What Makes Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models Stand Out?
The Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models is designed for reloaders of the classic .303 British cartridge, a round still popular for its historical significance and hunting capabilities. Manufactured by Hornady, a well-respected name in the reloading industry, this die aims to resize cases back to factory specifications ensuring reliable feeding and chambering. Key features like the zip spindle design, lock rings with wrench flats, elliptical expander, and smooth finish are intended to streamline the reloading process and provide consistent results.
I’ve been reloading for over a decade, and the .303 British has always been a bit of a finicky cartridge due to its rimmed design and varying chamber dimensions in different rifles. My biggest problem was inconsistent case resizing leading to occasional feeding issues. I was looking for a full-length die that could consistently return cases to spec without overworking the brass and shortening its lifespan.
Upon unboxing, the Hornady die felt solid and well-machined, immediately inspiring confidence. The finish was smooth, and the lock ring design with wrench flats was a welcome improvement over some of my older dies that relied on set screws. The zip spindle design was particularly interesting, promising faster adjustment and less frustration.
I was also considering the Redding .303 British Full Length Die Set and the RCBS .303 British Full Length Die Set. I chose the Hornady die because of its zip spindle design, a feature that seemed like it would significantly speed up the case length adjustment process. The Hornady name also carried weight; their reputation for quality and customer service is excellent.
My first impression was positive. The die felt like a quality piece of equipment, and I was eager to see if its features translated into improved reloading performance. I was hoping for a more consistent and streamlined resizing process compared to my previous dies.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models in my reloading room, using a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive press. The brass was a mix of once-fired PPU and some older Winchester cases. I resized approximately 100 cases during the initial session.
The die performed well under controlled conditions. The zip spindle design allowed for quick and easy adjustment of the case shoulder setback. I found the elliptical expander to be particularly helpful in minimizing case neck runout after resizing, leading to more accurate bullet seating.
Using the Hornady die was remarkably easy. The instructions were clear, and the die screwed smoothly into the press. The zip spindle design required a bit of getting used to, but once I understood how it worked, adjusting the case shoulder setback became much faster.
The only minor issue I encountered was with some of the older Winchester cases. They required a bit more force to resize compared to the PPU brass. However, this is common with older brass and not necessarily a fault of the die itself.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of equipment. I have resized hundreds of cases with it, and it consistently produces cases within the desired specifications. There have been no signs of degradation in performance.
The die shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The smooth finish has held up well, and the lock rings with wrench flats remain secure. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth and occasional lubrication with a light gun oil have been sufficient to maintain its performance.
Cleaning and maintaining the die is simple. After each reloading session, I wipe down the exterior with a clean cloth to remove any residue. Periodically, I disassemble the die, clean all the components with a solvent, and lightly lubricate them before reassembly.
The Hornady die outperforms my previous .303 British full-length die in terms of ease of use, consistency, and case neck runout. The zip spindle design has significantly reduced the time it takes to adjust the case shoulder setback, and the elliptical expander has improved bullet seating accuracy. The finished rounds consistently chamber and fire reliably in my Enfield rifles, which is the ultimate test of a resizing die.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models
Specifications
- Caliber: .303 British
- Bullet Diameter: .312 inch
- Die Type: Full Length Resizing Die
- Material: High-Quality Steel
- Zip Spindle Design: Allows for rapid adjustment of the case shoulder setback.
- Lock Rings with Wrench Flats: Provide a secure and easily adjustable locking mechanism.
- Elliptical Expander: Reduces case neck runout and improves bullet seating accuracy.
- Smooth Finish: Ensures smooth case feeding and reduces friction.
These specifications are critical for reloaders of the .303 British cartridge. The correct bullet diameter (.312 inch) is essential for achieving optimal accuracy. The full-length resizing ensures that cases are returned to factory specifications, guaranteeing reliable feeding and chambering in various .303 British rifles. The zip spindle design, lock rings with wrench flats, and elliptical expander contribute to the overall user experience, making the resizing process faster, more accurate, and less frustrating.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently resizes cases to the correct dimensions, ensuring reliable chambering and feeding. The zip spindle design allows for precise adjustment of case shoulder setback, a critical factor in achieving optimal accuracy and preventing case head separation.
The die’s strength lies in its ease of use and consistency. The zip spindle design and lock rings with wrench flats make adjustments quick and easy. The elliptical expander significantly reduces case neck runout, leading to improved bullet seating accuracy. A potential weakness might be the higher price compared to some competing dies.
The Hornady die meets and exceeds my expectations. I was looking for a die that could consistently resize .303 British cases to the correct dimensions, and this die delivers. The additional features, such as the zip spindle design and elliptical expander, are a welcome bonus.
Design & Ergonomics
The die is made from high-quality steel, giving it a solid and durable feel. Its weight is appropriate for a full-length resizing die, providing stability during use. The smooth finish ensures smooth case feeding and reduces friction.
The Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models is designed with the user in mind. The zip spindle design and lock rings with wrench flats make adjustments easy and intuitive. There is a slight learning curve associated with the zip spindle design, but the clear instructions and simple operation make it easy to master.
Durability & Maintenance
The die is made from high-quality steel and is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide many years of reliable service.
Maintaining the die is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth and occasional lubrication with a light gun oil is all that is required. The die is easy to disassemble and reassemble for thorough cleaning and inspection.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with standard reloading presses and shell holders.
The die can be used in conjunction with other Hornady reloading equipment, such as their Lock-N-Load AP progressive press and their case preparation tools. It is also compatible with aftermarket accessories, such as micrometer adjustment heads for the zip spindle. Be sure to use bold and italic text where necessary to emphasize important points.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models
Pros
- Zip Spindle Design: Allows for fast and precise adjustment of case shoulder setback.
- Elliptical Expander: Reduces case neck runout and improves bullet seating accuracy.
- Lock Rings with Wrench Flats: Provides a secure and easily adjustable locking mechanism.
- High-Quality Steel Construction: Ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
- Smooth Finish: Ensures smooth case feeding and reduces friction.
Cons
- Higher Price: More expensive than some competing .303 British full-length dies.
- Slight Learning Curve: The zip spindle design may require some initial familiarization.
Who Should Buy Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models?
This die is perfect for reloaders of the .303 British cartridge who are looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use, and accurate resizing die. It is particularly well-suited for reloaders who value speed and precision in their reloading process. Hunters and target shooters who demand consistent and reliable ammunition will also benefit from this die.
Reloaders on a tight budget might want to consider a less expensive alternative. Those who are completely new to reloading might find the zip spindle design slightly confusing initially, although the learning curve is minimal.
A shell holder specific to the .303 British cartridge is a must-have accessory. A case trimmer is also highly recommended to ensure consistent case lengths after resizing.
Conclusion on Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models
The Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models is a top-quality reloading die that offers excellent performance and features. The zip spindle design and elliptical expander set it apart from the competition, making the resizing process faster, more accurate, and less frustrating.
The price of $63.99 is justified by the die’s high-quality construction, innovative features, and consistent performance. While there are cheaper options available, the Hornady die is a worthwhile investment for reloaders who demand the best.
I would highly recommend the Hornady Full Length Die, 303 British, .312, 046367 – 1 out of 125 models to any reloader of the .303 British cartridge. If you are looking for a die that will consistently resize cases to the correct dimensions, improve bullet seating accuracy, and streamline your reloading process, then this is the die for you. Upgrade your reloading setup today and experience the difference!