Let’s Talk About Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit
The Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit is a reloading essential designed to improve the speed and precision of powder transfer into cartridge cases. Hornady, a trusted name in reloading equipment, has created a kit that promises to reduce spills, eliminate static cling, and accommodate a wide range of calibers. As a seasoned reloader with over a decade of experience, I’m always looking for ways to streamline my workflow and enhance the accuracy of my handloads.
My main frustration has always been powder spillage, especially with fine-grained powders. I needed a funnel that would fit a variety of case mouths snugly and eliminate static electricity, which often causes powder to cling to the funnel. The promise of caliber-specific bushings and non-static material drew me to the Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the sleek, form-fitted storage case. The aluminum funnel feels substantial and well-made. Comparing it to my old plastic funnels, the difference in quality is night and day.
Other funnels I considered included the RCBS Powder Funnel Kit and the Frankford Arsenal Powder Funnel Set. I opted for the Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit primarily due to its caliber-specific bushings, which promised a more precise fit and reduced spillage. My initial impression was excitement – finally, a solution to my messy reloading bench!
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit while reloading .223 Remington rounds for my AR-15 at my home reloading bench. I used the .224 bushing, which fit the case mouth perfectly. Powder transfer was significantly smoother and cleaner compared to my previous funnel.
The non-static aluminum construction proved effective in minimizing powder clinging, even in the dry winter air of my workshop. I experienced no issues with static electricity or powder spillage. The funnel was easy to use, with no learning curve required – simply insert the correct bushing, place the funnel on the case, and pour the powder.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use reloading various calibers, the Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit has proven to be a reliable and valuable tool. It has significantly reduced powder spillage and improved the efficiency of my reloading process. The aluminum construction shows no signs of wear and tear despite regular use.
Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a dry cloth is typically all that’s needed to remove any residual powder. Compared to my previous funnels, the Hornady kit outperforms them in terms of fit, static resistance, and overall durability. This kit has exceeded my expectations, making reloading a much cleaner and more enjoyable process.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit
Specifications
The Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit includes a high-capacity aluminum funnel and nine caliber-specific bushings. These bushings are designed to fit the following calibers: .224, .243/6mm, .257, .264/6.5mm, .277/6.8mm, .284/7mm, .308, .338, and .375. The kit comes in a form-fitted storage case for organization and protection.
These specifications are crucial because they ensure compatibility with a wide range of cartridge cases, minimizing the need for multiple funnels. The high-capacity funnel allows for faster powder dispensing. The aluminum construction eliminates static cling, and the caliber-specific bushings provide a secure and precise fit.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit performs its job exceptionally well, delivering powder accurately and cleanly into cartridge cases. The caliber-specific bushings ensure a tight seal, minimizing the chance of spills and increasing loading speed. The funnel’s large capacity allows for quick and efficient powder transfer.
A minor weakness is that the kit doesn’t include bushings for every possible caliber, but the nine provided cover the most common sizes. It meets and exceeds expectations, delivering a cleaner and more efficient reloading experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit is designed with both functionality and user comfort in mind. The aluminum funnel is lightweight yet durable, providing a comfortable grip during use. The included storage case keeps the funnel and bushings organized and protected.
The kit is exceptionally user-friendly with no learning curve – select the appropriate bushing for your caliber and begin reloading.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit is built to last. The aluminum funnel is resistant to wear and corrosion, ensuring long-term durability. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down after each use is typically sufficient to keep the funnel clean.
With proper care, this kit should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit comes with nine caliber-specific bushings and a form-fitted storage case. There are no official customization options for the kit itself. However, it’s compatible with most standard reloading presses and powder measures.
It does not require additional accessories to function correctly.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit
Pros
- Caliber-Specific Bushings: Ensures a precise fit for various cartridge cases, significantly reducing powder spillage.
- Non-Static Aluminum Construction: Minimizes static cling, keeping powder flowing smoothly.
- High-Capacity Funnel: Allows for faster powder dispensing.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: The aluminum construction is resistant to wear and corrosion.
- Form-Fitted Storage Case: Keeps the funnel and bushings organized and protected.
Cons
- No Bushings for All Calibers: The kit doesn’t include bushings for every possible caliber, which may require purchasing additional funnels for less common sizes.
- Price: Slightly more expensive compared to basic plastic funnels, though the performance justifies the cost.
Who Should Buy Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit?
The Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit is perfect for reloaders who prioritize accuracy, cleanliness, and efficiency. It is especially beneficial for those who reload a variety of calibers and want a versatile, high-quality funnel system. It is also excellent for reloaders who reload progressive or turret presses that require fast powder drops.
Those on an extremely tight budget or who only reload one or two calibers might find a basic plastic funnel sufficient. However, even those starting out in reloading will greatly appreciate and benefit from the precision and workflow this kit offers. There are no must-have accessories, however a good reloading bench and powder measure are essential for utilizing this funnel kit to its fullest potential.
Conclusion on Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit
The Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit is a well-designed and high-quality tool that significantly enhances the reloading experience. The caliber-specific bushings and non-static aluminum construction minimize powder spillage, resulting in a cleaner and more efficient process. The kit’s durability and included storage case add to its overall value.
At $59.99, the price is justified by the improved performance and long-lasting construction. I wholeheartedly recommend the Hornady Premium Powder Funnel Kit to any reloader seeking to improve the speed and accuracy of their handloads. Upgrade your reloading setup today and experience the difference a quality funnel can make!