Hornady Zip Spindle .17-.20 Dies Conversion Kit Review

The Hornady Zip Spindle .17-.20 Dies Conversion Kit: Review from Real Use

For a reloader who focuses on the smaller calibers, sometimes even the most robust equipment can feel a little cumbersome. I found myself needing a more efficient way to handle my sizing dies, particularly for those finicky .17 and .20 caliber rounds. The Hornady Zip Spindle .17-.20 Dies Conversion Kit promised a streamlined solution, converting existing dies to a faster-operating system. This small but significant upgrade aims to shave time off the reloading bench, a welcome prospect for anyone processing a high volume of cartridges. My initial impression upon opening the package was one of precision; the metal components felt solid and well-machined, exuding that signature Hornady quality. I briefly considered a universal spindle design from another manufacturer, but the specific calibration for these small calibers swayed me towards this Hornady offering. It offered an immediate sense of potential for smoother, faster reloading cycles.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Zip Spindle .17-.20 Dies Conversion Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I conducted my initial testing on my primary reloading bench, a space I know like the back of my hand. The conversion process was straightforward, taking place in a controlled workshop environment with good lighting. I focused on installing the kit into my existing Hornady New Dimension .17 Hornet sizing die. The Zip Spindle design integrated smoothly, requiring only a few turns to seat correctly.

Performance under repeated use was immediately noticeable. Swapping out the old spindle for the new threaded one made the resizing operation significantly quicker. I processed about 50 cases of .17 Hornet in one session, and the difference in hand-wheel rotation speed was apparent.

Ease of use was exceptionally high. There was virtually no learning curve; if you can screw in a die, you can install this conversion. It felt intuitive from the very first cartridge resized.

My only minor surprise was how little force was needed to begin the spindle’s thread engagement. It confirmed the quality of the threading on both the spindle and the collet.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, this conversion kit has become an indispensable part of my reloading setup. I typically process around 100-200 cases of small caliber rifle rounds each month, and this kit handles it all with ease.

Durability has been excellent. Despite being repeatedly threaded in and out of the die body, there are no signs of wear on the spindle or collet. The machined surfaces remain smooth, and the mechanism continues to operate flawlessly without any stiffness or resistance.

Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe down with a dry cloth after a reloading session is usually all that’s needed. Occasionally, a very light application of a reloading press lubricant on the spindle threads keeps everything gliding.

Compared to my previous experience with standard sizing die spindles, this Zip Spindle conversion offers a clear advantage in speed and efficiency. It certainly outperforms the basic, time-consuming manual adjustment of older die designs, and feels more refined than generic aftermarket solutions I’ve encountered.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Zip Spindle .17-.20 Dies Conversion Kit

Specifications

The Hornady Zip Spindle .17-.20 Dies Conversion Kit is designed to convert a standard Hornady New Dimension sizing die for .17 to .20 caliber cartridges into their proprietary Zip Spindle design. This kit includes a precisely machined threaded spindle and a corresponding threaded spindle collet. Its primary function is to allow for faster adjustments and easier seating depth changes compared to traditional, non-threaded spindles.

The benefit of this design is a significant reduction in the time spent tweaking the die for precise shoulder setback. Instead of multiple turns of a standard lock ring and spindle, a few rotations of the Zip Spindle collet achieve the same result. This becomes particularly valuable when you’re dialing in loads or resizing a large batch of brass, where every second counts towards efficient workflow.

Compared to older systems, the threaded spindle offers a much more positive and repeatable adjustment. This direct thread engagement minimizes the slight slippage or variation that can sometimes occur with compression-style lock rings, leading to more consistent sizing from round to round. The kit is a 1pc kit that is sold as a single unit for conversion.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this conversion kit is to make the sizing die easier and quicker to adjust, and it excels at this. The threaded spindle moves smoothly within the collet, allowing for precise adjustments to the sizing depth without the usual fumbling with lock rings. This translates directly into faster reloading sessions, especially when fine-tuning shoulder setbacks for different firearm chambers or load recipes.

