Hornady Case Lube Review

First Thoughts on the Hornady Case Lube

Reloading ammunition is a precise and often tedious process. One of the most crucial steps is ensuring the cases are properly lubricated. Without proper lubrication, resizing brass can become a herculean task, leading to stuck cases, damaged dies, and a whole lot of frustration. Enter the Hornady Case Lube, a product promising to make this process smoother and more efficient. It claims to be a dry film “Boundary” lubricant that won’t contaminate powder or primers and boasts “DynaGlide” technology.

My reloading journey started over a decade ago when I needed to produce accurate and consistent rounds for long-range shooting competitions. I was tired of the messy, petroleum-based lubes of the past. The Hornady Case Lube piqued my interest because it promised a clean, dry application.

Upon receiving the 5oz can, the first thing I noticed was the familiar Hornady branding. The can felt solid, and the spray nozzle seemed well-designed. It immediately felt better than some of the generic aerosol lubes I’d used in the past. Compared to my old lanolin-based concoction, the Hornady Case Lube offered the promise of speed and cleanliness. This won out over my other options.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to see if this lube lived up to the claims of ease of use and superior performance. I couldn’t wait to put it to the test on my next batch of .308 Winchester cases.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Case Lube to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Hornady Case Lube was during a large batch reloading session for .308 Winchester cartridges intended for a precision rifle match. I set up my RCBS Rock Chucker single-stage press and prepared several hundred cases for resizing. The promise of lubricating entire blocks of cases at once was particularly appealing.

I tested the lube in my well-ventilated garage, spraying a batch of 50 cases laid out on a reloading tray. I tried both a light and heavy coat, as recommended by another user, and found the heavier coat was best. Even with the heavier coat, drying time was minimal, roughly 5 minutes. The feel of the cases during resizing was noticeably smoother compared to using a traditional, thicker lube. There were no stuck cases, and the effort required was significantly reduced.

The process was surprisingly clean, with no noticeable residue on my hands or equipment. The non-petroleum formula also gave me peace of mind, knowing that I wouldn’t have to worry about contaminating my powder or primers. This was a significant improvement over some of the older lubes that leave a sticky film.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the Hornady Case Lube across various calibers, including 9mm, .223, and .30-06, I can confidently say it has become a staple in my reloading process. The DynaGlide technology truly seems to work as advertised. It consistently provides a smooth and reliable resizing experience.

Durability-wise, the can has held up well. The nozzle hasn’t clogged, and the spray pattern remains consistent. A single can has proven to be quite economical, lasting through numerous reloading sessions. Maintenance is practically nonexistent; there’s no need to clean up messy residue or worry about the lube affecting my equipment.

Compared to my previous reliance on messy, homemade lanolin-based lubes, the Hornady Case Lube is a game-changer. It’s faster, cleaner, and more effective. The consistency and ease of use have significantly streamlined my reloading process.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Case Lube

Specifications

• Type: Case Lube. This clearly defines the product’s intended use: lubricating cases for reloading.
• Size: 5 oz. A standard size for aerosol case lubes, providing a reasonable amount of product for many reloading sessions.
• Quantity: 1 Can. You receive a single 5oz can of the Hornady Case Lube.
• Non-Petroleum Based: A crucial specification that ensures it won’t contaminate powder or primers.
• Dry Film “Boundary” Lubricant: This creates a slick surface, reducing friction without leaving a sticky residue.
• “DynaGlide” Technology: Exceeds US Military & NATO load carrying capacity requirements by 6 times.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the Hornady Case Lube’s ease of use, effectiveness, and safety. The non-petroleum and dry film properties minimize contamination risks. The DynaGlide technology ensures reliable performance even under high-pressure conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Case Lube excels at its primary function: reducing friction during case resizing. It does this exceptionally well. Cases glide smoothly into the resizing die, minimizing the force required and preventing stuck cases.

The dry film formula prevents the build-up of residue in the die. This reduces the need for frequent cleaning. One minor weakness is that very heavily tarnished cases might require a slightly heavier application or a second coat for optimal performance.

Overall, the Hornady Case Lube meets and exceeds expectations. It provides a consistent, reliable, and hassle-free lubrication solution for reloaders of all skill levels.

Design & Ergonomics

The aerosol can design is simple and functional. The spray nozzle delivers a consistent and even coat of lube. The can is easy to grip and manipulate.

The product itself is low-odor and non-irritating. This makes it pleasant to use in enclosed spaces. There’s no noticeable learning curve; the application is straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady Case Lube is designed for consumable use; its durability is related to how long the can lasts. Given its economical application, a single can should last through many reloading sessions. The spray nozzle appears robust and resistant to clogging.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional wiping down of the reloading bench to remove any overspray. There are no specific repair procedures needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Case Lube is a standalone product and does not come with accessories. However, it’s compatible with all standard reloading dies and presses. It does not require any specialized equipment.

It can be used in conjunction with other Hornady reloading products. It can be used alongside products from other brands as well, such as RCBS or Dillon.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Case Lube

Who Should Buy Hornady Case Lube?

The Hornady Case Lube is perfect for reloaders of all skill levels. It’s a great product for those who value convenience, cleanliness, and reliability. It is especially useful for high-volume reloaders who need to quickly and efficiently lubricate large batches of cases.

Those who prefer traditional, petroleum-based lubes or those with very specific needs, like lubing the inside of case necks with a brush, might consider alternative products.

A must-have accessory would be a reloading tray to hold the cases during application. Proper ventilation is always recommended when using aerosol sprays.

Conclusion on Hornady Case Lube

The Hornady Case Lube is an excellent product that delivers on its promises. It simplifies the case lubrication process and makes reloading more enjoyable. The dry film formula is cleaner and less messy than traditional lubes.

The price of $10.49 is justified by the product’s performance, ease of use, and longevity. It offers excellent value for money.

I would definitely recommend the Hornady Case Lube to any reloader looking for a reliable and convenient lubrication solution. It’s a worthwhile investment that will save you time, effort, and frustration. Upgrade your reloading bench today with Hornady Case Lube!