Let’s Dive into Hornady FTX Seating Stems, 45 Cal, .452, 250 Grain
The Hornady FTX Seating Stems, 45 Cal, .452, 250 Grain are a seemingly small but critical component for reloaders aiming for peak performance with Hornady’s FTX bullets. Specifically designed for .45 caliber, .452 diameter, 250-grain FTX bullets, these seating stems promise enhanced accuracy and consistency in your reloads. Are they just another reloading accessory, or a true game-changer?
My reloading journey started with a desire for precision. Factory ammunition, while convenient, rarely met my exact needs for specific game or target shooting scenarios. I wanted to tailor my loads for optimal performance, and consistent bullet seating is paramount to achieving that goal.
The package is simple; a single seating stem arrives ready for installation in your compatible reloading press. My initial impression was that the machining quality appeared excellent, with smooth surfaces and precise dimensions. It was a far cry from some of the cheaper, universal stems I’d experimented with in the past.
I considered generic seating stems, but the Hornady FTX bullets have a unique profile. A standard stem could potentially damage the soft polymer tip during seating, affecting accuracy and ballistic coefficient. Therefore, the Hornady specific stem seemed the only way to go.
Excitement was definitely my initial feeling. The promise of improved consistency and accuracy with my .45 caliber loads was enough to get me eager to test it out. It’s a small investment for potentially significant gains on the range or in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady FTX Seating Stems, 45 Cal, .452, 250 Grain to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady FTX Seating Stems, 45 Cal, .452, 250 Grain at my local shooting range, loading rounds specifically for my .450 Bushmaster. My goal was to see if I could tighten up my groups at 100 yards using the new seating stem. The weather was clear, but slightly windy, presenting a mild challenge.
The seating stem was easy to install in my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press. I immediately noticed the improvement in seating feel: smooth and consistent pressure with no deformation of the FTX bullet’s polymer tip. This was a stark contrast to my previous seating stem, which sometimes felt uneven and left a slight ring on the bullet.
There weren’t any major issues during the first use, but I did need to adjust my seating die a few times to achieve the desired overall cartridge length (COAL). A few test rounds confirmed that the seating depth was consistent after the adjustments. The feel of the press was noticeably smoother, imparting confidence in the quality of the seating process.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of reloading with the Hornady FTX Seating Stems, 45 Cal, .452, 250 Grain, I can confidently say it’s a worthwhile investment. It has consistently produced rounds with uniform seating depths, which has translated into more accurate and reliable performance.
The seating stem shows no signs of wear and tear despite seating hundreds of rounds. The finish remains intact, and the internal dimensions have not changed, indicating good durability.
Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe with a clean cloth after each reloading session is all that’s required. The stem’s design doesn’t trap residue or require extensive cleaning. It outperforms my previous generic stem by a wide margin, providing consistent seating and significantly reducing bullet deformation.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady FTX Seating Stems, 45 Cal, .452, 250 Grain
Specifications
- The Hornady FTX Seating Stems, 45 Cal, .452, 250 Grain are designed for .45 caliber cartridges. They accommodate bullets with a diameter of .452 inches.
- Specifically tailored for Hornady FTX bullets weighing 250 grains, it ensures proper seating. This is crucial for maintaining the bullet’s ballistic integrity and achieving consistent accuracy.
- It is designed for use with compatible reloading presses, typically those that accept standard 7/8″-14 threads. This makes it easy to integrate into an existing reloading setup.
- The stem features a spitzer bullet type profile that complements the FTX bullet’s shape. This design minimizes deformation of the bullet’s polymer tip during seating.
- The package includes one seating stem per purchase. This is sufficient for a single reloading press station.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady FTX Seating Stems, 45 Cal, .452, 250 Grain excel at ensuring consistent seating depth for Hornady FTX bullets. It results in more uniform ammunition, which directly impacts accuracy and reduces velocity variations.
Its strength lies in its precise fit for FTX bullets, preventing damage to the polymer tip. The only potential weakness is its limited compatibility; it’s specifically designed for Hornady FTX bullets and may not be ideal for other bullet types. It definitely meets expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The seating stem is constructed from durable, high-quality steel. It inspires confidence in its longevity.
It’s user-friendly and requires no special tools or skills to install. A brief read of your reloading press manual is sufficient.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady FTX Seating Stems, 45 Cal, .452, 250 Grain are built to last for thousands of rounds. This stem is likely to outlast many other components in your reloading setup.
Maintenance is straightforward: a simple cleaning with a solvent and a nylon brush will keep it in top condition. Periodic inspection for wear is recommended, but not frequently needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The product itself doesn’t come with accessories, as it’s a component for a reloading press. It doesn’t require additional accessories for its intended function.
It integrates seamlessly with Hornady Lock-N-Load presses. While not a customization, proper die adjustment allows for fine-tuning seating depth for optimal accuracy.
Pros and Cons of Hornady FTX Seating Stems, 45 Cal, .452, 250 Grain
Pros
- Specifically designed for Hornady FTX bullets: Ensures optimal seating and prevents damage to the polymer tip, maximizing ballistic performance.
- Consistent seating depth: Leads to more uniform ammunition and improved accuracy, reducing shot-to-shot variation.
- Durable construction: Made from high-quality steel for long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Easy to install and use: Seamlessly integrates with compatible reloading presses without requiring specialized tools or skills.
- Improved reloading feel: Provides a smoother and more consistent seating experience compared to generic seating stems.
Cons
- Limited compatibility: Specifically designed for Hornady FTX bullets and may not be suitable for other bullet types.
- Single-purpose tool: Only useful for seating bullets and cannot be used for other reloading operations.
Who Should Buy Hornady FTX Seating Stems, 45 Cal, .452, 250 Grain?
Perfect for reloaders who specifically load Hornady FTX bullets in .45 caliber for cartridges like the .450 Bushmaster or .45 Colt. This is also ideal for those who seek to optimize accuracy and consistency in their reloads.
Those who primarily use other bullet types or are just starting out with reloading might want to explore more versatile, universal seating stems first. One must-have modification is precise die adjustment to fine-tune seating depth.
Conclusion on Hornady FTX Seating Stems, 45 Cal, .452, 250 Grain
The Hornady FTX Seating Stems, 45 Cal, .452, 250 Grain are a worthwhile investment for reloaders committed to using Hornady FTX bullets. The promise of consistency and accuracy is largely delivered.
At $6.99, the price is more than justified given the improved seating process and potential accuracy gains. It’s a small price to pay for enhanced performance and peace of mind.
I would personally recommend these seating stems to any reloader who uses Hornady FTX bullets and seeks the most consistent, accurate ammunition possible. If you’re serious about reloading and want to get the most out of your FTX bullets, grab one of these.