Introduction
The Hornady Shell Holder #6 (Model 390546) is a precision-machined accessory designed for reloading ammunition. This manual provides essential information for its proper use, maintenance, and compatibility, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Product Overview
The Hornady Shell Holder #6 is crafted from solid steel and heat-treated for exceptional durability and flawless performance throughout its lifespan. Its design features a wide mouth and rounded edge, facilitating smoother and more reliable case insertion during reloading processes.
Figure 1: Close-up view of the Hornady Shell Holder #6.
Key Features:
- Precision Machined: Made from solid steel and heat-treated for long-lasting performance.
- Smooth Case Insertion: Features a wide mouth and rounded edge for effortless case seating.
- Universal Compatibility: Designed to fit all Hornady accessories, including the Cam-Lock Case Trimmer and Hand-Held Priming Tool. It is also compatible with reloading presses from most other brands.
Figure 2: The Hornady Lock-N-Load Shell Holder #6, highlighting its multifunctional design.
This shell holder is engineered to hold reloading dies in perfect alignment, contributing to consistent and accurate reloading results.
Figure 3: The shell holder integrated with a reloading press, demonstrating its role in maintaining die alignment.
Setup and Compatibility
The Hornady Shell Holder #6 is designed for straightforward integration with various reloading equipment. It is primarily used with reloading presses and other Hornady tools that require a shell holder for case manipulation.
Compatible Calibers:
The No. 6 shell holder is compatible with a range of popular calibers, ensuring versatility for reloaders:
- 22 PPCs
- 22 RCFM-Jets
- 256 Winchesters
- 6MM PPCs
- 7.62 x 39s
- 38/357/357 Remington Maximum
Figure 4: Visual representation of the Hornady Shell Holder #6 and its compatibility with various calibers.
Compatibility with Reloading Equipment:
This shell holder seamlessly integrates with a wide array of reloading tools and presses:
- Hornady Cam-Lock Case Trimmer
- Hornady Hand-Held Priming Tool
- Most reloading presses from other manufacturers
Figure 5: The Hornady Shell Holder #6 shown alongside other Hornady reloading accessories, demonstrating its broad compatibility.
Figure 6: The shell holder's compatibility with different types of reloading presses from various brands.
Operating Instructions
The primary function of the Hornady Shell Holder #6 is to securely hold cartridge cases during various reloading operations, such as sizing, decapping, priming, and seating bullets. Its precise fit ensures stability and alignment for consistent results.
General Use:
- Ensure the shell holder is clean and free of debris.
- Insert the shell holder into the appropriate slot on your reloading press or tool.
- Carefully align the cartridge case with the shell holder and push it firmly into place. The wide mouth and rounded edge are designed to facilitate this process.
- Proceed with your desired reloading operation (e.g., sizing, priming).
- After the operation, remove the case from the shell holder.
Advanced Application: Using with a Kinetic Bullet Puller (without collet)
In situations where the collet for your kinetic bullet puller is lost or damaged, a Hornady shell holder can be used as an effective alternative to pull bullets. This method allows you to continue reloading while awaiting a replacement collet.
Video 1: Demonstrates how to use a Hornady shell holder with a kinetic bullet puller when the collet is unavailable. This technique is useful for disassembling loaded cartridges for various reasons, such as correcting errors or recovering components.
Steps for using the shell holder with a kinetic bullet puller:
- Select the appropriate Hornady shell holder for the cartridge you intend to pull (e.g., a No. 16 shell holder for .223 Remington).
- Insert the case head of the loaded cartridge into the shell holder.
- Place the shell holder and cartridge assembly into the kinetic bullet puller's hammer body.
- Secure the assembly with the puller's cap.
- Proceed to strike the hammer against a firm surface to pull the bullet.
This method provides a secure grip on the case, allowing the kinetic energy to effectively separate the bullet from the case.
Maintenance
To ensure the continued precision and longevity of your Hornady Shell Holder #6, regular maintenance is recommended:
- Cleaning: After each use, wipe down the shell holder with a clean, dry cloth to remove any powder residue, lubricants, or debris. For stubborn grime, a mild solvent can be used, followed by thorough drying.
- Inspection: Periodically inspect the shell holder for any signs of wear, deformation, or damage. Pay close attention to the edges and internal surfaces that contact the cartridge case.
- Storage: Store the shell holder in a clean, dry environment to prevent rust and corrosion. A light coat of rust preventative oil can be applied if storing for extended periods.
Proper maintenance will help preserve the shell holder's precision and ensure smooth operation for many years.
Troubleshooting
While the Hornady Shell Holder #6 is designed for reliable performance, occasional issues may arise. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty inserting case | Debris in shell holder, incorrect caliber, burrs on case rim. | Clean the shell holder. Verify correct caliber. Inspect and deburr case rim if necessary. |
| Case not held securely | Worn shell holder, incorrect shell holder size for case. | Ensure shell holder matches case head dimensions. Replace if significantly worn. |
| Rust or corrosion | Improper storage, exposure to moisture. | Clean with fine steel wool and apply rust preventative. Store in a dry environment. |
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Universal Shell holder |
| Part Number | 390546 |
| UPC | 090255905465 |
| Brand | Hornady |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Color | Metallic |
| Product Dimensions (LxWxH) | 3.75"L x 2"W x 0.75"H |
| Item Weight | 4.54 g |
| Style | SHELL HOLDER #6 |
| Included Components | Hornady Universal Shell Holder #6 (22 PPC, 256 WIN, 357 MAGNUM, 357 REM MAX, 38 SPL, 6.5 GRENDEL, 6MM PPC, 7.62X39, COWBOY 357 MAGNUM, COWBOY 357 REM MAX, COWBOY 38 SPL) |
Warranty and Support
Warranty Information:
The Hornady Shell Holder #6 is backed by a No-Risk, Lifetime Warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to the official Hornady warranty policy or contact Hornady customer service.
Customer Support:
For technical assistance, product inquiries, or warranty claims, please contact Hornady customer support through their official website or designated contact channels. Always provide your product model number (390546) when seeking support.
You can visit the official Hornady website for more information: www.hornady.com
