Hornady Powder Charge Bushing Review

The Hornady Powder Charge Bushing and What It Taught Me

My journey with the Hornady Powder Charge Bushing began not out of a desire for a new gadget, but a stark necessity born from the ever-shifting landscape of reloading components. For years, my meticulously organized workbench, a space that spans from delicate lab work to robust workshop tasks, has been the proving ground for countless pieces of gear. This particular item, a seemingly simple component for shell loading, found its way into my hands when a sudden scarcity of my preferred propellant forced a significant recipe overhaul. I needed to reconfigure my reloading press for a whole new set of ammunition, and that meant an immediate expansion of my metering capabilities.

The immediate impression upon unboxing these bushings was one of solid, no-nonsense manufacturing. They exude a feeling of dependable utility, the kind of tool that you don’t really think about once it’s in place, and that’s usually the highest praise. I’d briefly considered some generic alternatives, but the reputation of Hornady for quality components, coupled with the specific design intended to prevent accidental reversal, steered me back to a trusted name. My initial reaction was one of quiet satisfaction; it was a small piece of the puzzle that, when added, promised to smoothly resolve a potentially frustrating reloading bottleneck.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Powder Charge Bushing to the Test

My testing ground for these bushings is primarily my dedicated reloading bench, a controlled environment where precision and repeatability are paramount. This is where I spend countless hours meticulously crafting loads for everything from precision rifle rounds to shotgun shells for competitive shooting and pest control. The space is equipped with a variety of presses, powder measures, and scales, allowing for direct comparison and rigorous evaluation.

First Use Experience

My initial foray into using the Hornady bushings involved swapping them out on my shotshell press. The scenario was straightforward: I needed to switch from one powder charge for a specific target load to another, slightly heavier charge for a different discipline. The process of removing the old bushing and installing a new one was, as expected, seamless thanks to the precise machining.

The bushings slid into place with a satisfying snugness, and the charge bar locked securely, giving me confidence that they wouldn’t shift during operation. I immediately noticed that the design, which guides the bushing into a specific orientation, prevented any fumbling or guesswork. This was a welcome change from older designs where it was possible to insert them incorrectly, leading to inconsistent drops.

While my initial experience was overwhelmingly positive, there was a minor quirk reported by another user about manufacturing residue. I made a point to inspect my new bushings closely and conduct a dry run with just powder. My sample was thankfully clean, but it’s a good reminder to always give new reloading components a quick visual inspection and perhaps a light clean before their first use, especially when dealing with fine powders.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and hundreds, if not thousands, of shell loadings, the performance of these bushings has remained remarkably consistent. They have been subjected to repeated cycling, varying humidity levels in my workshop, and the occasional bump or brush against other equipment. Despite this, I haven’t observed any significant wear, degradation, or loss of accuracy in powder charges.

The nonferrous metal construction, touted for spark-free operation, has also held up well. This is crucial when dealing with fine powders where static electricity can be a real concern. I haven’t experienced any issues related to static buildup or accidental ignition, which is a testament to the material choice and Hornady’s attention to detail.

Maintenance is almost non-existent. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after a long reloading session is usually all that’s needed. I store them in their original packaging or in labeled slots within my powder measure kit. Compared to some older, more basic bushings I’ve used, which sometimes developed slight burrs or showed wear marks after heavy use, these Hornady units feel built to last. They maintain their precise dimensions, ensuring that the powder charges remain as accurate batch after batch, even when switching between different powders and charge weights.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Powder Charge Bushing

Specifications

The Hornady Powder Charge Bushing is a deceptively simple yet critical component in the reloading process. Each unit is constructed from nonferrous metal, a key specification that ensures spark-free operation, mitigating a significant safety risk when handling volatile powders. The design is specifically engineered so that shot and powder bushings cannot be accidently reversed in the charge bar, a thoughtful feature that prevents common reloading errors.

The quantity per package is typically one bushing, allowing users to purchase exactly what they need for specific powder charges or load recipes. With a diameter of 2.125 inches, these bushings are designed to fit within the Hornady charge bar system. This precise sizing is crucial for consistent powder dispensing.

The manufacturer is, of course, Hornady, a name synonymous with quality ammunition and reloading components. The price point of $4.49 per bushing is highly competitive, making it an accessible way to expand one’s reloading capabilities without a significant financial outlay. This affordability is a major draw for reloaders looking to fine-tune their setups for various loads.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this charge bushing is to control the precise amount of powder dispensed by the reloading press. In this regard, the Hornady Powder Charge Bushing performs exceptionally well. When correctly matched with a powder charge chart and a specific propellant, it delivers highly repeatable powder drops. This repeatability is the bedrock of accurate and reliable ammunition.

