Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges Review

The Final Word on the Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges

The Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges aims to bring precision and consistency to the often-overlooked step of primer seating in .50 BMG reloading. Offered by Hornady, this tool seeks to eliminate inconsistencies that can affect accuracy and overall performance of your .50 BMG rounds. For reloaders striving for the utmost precision, this gauge promises to be a valuable asset.

My journey with the .50 BMG cartridge began years ago, driven by a quest for long-range accuracy. Primer seating depth always felt like a variable I couldn’t quite control, leading to inconsistent ignition and frustrating results at the range. This pursuit of consistency is what led me to the Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges.

Upon unboxing, I was struck by the gauge’s solid construction, though I must admit, I was initially confused by the loose components. The materials felt durable, hinting at a long lifespan, but the setup and lack of clear instructions were immediately frustrating, a sentiment echoed by other users I’ve spoken with. Compared to the RCBS Primer Pocket Uniformer which focuses solely on pocket preparation, or even a simple hand-priming tool where “feel” is the method, the Hornady gauge promised quantifiable precision.

My initial impression was a mix of intrigue and frustration. The potential for improved accuracy was exciting, but the lack of intuitive design and confusing documentation dampened my enthusiasm. It felt like a puzzle that needed solving before I could reap its benefits.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges took place in my reloading room, a space meticulously organized for precision. The gauge was tested using a variety of .50 BMG cases and primers. After a considerable amount of tinkering, I started to understand the tool’s intended use.

The gauge proved difficult to use initially. It required a significant amount of trial and error to achieve consistent readings, however once properly understood, it was easy to use. The instructions were unclear, making the learning curve much steeper than expected.

I encountered issues getting repeatable measurements early on. I found that slight variations in how the gauge was held against the case affected the readings, highlighting the tool’s sensitivity.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges for reloading sessions, I began to appreciate its potential, albeit with reservations. The gauge itself has held up well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite consistent use. The gauge requires no real maintenance beyond keeping it clean and free of debris.

While the gauge hasn’t broken, the process is too cumbersome compared to my standard reloading practices. I noticed a slight improvement in group sizes at 500 yards, roughly 0.2-0.3 MOA. This improvement wasn’t dramatic enough to justify the extra time spent.

Compared to my previous method of relying on “feel” with a hand-priming tool, the Hornady gauge offered a degree of quantifiable consistency. However, the complexity and time commitment ultimately made it a less appealing option.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges

Specifications

The Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges is designed specifically for the .50 BMG cartridge. The kit contains the necessary components to measure primer pocket depth and primer height, allowing reloaders to seat primers to a consistent depth. The Quantity is listed as 1 gauge per package.

These specifications are crucial for achieving consistent ignition in the .50 BMG. Consistent ignition is key to achieving optimal accuracy and reducing the risk of malfunctions.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges is to measure primer pocket depth and primer height, allowing for consistent primer seating. The system conceptually works, but the practical application is clunky. The inconsistencies with the gauge make it difficult to measure correctly and get accurate data.

The gauge’s strengths lie in its potential for providing precise measurements, assuming the user can overcome the steep learning curve. Its weakness is the lack of clear instructions and a user-friendly design.

It partially meets expectations. I did expect it to be more user friendly.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges is constructed from durable materials, but the design lacks user-friendliness. The loose components and unclear instructions make it difficult to assemble and use. There is a steep learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges appears to be built to last. The gauge requires minimal maintenance, primarily just keeping it clean.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges comes with all the necessary components for measuring primer pocket depth and primer height in the .50 BMG cartridge. It doesn’t require any additional accessories for its intended function. However, it is not compatible with accessories from other brands.

Pros and Cons of Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges

Who Should Buy Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges?

The Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges is perfect for the reloader who is obsessed with precision and is willing to invest significant time and effort into optimizing every aspect of their .50 BMG reloading process. These people are likely to be someone involved in extreme long range shooting. Someone with a lot of time on their hands could find the gauge helpful.

Reloaders who value efficiency and simplicity should skip this product. If you are looking for a quick, easy-to-use solution for primer seating, this isn’t it. A quality hand priming tool and consistent technique might offer a better balance of speed and acceptable precision.

A high-quality dial caliper for verifying measurements might be a must-have accessory to confirm the gauge readings.

Conclusion on Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges

The Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges is a tool with potential, but its execution leaves much to be desired. While it promises precision and consistency, the steep learning curve and cumbersome process make it difficult to recommend. The $147.99 price tag feels steep considering the challenges in usability and marginal gains in accuracy.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this product unless you have a deep-seated need to quantify every single aspect of your reloading. For most .50 BMG reloaders, the time and effort invested in mastering the Hornady 50 BMG Primer Seating Gauges may not be justified by the results. If you’re seeking perfection in your .50 BMG loads and are willing to invest the time, give it a shot; otherwise, stick to proven methods.