Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets Review

The Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets: Is It Really That Good?

As someone who spends a significant amount of time in the workshop and at the reloading bench, efficiency and organization are paramount. I was looking for a way to streamline my reloading process, specifically for managing finished cartridges during case resizing and seating operations. My previous setup involved a rather haphazard collection of trays and containers, leading to dropped cases and lost time. After a bit of searching, I stumbled upon the Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets, a product designed to address exactly this kind of organizational challenge. The immediate impression upon unboxing was one of functional simplicity; the plastic seemed robust enough, and the bracket design appeared straightforward. I briefly considered some generic plastic trays, but the specific mounting system of the Hornady offering promised a more integrated solution. My first reaction was a hopeful anticipation of a cleaner, more organized workspace.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets to the Test

First Use Experience

My primary testing environment for this accessory bin was my dedicated reloading bench, specifically integrated with my Hornady AP press. I mounted the bin to the side of the press, which was a straightforward affair. I primarily used it to stage finished rounds as they came off the press during a reloading session for .223 Remington. The bin performed adequately under these conditions, keeping the rounds accessible. I did notice that if I was particularly vigorous in cycling the press, a few rounds could potentially jump out, though this was infrequent.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, typically for 2-3 reloading sessions per week, the Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets has held up well. The plastic shows minor scuffs from incidental contact, but there are no signs of cracking or warping. The mounting brackets remain secure, and the bin itself hasn’t developed any excessive looseness. For maintenance, a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any brass shavings or dust that accumulate. Compared to the flimsy plastic trays I used previously, this Hornady unit feels significantly more durable and integrated into the press setup.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets

Specifications

The Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets are designed for versatility, fitting onto either the side of the AP or Classic Presses. The key feature is its dual-compartment design, allowing for separate storage of different stages of your reloading process. This means you can, for instance, place resized brass in one half and finished rounds in the other, or simply use both halves for finished cartridges.

• Attachment Method: Universal brackets allow for attachment to either side of supported Hornady presses.
• Capacity: The exact capacity isn’t specified, but each bin is generously sized for holding a substantial number of finished cartridges during a reloading session.
• Material: Constructed from a durable, molded plastic that feels robust enough for workshop environments.
• Swiveling Base: A notable feature is the swiveling base on each compartment, allowing independent rotation. This enables easy access to one side without disturbing the other, a crucial element for maintaining workflow continuity.
• Quantity: The product includes one bin with two attached brackets, providing a complete mounting solution.

The swiveling base is particularly important. It means you aren’t rigidly fixed to one orientation. This allows you to position the bin precisely where it’s most convenient for your particular stance and press operation.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets is to provide organized, easily accessible storage for cartridges during reloading. In this regard, it performs its duty admirably. The ability to separate stages or simply have a secure place for finished rounds significantly reduces the clutter on the bench. The swiveling base truly shines here, offering flexibility that generic trays simply cannot match.

A minor point of contention could be the lack of any non-slip material on the interior surfaces. While the plastic is textured, a few enthusiastic lever strokes on the press can sometimes cause a finished round to scoot or even occasionally jump out. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but a slightly grippier interior might have enhanced its performance further.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this accessory bin is straightforward and utilitarian. It’s clearly built for function over form, which is perfectly acceptable for a workshop accessory. The molded plastic feels sturdy, and the attachment brackets appear to be well-designed for their purpose.

The ergonomics are largely dictated by the swiveling base. This allows for significant customization in how you position the bin relative to your seating or resizing dies. It’s intuitive to use; a slight twist of the wrist adjusts the bin’s position. There’s no real learning curve, making it immediately useful.

Durability & Maintenance

From my extended testing, the Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets seems built to last for many years of typical reloading use. The plastic is thick enough to withstand minor impacts common in a workshop environment. It’s also resistant to common lubricants and solvents used in reloading.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe down is all that’s typically needed to keep it clean. There are no complex parts to break, and the mounting brackets are simple and robust. The main concern would be long-term exposure to direct sunlight, which can degrade plastics over time, but that’s true for most plastic accessories.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets comes as a complete unit, including the bin and its mounting brackets. There are no additional accessories included, nor are there significant customization options for the bin itself. Its universality lies in its ability to attach to different sides of compatible presses.

However, the design does lend itself to some simple, do-it-yourself modifications if one desired. For example, a thin rubber mat could be cut to fit inside the bins to prevent rounds from sliding, or perhaps some Velcro could be added to the bottom of the brackets for added stability on certain bench surfaces. These are not necessary but are potential enhancements for those who like to tinker.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets

Who Should Buy Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets?

The Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets is ideal for reloaders who own compatible Hornady AP or Classic presses and are looking to improve their bench organization. If you find yourself constantly fumbling with trays or worrying about dropping finished rounds, this accessory is a solid upgrade. It’s particularly beneficial for those who reload in volume and appreciate streamlined workflows.

Individuals who should probably skip this product are those who do not own a compatible Hornady press, or those who prefer a completely modular setup that can be moved freely around their bench. If you’re looking for a universal solution that attaches to any press, this isn’t it. A good complementary item to consider alongside this bin would be a quality brass catcher if you are resizing at the press, though that’s a separate accessory.

Conclusion on Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets

The Hornady Universal Accessory Bin and Brackets is a well-executed accessory that directly addresses a common pain point for reloaders using specific Hornady presses. The swiveling base technology is a standout feature that provides genuine flexibility and enhances the reloading experience by keeping finished rounds neatly organized and within easy reach. While not perfect – the slightly slick interior surface can lead to the occasional runaway cartridge – its strengths in organization, durability, and ease of use far outweigh this minor drawback. For the price of $34.99, it offers a significant improvement in workshop efficiency and tidiness. I would personally recommend this bin to any owner of a compatible Hornady press who values a clean and organized reloading bench. It’s a practical, no-nonsense addition that streamlines the process and makes reloading sessions that much more enjoyable.