The key strength lies in its consistent volume dispensing. Whether I’m dropping a light charge for a plinking load or a heavier charge for a hunting round, the variation from one drop to the next is minimal. This accuracy directly translates to better ballistic performance and safety in the finished rounds.

A potential, albeit minor, weakness, as hinted at by user feedback, could be the presence of manufacturing residue on brand-new bushings. While my experience didn’t highlight this as a significant issue, it’s a point to be aware of. A quick clean before first use addresses this effectively. Overall, it meets and often exceeds expectations for a component of this nature, especially given its accessible price.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Hornady Powder Charge Bushing is its strongest suit in terms of user experience. The nonferrous metal not only contributes to safety but also gives the bushing a substantial, quality feel. It’s not flimsy or cheap; it feels like a precision tool.

The clever design that prevents accidental reversal is a standout ergonomic feature. This eliminates a common point of user error in reloading, making the process smoother and safer, particularly for less experienced reloaders. The fit within the charge bar is precise, offering a secure engagement without being overly tight or difficult to insert and remove.

While there isn’t much “ergonomics” in the traditional sense for a static component like this, the thoughtful design contributes to an overall positive user experience. The absence of sharp edges and the consistent finish make handling it a simple task. The clear purpose and simple function mean there’s no learning curve; it just works as intended straight out of the box.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, the Hornady Powder Charge Bushing is built for longevity within its intended application. The use of nonferrous metal means it’s resistant to corrosion and will not easily develop rust, a common issue with some other materials in a workshop environment. Its solid construction suggests it can withstand the rigors of regular use on a reloading press for many years.

Maintenance is practically nonexistent, which is a huge plus for any reloader. Aside from an occasional wipe-down to remove propellant residue or dust, there’s nothing special required. This lack of maintenance means more time spent reloading and less time spent fussing over equipment.

I haven’t encountered any specific failure points in my usage. The critical aspect is maintaining its internal volume, and the robust material and precise machining ensure this dimension remains constant over time. It’s designed to be a long-term component of a reloading setup.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Powder Charge Bushing itself is a component that enables customization rather than being a product with extensive accessories. It is designed to work within Hornady’s specific powder charge bar system, which is common on many of their reloading presses, such as the Lock-N-Load AP.

While the bushing itself isn’t customized, its purpose is to facilitate the customization of ammunition loads. By acquiring multiple bushings, reloaders can pre-set specific charges for different powders or bullet weights. This allows for rapid switching between load recipes without needing to re-measure and adjust the powder die each time.

There are no other essential accessories needed to use the bushing itself, but its functionality is enhanced by having a range of bushings for different powder volumes. This modular approach is what makes the system so effective for reloaders who handle a variety of ammunition types.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Powder Charge Bushing

Who Should Buy Hornady Powder Charge Bushing?

This Hornady Powder Charge Bushing is an absolute must-have for anyone engaged in shotshell reloading using a compatible Hornady powder measure system. It is particularly beneficial for reloaders who work with multiple powder types or load recipes and frequently switch between them. The safety feature of preventing accidental reversal also makes it an excellent choice for those new to shotshell reloading or for anyone who values an extra layer of error prevention.

Individuals who primarily load rifle or pistol cartridges might not find this specific component directly applicable, as their powder measures often use different metering systems. However, if you use a Hornady shotshell press and load different types of shotshell loads (e.g., for skeet, trap, hunting, or sporting clays), then these bushings are essential. For those looking to streamline their reloading process and ensure consistent, safe powder dispensing, this is an ideal purchase.

Conclusion on Hornady Powder Charge Bushing

The Hornady Powder Charge Bushing is a testament to how a small, well-engineered component can significantly improve the reloading experience. Its nonferrous metal construction and the clever anti-reversal design address key safety and usability concerns, while its precise manufacturing guarantees the accuracy crucial for reliable ammunition. For its remarkably low price, it offers exceptional value, enabling reloaders to easily expand their capabilities and streamline their workflow.

If you are a shotshell reloader utilizing a Hornady powder dispensing system, I wholeheartedly recommend these bushings. They are a small investment that pays dividends in terms of safety, consistency, and convenience. Acquiring a selection of these bushings for your various load recipes will undoubtedly make your time spent at the reloading bench more efficient and enjoyable.