reliability are unmatched in my opinion.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly
Specifications
The Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly is specifically designed as a replacement part for Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive reloading presses. This ensures perfect compatibility and proper function.
The assembly consists of a flexible wire cable with crimped connectors at each end. The crimped ends ensure proper attachment to the powder measure and the press operating mechanism.
The material used is high strength steel wire, providing both flexibility and durability to withstand repeated cycles. The precise gauge of the wire ensures optimal tension and responsiveness during operation.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly plays a crucial role in the smooth and consistent operation of the powder measure on the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press. It is what allows you to reload rounds quickly, without fail or misfires. It connects the movement of the press ram to the powder measure, dispensing a precise charge of powder into each case.
The strength and flexibility of the wire are paramount for consistent powder dispensing. When a round is improperly seated or there is too much stress on the system, this can cause the assembly to break, indicating that there is a problem.
The Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly does its job perfectly when properly installed and aligned. It works because it is an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) product!
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly is simple yet effective. The wire is flexible enough to accommodate the movement of the press. The crimped connectors are designed to securely attach to the powder measure and press mechanism.
The build quality is excellent, as expected from Hornady. The weight is negligible, but the high-strength steel wire feels durable and well-made. There is no learning curve; it’s a straight swap-out for the old part.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly is designed for long-term reliability. Its biggest strength is its durability and ability to work thousands of rounds at a time. Minimal maintenance is required.
A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth to remove any powder residue is generally sufficient. Its simple design makes replacement straightforward, should it ever be necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly is a replacement part and doesn’t have any accessories or customization options. It is what makes the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP system functional and effective. It is compatible only with Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive reloading presses.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly
Pros
- Perfect fit for Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive presses.
- Ensures smooth and consistent powder dispensing.
- High-quality materials for durability and long life.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- An inexpensive and vital part that helps reduce squib loads.
Cons
- Only compatible with Hornady Lock-N-Load AP presses.
- It is designed to break when there is a problem with the reload, some people want it to be sturdier.
Who Should Buy Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly?
The Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly is perfect for reloaders who own a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive press and need a replacement part. Those who need a reliable and easy-to-install solution for maintaining consistent powder dispensing should consider this product. Anyone who wants to avoid the risk of squib or double loads should consider this product.
This product should be skipped by those who do not use a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive press. Must-have accessories or modifications are not applicable, as it is a replacement part.
Conclusion on Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly
The Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly is a small but essential component for reloaders using the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive press. It ensures smooth and consistent powder dispensing, contributing to accurate and reliable ammunition. At $14.99, the price is more than justified for the peace of mind and performance it provides.
I would absolutely recommend the Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly to any reloader using the compatible press. If you own a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press, you should always have a spare or two of these on hand. Don’t let a broken cam wire halt your reloading operation; invest in a Hornady Breakaway Cam Wire Assembly today!