Hornady Crimp Starters Review

What Makes the Hornady Crimp Starters Stand Out?

The Hornady Crimp Starters are a set of small, red plastic tools designed to assist reloaders in achieving a consistent and proper crimp on their cartridges. As a seasoned equipment specialist, I’m always on the lookout for tools that simplify critical processes, and this inexpensive addition from Hornady promised to do just that for my reloading bench. My existing crimp die was performing adequately, but a recent batch of .223 brass exhibited slight variations, leading to an inconsistent neck tension which I wanted to eliminate.

I had been considering a few different methods to ensure consistent crimping, including experimenting with die adjustments and even looking into more specialized reloading tools. However, the simplicity and low cost of these Hornady accessories caught my eye. My first impression upon receiving them was their lightweight, entirely plastic construction. They felt precisely like what they are: single-use tools designed for a specific, albeit critical, task.

I had briefly looked at some generic brands online, but they often lacked the brand recognition and implied precision associated with Hornady. The immediate reaction upon opening the small plastic bag was one of quiet anticipation; could such a simple device truly make a tangible difference in the precision of my reloaded ammunition?

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Crimp Starters to the Test

My testing environment was my dedicated reloading workshop, a space filled with the organized chaos of brass, bullets, and dies. The primary objective was to test the efficacy of the Hornady Crimp Starters in setting the correct crimp angle on my resizing and seating dies, particularly for rifle cartridges like .223 Remington and 9mm Luger, which are known to benefit from precise neck tension. I made sure to perform this initial setup on a cold die, as the manufacturer’s instructions emphasized this critical detail to avoid damaging the tool.

During the initial setup phase, the tools performed exactly as expected. I followed the instructions meticulously, setting the die to the correct crimp angle while the tool was cold. The plastic starter provided just enough resistance to allow for a precise feel as the die engaged, clearly indicating the point at which the desired crimp angle was achieved. There were no surprises or quirks; the tool simply facilitated the setting of the die without any fuss.

After weeks of regular use, typically reloading 50-100 rounds per session, the Hornady Crimp Starters have proven their worth. While each unit is intended for single use, the plastic construction has held up remarkably well through multiple die adjustments and re-settings. I haven’t experienced any premature breakage or degradation in their ability to provide the correct feedback. The maintenance is virtually non-existent; once used, they are simply tossed into the recycling bin, which is a testament to their disposable design. Compared to the frustrating trial-and-error method I sometimes employed previously, these starters represent a significant improvement in efficiency and accuracy.

First Use Experience

I conducted my initial tests on my reloading bench, focusing on a rifle caliber known for its sensitivity to neck tension: .223 Remington. This particular cartridge, when loaded for precision shooting, demands consistent case neck tension to ensure proper bullet seating and consistent ignition. I was eager to see if this simple plastic tool could help me dial in my crimp die more effectively than my usual method of seating a few dummy rounds and then adjusting.

The first time I used one of these, I inserted it into the die and brought the press ram up. The plastic material provided a distinct tactile feedback as the die encountered it, allowing me to feel the subtle engagement that indicated the crimp angle was being set. It was surprisingly straightforward; there was no complex mechanism to learn or master, just a simple way to gauge the die’s position.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several reloading sessions, I found myself reaching for these again, particularly after changing dies or recalibrating my press. I even dropped one on the concrete floor of my workshop during a particularly busy afternoon; it remained intact and perfectly functional. This small durability test, while accidental, gave me more confidence in their simple design. They haven’t shown any signs of cracking or wearing down, even when used to set dies multiple times.

The ease of use is their biggest asset. There’s no cleaning or complex maintenance required. Once the die is set, the tool has served its purpose and is discarded. This makes the reloading process smoother, eliminating a step that could otherwise involve wasted components or subjective adjustments. They’ve certainly outperformed the old method of using actual bullets and cases for setting up the crimp, which could lead to over-crimping or under-crimping.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Crimp Starters

Specifications

The Hornady Crimp Starters are made from a red plastic material and come in a pack of one unit, though they are often sold in multi-packs. The key specification here is their design to work with Hornady crimp dies that have been set to the correct crimp angle. The product description explicitly states they should be set when the tool is cold to prevent the case mouth from being perceived as too thin, which could lead to the crimp breaking.

