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Hornady Zip Spindle 20VT

Reloading Bum

Reloading Bum

Well... I thought I was well on my way, and at first when I started using the zip spindle that Hornaday includes with their FL sizing dies, I didn't like it. Now I don't like it even more and will opt with a REDDING or LEE brand.

I was able to form enough brass to keep me happy but the zip spindle seemed like it was a C rated die from the getgo, so I kept checking it and made sure that I kept the brass lubed (inside & out) and I still accomplished what I thought was inevitable (before I started using the die), I bent the spindle moving upward, where the Expander Cap is attached to the threads towards the tip of the zip spindle.

I'm curious to hear what others have experienced with the Hornady die and the Zip Spindle. I am considering ordering a replacement spindle but it's more than half the cost of the original die which was $48 after shipping etc. and I'm still not confident in the design. It's more the principle at this juncture than the cost. The cost seems like a, "You Get What you pay for."

Don't get me wrong, otherwise, I like Hornady products and I use a lot of their other tools and their bullets.

Any other Zip Spindle naysayers? I have a feeling someone likes these dies?

ReloadingBum
 
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No 20 VT here but I've used the ZIP for many years. O bent one rod years ago because I didn't tighten the nut. I called Hornady and they sent me one for free.

Greg
 
When they first came out, I also bent the rod, but due to me not having it tight enough, Hornady sent me a new one, free.
Since then I have used several caliber sets of the Zip die and not problems, work as well as others, just make sure you tighten the different lock nuts good.
 
I didn't like the zip spindle at first, either. Ordered some M6x1 threaded rod, intending to machine new ones with full diameter threads, which would include opening up the nuts above the threaded section. But, like others, have found that tightening the nut real good works, so haven't gone to the trouble of making new ones. I do not care for the "zip" feature so do not loosen the nut other than to wind it up or down. Actually, once set, I haven't had the need to change it, so its sort of a non-issue.

Rick
 
Reloading Bum said:
Well... I thought I was well on my way, and at first when I started using the zip spindle that Hornaday includes with their FL sizing dies, I didn't like it. Now I don't like it even more and will opt with a REDDING or LEE brand.

I was able to form enough brass to keep me happy but the zip spindle seemed like it was a C rated die from the getgo, so I kept checking it and made sure that I kept the brass lubed (inside & out) and I still accomplished what I thought was inevitable (before I started using the die), I bent the spindle moving upward, where the Expander Cap is attached to the threads towards the tip of the zip spindle.

I'm curious to hear what others have experienced with the Hornady die and the Zip Spindle. I am considering ordering a replacement spindle but it's more than half the cost of the original die which was $48 after shipping etc. and I'm still not confident in the design. It's more the principle at this juncture than the cost. The cost seems like a, "You Get What you pay for."

Don't get me wrong, otherwise, I like Hornady products and I use a lot of their other tools and their bullets.

Any other Zip Spindle naysayers? I have a feeling someone likes these dies?

ReloadingBum
Click to expand...
I thoroughly agree with your thoughts on the zip spindle. I recently bought a set of Hornady Custom Grade FL dies for the 17 Hornet, as they were considerably less expensive than the RCBS dies for that cartridge. i have been a RCBS fan for the past sixty plus years and have never had an issue with any of their products. First of all, the sizing die would not accept my once-fired cases. I sent the die back to Hornady, and 10 days or so later I received my reworked die or a replacement ( i'll never know which, as there was no explanation at all.) The die now functions as it should. The zip spindle, however, has driven me nuts. I could not tighten the spindle lock enough with my fingers to keep it in place. I finally had to crank down on it with a wrench to keep it from slipping. Not impressed! I do like the seating die, though. With aging eyes and 10 thumbs, I need all the help I can get to keep those tiny bullets on top of the case mouth until the die takes over.
 
22vartarg said:
I also got the Hornady 20 VT die set with the zip spindle and hate it. Nothing but problems. Got a Redding and that fixed all the issues.
Click to expand...
;) The Hornady Zip Spindle is CRAP! There, I said it!!
Ordered maybe 5, got the first replacement at no charge and the rest I paid for.:( Biggest piece of crap there ever was. Hurts even saying the name Hornady.
 
Also, had issues with Hornady's customer service. Shipped lots of brass off to them to get modified for reading chamber/throat measurements with no issues. (modified case) Suppose to have a "slip neck" so the bullet will slide to get free bore measurements. Last one sent in came back where the bullet wouldn't slide??
Called (email) and was told that the bullet wasn't suppose to slide in the neck????
I was born in the morning but NOT this or yesterday morning. :rolleyes: :(
Funny that all my other "modified cases" (probably 5 or 6 ?) worked as designed or I wouldn't have ordered the modified case from them. And I ordered them because I didn't want to make a modified case myself.
That and the Zip Spindle turned me off on Hornady products AND services.
Only need to get burned once to remember it.
We deal with different Companies because of the ease and quality of service.
When "that" goes south, so do I and will never be afraid to tell others about my experiences, good or bad. After all, it IS my $$$ I'am spending and I'am not shy about spending it to get what I want either. Treat me right and everyone will know. Treat me wrong........:oops:
 
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