What Makes Hornady Taper Crimp Die, .475 Line / .480 Ruger – 1 out of 10 models Stand Out?
Reloading ammunition, especially for magnum calibers, can be a rewarding but also meticulous process. Precision is key, and that’s where the Hornady Taper Crimp Die, .475 Line / .480 Ruger – 1 out of 10 models comes into play. This die is designed to ensure consistent and reliable crimps, which directly impact accuracy and feeding reliability, especially in revolvers chambered for the powerful .475 Linebaugh and .480 Ruger cartridges.
For years, I struggled with inconsistent crimps when reloading my .480 Ruger rounds. My revolvers were sometimes finicky about feeding, and I suspected the crimp was to blame. I’d read glowing reviews of Hornady reloading dies and decided to give their taper crimp die a shot, hoping it would solve my crimping woes.
Upon unboxing, the die impressed me with its solid construction. The steel felt robust, and the threads were cleanly cut. It had a good weight to it, suggesting quality materials and precise machining.
I had previously used a Lee Precision roll crimp die for this caliber. The Lee die worked okay, but I found it difficult to achieve consistent results without over-crimping, which can damage the bullet. The Hornady die seemed more refined and easier to adjust. My initial impression was definitely positive and I was eager to get to the reloading bench.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Taper Crimp Die, .475 Line / .480 Ruger – 1 out of 10 models to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at my home reloading bench, preparing a batch of .480 Ruger rounds for an upcoming hog hunt. I wanted to ensure that each round was perfectly crimped for reliable feeding in my Ruger Super Redhawk. The Hornady die was surprisingly easy to set up.
I started by adjusting the die until it contacted the case mouth, then incrementally adjusted it down to achieve the desired crimp. The process was smooth and intuitive, and I quickly found the sweet spot. The crimps were uniform and consistent, something I had struggled to achieve with my previous die.
I experienced zero issues with the Hornady taper crimp die during my initial reloading session. Every round crimped flawlessly, and the resulting cartridges looked professionally made. This was a significant improvement over my previous reloading setup.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of reloading hundreds of rounds with the Hornady Taper Crimp Die, it has proven to be incredibly reliable. The die shows no signs of wear and tear. The finish is still perfect, and the threads remain smooth and easy to adjust.
Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each reloading session keeps it in top condition. I also apply a small amount of gun oil to the threads occasionally to prevent corrosion. This minimal maintenance keeps the die functioning flawlessly.
The Hornady taper crimp die has significantly outperformed my previous reloading experiences. My rounds feed flawlessly in my Super Redhawk, and my accuracy has improved noticeably. This die has made reloading .480 Ruger much more enjoyable and reliable.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Taper Crimp Die, .475 Line / .480 Ruger – 1 out of 10 models
Specifications
The Hornady Taper Crimp Die, .475 Line / .480 Ruger – 1 out of 10 models is specifically designed for reloading .475 Linebaugh and .480 Ruger cartridges. It is constructed from high-quality, hardened steel for durability and long-lasting performance. The die is threaded to fit standard reloading presses.
The purpose of a taper crimp die is to remove any flare from the case mouth and apply a consistent crimp without deforming the bullet. This ensures proper seating depth, consistent bullet release, and reliable feeding in semi-automatic handguns and revolvers. The .475 Linebaugh and .480 Ruger are high-pressure cartridges, so a consistent crimp is especially important for safety and performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Taper Crimp Die performs its job exceptionally well. The crimps are consistent, and the die is easy to adjust to achieve the desired crimp tension. This leads to improved accuracy and more reliable feeding, particularly in revolvers.
The primary strength of this die is its ability to produce consistent crimps. The only area for possible improvement might be clearer markings on the die body for adjusting the crimp depth. Overall, this die meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady die is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The build quality is excellent. The steel is robust and feels like it will last for years.
The die is easy to install and adjust in any standard reloading press. There is a slight learning curve in finding the ideal crimp depth, but once dialed in, it is simple to replicate consistently.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its solid steel construction, the Hornady Taper Crimp Die should last for many years with proper care. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe down after use.
Maintaining this die is simple and requires minimal effort. A light coating of gun oil on the threads will prevent rust and corrosion. This ensures the die remains in good working order for a long time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Taper Crimp Die does not typically come with any accessories. It is a standalone die designed to be used in conjunction with other reloading dies for the .475 Linebaugh or .480 Ruger.
While there are no specific customization options for the die itself, it is compatible with all standard reloading presses. This means it can be used with various shell holders and other reloading accessories from different brands.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Taper Crimp Die, .475 Line / .480 Ruger – 1 out of 10 models
Pros
- Consistent Crimps: Produces highly consistent crimps, leading to improved accuracy and reliable feeding.
- Easy to Adjust: Simple and intuitive adjustment for achieving the desired crimp tension.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality, hardened steel for long-lasting performance.
- Improved Accuracy: Contributes to improved accuracy, especially in magnum revolvers.
- Reliable Feeding: Ensures reliable feeding of ammunition, reducing malfunctions.
Cons
- Can be calibre specific. The user must verify that it fits the exact need.
- Lack of Detailed Instructions: The instructions could be more detailed for novice reloaders.
Who Should Buy Hornady Taper Crimp Die, .475 Line / .480 Ruger – 1 out of 10 models?
This die is perfect for reloaders who are looking for consistent, reliable crimps for their .475 Linebaugh or .480 Ruger ammunition. It is also excellent for hunters and competitive shooters who require the highest levels of accuracy and reliability. This tool is ideal for anyone who wants to produce high-quality ammunition with consistent performance.
Those who should skip this product are reloaders who primarily work with bottleneck rifle cartridges, as this is a taper crimp die specifically designed for straight-walled handgun cartridges. Novice reloaders might find the initial setup slightly challenging without detailed instructions.
A must-have accessory for this die is a quality reloading press that provides consistent and reliable operation. Also essential is a good set of calipers for measuring cartridge dimensions and ensuring proper crimp depth.
Conclusion on Hornady Taper Crimp Die, .475 Line / .480 Ruger – 1 out of 10 models
The Hornady Taper Crimp Die, .475 Line / .480 Ruger – 1 out of 10 models is an excellent investment for any reloader who works with these powerful handgun cartridges. It delivers consistent, reliable crimps, leading to improved accuracy and dependable feeding. At a price of $37.34, the Hornady die offers tremendous value.
I wholeheartedly recommend this die to anyone looking to improve the performance of their .475 Linebaugh or .480 Ruger ammunition. Upgrade your reloading setup today with the Hornady Taper Crimp Die and experience the difference a quality crimp can make!