Hornady .17 to .20 Caliber Powder Funnel Adapters Review

Testing the Hornady .17 to .20 Caliber Powder Funnel Adapters: What You Need to Know

For any serious handloader, especially those venturing into the realm of small-caliber precision, the right tools make all the difference. That’s why I found myself looking for a solution to a common reloading frustration: consistently and accurately dispensing small powder charges into tiny .17 and .20 caliber cases. This is where the Hornady .17 to .20 Caliber Powder Funnel Adapters stepped into my workshop. My previous method involved a lot of careful nudging and the occasional powder spill, which is both time-consuming and wasteful, especially with expensive small-caliber projectiles.

My journey to this particular set of adapters wasn’t a direct one. I’d initially looked at generic funnels, but the neck diameters for these calibers are so incredibly fine that a standard funnel often feels like trying to pour grains of sand through a thimble. I briefly considered custom-made solutions, but the cost and lead time were prohibitive for a piece of equipment that felt like it should be readily available. The Hornady .17 to .20 Caliber Powder Funnel Adapters promised a direct, integrated solution from a reputable manufacturer known for its reloading components. My first impression upon arrival was one of practical simplicity; a small, brightly colored piece of equipment designed for a very specific task.

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my reloading bench, a space I’ve cultivated over years of tinkering. The primary scenario involved loading .17 Hornet, a caliber notorious for its delicate brass. The Hornady .17 to .20 Caliber Powder Funnel Adapters attached easily to my existing Hornady powder funnel, snapping securely into place with a reassuring click.

Pouring the powder charges felt significantly smoother than before. The adapter’s narrow aperture ensured that even fine extruded powders were guided directly into the case neck, minimizing any chance of spillage. I noted that while the adapters are designed for Hornady funnels, they also fit my MTM funnel surprisingly well, which speaks to a degree of universal design intent. There was no discernible learning curve; it was immediately intuitive.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several reloading sessions, focused on both .17 Hornet and .204 Ruger, these adapters proved their worth. I’ve loaded well over a hundred rounds with them, and they have held up exceptionally well.

The bright red color, while seemingly cosmetic, is actually a smart design choice. It makes them highly visible against the brass and metal components on my bench, reducing the chances of them getting lost or overlooked. There have been no signs of cracking or deformation, even after being handled repeatedly and occasionally being bumped on the bench. Cleaning is a simple wipe-down with a soft cloth or brush, and they store easily in a small parts drawer.

Compared to using a generic funnel or attempting to pour directly, these adapters are a clear upgrade. They don’t offer the speed of a fully automated powder dispenser for large quantities, but for precision handloading of small calibers, they are remarkably effective.

Specifications

The Hornady .17 to .20 Caliber Powder Funnel Adapters are precisely engineered to bridge the gap between standard powder funnels and the exceptionally narrow necks of .17 and .20 caliber cartridges. They are manufactured from a durable red polymer, chosen for its resistance to static electricity and ease of cleaning.

These adapters are designed to fit onto the exterior of a standard powder funnel spout, effectively reducing the opening diameter to accommodate the smaller case mouths. Their purpose is to create a clean, direct path for powder, preventing spills and ensuring consistent powder delivery into these tiny necks. The specific caliber range they address, .17 to .20 caliber, is critical for handloaders working with cartridges like the .17 Rem Fireball, .17 Hornet, .204 Ruger, and .20 Practical.

Their compact size means they don’t add significant bulk or weight to your reloading setup. The red color enhances visibility, a practical feature that prevents them from being misplaced on a busy bench. While exact dimensions aren’t critical for such a simple accessory, their aperture is precisely engineered to mate with the common funnel diameters while funneling powder into the tiny cases.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Hornady .17 to .20 Caliber Powder Funnel Adapters is to facilitate the safe and accurate transfer of propellant into small-caliber cartridge cases. In this regard, they perform admirably. They significantly reduce powder spillage, a common issue when dealing with these calibers and fine-grained powders.

The consistent funneling action ensures that powder flows smoothly into the case neck. This not only saves valuable propellant but also contributes to more uniform case fills, which is a cornerstone of accurate handloading. Their main strength lies in their specialized design; they are not a one-size-fits-all solution but a targeted tool for a specific, challenging reloading task.

A minor point for consideration is that the narrow aperture can be more prone to clogging with very coarse or flake powders, although this is less common for the calibers these adapters are intended for. Overall, they meet and exceed expectations for their intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these adapters is straightforward and functional. Made from a bright red polymer, they are lightweight and easy to handle. The material feels robust enough to withstand regular use without becoming brittle.

Ergonomically, they are unobtrusive. They simply fit onto the end of a funnel, and their smooth, tapered interior guides powder without resistance. There’s no complex gripping or manipulation required, making them a seamless addition to the reloading process.

The snap-fit mechanism ensures they stay securely in place during use. I appreciate the simplicity of the design, which means fewer points of failure and less to go wrong. The smooth internal finish contributes to the efficient powder flow.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, these adapters seem built to last for years of reloading. The polymer construction is resistant to most common reloading solvents and cleaners. The lack of moving parts means there’s little to break or wear out.

Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down after use is usually sufficient to keep them clean. If any powder residue does become lodged, a soft brush or compressed air will easily clear it. I haven’t encountered any signs of wear or degradation after my testing period.

The biggest concern for long-term durability would be accidental breakage if dropped onto a very hard surface, but the polymer seems to have enough flex to absorb minor impacts. The bright red color also makes them easy to spot if they do fall, mitigating that risk.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady .17 to .20 Caliber Powder Funnel Adapters are sold as a pair, intended to work with existing powder funnels. They are not designed to be customized, nor do they come with additional accessories.

Their compatibility is a key feature, as they are designed to fit Hornady funnels and are also noted to fit MTM and other brands. This broad compatibility means most reloaders who own a powder funnel likely won’t need to purchase a new one to use these adapters effectively. There are no interchangeable parts or upgrade paths for this particular product.

Pros and Cons of Hornady .17 to .20 Caliber Powder Funnel Adapters

Who Should Buy Hornady .17 to .20 Caliber Powder Funnel Adapters?

These adapters are an absolute must-have for any handloader who regularly loads ammunition for calibers in the .17 to .20 range. This includes enthusiasts of cartridges like the .17 Hornet, .17 Remington Fireball, .204 Ruger, and .20 Practical, especially those who demand precision and consistency in their reloads. If you’ve experienced frustration with powder spills or inaccurate dispensing into these tiny case necks, these adapters are a straightforward solution.

Those who should probably skip this product are reloaders who exclusively work with larger caliber cartridges (.22 centerfire and up) or pistol rounds. The specialized nature of these adapters means they offer no benefit outside of their intended application. For those starting out with such small calibers, consider pairing these adapters with a high-quality powder scale and a good powder trickler for optimal results.

Conclusion on Hornady .17 to .20 Caliber Powder Funnel Adapters

The Hornady .17 to .20 Caliber Powder Funnel Adapters are a prime example of a small accessory making a significant difference in a niche reloading task. They tackle the precise challenge of dispensing powder into the minuscule necks of .17 and .20 caliber cases with impressive efficacy. For the price, which is quite reasonable for a specialized tool, the value they provide in terms of accuracy, powder savings, and reduced frustration is substantial.

I wholeheartedly recommend these adapters to anyone reloading these small-caliber cartridges. They are a simple, durable, and effective addition to any handloader’s toolkit. If you’re looking to fine-tune your small-caliber loads, these adapters are an easy and worthwhile investment that will pay dividends in consistency and efficiency at the reloading bench.