One of the kit’s main strengths is its precision adjustment capability. This ensures that each piece of brass is sized identically, which is crucial for consistent ignition and accurate shooting. The main weakness, if one could call it that, is its limited caliber range; it’s specifically for .17 to .20 calibers.

Overall, it exceeds expectations for what such a small component can achieve. It delivers on its promise of efficiency and precision, making the reloading process noticeably more streamlined for these specific small calibers.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Hornady Zip Spindle .17-.20 Dies Conversion Kit is immediately apparent. The threaded spindle and collet are constructed from durable steel, with a smooth, clean finish that feels robust. There are no rough edges or imperfections, indicative of Hornady’s manufacturing standards.

Ergonomically, the design is a significant improvement over standard dies. The threaded spindle is easy to grip and turn, even with slightly greasy hands, thanks to its knurled surface. The collet, which locks the spindle in place, also provides a comfortable grip and positive engagement.

Practical design details include the clear threading on the spindle, which mates perfectly with the collet. This ensures a secure lock once adjusted, preventing any unintended movement during the resizing stroke. The compact nature of the components means they don’t add significant bulk to the die.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of longevity, the Hornady Zip Spindle .17-.20 Dies Conversion Kit appears to be built for the long haul. Given the quality of materials and its simple, robust design, it should last for decades with proper care. I have yet to observe any significant wear or degradation, even after hundreds of sizing cycles.

Maintenance is incredibly straightforward. A light application of oil on the threads of the threaded spindle is recommended to ensure smooth operation and prevent galling over time. Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a dry cloth.

Potential failure points are minimal, but it’s always wise to avoid cross-threading the spindle into the collet or the die body. Mishandling could damage the fine threads, but this is true for any precision threaded component.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Zip Spindle .17-.20 Dies Conversion Kit itself is the “accessory” that enhances an existing die. It does not come with additional accessories in the traditional sense. However, its primary function is to customize the adjustment mechanism of compatible Hornady New Dimension sizing dies.

This kit is designed specifically for Hornady dies within the .17 to .20 caliber range. It is not intended to be a universal fit for dies from other manufacturers. The beauty of this kit lies in its ability to upgrade an existing tool rather than requiring the purchase of an entirely new die.

The threaded spindle is the key functional component that allows for rapid, precise adjustments, essentially customizing the die’s usability to a much higher degree. There are no other direct customization options for the kit itself, as its design is focused on this singular upgrade purpose.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Zip Spindle .17-.20 Dies Conversion Kit

Who Should Buy Hornady Zip Spindle .17-.20 Dies Conversion Kit?

This kit is ideal for any reloader who primarily works with .17 and .20 caliber cartridges and already owns compatible Hornady New Dimension sizing dies. If you frequently experiment with different seating depths or process large batches of brass for these small calibers, the time savings and precision offered by this Zip Spindle conversion will be highly beneficial. It’s particularly suited for those who value efficiency and repeatability on their reloading bench.

Anyone who exclusively reloads larger calibers, or who uses sizing dies from other manufacturers, should probably skip this product. Additionally, if you are a very casual reloader who only processes a handful of rounds infrequently, the immediate benefit might not justify the cost. For those needing a universal solution across brands or calibers, this kit would not be appropriate. A complementary item that makes this kit even more effective is having a well-calibrated micrometer seating die, allowing for even more precise adjustments post-sizing.

Conclusion on Hornady Zip Spindle .17-.20 Dies Conversion Kit

The Hornady Zip Spindle .17-.20 Dies Conversion Kit is a small component that delivers a substantial upgrade to the reloading process for specific calibers. Its precision-engineered threaded spindle design significantly enhances the speed and accuracy of die adjustments, making it a worthwhile investment for dedicated small-caliber reloaders. For its price point, the gain in efficiency and the improvement in repeatable accuracy make it a clear winner.

I would absolutely recommend this conversion kit to anyone focused on .17 or .20 caliber reloading with compatible Hornady dies. It’s a testament to how small improvements can lead to significant workflow enhancements on the reloading bench. If you’re looking to streamline your small-caliber reloading and appreciate the meticulous detail that Hornady is known for, this kit is an easy choice to make.