Hornady Shell Holder, Number 22, 390562 – 1 out of 38 models Review

What Makes Hornady Shell Holder, Number 22, 390562 – 1 out of 38 models Stand Out?

The reloading bench can be a chaotic place, filled with brass, powder, and primers. In this landscape, the humble shell holder often goes unnoticed, yet it is absolutely critical for safe and consistent reloading. The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 22, 390562 – 1 out of 38 models might seem like a minor component, but its precision and reliability directly impact the quality of your reloads. Hornady is a name synonymous with quality in the reloading world, and this shell holder promises to uphold that reputation.

Years of reloading experience have taught me that skimping on seemingly small components is a recipe for frustration. I needed a shell holder specifically for loading .380 ACP, a caliber I’ve been experimenting with for a compact carry pistol. I was looking for something durable and compatible with my existing Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press.

Unboxing the Hornady Shell Holder, Number 22, 390562 – 1 out of 38 models, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the steel. It had a reassuring weight, and the machining looked clean and precise. This wasn’t some flimsy, stamped-out piece; it felt like a tool built to last.

I considered the RCBS Shell Holder #10 and the Lee Precision #4 shell holder, both popular options for .380 ACP. I chose the Hornady because of its reputation for tighter tolerances and compatibility with my Hornady press, hoping for smoother operation and less chance of case slippage. I wanted the reliability that Hornady is known for.

My initial impression was positive. The shell holder felt sturdy and well-made, inspiring confidence that it would perform its job reliably. It was more than just a piece of metal; it felt like a precision instrument.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Shell Holder, Number 22, 390562 – 1 out of 38 models to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Hornady Shell Holder, Number 22, 390562 – 1 out of 38 models at my reloading bench, preparing .380 ACP rounds for my Glock 42. The conditions were fairly controlled, but I intentionally introduced variations in case lubrication and primer seating depth to see how the shell holder would perform. I wanted to test it thoroughly.

The shell holder performed flawlessly. The cases seated securely and consistently, with no signs of slippage or wobble during resizing, priming, or bullet seating. Even when dealing with slightly over-lubricated cases, the holder maintained a firm grip. The rounds came out perfectly.

There were no issues or surprises. The shell holder worked exactly as expected, making the reloading process smooth and efficient. It was a seamless experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, reloading hundreds of .380 ACP rounds, the Hornady Shell Holder, Number 22, 390562 – 1 out of 38 models has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or tear, and the finish remains intact. It looks as good as new.

The durability has been impressive. The steel construction has proven resistant to deformation or bending, even under the pressure of resizing operations. This is a testament to the quality of materials and manufacturing. It appears to be a product that will last a long time.

Maintenance is simple. I occasionally wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent corrosion. This minimal care is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. It is so easy to clean.

Compared to some cheaper shell holders I’ve used in the past, this Hornady model is in a different league. It provides a more secure grip, smoother operation, and greater consistency in reloading. It definitely outperforms my previous experiences.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Shell Holder, Number 22, 390562 – 1 out of 38 models

Specifications

• Caliber Compatibility: .380 ACP, .221 Remington Fireball, 6mm TCU, .222 Remington Magnum, 7x47mm Helm, .20 Tactical, .204 Ruger, and others. This versatility makes it a useful addition to any reloader’s toolkit.
• Material: Precision-machined solid steel, heat-treated. This ensures strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear.
• Compatibility: Designed to fit all Hornady accessories, including the Handheld Priming Tool and Cam-Lock Case Trimmer, and most brands of presses. This broad compatibility makes it a valuable tool for any reloading setup.
• Model Number: 390562. This is essential for ensuring you are purchasing the correct shell holder for your specific caliber.

These specifications are critical because they dictate the types of cartridges the shell holder can accommodate, its resistance to stress, and its usability with different reloading equipment. Without a strong and compatible shell holder, reloading becomes unsafe and inaccurate. The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 22, 390562 – 1 out of 38 models aims to offer a seamless experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 22, 390562 – 1 out of 38 models performs its job admirably. It securely holds the case during all stages of the reloading process. This prevents misalignment, improves consistency, and enhances safety.

The strength lies in its precision. It grips the case firmly, reducing the chance of slippage or misalignment during resizing, priming, and bullet seating. A potential weakness could be its dependence on proper press setup; excessive force or misalignment can still damage the case.

The shell holder meets and exceeds expectations. It provides a reliable and consistent platform for reloading various cartridges. It ensures proper alignment and reduces the risk of errors.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The solid steel construction and heat treatment provide exceptional durability and resistance to deformation. The weight is substantial enough to feel sturdy, but not so heavy as to be cumbersome.

It is exceptionally user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve. It simply snaps into place on the reloading press and holds the case securely.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, it will last for many years. The steel construction and durable finish resist wear and tear, even under heavy use. It should last a lifetime.

Maintaining it is very easy. A simple wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is sufficient to prevent corrosion and keep it in good working order. A little bit of care goes a long way.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 22, 390562 – 1 out of 38 models doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Its primary function is to hold the case securely in the reloading press. However, it is compatible with a wide range of Hornady and other brands’ reloading accessories, such as priming tools and case trimmers.

It is designed to work seamlessly with the Hornady Lock-N-Load system, allowing for quick and easy shell holder changes. This adds to its versatility and makes it a valuable addition to any reloading bench. The system is highly compatible.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Shell Holder, Number 22, 390562 – 1 out of 38 models