Hornady Full Length Die, 35 Remington, .358, – 1 out of 125 models Review

What Makes Hornady Full Length Die, 35 Remington, .358, – 1 out of 125 models Stand Out?

Reloading ammunition isn’t just a hobby; it’s a pursuit of precision, consistency, and, for those of us who chase the legendary 35 Remington, a way to keep a classic cartridge alive and well. The Hornady Full Length Die, 35 Remington, .358, – 1 out of 125 models isn’t just another reloading die; it’s a key component in crafting accurate and reliable ammunition for a cartridge that deserves respect. It offers the promise of bringing new life and tighter groupings to my Marlin 336, a rifle that’s seen its fair share of deer seasons.

My interest in the Hornady die stemmed from a need to improve the consistency of my reloads. Factory ammunition in 35 Remington is becoming increasingly scarce and often fails to meet my accuracy standards. I needed a reliable die to ensure proper case sizing and neck tension, crucial for consistent bullet seating and reliable ignition.

Upon unboxing, the die exuded Hornady’s reputation for quality. The finish was smooth, the threads were clean, and the overall impression was one of solid craftsmanship. The weight felt reassuring, indicative of the hardened steel construction.

I considered the RCBS Full Length Die Set, 35 Remington and the Lee Pacesetter Die Set, 35 Remington. I ultimately chose the Hornady die due to its reputation for a smoother sizing operation and the included elliptical expander, which I hoped would minimize case stretching. My first impression was excitement; I was eager to see if this die could live up to the hype and improve my 35 Remington reloads.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Full Length Die, 35 Remington, .358, – 1 out of 125 models to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my reloading bench, using once-fired 35 Remington brass. The die was mounted in my Hornady Lock-N-Load press. The sizing operation felt noticeably smoother than with some of my older dies.

I was working in a well-lit and ventilated space, with careful attention to proper lubrication. I deliberately used some slightly tarnished brass to see how the die handled less-than-perfect conditions. The die performed admirably, sizing the cases with minimal effort.

The Hornady die required minimal adjustment straight out of the box, a testament to its precise machining. There were no unexpected snags or hiccups. The elliptical expander seemed to work as advertised, creating a smooth and consistent neck tension.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, resizing hundreds of 35 Remington cases, the Hornady Full Length Die continues to perform flawlessly. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the die body. Proper lubrication remains essential, but the die itself shows no signs of degradation.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each reloading session. I occasionally apply a light coat of Hornady One Shot case lube to prevent corrosion. I have found this to be more than adequate in ensuring that the die remains pristine.

Compared to my previous experiences with other full-length sizing dies, the Hornady die is a clear winner. It offers a smoother sizing operation, more consistent neck tension, and a noticeably improved level of accuracy in my reloads. The Hornady die has significantly outperformed my old dies, resulting in tighter groupings at the range.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Full Length Die, 35 Remington, .358, – 1 out of 125 models

Specifications

• Caliber: 35 Remington. This ensures the die correctly sizes and forms cases for the 35 Remington cartridge.
• Bullet Diameter: .358 inches. This specification indicates the die is designed for use with bullets of this diameter, commonly used in 35 Remington.
• Full Length Sizing: This type of die resizes the entire case body, returning it to factory specifications. This is crucial for reliable feeding and chambering in semi-automatic or lever-action rifles.
• Zip Spindle Design: Allows for quick and easy adjustments of the expander ball position. This feature significantly speeds up the reloading process.
• Lock Rings with Wrench Flats: Ensure a secure and consistent die setting. The wrench flats allow for easy tightening and prevent slippage, maintaining accuracy.
• Elliptical Expander: Designed to minimize case stretching and work hardening. This prolongs case life and promotes more consistent neck tension.
• Smooth Finish: Minimizes friction during the sizing operation. This results in smoother and easier case sizing, reducing strain on the press and the user.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Full Length Die, 35 Remington, .358, – 1 out of 125 models performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently returns fired cases to their correct dimensions, ensuring reliable chambering in my Marlin 336. Accuracy has improved significantly with reloads produced using this die.

A key strength is the smooth sizing operation, which minimizes case stretching and promotes longer case life. The elliptical expander works effectively to create consistent neck tension, which is vital for accurate bullet seating. One potential improvement could be clearer markings on the die body for easier identification within a die set.

The die consistently meets and exceeds my expectations for a full-length sizing die. It is a significant improvement over some of my older, less precise dies.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, with the die machined from high-quality steel. The weight feels substantial and reassuring, indicative of its durability. The smooth finish minimizes friction and makes the sizing process easier.

The die is user-friendly, requiring minimal adjustment out of the box. Even reloaders with limited experience should find it easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and lubrication, the Hornady Full Length Die should last for many years. Its robust steel construction is designed to withstand repeated use.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick wipe down after each use and occasional lubrication. The die is also relatively easy to disassemble and clean, if necessary.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Full Length Die, 35 Remington, .358, – 1 out of 125 models is designed to be used with a standard reloading press and shell holder. No additional accessories are required for basic operation.

The Hornady die is compatible with Hornady’s Lock-N-Load bushing system for quick die changes. While there are no specific customization options for the die itself, it works seamlessly with other reloading components, such as different bullet seating dies.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Full Length Die, 35 Remington, .358, – 1 out of 125 models