Is the Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters Right for You?
As someone who spends a significant amount of time working with firearms and reloading, precision and efficiency are paramount. My established setup relies on a Hornady progressive press, specifically the 366 Auto model, for its reliability and speed. However, the process of seating primers, while generally smooth, always presented a minor bottleneck. Adjusting the primer seater for different hull brands and primers could be a tedious, albeit brief, detour that interrupted the flow of a reloading session. This is where the Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters entered my workshop.
The initial impression upon unboxing these units was one of sturdy, functional engineering. They felt substantial, not flimsy or like they were made from cheap plastic. My need for this upgrade stemmed from a desire to streamline the entire reloading process for my 12 and 20 gauge shotshells. While the stock primer seating mechanism on the 366 works, the ability to achieve consistent primer seating across various hull types without constant adjustment seemed like a worthwhile pursuit. I briefly considered aftermarket kits from other reloading brands, but sticking with Hornady for their known compatibility and quality seemed the most sensible path. This upgrade brought an immediate sense of potential improvement, a quiet satisfaction that a small but impactful enhancement was on its way.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters to the Test
First Use Experience
I integrated the Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters directly onto my Hornady 366 Auto press during a typical reloading session in my home workshop. The environment is a controlled space, but it does see its fair share of dust from various projects. Installation was straightforward, requiring only a few minutes and basic tools, fitting neatly into the press’s existing primer seating mechanism.
The primary test involved loading a mixed batch of 12 gauge hulls from different manufacturers, utilizing both standard and a few less common primer types. Performance was notably consistent; the spring-loaded action provided a consistent depth of primer seating with each stroke. There were no surprises or issues during this initial setup, the spring mechanism handled the variations smoothly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds loaded using the spring-loaded seaters, their reliability has remained high. They have become an indispensable part of my reloading routine, integrated seamlessly into the workflow.
Durability has been excellent so far; there are no visible signs of wear, cracking, or loss of spring tension. The materials feel robust and designed to withstand the repetitive motions of reloading. Maintenance is minimal, essentially just requiring a light wipe-down with a dry cloth to remove any residual powder or debris. Compared to the previous setup, which required occasional small adjustments, these units have eliminated that variable entirely.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters
Specifications
The Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters are designed as an upgrade for the Hornady 366 Auto shotshell loader. They are a retrofit part, meaning they are designed to replace or augment existing components on the press. The primary benefit is the spring-loaded action, which automatically adjusts the seating depth. This feature works across various hull brands and types, ensuring a consistent primer seat without manual readjustment.
These seaters are compatible with both 12 gauge and 20 gauge reloading on the 366 Auto. The unit itself is a single component, with the price reflecting a single upgrade kit. The manufacturer is Hornady, a name synonymous with quality reloading equipment. The projectile caliber listed as “.366 Caliber” appears to be a product listing artifact; these are specifically for shotshell priming and not related to bullet caliber.
Performance & Functionality
The core function of the Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters is to provide a consistent and effortless primer seating experience. They excel at this primary task. The spring mechanism provides just enough tension to seat the primer fully without crushing it, and it adapts automatically to variations in hull thickness and primer seating depth requirements.
A major strength is the elimination of primer seating depth adjustments between different hull brands or even primer batches. This significantly speeds up the reloading process, allowing for a more continuous workflow. While they perform their main job exceptionally well, there isn’t a complex array of secondary functions to evaluate. The focus is squarely on reliable, consistent primer seating.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters is intentionally functional and robust. Constructed from durable materials, they feel solid and well-made, designed to endure the rigors of repeated use in a reloading environment. The integration into the 366 Auto press is seamless, and they operate smoothly with the press’s existing linkages.
Ergonomically, their benefit is in reducing user interaction. By automating the adjustment needed for primer seating depth, they free up the reloader to focus on other stations or simply maintain a consistent rhythm. There is no significant learning curve; if you can operate the 366 Auto, you can use these upgrade parts.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my extended use, the Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters are built for longevity. The materials suggest they will withstand thousands of primer seating cycles without significant degradation. The absence of small, easily broken parts in the spring mechanism adds to their perceived durability.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent beyond basic cleaning. A quick wipe with a soft cloth to remove any dust or debris is all that’s needed to keep them functioning optimally. There are no specific lubrication requirements, and no parts that typically fail or require replacement under normal operation for this type of component.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters are an upgrade part and do not typically come with additional accessories. They are designed to be a direct replacement or addition to the existing primer seating assembly of the Hornady 366 Auto. There are no inherent customization options for the seaters themselves, as their primary function is to standardize primer seating depth across various hulls. Their benefit lies in simplifying the process, not in offering varied configurations.
Pros and Cons of Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters
Pros
- Significant time savings by eliminating the need for manual primer seating depth adjustments.
- Consistent primer seating depth across different hull brands and primer types, ensuring reliable component seating.
- Easy installation that requires minimal tools and can be completed quickly.
- Robust construction built to last through extensive reloading sessions.
- Improved workflow for increased reloading efficiency on the 366 Auto press.
Cons
- Instructions could be more detailed, as noted by other users, requiring some self-reliance.
- Limited availability of video support from the manufacturer for specific installation guidance on this accessory.
- Price point ($59.99) might be a consideration for those on a very tight budget, though the time savings can justify it.
Who Should Buy Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters?
These Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters are an excellent upgrade for any reloader who owns a Hornady 366 Auto shotshell press and wants to maximize efficiency. If you frequently reload mixed lots of hulls from various manufacturers, or if you simply want to eliminate a minor but recurring adjustment point in your reloading process, this product is ideal. It’s particularly suited for those who reload in higher volumes and can benefit most from the streamlined workflow.
Anyone looking for extreme customization in primer seating depth beyond a consistent, reliable standard might find these less appealing. However, for most users, the simplicity and consistency they offer are significant advantages. A good quality cleaning cloth for occasional dusting is the only real “accessory” you might want on hand, but it’s not essential for their function.
Conclusion on Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters
The Hornady 366 Spring Loaded Primer Seaters are a simple yet highly effective upgrade for the Hornady 366 Auto shotshell reloader. They deliver on their promise of consistent primer seating and significantly reduce the time spent on minor adjustments, leading to a smoother and faster reloading process. The build quality is typical of Hornady products—solid and reliable.
Considering the price of $59.99, the value proposition is strong, especially for high-volume reloaders. The time saved and the enhanced consistency easily justify the investment over numerous reloading sessions. I would absolutely recommend these to any owner of a 366 Auto looking to optimize their reloading efficiency. If you value streamlined operation and consistent results, this accessory is a worthwhile addition to your reloading bench.