Hornady Full Length Die, 5.7×28 FN, .224, 046212 Review

From Curiosity to Confidence: My Hornady Full Length Die, 5.7×28 FN, .224, 046212 – 1 out of 125 models Review

The 5.7×28 FN cartridge is a unique beast, and reloading for it can be…finicky, to say the least. That’s why I was immediately intrigued by the Hornady Full Length Die, 5.7×28 FN, .224, 046212 – 1 out of 125 models. This die promises to tame the challenges of resizing this bottlenecked cartridge, offering features designed for smoother operation and consistent results.

I’d been chasing consistent accuracy in my 5.7×28 handloads for far too long. My existing die set, from a competitor I won’t name, was leading to excessive case stretching and inconsistent shoulder setbacks. This led to variations in pressure and, ultimately, frustrating inaccuracy at the range.

Upon opening the Hornady packaging, I was immediately impressed by the smooth, polished finish of the die. It felt substantial and well-made, a clear step up from my previous, rather rough-around-the-edges die set. The zip spindle design was also immediately apparent, and I was eager to see if it lived up to its promise of easier adjustments.

I had been considering die sets from RCBS and Redding, both reputable names in the reloading world. However, the Hornady die’s specific focus on the 5.7×28 FN, coupled with its unique features like the elliptical expander, swayed my decision. I felt Hornady had truly considered the specific challenges of this cartridge.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The die exuded quality, but the proof would be in the pudding. Would it finally deliver the consistent, accurate handloads I was seeking?

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Full Length Die, 5.7×28 FN, .224, 046212 – 1 out of 125 models to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test was at my home reloading bench, preparing rounds for an upcoming range day. I meticulously followed Hornady’s instructions and paid close attention to the feel of the die during operation. The resizing process immediately felt smoother than with my old die.

The zip spindle design proved its worth right away, allowing for incredibly precise and easy adjustments to the decapping pin depth. This was a welcome change from the frustrating trial-and-error adjustments I was used to. I experienced absolutely no case sticking, even without using excessive lubrication.

After the initial resizing, I noticed a significant improvement in case uniformity. The shoulder setback was much more consistent than before, promising more uniform pressures and improved accuracy. This was definitely a positive sign!

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and hundreds of rounds reloaded with the Hornady Full Length Die, I can confidently say it has significantly improved my 5.7×28 reloading process. The die continues to perform flawlessly, with no signs of wear or performance degradation. The consistent results speak for themselves.

The die still looks and feels like new after consistent use. I clean it regularly with a dry cloth and apply a light coat of Hornady One Shot case lube to the interior threads to prevent any potential corrosion. Maintenance is incredibly simple.

The Hornady die set has absolutely outperformed my previous experience. My 5.7×28 handloads are now far more consistent and accurate, resulting in tighter groupings at the range. I can now spend more time enjoying shooting and less time chasing load variations.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Full Length Die, 5.7×28 FN, .224, 046212 – 1 out of 125 models

Specifications

The Hornady Full Length Die, 5.7×28 FN, .224, 046212 – 1 out of 125 models, is specifically designed for resizing 5.7×28 FN cartridges. The die resizes the entire case body to factory specifications, ensuring proper chambering and consistent ignition. Its .224 caliber compatibility means it prepares the case neck to securely hold .224 diameter bullets.

The die is constructed from hardened steel for exceptional durability and long-lasting performance. This ensures the die can withstand the pressures of resizing tough brass cases without deformation. The lock rings with wrench flats allow for easy and secure tightening, preventing any movement during the reloading process, and maintaining your precise settings.

The zip spindle design simplifies decapping pin adjustments, allowing for quick and precise depth changes. This eliminates the frustration of tedious, incremental adjustments often found in other dies. The elliptical expander button is designed to smoothly expand the case neck without overworking the brass. This reduces case neck splitting and extends case life.

These specifications are crucial for consistent, accurate reloading. Proper resizing, neck tension, and concentricity are essential for achieving optimal bullet seating and consistent pressures. These factors directly translate into tighter groupings and improved shooting performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Full Length Die excels at its primary function: resizing 5.7×28 FN brass to factory specifications. It does so smoothly, consistently, and without excessive effort. The accuracy of the resized cases is readily apparent in the consistency of my handloads.

The primary strength lies in its consistent performance. I have yet to experience a case sticking, shoulder buckling, or any other common resizing issue. The zip spindle adjustment is a clear win. There is very little room for improvement as the Hornady die performs its core function admirably.

The Hornady die set has exceeded my expectations. It addresses the inherent challenges of reloading the 5.7×28 FN cartridge with smart design and high-quality materials. The result is a more enjoyable and rewarding reloading experience.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady Full Length Die boasts a simple but effective design. The smooth finish and clearly labeled components make it easy to use, even for reloaders relatively new to the 5.7×28 FN cartridge. The steel construction feels solid and inspires confidence.

The zip spindle is the standout ergonomic feature. It makes fine-tuning the decapping pin depth effortless. There is virtually no learning curve, the Hornady die set is intuitive and easy to master.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its steel construction, the Hornady Full Length Die is built to last. I expect it to provide years of reliable service with proper care. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth and occasional lubrication of the threads is all that’s required.

The die is designed for easy disassembly and cleaning. Should any parts require replacement, Hornady offers readily available replacement parts. Maintaining the Hornady die is simple and straightforward, guaranteeing a long service life.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Full Length Die set includes the full-length resizing die, decapping pin, and lock rings with wrench flats. While there are no directly compatible aftermarket accessories, the die itself works seamlessly with any standard reloading press. This is compatible with standard shell holders designed for the 5.7×28 FN cartridge.

There are no specific customization options for the Hornady die itself. The ability to use it with various presses and shell holders makes it adaptable to existing reloading setups. This simplifies integration into your workflow.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Full Length Die, 5.7×28 FN, .224, 046212 – 1 out of 125 models

Who Should Buy Hornady Full Length Die, 5.7×28 FN, .224, 046212 – 1 out of 125 models?

The Hornady Full Length Die is perfect for reloaders seeking consistent, accurate, and reliable resizing of 5.7×28 FN brass. It is a great choice for both novice and experienced handloaders. Competitive shooters looking for extreme precision will also benefit from the consistent results.

Reloaders seeking advanced features like micrometer adjustments or carbide sizing may want to consider more expensive die sets. Those who only occasionally reload for 5.7×28 FN might find a less specialized die set sufficient.

Must-have accessories include a high-quality case lubricant (like Hornady One Shot) and a reliable reloading press. Consider investing in a concentricity gauge to ensure optimal bullet alignment and further improve accuracy.

Conclusion on Hornady Full Length Die, 5.7×28 FN, .224, 046212 – 1 out of 125 models

The Hornady Full Length Die, 5.7×28 FN, .224, 046212 – 1 out of 125 models, is a well-designed and expertly crafted tool that delivers on its promise. It simplifies the often-challenging task of resizing 5.7×28 FN brass. Its ease of use, consistent performance, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for any 5.7×28 FN handloader.

At $53.99, the price is justified by the improved reloading experience and the potential for enhanced accuracy. It offers excellent value for money.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Hornady Full Length Die to anyone looking to improve the consistency and accuracy of their 5.7×28 FN handloads. Upgrade your reloading bench and experience the difference today!