Hornady Shell Holder, Number 56, 390611 – 1 out of 38 models Review

What Makes Hornady Shell Holder, Number 56, 390611 – 1 out of 38 models Stand Out?

The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 56, 390611 – 1 out of 38 models, might seem like a small, unassuming piece of reloading equipment, but it’s the unsung hero ensuring consistent and safe ammunition production. This isn’t some flashy, tacticool gadget, but a fundamental component from Hornady, a name synonymous with quality in the reloading world, that separates amateur efforts from professional-grade results. The Hornady Shell Holder precisely aligns the case with the reloading dies, guaranteeing uniform neck tension, proper bullet seating depth, and consistent crimping – all critical factors for accuracy and reliability.

My decade-plus spent reloading everything from .223 to .338 Lapua Magnum has taught me the critical importance of precision. I was constantly battling inconsistent shoulder setbacks with a cheaper, off-brand shell holder that just wouldn’t hold cases securely. This resulted in variable velocities and frustratingly inconsistent accuracy at the range, a problem I was determined to solve.

The Hornady Shell Holder comes in a simple, no-frills package, just the shell holder itself. My initial impression was that the steel felt significantly more robust and precisely machined compared to some of the bargain-bin options I’ve used. The finish was smooth and even, suggesting meticulous attention to detail, a welcome change from the rough edges I’ve encountered elsewhere.

I compared the Hornady Shell Holder to a Lee Precision shell holder and a RCBS shell holder. The Hornady felt more rigid than the Lee and had tighter tolerances than the RCBS. The Hornady offered superior case support.

From the moment I held it, I was quietly optimistic. The heft and finish gave me confidence that this little piece of steel could finally bring some consistency back to my reloading bench. It’s the promise of tighter groups and more reliable ammunition that excites any serious reloader.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Shell Holder, Number 56, 390611 – 1 out of 38 models to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Hornady Shell Holder, Number 56, 390611 – 1 out of 38 models, while reloading .30-06 Springfield for an upcoming deer season. My reloading bench is set up in my garage, so the testing environment was relatively controlled, though the temperature fluctuated a bit throughout the day. The bench is usually cold in the winter.

I ran about 100 rounds of .30-06 through my single-stage press using the Hornady Shell Holder. The most immediate improvement I noticed was the smoother operation during case resizing. Cases seated and extracted from the shell holder with less effort.

There were no immediate issues. The shell holder did exactly what it was supposed to do, holding the case securely and consistently.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use and hundreds of rounds reloaded, the Hornady Shell Holder has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or deformation. It still performs as smoothly and reliably as it did on day one.

The Hornady Shell Holder requires virtually no maintenance. I simply wipe it down with a clean cloth after each reloading session to remove any powder residue or lubricant. It’s far superior to the looser fitting shell holders I’ve used in the past, which often required more force to operate and resulted in inconsistent results.

It outperforms my previous generic shell holders significantly. The consistency in neck tension and bullet seating depth has noticeably improved the accuracy of my reloads, resulting in tighter groupings at 100 and 200 yards.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Shell Holder, Number 56, 390611 – 1 out of 38 models

Specifications

The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 56, 390611 – 1 out of 38 models, is designed for cartridges with a specific base diameter. It’s machined from hardened steel for maximum durability. While Hornady doesn’t explicitly list the steel type, its performance suggests a high-carbon alloy.

This shell holder is designed to fit the .473″ case head diameter family. This includes cartridges like .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, .25-06 Remington, 8mm Mauser, and many others. It is critical to select the correct shell holder for your specific cartridge to ensure proper alignment and safe reloading.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 56, 390611 – 1 out of 38 models, performs its primary function of securely holding the case during all stages of the reloading process flawlessly. It keeps the case perpendicular to the die. This leads to accurate reloads.

The strength lies in its precise dimensions and tight tolerances, which ensure consistent case alignment within the reloading press. One potential area for improvement might be a slightly more aggressive knurling on the exterior for improved grip when installing or removing it from the press.

The Hornady Shell Holder exceeds expectations. The improved consistency in my reloads speaks volumes.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is exceptional. The hardened steel construction provides excellent rigidity and resistance to wear. The shell holder is easy to install and remove from the reloading press.

The design is inherently simple, but the precision machining makes it incredibly user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve; it works exactly as it should, right out of the package.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its hardened steel construction, the Hornady Shell Holder should last for many years, if not a lifetime, with proper care. It’s designed to withstand the stresses of repeated resizing, bullet seating, and crimping operations.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a clean cloth after use is all that’s required to keep it in optimal condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Shell Holder, Number 56, 390611 – 1 out of 38 models, is a standalone component and doesn’t come with any accessories. No customization options are available or necessary for this type of product. It is designed to work seamlessly with any reloading press that accepts standard shell holders.

The Hornady Shell Holder is fully compatible with a wide range of reloading dies and presses from various manufacturers. This is critical for reloaders who may use equipment from different brands.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Shell Holder, Number 56, 390611 – 1 out of 38 models