What Makes Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models Stand Out?
The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models, manufactured by Hornady, might seem like a small and insignificant piece of reloading equipment. But for those of us who handload ammunition, these shell holders are absolutely crucial. They are the unsung heroes that allow us to precisely and safely manipulate cartridge cases during the reloading process.
For years, I relied on a mismatched set of shell holders, a hodgepodge of brands and sizes accumulated over countless reloading sessions. This inconsistency led to minor annoyances like cases not seating properly or getting stuck, impacting both my efficiency and the quality of my reloads. I sought a reliable and consistent shell holder, something that would provide a secure grip and smooth operation.
Upon unboxing the Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models, I immediately noticed its robust construction and precise machining. It felt solid and well-made, a stark contrast to some of the flimsier shell holders I’d used in the past. The finish was clean, and the dimensions appeared accurate at first glance.
Compared to my old RCBS and Lee shell holders, the Hornady offering appeared to have tighter tolerances. This promised a more secure fit for the cartridge case. I chose the Hornady due to my trust in the brand’s reputation for quality and precision.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The shell holder looked good, but the real test would be how it performed in actual use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use was during a reloading session for .30-06 Springfield ammunition at my workbench. I was preparing hunting rounds for the upcoming deer season. The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models was mated to my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP reloading press.
The shell holder performed flawlessly, securely holding the .30-06 case through resizing, priming, powder charging, and bullet seating. I even worked on some slightly tarnished cases. The shell holder provided enough grip and allowed smooth operations under higher pressures to size these cases. There were no issues with the case slipping or becoming dislodged during any stage of the process.
There was no learning curve to using it. It was a simple “plug and play” experience. The shell holder’s fit was perfect, and the cases seated without any wobbling or play.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of reloading various batches of .30-06 ammunition, the Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear. The finish is still intact, and the fit remains as tight as it was on day one.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each reloading session is all that’s needed to remove any powder residue or grime. The shell holder is made of hardened steel. I have no reason to believe that it won’t last for many years to come.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper shell holders, the Hornady consistently outperforms. It provides a level of precision and reliability that gives me confidence in the quality of my reloads. It’s a worthwhile investment.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models
Specifications
- Caliber Compatibility: Designed specifically for cartridges that require a Number 17 shell holder. These include .30-06 Springfield, .25-06 Remington, .270 Winchester, 8mm Mauser, and others.
- Material: Constructed from hardened steel for exceptional durability and resistance to wear. This ensures a long service life, even with heavy use.
- Compatibility: Compatible with most reloading presses on the market, particularly Hornady presses. This offers flexibility and ease of use for reloaders with various setups.
- Finish: Features a black oxide finish to resist corrosion. The black oxide finish also provides a sleek and professional look.
- Precision Machining: Precision machined to ensure consistent and accurate cartridge case alignment. Accurate alignment is critical for producing high-quality, consistent reloads.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models excels at its primary job: securely holding the cartridge case during reloading. The shell holder’s tight tolerances and robust construction ensure that the case remains firmly in place throughout the resizing, priming, powder charging, and bullet seating stages. This prevents misalignment and ensures consistent results.
A potential weakness could be its limited compatibility. It only fits cartridges that require a Number 17 shell holder. For those reloading a wide variety of calibers, multiple shell holders will be needed.
The shell holder easily meets my expectations for a reloading tool of this type. It’s reliable, durable, and performs its function flawlessly.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional. The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models is a small, circular piece of steel with a precisely machined recess to accept the cartridge case. Its weight is negligible.
The shell holder is incredibly user-friendly. There is no learning curve. Reloaders simply insert the shell holder into their press and begin using it.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models is built to last. Its hardened steel construction and corrosion-resistant finish ensure that it can withstand years of use and abuse. The shell holder requires minimal maintenance.
I expect this shell holder to last for decades with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models doesn’t come with any accessories. However, it is designed to work seamlessly with the Hornady Lock-N-Load system. This allows for rapid shell holder changes with compatible presses.
It is compatible with most standard reloading presses. No real customization options are available.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: Made from hardened steel, this shell holder is built to withstand years of heavy use.
- Precise Machining: Ensures consistent and accurate cartridge case alignment, leading to better reloads.
- Secure Grip: Holds cartridge cases firmly in place throughout the reloading process.
- Easy to Use: Simple design and straightforward operation.
- Corrosion Resistance: Black oxide finish protects against rust and corrosion.
Cons
- Limited Caliber Compatibility: Only works with cartridges requiring a Number 17 shell holder.
- No Included Accessories: Shell holder only, no extras included.
Who Should Buy Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models?
The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models is perfect for reloaders who load .30-06 Springfield, .25-06 Remington, .270 Winchester, 8mm Mauser, or other cartridges that require a Number 17 shell holder. It’s an excellent choice for both experienced reloaders and those just starting out. Anyone wanting a reliable and durable shell holder should buy this product.
Those who reload a wide variety of calibers may want to consider purchasing a complete set of shell holders instead of individual units.
A compatible reloading press is a must-have accessory. The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press is an excellent choice.
Conclusion on Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models
The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models is a simple yet essential tool for any reloader. Its exceptional durability, precise machining, and secure grip make it a worthwhile investment. The price of $10.99 is more than justified for the quality and reliability it provides.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this shell holder to anyone who reloads cartridges that require a Number 17 shell holder.
If you’re tired of using inferior shell holders that slip, wobble, or wear out quickly, upgrade to the Hornady Shell Holder, Number 17, 390557 – 1 out of 38 models. You won’t be disappointed. Get yours today!