First Impressions of Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die
The .17 Hornet cartridge is a tiny powerhouse, favored by varmint hunters and target shooters alike for its flat trajectory and minimal recoil. But, like any bottlenecked cartridge, it requires meticulous case preparation to ensure consistent accuracy and prevent malfunctions. That’s where the Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die comes in. Lee Precision is well-known for producing affordable, functional reloading equipment, and this die promises to simplify the case trimming process.
For years, I’ve used a manual case trimmer – a tedious process that eats up precious reloading time. My eyes were drawn to the Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die due to its promise of speed and consistency. I was particularly intrigued by the claim that it would work seamlessly with the Lee Deluxe Quick Trim Case Trimmer, promising a faster workflow.
Upon unboxing, the die itself felt solid, constructed of steel. Its compact size and straightforward design inspired confidence. The threads were clean and the finish was even. My initial impression was positive, making me eager to test it out.
I’ve previously used the RCBS Trim Pro-2 and the Lyman Universal Case Trimmer. I opted for the Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die primarily due to its price point and advertised compatibility with my existing Lee trimming setup. The other options felt like overkill for the relatively low volume of .17 Hornet rounds I reload.
Overall, I was cautiously optimistic. While the build quality seemed decent, the true test would be how well it performed in practice. The promise of streamlining my case prep process was enough to pique my interest.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die took place in my reloading room, a climate-controlled space dedicated to precision and consistency. I tested the die on a batch of once-fired .17 Hornet brass that had been previously cleaned and lubed. The Lee Deluxe Quick Trim Case Trimmer was already mounted to my bench.
The die screwed into my single-stage press without issue. I found the process of trimming cases to be relatively straightforward after a few initial adjustments. Each case was fed into the die, the press handle was pulled, and the case was trimmed.
The trimming process generated a fair amount of brass shavings, as expected. I was pleased to see the cases were trimmed to a consistent length within a few thousandths of an inch. My primary concern was the occasional case getting stuck in the die which required some extra force to remove.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die has proven to be a reliable, albeit somewhat finicky, tool. It holds up well, with no visible signs of wear and tear on the die itself. Regular cleaning with a brush and solvent is essential to prevent brass buildup inside the die.
Maintaining the Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die is a breeze. A quick spray with gun cleaner followed by a brush through the die keeps it running smoothly. Compared to my previous manual trimmer, the Lee Quick Trim Die is considerably faster, but requires more frequent cleaning.
In comparison to my experiences with a manual trimmer, the Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die offers improved speed and consistency. It does require more attention during use to ensure smooth operation. While it hasn’t completely eliminated manual trimming for me (some cases still require individual attention), it has significantly reduced the overall time spent on case preparation.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die
Specifications
The Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die is specifically designed for trimming .17 Hornet cases. It is constructed of steel for durability. The die has a weight of 0.3297 oz, a width of 3.8 in, a height of 0.9 in, and a length of 5 in.
- Caliber: .17 Hornet – This ensures precise trimming for this specific cartridge, optimizing performance.
- Material: Steel – Providing strength and resistance to wear during the trimming process.
- Compatibility: LEE 90437 Lee Deluxe Quick Trim Case Trimmer – Ensures seamless integration with the Lee trimming system.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the accuracy and ease of use of the die. The correct caliber ensures proper fit and trimming length. The steel construction guarantees longevity. The designated trimmer compatibility provides a streamlined workflow.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die performs its primary job – trimming .17 Hornet cases – reasonably well. It produces consistent case lengths when used correctly. The biggest weakness is the occasional case sticking inside the die, requiring extra force to remove.
The Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die largely meets expectations for an affordable case trimming solution. The speed is improved over manual trimming, but the occasional case-sticking issue is a drawback. The Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die offers a good balance between price and performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die features a simple, functional design. The steel construction gives it a robust feel. The die is compact and easy to handle.
The Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die is relatively user-friendly. Some initial adjustments may be needed to achieve the desired case length. The learning curve is minimal.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests that the Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die should last for a long time with proper care. Consistent cleaning is key to prevent brass buildup.
The Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die is easy to maintain. A simple cleaning regimen is sufficient. It is unlikely to require any repairs under normal use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die is designed to work with the LEE 90437 Lee Deluxe Quick Trim Case Trimmer. No other accessories are included. The trimmer is essential for using the die effectively.
There are no specific customization options for this die. It is a dedicated tool designed solely for trimming .17 Hornet cases with the specified Lee trimmer. It is not generally compatible with accessories from other brands.
Pros and Cons of Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die
Pros
- Significantly faster than manual case trimming.
- Produces consistent case lengths.
- Affordable price point.
- Steel construction for durability.
- Easy to maintain.
Cons
- Cases occasionally stick in the die.
- Requires LEE Deluxe Quick Trim Case Trimmer.
- Can generate significant brass shavings.
Who Should Buy Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die?
The Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die is perfect for reloaders who process a moderate volume of .17 Hornet cases and are looking for a faster alternative to manual trimming without breaking the bank. This die is also ideal for those already invested in the Lee Deluxe Quick Trim Case Trimmer system.
This product may not be suitable for high-volume reloaders who require the absolute fastest trimming speeds or for those who prefer to avoid the Lee ecosystem altogether. Those who demand perfectly smooth operation without any potential for cases sticking may also want to consider a more expensive option.
A must-have accessory is the LEE 90437 Lee Deluxe Quick Trim Case Trimmer. Without the designated trimmer, the die is useless.
Conclusion on Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die
The Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die offers a significant improvement over manual case trimming for .17 Hornet reloaders. It provides consistent case lengths and speeds up the process. The occasional case-sticking issue is a minor inconvenience, particularly given the affordable price.
The price of $30.60 is justified by the time savings and improved consistency it provides. While it may not be the fastest or smoothest case trimmer on the market, the Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die offers excellent value for the money.
I would personally recommend the Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die to reloaders seeking a budget-friendly and efficient case trimming solution for their .17 Hornet cartridges. If you’re looking to streamline your reloading process, the Lee 17 Hornet Quick Trim Die might be just the tool you need. Add it to your cart and experience the speed and consistency for yourself!