Let’s Talk About Hornady Measure Seal
The Hornady Measure Seal might seem like a minor component in the grand scheme of reloading, but it’s a critical element for consistency and accuracy. The Hornady name is synonymous with quality in the reloading world, and even small parts like this deserve careful consideration. I was curious if this tiny seal could actually improve my reloading process, or if it was just another expendable component.
My journey to finding the Hornady Measure Seal stemmed from a frustrating issue with my powder measure: inconsistent powder drops. I was chasing single-digit standard deviations in my rifle loads, but variations in the powder dispensing were throwing everything off. Other products I used simply wore down too quickly and failed.
Upon receiving the Hornady Measure Seal, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. It’s a small, unassuming part, but the material felt surprisingly robust. The build quality seemed solid, promising a tight and reliable seal.
I considered other similar seals from RCBS and Lee Precision, but I’ve had consistently good experiences with Hornady products in the past. Their reputation for quality control swayed my decision. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping that this seemingly insignificant piece would make a noticeable difference in my reloading accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Measure Seal to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Hornady Measure Seal was my home reloading bench. I was reloading .223 Remington for my AR-15, a caliber where consistent powder charges are crucial for accuracy. The weather was dry and mild, typical conditions for my reloading setup.
Installation was a breeze, taking only a few seconds to replace the old seal in my powder measure. Immediately, I noticed a smoother and more consistent feel to the powder dispensing. I encountered no issues during the initial setup or first few rounds loaded.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, loading hundreds of rounds across various calibers, the Hornady Measure Seal has proven its worth. There is virtually no wear and tear to the seal after multiple uses.
Maintaining the seal is incredibly simple, requiring only an occasional wipe down to remove powder residue. The Hornady Measure Seal significantly outperforms the cheap, generic seals I had been using previously, maintaining a consistent seal and preventing powder leakage far better. These seals require constant maintenance.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Measure Seal
Specifications
The Hornady Measure Seal is a small, circular seal designed to create a tight and consistent seal within Hornady powder measures. It has a manufacturer listed quantity of 1. It is constructed from a durable, flexible material that resists wear and tear from repeated use and exposure to various powder types.
The most important specification is its ability to maintain a consistent seal; this translates directly to more accurate and reliable powder charges, which is the foundation of accurate handloads. A secure seal prevents powder leakage and ensures consistent volume measurements.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Measure Seal performs its job admirably. It creates a tight and reliable seal, leading to more consistent powder drops and reducing variations in velocity and point of impact.
Its greatest strength is its simplicity and effectiveness. A notable weakness is that you only get one seal. The seal exceeds my expectations for such an inexpensive component.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward and functional, prioritizing performance over aesthetics. The material choice provides the right balance of flexibility and durability.
There is virtually no learning curve. The installation process is simple and takes only a few seconds.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Measure Seal appears to be quite durable and is built to last through thousands of reloading cycles. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only an occasional cleaning to remove powder residue and ensure consistent performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Measure Seal itself doesn’t have accessories. However, it can be considered an accessory to Hornady powder measures. It is compatible with a wide range of Hornady powder measure models.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Measure Seal
Pros
- Significantly improves the consistency of powder drops.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Made from durable material for long-lasting performance.
- Inexpensive upgrade for any Hornady powder measure owner.
- Reduces powder leakage and mess.
Cons
- Only one seal per package.
- Very specific application limits its use to compatible Hornady powder measures.
Who Should Buy Hornady Measure Seal?
The Hornady Measure Seal is perfect for reloaders who are meticulous about accuracy and consistency, especially those loading for precision rifles or competitive shooting. Reloaders who use Hornady powder measures can certainly benefit from this product.
Anyone satisfied with their current powder dispensing accuracy or who uses a different brand of powder measure should skip this product. There are no must-have accessories or modifications, as the seal is a standalone replacement part.
Conclusion on Hornady Measure Seal
The Hornady Measure Seal, despite its low price and unassuming appearance, is a valuable addition to any reloader’s bench. Its ability to improve the consistency of powder drops makes it well worth the cost.
The price is more than justified given the performance improvements. I would absolutely recommend the Hornady Measure Seal to anyone looking to squeeze the most accuracy out of their handloads using Hornady powder measures. Upgrade your reloads with the Hornady Measure Seal today!