Let’s Dive into Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit
The Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit offers reloaders a simple and effective way to upgrade their existing Hornady New Dimension sizing dies. This seemingly small addition promises to streamline the reloading process, saving time and reducing frustration. After years of manually adjusting my sizing dies, the promise of faster, more consistent adjustments intrigued me.
I was tired of the tedious process of constantly tweaking my dies to achieve the perfect shoulder bump. The promise of a zip spindle system offered a potentially significant upgrade to my reloading bench. Upon unboxing, the kit felt solid and well-made, despite its relatively small size.
Compared to purchasing a completely new set of dies with a built-in quick adjustment system, the Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit seemed like a cost-effective alternative. It felt like a small investment to potentially reap significant time savings and improved consistency. I was excited to try it out, hoping it would live up to its claims of improved efficiency and precision.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit during a high-volume reloading session for my .223 Remington rifle. This rifle sees heavy use in both training and practical shooting competitions. The first conversion was straightforward, taking only a few minutes with simple hand tools.
The difference was immediately noticeable – the threaded spindle allowed for much finer and more repeatable adjustments than the original die. Adjusting the shoulder bump was now a breeze, even with slightly varying brass thicknesses. No initial issues arose during my first reloading session, making it a pleasant change from my prior experiences.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and thousands of rounds reloaded, the Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or loosening of the threaded spindle or collet. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a dry cloth is all that’s needed to keep the system functioning smoothly.
It has significantly outperformed my previous method of adjusting sizing dies. I’ve found it to be far more precise and consistent, leading to better accuracy and more reliable ammunition. The Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit has become an indispensable part of my reloading setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit
Specifications
The Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit includes a threaded spindle and a threaded spindle collet. This kit is specifically designed to convert Hornady New Dimension sizing dies to the Hornady Zip Spindle design. The kit’s simple design focuses on functionality and ease of installation.
The specifications matter because they dictate the range of adjustment and the overall precision of the sizing process. The threaded spindle allows for very fine adjustments, which is crucial for achieving consistent shoulder bump and proper case sizing. This leads to improved accuracy and reduced the risk of case head separations.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit performs its intended function flawlessly. It allows for quick, easy, and repeatable adjustments to the sizing die. This ensures consistent case sizing, resulting in more uniform ammunition and improved accuracy.
The biggest strength is the ease of adjustment and the repeatability it provides. The only improvement I could suggest would be the addition of some kind of visual reference markings on the die body to aid in even more precise adjustments. It far exceeded my expectations, streamlining the reloading process and improving the quality of my reloads.
Design & Ergonomics
The kit is designed for simplicity and ease of use. The materials used are robust, ensuring the spindle and collet can withstand the stresses of repeated use. Its small size contributes to easy handling and doesn’t add bulk to your die setup.
The design is user-friendly; even novice reloaders should be able to install and use it with ease. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit is constructed from durable materials designed to withstand the rigors of reloading. With proper care, it should last for many years. Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving keeping the threads clean and lightly lubricated.
The kit can be easily disassembled for thorough cleaning and inspection if needed. This simple maintenance ensures that the adjustment mechanism remains smooth and precise.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit itself doesn’t have accessories per se, but it enhances the functionality of your existing Hornady New Dimension sizing dies. It allows you to take full advantage of other reloading accessories, such as case gauges and headspace measuring tools. It is compatible with all standard Hornady New Dimension dies.
This compatibility ensures that reloaders can seamlessly integrate the Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit into their existing reloading setup. This offers them a cost-effective upgrade to their current equipment without needing to replace entire die sets.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit
Pros
- Increased precision in sizing adjustments. This leads to more consistent ammunition and improved accuracy.
- Easy to install and use. Even novice reloaders can quickly upgrade their dies.
- Significant time savings. Adjusting sizing dies becomes much faster and more efficient.
- Durable construction. The Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit is built to last.
- Cost-effective upgrade. It’s a much cheaper alternative to buying new dies with similar features.
Cons
- It only works with Hornady New Dimension sizing dies.
- No visual reference markings for precise adjustments.
Who Should Buy Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit?
The Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit is perfect for reloaders who value precision and efficiency. It is particularly beneficial for those who reload large volumes of ammunition. It is a great upgrade for competitive shooters or anyone striving for the most consistent and accurate reloads possible.
If you only reload occasionally and aren’t particularly concerned about achieving the absolute highest level of precision, you might not need this upgrade. Those using other brands of dies should also skip this product, as it’s designed specifically for Hornady New Dimension dies. A must-have accessory to complement this kit is a quality case gauge for verifying shoulder bump and overall case dimensions.
Conclusion on Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit
The Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit is a worthwhile investment for any reloader looking to improve the precision and efficiency of their sizing process. At a price of $15.99, it’s an incredible value. The benefits it provides far outweigh the small cost.
I would absolutely recommend it to anyone using Hornady New Dimension sizing dies. It is a simple upgrade that makes a significant difference in the quality and consistency of reloaded ammunition. Add the Hornady Zip Spindle Dies Conversion Kit to your bench and experience the difference.