The Hornady Ultrasonic Case Cleaner has become a staple for many reloaders, promising efficient and thorough cleaning of fired brass cases. But does it live up to the hype? This in-depth review will explore its features, benefits, and drawbacks, offering insights to help you decide if it's the right investment for your reloading bench.
Understanding the Power of Ultrasonic Cleaning
Before diving into the specifics of the Hornady unit, let's understand the core technology. Ultrasonic cleaners utilize high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation—the formation and collapse of microscopic bubbles in the cleaning solution. This process dislodges deeply embedded dirt, carbon, and other contaminants from the brass cases, resulting in a cleaner, more consistent reload. This is particularly advantageous for removing stubborn fouling often found in bottleneck rifle cases.
Hornady Ultrasonic Case Cleaner: Key Features and Benefits
The Hornady Ultrasonic Case Cleaner stands out due to its robust design and features tailored to the needs of reloaders. Here are some key aspects:
Capacity and Cleaning Power:
- Generous Capacity: The Hornady unit offers a substantial capacity, allowing you to clean a significant number of cases in a single cycle. This translates to significant time savings, especially for high-volume reloaders.
- Powerful Cleaning Action: The high-frequency transducers ensure effective cavitation, providing thorough cleaning even in hard-to-reach areas of the case. This eliminates the need for laborious manual scrubbing, saving you time and effort.
Ease of Use and Maintenance:
- Intuitive Controls: The unit typically features simple, easy-to-understand controls, making it user-friendly even for beginners.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of regular use, the Hornady cleaner is known for its robust construction, ensuring longevity.
- Easy Cleaning: The stainless steel tank is relatively easy to clean, making maintenance straightforward.
Specific to Reloading:
- Case Specific Cleaning: The Hornady cleaner is designed with the specific needs of reloading in mind, optimizing the cleaning process for brass cases. This includes consideration of case size and material to prevent damage.
- Solution Compatibility: The unit typically works well with various commercially available ultrasonic cleaning solutions formulated for brass cleaning.
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
While the Hornady Ultrasonic Case Cleaner offers numerous advantages, it's important to consider potential drawbacks:
- Initial Investment: The upfront cost can be higher than manual cleaning methods. However, the time saved and improved cleaning results often justify the expense for serious reloaders.
- Cleaning Solution Cost: Ongoing costs include the purchase of ultrasonic cleaning solution.
- Noise Level: Ultrasonic cleaners can produce a high-pitched hum during operation. This might be a consideration if you reload in a shared space or are sensitive to noise.
- Case Handling: While efficient, some users report needing to manually inspect cases post-cleaning, especially if dealing with heavily soiled brass.
Maintaining Your Hornady Ultrasonic Case Cleaner
Proper maintenance is essential for extending the life and performance of your ultrasonic cleaner. This includes:
- Regular Cleaning of the Tank: After each use, rinse the tank thoroughly to remove cleaning solution residue and debris.
- Solution Replacement: Replace the cleaning solution periodically, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Inspection of Transducers: Regularly inspect the transducers for damage or debris buildup.
Conclusion: Is the Hornady Ultrasonic Case Cleaner Right for You?
The Hornady Ultrasonic Case Cleaner presents a compelling option for reloaders seeking efficient and thorough brass cleaning. Its capacity, cleaning power, and user-friendly design make it a strong contender. While the initial investment and ongoing solution costs are factors to consider, the time saved and improved consistency often outweigh these expenses for serious reloaders who value efficiency and high-quality ammunition. Weighing the pros and cons based on your reloading volume and budget will help determine if it's the right addition to your reloading setup.
