Hornady Taper Crimp Dies Review

Let’s Dive into Hornady Taper Crimp Dies

The Hornady Taper Crimp Dies are a crucial component for reloaders seeking consistent and reliable cartridge performance. Hornady, a name synonymous with quality in the reloading world, designed these dies to ensure proper bullet seating and neck tension, essential for accuracy and safe firearm operation. These dies stand out because they remove the case mouth flare and apply a precise taper crimp, enhancing feeding reliability in semi-automatic pistols and improving overall cartridge consistency.

I first started exploring taper crimping when I experienced inconsistent feeding with my reloaded .45 ACP rounds in my 1911. The rounds would occasionally hang up, leading to frustrating range sessions and raising concerns about reliability, especially for defensive loads. I needed a die that would provide a consistent, controlled crimp to ensure smooth feeding and prevent bullet setback.

Unboxing the Hornady Taper Crimp Dies was straightforward; the die itself is a solid piece of high-quality steel, as you’d expect from Hornady. It felt robust and well-machined, inspiring confidence in its long-term durability. The simplicity of the design was also a plus; no unnecessary frills, just a functional tool built for a specific purpose.

I considered the Lee Precision Taper Crimp Die and the Redding Profile Crimp Die as alternatives. Ultimately, I chose the Hornady die due to its reputation for ease of adjustment and consistent crimping. I was also drawn to the positive user feedback regarding its performance with various bullet types.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to see if these dies could truly solve my feeding issues and improve the overall quality of my reloads. The solid construction and simple design suggested they would perform as advertised, but the real test would be on the reloading bench and at the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Taper Crimp Dies to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Hornady Taper Crimp Dies took place on my Dillon XL650 reloading press while loading .45 ACP rounds. I carefully adjusted the die according to Hornady’s instructions, focusing on achieving a light but consistent crimp that would remove the case mouth flare without overly compressing the bullet. The adjustment process was smooth and intuitive.

I tested the reloads in my 1911 under various conditions at the range. I ran drills with both factory-new brass and previously fired cases, evaluating feeding reliability, accuracy, and any signs of bullet setback. Even in rapid-fire scenarios, the reloaded rounds fed flawlessly.

The ease of use was immediately apparent; the smooth operation of the die and the clear feedback during adjustment made it easy to dial in the perfect crimp. There were no unexpected issues, and I was immediately impressed with the consistency of the crimp on each round. The rounds chambered smoothly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of reloading and shooting with the Hornady Taper Crimp Dies, I can confidently say they have significantly improved the reliability and consistency of my reloads. The die continues to perform flawlessly. There are no signs of wear or tear on the die itself.

Maintenance is minimal; I simply wipe the die down with a clean cloth after each reloading session to remove any residue. I occasionally apply a light coat of oil to prevent corrosion. My previous experience with less precise crimping methods resulted in occasional feeding issues and inconsistent accuracy; the Hornady die has eliminated these problems, consistently outperforming my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Taper Crimp Dies

Specifications

• The Hornady Taper Crimp Die is constructed from high-quality steel, ensuring durability and longevity. This robust construction is critical for withstanding the pressures and stresses of the reloading process.
• The die is designed to remove the flare from the case mouth and crimp the case mouth around the bullet. This ensures proper bullet seating and neck tension, vital for accuracy and consistent performance.
• The die maintains a sharp edge for proper headspace. This is particularly important for semi-automatic handguns, as it ensures reliable chambering and ignition.
• The Hornady Taper Crimp Die is designed to improve case feeding in semi-automatic handguns. This prevents jams and ensures reliable cycling of the firearm.
• The specified quantity is one die. The die is designed for use in standard reloading presses.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the reliability, accuracy, and safety of reloaded ammunition. A consistent crimp ensures proper bullet seating, prevents setback, and improves feeding reliability, all crucial for optimal performance. The use of high-quality steel ensures the die will withstand thousands of reloading cycles without wearing out or losing its precision.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Taper Crimp Dies perform their job exceptionally well, providing a consistent and reliable crimp that enhances the performance of reloaded ammunition. The die’s accuracy in applying a precise taper crimp is remarkable. Rounds loaded with this die exhibit consistent velocities and improved accuracy compared to those crimped with less precise methods.

The die’s strengths lie in its ease of adjustment, consistent crimping action, and durable construction. The only minor weakness is that achieving the perfect crimp requires careful adjustment and attention to detail, but this is true of any precision reloading tool. The die consistently meets and exceeds my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady Taper Crimp Dies features a simple and functional design, prioritizing ease of use and consistent performance. The use of high-quality steel ensures the die is robust and durable. The die is comfortable to use and easy to adjust.

There is no significant learning curve associated with using the Hornady Taper Crimp Dies. The adjustments are straightforward and the die’s operation is intuitive. The design allows for precise control over the amount of crimp applied.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its high-quality steel construction, the Hornady Taper Crimp Dies is expected to last for many years with proper care. The die is easy to maintain and repair. Regular cleaning and lubrication are sufficient to keep it in optimal condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Taper Crimp Dies does not come with any specific accessories beyond the die itself. Customization options are limited, as the die is designed for a specific purpose. However, the die is compatible with a wide range of reloading presses and components from various brands.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Taper Crimp Dies

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Who Should Buy Hornady Taper Crimp Dies?

The Hornady Taper Crimp Dies is perfect for reloaders of semi-automatic handgun ammunition, especially those seeking improved feeding reliability and accuracy. It’s also ideal for competitive shooters who demand consistent performance from their reloads. Anyone who values precision and reliability in their reloading process will benefit from this die.

Those who primarily reload for revolvers or single-shot firearms might not find the taper crimp as beneficial, as roll crimps are often preferred for these applications. New reloaders who are not yet comfortable with die adjustments may want to start with simpler crimping methods before moving to a taper crimp die. A quality reloading press is a must-have accessory. A precise caliper is also highly recommended for measuring case dimensions and ensuring proper crimp depth.

Conclusion on Hornady Taper Crimp Dies

The Hornady Taper Crimp Dies is a crucial investment for any serious reloader of semi-automatic handgun ammunition. Its consistent and reliable crimping action significantly improves feeding reliability, accuracy, and overall cartridge performance. The price is justified by the die’s durable construction, ease of use, and the tangible benefits it provides in terms of improved ammunition quality.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Hornady Taper Crimp Dies to any reloader looking to elevate their ammunition quality and ensure reliable performance in their semi-automatic handguns. Don’t settle for inconsistent reloads; invest in the Hornady Taper Crimp Dies and experience the difference a precise and reliable crimp can make! Step up your reloading game.