Hornady 3 Die Set – Cowboy .38 Special/.357 Review

How the Hornady 3 Die Set – Cowboy .38 Special, .357 – 1 out of 23 models Performed Under Pressure

Reloading ammunition is more than just a hobby; it’s a craft. The Hornady 3 Die Set – Cowboy .38 Special, .357 – 1 out of 23 models promises to bring precision and consistency to this process, specifically tailored for the unique needs of cowboy action shooters and those who appreciate the classic .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds. With its reputation for quality and innovation, Hornady has set a high bar.

After years of relying on other die sets that often fell short in delivering consistent crimps and smooth resizing, I was on the hunt for a solution that would streamline my reloading process for these classic calibers. The promise of Hornady’s Sure-Loc™ lock rings, Zip Spindle™ design, and in-line bullet seating system drew me in, hoping for tighter tolerances and more uniform ammunition. I was looking for improved accuracy and reliability in my reloads for both practice and competition.

My initial impression upon unboxing the die set was one of solid, well-machined components. The dies felt substantial and precisely crafted, a stark contrast to some of the cheaper sets I’ve used in the past that often felt rough around the edges. Compared to my old RCBS set, the Hornady dies exuded a sense of refinement. I chose this over a Lee set primarily due to perceived superior build quality and the included features like the Sure-Loc™ lock rings, which I hoped would prevent frustrating adjustments during high-volume reloading sessions.

I was excited to see if the Hornady set would live up to its promises and improve the overall quality and consistency of my reloaded ammunition. Any improvements would translate directly to better performance on the range and a more enjoyable shooting experience.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady 3 Die Set – Cowboy .38 Special, .357 – 1 out of 23 models to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Hornady 3 Die Set – Cowboy .38 Special, .357 – 1 out of 23 models was at my reloading bench, preparing ammunition for a local cowboy action shooting competition. I tested the dies using both .38 Special and .357 Magnum cases, with various bullet weights and powder charges.

The dies performed admirably, even under the pressure of preparing match-grade ammunition. The resizing die smoothly reformed the spent cases, and the expanding die created a perfect neck tension for bullet seating. I did find that I needed to fine-tune the seating depth to achieve the desired overall length for consistent chambering in my revolvers.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Hornady 3 Die Set – Cowboy .38 Special, .357 – 1 out of 23 models has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my reloading setup. There are minimal signs of wear and tear on the dies themselves, even after thousands of rounds.

The dies are easy to clean and maintain. A quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each reloading session keeps them in excellent condition. This Hornady set significantly outperforms my previous die set in terms of consistency and ease of adjustment.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady 3 Die Set – Cowboy .38 Special, .357 – 1 out of 23 models

Specifications

The Hornady 3 Die Set – Cowboy .38 Special, .357 – 1 out of 23 models includes three essential dies for reloading straight-walled pistol cartridges. The set consists of a straight wall sizing die, a standard expanding die, and a standard bullet seating die.

The straight wall sizing die resizes the spent cases back to their original dimensions, ensuring they will properly chamber in your firearm. The standard expanding die expands the case mouth to accept a new bullet, while also applying the correct neck tension. Finally, the standard bullet seating die seats the bullet to the correct depth and can also apply a crimp. These features work together to produce consistent and accurate ammunition.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady 3 Die Set – Cowboy .38 Special, .357 – 1 out of 23 models excels in its primary function: producing consistent and accurate reloads. The integrated elliptical expander is superior to ball expanders, minimizing case neck stretch and friction.

The dies meet my expectations for quality and performance. However, a dedicated crimp die might still be preferred by some reloaders for ultimate control.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Hornady dies is excellent. The materials used are robust, and the machining is precise.

The set is user-friendly, even for novice reloaders. The seater adjustment screw allows for easy bullet seating depth adjustments.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, the Hornady 3 Die Set – Cowboy .38 Special, .357 – 1 out of 23 models should last for many years. Hornady even guarantees that the dies will never break or wear out from use.

Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use. The locking retainer spring allows for easy disassembly and cleaning of the die.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady 3 Die Set – Cowboy .38 Special, .357 – 1 out of 23 models comes in a compartmentalized box, allowing for easy storage of the dies, bushings, and shell holders. While the set itself doesn’t offer much in the way of customization, you can use different shell holders and bullets to tailor your reloads to your specific needs.

The dies are compatible with most standard reloading presses and shell holders. A separate taper crimp die can be added for even greater control over the final crimp.

Pros and Cons of Hornady 3 Die Set – Cowboy .38 Special, .357 – 1 out of 23 models

Pros

• Reliable Performance: Produces consistent and accurate reloads for .38 Special and .357 Magnum.
• Durable Construction: Built to last with high-quality materials and precise machining.
• Smooth Operation: Features like the elliptical expander minimize friction and case neck stretch.
• Easy Adjustments: The seater adjustment screw makes it simple to adjust bullet seating depth.
• Convenient Storage: Comes in a compartmentalized box for easy storage.

Cons

• Lacks dedicated crimp die: While the bullet seating die can crimp, a separate crimp die offers more control.
• Price: Slightly more expensive than some competing die sets.

Who Should Buy Hornady 3 Die Set – Cowboy .38 Special, .357 – 1 out of 23 models?