What Makes Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 Stand Out?
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 promises to streamline the reloading process, particularly for those using progressive presses. These tubes, designed by Hornady, eliminate the need for bulky bullet feeder hoppers and increase reloading speed. They integrate seamlessly with Hornady bullet feeder dies and provide a clear view of bullet levels, making them a compelling addition to any serious reloader’s setup.
I’ve spent years hand-placing bullets during reloading, a process that’s both time-consuming and frankly, tedious. I was looking for a system to increase my reloading efficiency without sacrificing quality, specifically for high-volume 9mm rounds. The promise of pre-loading bullets and speeding up the process was exactly what I needed.
Upon unboxing, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettubes felt sturdy and well-made. The clear window for visual inspection was a thoughtful touch, and the size felt just right for handling. The plastic construction seemed durable enough for repeated use, and the overall design was simple and intuitive.
Compared to other bullet feeding systems I’ve considered, like a full-fledged automated bullet feeder, the Hornady Bullettubes offered a more cost-effective and space-saving solution. While a full bullet feeder is faster, the Bullettubes provide a significant speed boost without the significant price tag or complex setup. I also looked at some DIY bullet feeding options, but I wanted a solution from a reputable brand like Hornady for reliability and peace of mind.
My first impression was excitement. The potential to significantly reduce my reloading time was exhilarating. The simple design gave me confidence that the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 would be a valuable addition to my reloading bench, making the process much more efficient.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettubes took place at my home reloading bench, using my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive press. I was reloading 9mm rounds for an upcoming pistol competition. The tubes were easy to load with bullets and quickly attached to my Hornady bullet feeder die.
The Bullettubes performed admirably, smoothly feeding bullets into the die station with each press cycle. There were no jams or misfeeds during the first 100 rounds, even with slight variations in bullet weight and profile. The clear window made it easy to monitor the bullet level and reload as needed.
The ease of use was immediately apparent. The Bullettubes required virtually no learning curve. I did notice, however, that certain bullet profiles seemed to feed a little smoother than others; round nose and truncated cone bullets were ideal, while some hollow points required a bit more attention to ensure proper seating.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettubes have proven to be a reliable and valuable part of my reloading process. They’ve withstood thousands of rounds without any signs of structural failure. The plastic has held up well, and the milled window remains clear and functional.
Durability has been excellent. Despite being made of plastic, the tubes have shown no cracks, chips, or warping. I’ve even accidentally dropped them a few times without any damage.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. A quick wipe down with a dry cloth is all that’s needed to remove any powder residue or bullet lube. I occasionally use a small brush to clean the inside of the tubes, but overall, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 requires minimal care.
Compared to my previous method of hand-placing bullets, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettubes have significantly increased my reloading speed and efficiency. I can now reload approximately twice as many rounds per hour. This tool has made high-volume reloading sessions far less arduous.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350
Specifications
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 is specifically designed for 9mm caliber bullets. Each tube in the three-pack can hold approximately 40+ bullets, depending on the bullet weight and profile. The tubes are constructed from a durable, transparent plastic material, and feature a 7/8-14 thread die station for compatibility with most progressive presses. They are designed to be used in conjunction with a Hornady bullet feeder die (sold separately).
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The caliber-specific design ensures proper bullet feeding and prevents jams. The high capacity of each tube minimizes reloading interruptions. The 7/8-14 threading ensures compatibility with a wide range of reloading presses.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 performs its intended function of feeding bullets into the bullet feeder die exceptionally well. It enhances reloading speed and reduces the physical strain of hand-placing bullets. The tubes are easy to load, attach, and monitor.
The main strength is the increased reloading speed. Pre-loading the tubes allows for a smooth and continuous reloading process. The clear window is also a great feature that allows easy monitoring of bullet levels. One potential improvement could be a slightly wider opening at the top of the tube for faster bullet loading.
Overall, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 meets and exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of increased reloading efficiency and user-friendliness.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 features a simple and functional design. The transparent plastic allows for easy bullet level monitoring. The tubes are lightweight and easy to handle.
The design is very user-friendly, with no complicated mechanisms or adjustments. There is virtually no learning curve. The tubes are easily attached and detached from the bullet feeder die.
Durability & Maintenance
The durable plastic construction suggests that the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 should last for many years with proper care. The lack of moving parts minimizes the risk of mechanical failure.
Maintenance is very straightforward. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth is usually sufficient. The simple design makes disassembly and cleaning easy if necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 is primarily designed to be used with a Hornady bullet feeder die. It is not compatible with all bullet feeder dies on the market due to thread size and design. There are no specific customization options for the tubes themselves.
Compatibility with other Hornady Lock-N-Load reloading components makes it a seamless addition to an existing Hornady setup. While not directly customizable, the tubes enhance the performance of other Hornady products.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350
Pros
- Significant increase in reloading speed and efficiency.
- Easy to use and maintain, with virtually no learning curve.
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance.
- Clear window for easy bullet level monitoring.
- Cost-effective solution for progressive press reloading.
Cons
- Requires a Hornady bullet feeder die for functionality.
- Not compatible with all bullet profiles; some may require adjustment.
Who Should Buy Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350?
Perfect for high-volume reloaders, competitive shooters, and anyone looking to streamline their progressive press reloading process. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 is an excellent addition to the bench of anyone who values speed and efficiency when reloading 9mm rounds.
Those who handload only occasionally or who use single-stage presses may not find the investment worthwhile. Also, if you reload a wide variety of calibers, the need to purchase separate tubes for each caliber might be a deterrent.
A must-have accessory is the Hornady bullet feeder die. Without it, the Bullettubes are useless. Also, a well-organized reloading bench is helpful to maximize the benefits of this system.
Conclusion on Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 is a well-designed and effective tool for increasing reloading efficiency. It delivers on its promise of speeding up the reloading process, particularly for high-volume 9mm reloaders.
The price is justified by the significant time savings and increased productivity. For anyone using a Hornady progressive press and a bullet feeder die, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 is a worthwhile investment.
I would highly recommend the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettube 9 mm, medium 095350 to anyone looking to improve their reloading efficiency. Don’t waste time hand-placing bullets; streamline your reloading process with the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullettubes! Consider adding this to your reloading bench today.