Hornady Full Length Die, 260 Remington, .264, – 1 out of 125 models Review

What Makes Hornady Full Length Die, 260 Remington, .264, – 1 out of 125 models Stand Out?

The Hornady Full Length Die, 260 Remington, .264, – 1 out of 125 models is a reloading die designed to resize cartridge cases back to their original factory dimensions. Manufactured by Hornady, a respected name in the reloading industry, this die promises precision and consistency. Its features, like the zip spindle design and lock rings with wrench flats, hint at a tool built for serious reloaders looking for reliability and ease of use.

I was chasing ultimate accuracy and consistency in my 260 Remington loads. Factory ammunition, while good, couldn’t quite deliver the pinpoint precision I craved for long-range target shooting and whitetail hunting. I needed a die set that would allow me to control every aspect of the reloading process, starting with case resizing.

The die arrived in Hornady’s standard packaging, neatly organized. Picking it up, the weight felt reassuring, suggesting solid construction. The finish was smooth and clean, and the threads were precisely cut.

I considered the Redding Full Length Sizing Die and the RCBS Full Length Sizing Die. I chose the Hornady die because of its reputation for ease of adjustment and the Zip Spindle design, which seemed like a real time-saver. Plus, Hornady dies have always performed reliably for me in the past.

My initial reaction was excitement. This looked like a quality piece of equipment that could significantly improve my reloading process. I was eager to get to my reloading bench and put it to the test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Full Length Die, 260 Remington, .264, – 1 out of 125 models to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test was at my home reloading bench, preparing cases for a batch of 260 Remington ammunition destined for a long-range target competition. The die was used in conjunction with a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP reloading press. I processed about 100 cases, both new and once-fired.

The die performed flawlessly, even when dealing with cases that had been fired in different rifles. The sizing was consistent, and the cases ejected smoothly from the die. There were no stuck cases or noticeable variations in case dimensions after resizing.

The die was easy to adjust. The Zip Spindle feature allowed for quick and precise adjustments to the die’s setting, streamlining the process of achieving the desired shoulder setback. No issues arose during initial use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, and hundreds of resized cases, the Hornady Full Length Die continues to perform reliably. There are no signs of excessive wear or tear. The finish has held up well, and the threads remain smooth and precise.

Durability has proven to be excellent. Even after repeated use with slightly dirty cases, the die has maintained its performance. I clean the die after each reloading session with a dry cloth and occasionally apply a light coat of gun oil.

Maintenance is simple. Cleaning only takes a few minutes. So far, the Hornady Full Length Die outperforms my previous experience with a cheaper, generic die set, offering greater consistency and ease of use.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Full Length Die, 260 Remington, .264, – 1 out of 125 models

Specifications

• Caliber: 260 Remington. This ensures the die correctly sizes cases for this specific cartridge.
• Bullet Diameter: .264 inches. This dimension is critical for proper neck tension and bullet seating.
• Die Type: Full Length. This means the die resizes the entire case body, including the neck and shoulder.
• Zip Spindle Design: Allows for quick and easy adjustments to the die’s internal settings. This is a significant time-saver when dialing in precise shoulder setback.
• Lock Rings with Wrench Flats: Enables secure locking of the die in the press with a wrench. It maintains settings and prevents unwanted movement.
• Elliptical Expander: Smoothly expands the case neck, reducing friction and preventing case neck stretching. This contributes to longer case life and more consistent bullet seating.
• Smooth Finish: Minimizes friction during case insertion and removal. It prevents case damage.

These specifications are vital for achieving consistent and accurate ammunition. The 260 Remington is a precision cartridge, and consistent case dimensions are paramount for achieving optimal performance. The features like the Zip Spindle and Elliptical Expander contribute to ease of use and improved case longevity.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Full Length Die performs its job exceptionally well. It resizes cases consistently and accurately. This leads to improved accuracy and more reliable feeding in my rifles.

Its strengths are its ease of use and consistent performance. The Zip Spindle is a game-changer for quick adjustments. A weakness is that it does not come with a case lube, which is essential for proper operation.

The die meets and even exceeds my expectations. It provides a level of control and consistency that I wasn’t able to achieve with factory ammunition or a less precise die set.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and a smooth finish. Its weight feels substantial without being cumbersome, indicating quality construction. The die is relatively easy to handle.

The die is user-friendly, even for reloaders who are relatively new to the process. The Zip Spindle simplifies adjustments. The only learning curve is understanding the relationship between die setting and shoulder setback, which is common to all full-length sizing dies.

Durability & Maintenance

This die is built to last. The robust construction and smooth finish suggest it will provide many years of reliable service. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential, but the maintenance requirements are minimal.

Repairing the die is generally not necessary unless it is severely damaged. Replacement parts are readily available from Hornady if needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Full Length Die does not come with many accessories, as it is a standalone die. A compatible shell holder for the 260 Remington cartridge is required.

The die is compatible with most standard reloading presses. However, it is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Hornady’s Lock-N-Load system, enabling quick die changes.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Full Length Die, 260 Remington, .264, – 1 out of 125 models