Let’s Dive into Hornady Primer Tube Filler
The Hornady Primer Tube Filler aims to solve a tedious, time-consuming, and often messy aspect of reloading: filling primer tubes. From Hornady, a name synonymous with quality reloading equipment, this device promises to streamline the process. It claims to offer a safer and more efficient way to load primers into tubes for use with progressive presses and other priming systems.
My reloading bench, a testament to years spent perfecting my cartridges, has always felt incomplete without a reliable primer tube filling solution. I have struggled with spilled primers and the monotonous task of manually inserting each primer. The promise of speed and reduced mess is what drew me to the Hornady Primer Tube Filler.
Unboxing the filler, I immediately noticed its simple, clear plastic construction. It felt lightweight but sturdy enough for its intended purpose. Compared to the Frankford Arsenal Vibra-Prime, which uses vibration, or hand-held primer pick-up tubes, the Hornady Primer Tube Filler seemed to offer a more direct mechanical approach. I chose it due to the Hornady name and the promise of fewer spilled primers.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic; the simplicity was appealing. The real test would be how well it performed under the pressure of a full reloading session. I hoped to be impressed by the efficiency and cleanliness it promised.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Primer Tube Filler to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Hornady Primer Tube Filler was during a reloading session for .223 Remington rounds, a cartridge I load in bulk for range practice. I set it up on my bench, adjacent to my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive press. The environment was a typical, slightly dusty reloading room.
Performance was generally positive; the filler quickly dispensed primers into the tube with a simple turn of the dial. It did a reasonably good job preventing upside-down primers from entering the tube. I needed to develop a feel for the dial’s sensitivity to prevent overfilling or jamming.
The initial use highlighted a potential issue: static cling. The clear plastic seemed to attract primers. This can cause them to stick to the sides of the hopper instead of falling into the dispensing mechanism.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, loading thousands of primers, the Hornady Primer Tube Filler has proven to be a worthwhile addition to my bench, but not without its quirks. Durability is acceptable, although the plastic construction makes me cautious about rough handling. I’ve seen no significant wear, but I am mindful not to over-torque the dial.
Maintenance is straightforward: an occasional wipe-down to remove powder residue and primer dust. I find that compressed air helps dislodge any stuck primers. Compared to manually loading tubes, it is a significant improvement, though slower and more prone to issues than a vibrating primer filler.
The Hornady Primer Tube Filler performs adequately, although it has never truly blown me away. Its functionality is straightforward but could benefit from some refinement to reduce static cling and improve primer orientation reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Primer Tube Filler
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Hornady. This highlights the backing of a reputable company with a long history in reloading.
- Quantity: 1. This indicates a single unit purchase.
- Color: Clear. The transparent design allows visual confirmation of primer level and orientation.
- Projectile Caliber: .366 Caliber. This seems to be an error as it is referring to Shotshell not the primer tube filler itself.
- Holds a full box of shotshell primers. This is the key specification which dictates its capacity.
- Fills the tube with a turn of the dial. This highlights the core operation method.
- Will not drop upside-down primers into feed tube. This emphasizes the built-in mechanism to prevent reversed primers.
The most important of these is the ability to hold a full box of primers and the dial-controlled dispensing, which aims to streamline the primer loading process. The claim of preventing upside-down primers is also critical for efficient reloading.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Primer Tube Filler reduces the time and effort required for primer tube loading. While it doesn’t eliminate the need for occasional manual correction, it significantly speeds up the process compared to hand-feeding each primer. The biggest strength is the simplified mechanics and ease of setup.
The weakness lies in the plastic construction and the occasional misorientation of primers. It would be great to see a more reliable system for ensuring correct primer orientation. The device meets expectations for a basic manual primer filler, but it doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The clear plastic design allows easy monitoring of primer levels. The simple dial mechanism is straightforward and easy to use. The lightweight construction is both a pro and a con; it is easy to move around, but it also feels less robust.
The Hornady Primer Tube Filler is largely user-friendly, requiring minimal setup. There is a slight learning curve in mastering the dial’s sensitivity to avoid overfilling or jamming.
Durability & Maintenance
With care, the Hornady Primer Tube Filler should last for several years of reloading. Its plastic construction is the primary concern for long-term durability. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove powder residue and primer dust.
Repair is likely limited to replacing the entire unit if it breaks. There are no readily replaceable parts.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Primer Tube Filler does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available. It is designed to work as a standalone unit. Compatibility with other brands’ primer tubes may vary depending on the tube diameter, but it is generally designed to work with standard size primer tubes.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Primer Tube Filler
Pros
- Significantly speeds up primer tube loading compared to manual methods.
- Simple and easy to use with minimal setup.
- Clear plastic design allows easy monitoring of primer levels.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to most reloaders.
- Reduces the likelihood of spilled primers on your bench.
Cons
- Plastic construction raises concerns about long-term durability.
- Occasional misorientation of primers requires manual correction.
- Static cling can cause primers to stick to the sides of the hopper.
Who Should Buy Hornady Primer Tube Filler?
Perfect for reloaders who want to increase their efficiency without investing in expensive vibrating primer fillers. This product is also well suited for those who value simplicity and ease of use.
Those who load extremely large quantities of ammunition regularly or who demand near-perfect primer orientation should skip this product and consider a vibrating primer filler.
A must-have is an anti-static brush or cloth to minimize static cling within the hopper. This would help improve primer flow and orientation.
Conclusion on Hornady Primer Tube Filler
The Hornady Primer Tube Filler offers a tangible improvement over manually loading primer tubes. It offers a more efficient and cleaner reloading experience for a reasonable price. While its plastic construction and occasional primer misorientation are drawbacks, the speed and convenience it provides make it a worthwhile addition to a reloader’s bench.
The price is justified, especially for reloaders who are tired of the tediousness of manual primer loading. I would recommend the Hornady Primer Tube Filler to anyone looking for an affordable and straightforward way to streamline their reloading process. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step up from doing it all by hand.