Hornady Spring Fingers Review

Hands-On with the Hornady Spring Fingers

As someone who spends a considerable amount of time working with various equipment across different environments, from the controlled chaos of a workshop to the unpredictable demands of the field, I’m always on the lookout for those small components that make a significant difference in workflow and efficiency. The Hornady Spring Fingers are one such unassuming part, designed to solve a specific, yet crucial, problem for those involved in reloading shotshells. They are essentially adapter pieces intended to help maintain the case mouth opening, a task surprisingly vital for smooth reloading, especially when dealing with larger wads.

My journey to discovering these spring fingers was born out of a recurring frustration during a particularly productive reloading session. I was working with a batch of shotshells that required a specific type of wad, one that proved rather stubborn to seat properly without the case mouth collapsing prematurely. This meant fumbling, forcing, and often, a less-than-ideal crimp. The process was slowing me down and, frankly, was becoming a nuisance that threatened to derail an otherwise enjoyable and productive afternoon.

Upon first glance, these spring fingers appear deceptively simple – small, plastic components. Yet, the Hornady name is synonymous with precision and reliability in the reloading world, so I had a good feeling about their potential. They felt sturdy enough, with a slight give that suggested they’d hold their shape under moderate pressure. I briefly considered trying to fabricate something similar myself or perhaps finding generic plastic inserts, but the known quality of Hornady reloading components and the specific application for my press made these a more attractive and ultimately, a more reliable option. My initial reaction was one of quiet optimism; these little parts promised to smooth out a significant bottleneck in my reloading process.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Spring Fingers to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Hornady Spring Fingers took place at my reloading bench, a familiar territory for me. The scenario was straightforward: loading shotshells with larger wads where maintaining the case mouth opening is paramount. I simply inserted these replacement parts into my shotshell reloader, replacing the standard components.

The performance was immediately noticeable. The case mouth remained consistently open, allowing for the quick and easy insertion of the wads without any fuss or force. This smooth operation continued throughout the reloading session, even with repeated cycles. There was no need for a lengthy adjustment period; these inserts worked intuitively from the moment I installed them. The only minor surprise was how significantly such a small component could impact the overall fluidity of the reloading process.

Extended Use & Reliability

After weeks of consistent use, primarily on my Spolar shotshell reloader, these spring fingers have proven their worth. They’ve endured countless cycles of pressing and seating, and my workload means they’re regularly put to the test. Despite the demands, there are no visible signs of significant wear and tear; no cracks, no loss of elasticity, and they maintain their shape and function remarkably well.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent, which is a huge plus. A quick wipe down is all that’s ever needed. Compared to the generic plastic inserts I might have considered, these Hornady parts exhibit superior resilience. They don’t seem to degrade or become brittle over time, unlike some lower-quality alternatives that I’ve encountered in other applications. The user feedback from others regarding their use in Spolar reloaders specifically resonates with my experience; they are indeed an excellent replacement.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Spring Fingers

Specifications

The Hornady Spring Fingers come as a two-pack, offering excellent value for such critical components. They are crafted from plastic, a material chosen for its flexibility and durability, crucial for repeatedly opening and holding a case mouth. Each finger is designed to provide just enough tension to keep the case opening receptive without being overly stiff or damaging to the brass.

This plastic construction is not just about cost-effectiveness; it ensures a certain degree of give, preventing damage to the rim of the shotshell case, which is essential for maintaining case life. The fact that they are sold in a two-pack is practical, ensuring you always have a spare on hand should one get misplaced or if you need to outfit multiple stations on a progressive reloader.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Hornady Spring Fingers is to keep the shotshell case mouth open for effortless wad insertion, and they excel at this. This capability is particularly important when reloading in the field or at the range where a smooth, uninterrupted process is highly desirable. The consistent performance means fewer dropped wads and more uniform loads, contributing to better shooting results.

Their main strength lies in their simplicity and effectiveness. They perform their intended task flawlessly, significantly improving the reloading experience. While they are designed for larger wads (beyond 5 calibers), their effectiveness makes any wad insertion easier. The only potential “weakness” is that they are consumable parts; over extensive use, they will eventually wear out, but their lifespan is remarkably good for their construction.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these spring fingers is functional and unpretentious, which is precisely what you want in a component like this. They are small and lightweight, making them easy to handle and install. The plastic material provides a tactile feedback that indicates they are properly seated without requiring excessive force.

Their form factor is inherently ergonomic because it seamlessly integrates into existing reloading press wad guides. There’s no complicated setup or learning curve; you simply swap them out. The smooth finish prevents snagging or catching on other components or your hands during operation, contributing to a pleasant user experience.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their plastic construction and their role in a mechanical process, the durability of the Hornady Spring Fingers is quite impressive. They are engineered to withstand the repeated flexing and pressure required to hold open a shotshell case. While they are not indestructible, they offer a robust lifespan, especially considering their low price point.

Maintenance is practically zero, which is ideal for any reloader seeking to streamline their process. No lubrication or special cleaning is required; a simple wipe-down is sufficient. The primary concern for longevity would be preventing loss, as their small size makes them easy to misplace. However, Hornady supplies them in a practical two-pack to mitigate this.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Spring Fingers are, in essence, a singular accessory designed to enhance the function of a shotshell reloader. They don’t come with additional accessories, nor do they typically require customization. Their purpose is to be a direct replacement or upgrade for existing parts on most wad guides.

Their compatibility is a key feature; they are designed to fit a wide range of shotshell reloading presses, making them a versatile solution. This broad compatibility means that most users won’t need to worry about special adapters or modifications to integrate them into their setup.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Spring Fingers

Who Should Buy Hornady Spring Fingers?

These spring fingers are an absolute must-have for any serious shotshell reloader, especially those who use presses like the Spolar and frequently work with larger wads. If you’ve ever experienced frustration with case mouths collapsing during wad insertion, these will be a revelation. They are perfect for handloaders who value efficiency, consistency, and maximizing the life of their shotshell components.

Anyone who primarily reloads metallic cartridges or doesn’t reload shotshells at all would have no use for this product. Those looking for universal press parts might be disappointed, as these are quite specialized. A highly recommended complementary item is a small, clearly labeled storage container or tray to keep these and other small reloading components organized and prevent loss.

Conclusion on Hornady Spring Fingers

The Hornady Spring Fingers are a testament to how small, well-designed components can have a disproportionately positive impact on a reloading process. They effectively address a common pain point for shotshell reloaders, ensuring a smoother, more efficient workflow. The two-pack offers fantastic value, providing a reliable solution at a minimal cost, especially when considering how much they can improve the overall reloading experience and potentially extend the life of your shotshell cases.

For anyone who reloads shotshells and deals with larger wads, I wholeheartedly recommend these. They are a simple, effective, and affordable upgrade that makes a tangible difference. While they are not a “necessary” part to reload, they elevate the experience significantly. If you’re looking to streamline your shotshell reloading and eliminate a common source of frustration, these little spring fingers are an investment that will pay dividends in saved time and improved results.