Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders Review

The **Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders**: Review from Real Use

For years, the allure of the trap and skeet fields, along with the promise of a productive bird hunt, has been a constant draw. However, the often tedious reality of a reloading bench loomed large, threatening to eat into precious shooting time. This is precisely the bottleneck that Hornady sought to eliminate with their Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders. Designed for shooters who want to maximize their time on the range or in the field, this machine promises efficiency and ease. My own journey to this particular reloader was driven by a desire to keep up with the sheer volume of shells my shooting habits demanded, without becoming chained to a slower, manual process.

Upon first inspection, the Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders presents a robust, industrial feel. The substantial metal construction suggests durability and a commitment to longevity, a welcome contrast to some of the lighter, more plasticky alternatives I’d encountered in the past. It’s not a piece of equipment that inspires delicate handling; rather, it looks and feels like it’s built to work, and work hard. I’d briefly considered a Lee Load-Master, but the automated features of the Hornady quickly tipped the scales. My initial impression was one of quiet confidence – a feeling that this machine would, indeed, deliver on its promise of rapid shell production.

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds for the Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders were my own workshop and then the familiar confines of my reloading bench. The goal was simple: to process a large batch of 12-gauge shells as efficiently as possible. I wanted to see how it performed under sustained operation, simulating what a dedicated trap shooter might throw at it over a weekend.

The operation was surprisingly smooth from the outset, with the automatic advance between stations significantly reducing manual input. I ran it through several cycles, observing how it handled different components and the resulting crimps. There were a couple of minor hiccups with primer seating on the very first few shells, but a quick adjustment, which I’ll detail later, resolved this.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders has become an indispensable part of my reloading routine. I find myself reaching for it whenever I need to replenish my supply of 12-gauge shells for sporting clays or upland bird hunting. It consistently turns out well-crimped, factory-dimensioned shells with minimal effort on my part.

Durability has been excellent so far; there are no apparent signs of significant wear and tear despite processing hundreds of rounds. The metal components show no undue stress, and the moving parts remain free of stiffness or binding. Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving periodic cleaning of the primer feed and shot/powder reservoirs, along with a light lubrication of the main operating linkage. Compared to some earlier, single-stage presses I’ve used, this automated unit offers a dramatic leap in output and a welcome reduction in physical strain.

Specifications

The Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders is a semi-automatic shotshell reloading press designed for 12-gauge ammunition. Its core strength lies in its automatic indexing, which advances the shell to the next station with each pull of the operating lever, a significant time-saver. The press features full-length resizing to ensure fired hulls return to factory dimensions, crucial for proper functionality in any firearm.

The automatic primer feed is another key specification that contributes to its speed and convenience. It includes a swing-out wad guide which simplifies the process of inserting wads correctly, and a robust three-stage Taper-Loc crimping system that consistently produces well-finished shells. The unit also features automatic ejection of the finished shell, further streamlining the reloading process. All these features work in concert to deliver a highly efficient reloading experience.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders is to produce finished shotshells quickly and accurately, and it excels at this. The automated sequence of operations – resizing, priming, powder drop, wad insertion, shot drop, and crimping – flows seamlessly with each lever pull. The resulting crimps are consistently tight and uniform, a testament to the quality of the Taper-Loc crimping die.

Its greatest strength is undoubtedly its speed and ease of use. For anyone shooting a high volume of shells, this is a game-changer. A minor area for potential improvement lies in the fixed nature of the stations. Unlike some other progressive reloader designs, you cannot easily remove a shell from an intermediate station for inspection or adjustment without completing the cycle or performing a workaround. This is a trade-off for the simplicity of its fully automated action.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this shotshell reloader prioritizes function over form, and it succeeds admirably. The use of heavy-duty metal construction throughout the main body and operating linkage instills a sense of confidence in its durability. Its substantial weight also contributes to stability during operation, preventing the unit from shifting or walking on the bench.

Ergonomically, the large, smooth-operating lever is comfortable to grip and pull, even during extended reloading sessions. The swing-out wad guide and accessible primer feed chute are well-positioned for easy access and manipulation. The only minor ergonomic consideration is the fixed nature of the shell placement at each station, which, as mentioned, can be a slight inconvenience if you need to stop mid-cycle.

Durability & Maintenance

Built with heavy-gauge steel components and a straightforward mechanical design, the Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders is clearly built for the long haul. I anticipate many years of reliable service from this machine, even under heavy use. The moving parts are robust and designed to withstand the forces involved in shotshell reloading.

Maintenance is relatively simple, focusing on keeping the components clean and properly lubricated. Regular cleaning of the primer feed is essential to prevent jams, and occasional wiping down of the main linkage with a light machine oil keeps the operation smooth. There are no complex electronic components to worry about, which adds to its inherent durability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders comes as a complete unit for 12-gauge, including the necessary dies for a full reloading cycle. Hornady offers additional die sets for other common gauges, including 20-gauge and 28-gauge, which are sold separately. These allow users to adapt the same press to reload different ammunition types.

While customization of the core press itself is minimal, the ability to purchase additional die sets is a significant benefit, extending the versatility of this single machine across multiple shotgun gauges.

Pros and Cons of **Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders**

Who Should Buy **Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders**?

The Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders is an ideal piece of equipment for avid trap, skeet, and sporting clays shooters who consistently burn through hundreds, if not thousands, of shells annually. It’s also a solid choice for dedicated bird hunters who reload their own ammunition for various hunting scenarios. This reloader is designed for those who value their shooting time and want to minimize the hours spent at the reloading bench.

Those who only reload occasionally or shoot a very low volume of shells might find the investment and complexity of this automated press to be more than they need. Simpler, single-stage presses would likely suffice for such users. I would recommend pairing this reloader with a good set of accurate powder and shot measures, along with a reliable scale for verification, to ensure the highest quality reloads.

Conclusion on **Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders**

The Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders is a testament to efficient design and robust engineering, specifically tailored for the high-volume shotshell reloader. Its ability to churn out precisely crimped shells with remarkable speed and minimal user intervention makes it an outstanding value proposition, particularly for dedicated clay sports enthusiasts and hunters. While the inability to easily stop at intermediate stations is a minor drawback for some, the sheer output and ease of operation far outweigh this limitation for its intended user base.

Considering the time saved and the consistent quality of the ammunition produced, the $1479.00 price point feels justified for serious shooters. I wholeheartedly recommend this machine to anyone who finds themselves reloading constantly for a sport that demands a high round count. If you’re looking to spend more time shooting and less time hunched over a bench, the Hornady 366 Auto Shotshell Reloaders is an investment you won’t regret.