This plastic construction is deliberate; it’s designed to deform or break under excessive pressure, thereby acting as a safety mechanism to prevent damage to your more expensive reloading dies. This single-use nature means you’ll need a new one each time you meticulously set up your crimp die, but it ensures the integrity of the process. For the price, this disposability is a reasonable trade-off for precision.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Hornady Crimp Starters is to provide a reliable reference point for setting the crimp die on your reloading press. In this regard, they perform exceptionally well. By offering a consistent thickness that is designed to simulate a case mouth, they allow the reloader to feel when the die begins to engage and apply pressure. This tactile feedback is crucial for setting the correct crimp angle without over- or under-working the die.

Their main strength lies in their simplicity and effectiveness in achieving a proper crimp on the first few adjustments, saving time and components. The most significant weakness, if one can call it that, is their single-use nature. While this is intentional for safety and to ensure accuracy, it means they are a consumable item. However, considering their extremely low cost, this is a minor drawback. They meet and exceed expectations for their intended purpose, providing a more consistent setup than manual trial-and-error.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these crimp starters is purely functional. The red plastic makes them easily identifiable amongst the various tools on a reloading bench, and their simple, cylindrical shape makes them easy to handle and insert into a die. There are no complex parts or moving components, which contributes to their reliability. The material is firm enough to provide good feedback but also designed to yield if excessive force is applied, protecting your dies.

Ergonomically, they are straightforward. You simply place the starter in the shell holder, raise the press ram, and adjust the die until you achieve the desired feel or setting. There’s no learning curve; anyone familiar with basic press operation can use them effectively from the outset. The lack of intricate design is a feature, not a bug, in this case, ensuring ease of use and reliability.

Durability & Maintenance

As a single-use item, the concept of “durability” in the traditional sense doesn’t fully apply to the Hornady Crimp Starters. Their durability is measured by their ability to perform their intended function once. The plastic material is robust enough to withstand the forces involved in setting a crimp die without breaking prematurely.

Maintenance is non-existent. Once used, the tool is discarded. This simplifies the reloading process significantly, as there’s no need to clean, store, or maintain these specific items. They are designed to be a disposable aid, and their performance is measured by how accurately they help you set your dies on the initial attempt. I have yet to encounter any wear or tear that would prevent them from being used as intended for that single setup.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Crimp Starters themselves are not designed for customization, nor do they typically come with accessories. Their purpose is singular: to assist in setting the crimp die. However, their effectiveness is amplified when used in conjunction with a quality Hornady resizing and seating die, or any die designed for precise crimping.

While there aren’t accessories for the crimp starters, their value is intrinsically linked to the quality of your reloading dies and press. A precise press and well-maintained dies will benefit most from the consistent setup that these starters facilitate. There are no upgrades or modifications to be made; they are a simple, effective tool as is.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Crimp Starters

Who Should Buy Hornady Crimp Starters?

The Hornady Crimp Starters are an invaluable tool for any handloader who prioritizes consistency and accuracy in their ammunition. This includes competitive shooters, long-range enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to produce high-quality, reliable reloads. If you frequently change calibers, swap dies, or simply want to ensure your crimp is perfectly set every time, these are for you.

Reloaders who are new to cartridge resizing and crimping will find these particularly helpful, as they simplify a crucial but often finicky adjustment. Anyone looking for the absolute cheapest way to set a crimp die might choose to forgo them and rely on trial-and-error with bullets, but the time and components saved often justify the minimal cost. For those who value precision and efficiency, these are a no-brainer.

Conclusion on Hornady Crimp Starters

The Hornady Crimp Starters are a remarkably effective, albeit simple, tool that punches well above its weight in terms of value. For a mere $4.49, they provide a direct pathway to achieving a consistently set crimp on your reloading dies, which translates directly into more accurate and reliable ammunition. Their plastic construction, while indicating a single-use design, also serves as an important safety feature, protecting your more valuable die components.

While they are a consumable item and require specific attention to cold-die setup, the benefits they offer in terms of precision, time saved, and component conservation far outweigh these minor considerations. I wholeheartedly recommend the Hornady Crimp Starters to any handloader looking to elevate the quality and consistency of their reloaded ammunition. They are a small investment that yields significant returns on the reloading bench.