Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic Review

The Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic Made a Bold First Impression

As an avid reloader and dedicated tinkerer in my workshop, a reliable and informative bench mat is essential. When I stumbled upon the Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic, I was immediately drawn in. It promised a practical surface and a readily available reference guide for my bullet selection process.

I’ve spent over a decade knee-deep in the world of reloading, chasing the perfect load for everything from precision rifle matches to prepping ammunition for hunting season. The allure of having bullet data at my fingertips while I work was strong. My cluttered bench often resembles a small explosion of brass, powder, and projectiles. The promise of a non-skid surface and organized reference was hard to resist.

The Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic arrived neatly rolled. Unfurling it revealed a clean, uncluttered layout of Hornady bullets and their crucial data points. The plastic material felt sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of a busy reloading bench. The colors were vibrant and the print quality was surprisingly crisp.

I’ve used a basic rubber mat for years, and it’s functional, but lacks any helpful information. I also considered a larger, more elaborate bench mat with recessed trays, but those are often too bulky for my workspace. The Hornady mat seemed to strike a good balance between size, functionality, and informative design. This felt like the perfect upgrade.

My first impression was positive. The Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic seemed to be exactly what I needed. I was excited to put it to work and see if it could live up to my expectations on the reloading bench.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic to the Test

First Use Experience

I immediately put the Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic to use during my next reloading session. It was a batch of .308 Winchester rounds destined for an upcoming whitetail hunt. I set it up on my workbench, placing my reloading press, powder measure, and other tools around it.

The non-skid surface worked exactly as advertised. Even with the vibrations of the reloading press, the mat stayed firmly in place. I often work with spilled powder and lubricants. The mat wiped clean with a simple damp cloth after a few spills.

The bullet data proved surprisingly useful. I was experimenting with different bullet weights for my .308 load. Having the ballistic coefficients and sectional densities readily available allowed me to quickly compare options without consulting my reloading manuals.

There were no major issues during my first use. The mat provided a clean and organized workspace. The reference data proved helpful.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic has held up admirably. It shows no significant signs of wear and tear. The print remains clear and vibrant.

The plastic material is resistant to most common reloading solvents and oils. Occasional spills of gun oil or powder solvent wipe clean without staining or damaging the surface. Cleaning is quick and easy.

Compared to my previous rubber mat, the Hornady mat is a significant upgrade. The added reference information is invaluable. It speeds up my reloading process and helps me make more informed decisions about my loads.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic

Specifications

The Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic is a reloading bench mat designed to provide a non-skid surface and a handy reference guide. Its dimensions are, as the name suggests, 26 inches in length and 17 inches in width. This offers ample space for most reloading tasks without overwhelming a smaller workbench.

The mat is constructed from durable plastic. This makes it resistant to common reloading solvents and easy to clean. It features a non-skid backing to prevent it from sliding around on the workbench.

The main feature is the printed data of various Hornady bullets. The data includes: caliber, diameter, weight, ballistic coefficient, sectional density, and item number. This information is invaluable for reloaders who use Hornady bullets. It aids in quick reference and comparison without having to consult reloading manuals.

The specifications are well-suited for the intended purpose. The size is practical. The material is durable. The bullet data is a significant added value for reloaders.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic performs its job admirably. It provides a stable and easily cleaned surface for reloading. The non-skid backing keeps it firmly in place, even with the vibrations of reloading equipment.

The bullet data is accurate and easy to read. The layout is well organized. It allows for quick reference to crucial information when selecting or comparing bullets.

The main strength lies in its combination of functionality and information. It’s more than just a mat. It’s a reloading aid.

A minor weakness could be the lack of recessed trays for holding small parts. Some reloaders prefer mats with built-in organization. But this is a trade-off for the slim and easily stored design.

The mat meets and exceeds expectations. It’s a simple yet effective tool for reloaders.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic features a clean and functional design. The plastic material is smooth and comfortable to work on. The overall weight is light, making it easy to move and store.

The layout of the bullet data is well organized and easy to read. The colors are vibrant but not distracting. It creates a pleasant and efficient workspace.

There is virtually no learning curve. It is ready to use straight out of the package. The design is user-friendly and intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic appears to be quite durable. The plastic material is resistant to most common reloading solvents and oils. With proper care, it should last for many years.

Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any spills or debris. For more stubborn stains, a mild detergent can be used.

The mat is not designed to be repaired. However, given its relatively low cost and durability, replacement is a reasonable option if it ever becomes damaged beyond repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic does not come with any accessories. It’s a standalone product designed to be used as a bench mat. There are no specific customization options available.

However, reloaders can easily customize their workspace around the mat. Accessories such as powder measures, reloading presses, and bullet seating dies can be placed on the mat to create a personalized reloading station. The compatibility is universal. The mat is simply a surface upon which other reloading tools are placed.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic

Who Should Buy Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic?

The Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic is perfect for reloaders who frequently use Hornady bullets. The readily available bullet data makes it a valuable tool for load development and experimentation. It’s also a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and durable bench mat to protect their workspace.

Those who primarily use bullets from other manufacturers might not find the bullet data as useful. Reloaders who prefer a mat with built-in organization for small parts may want to consider alternative options with recessed trays.

There are no must-have accessories. However, a good set of reloading tools, such as a powder measure, reloading press, and bullet seating die, are essential for anyone looking to start reloading.

Conclusion on Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic

The Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic is a practical and affordable addition to any reloader’s workbench. Its non-skid surface, durable construction, and readily available bullet data make it a valuable tool for load development and general reloading tasks. The price is absolutely justified. It’s an inexpensive way to improve your reloading setup.

I would personally recommend it to anyone who uses Hornady bullets and is looking for a simple yet effective bench mat. Its combination of functionality and informative design makes it a worthwhile investment.

If you’re ready to upgrade your reloading bench, the Hornady Counter Mat 26″ X 17″ Plastic is a great place to start. It keeps your bench clean and your data close.