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The Hornady Auto Charge Pro represents a significant advancement in powder measuring technology for rifle cartridges. This comprehensive review examines its features, performance, and value as a tool for precision shooting.

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Hornady Auto Charge Pro

The Hornady Auto Charge Pro streamlines reloading with its precise powder dispensing and space-saving design. Calibrated to within 0.1 grain, it features customizable trickle speeds for various powder types and stores four custom load settings. The backlit display and intuitive interface make setup quick and easy.

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Buyer's Guide

Hornady Auto Charge Pro offers an innovative solution for consistent reloading, combining precision with efficiency. The system requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure optimal performance and reliable cartridge loading.

Magazine Compatibility

The selected magazine type significantly influences the Auto Charge Pro's performance. Single-stack magazines generally work best due to their open design, allowing for easier feeding when using the tool's automatic cycling mechanism. Multi-stack magazines may necessitate modifications or alternative reloading techniques to prevent jams and ensure proper cartridge orientation.

Power Source Selection

Hornady Auto Charge Pro offers both manual and electric power options. Manual charging stations provide greater control and are suitable for occasional use or when working with fragile or high-precision cartridges. Electric stations enable faster reloading but require careful calibration to prevent overcharging, which can damage primers and affect cartridge reliability.

Cartridge Size and Type

The tool's versatility extends to various cartridge sizes, from pistol rounds to rifle cartridges. For different cartridge types, users must adjust the feed mechanism and potentially the magazine design to maintain proper alignment between the primer and anvil. This customization ensures consistent contact between components during the charging process.

Maintenance and Calibration

Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the tool's lifespan and ensuring accurate primer seating. This includes cleaning the charging mechanism, checking for proper anvil alignment, and verifying the magazine's feeding mechanism remains free of debris. Proper calibration prevents both under- and over-charging, which can affect cartridge reliability and performance.

FAQ

What is the Hornady Auto Charge Pro?

The Hornady Auto Charge Pro is an electronic loading aid that automates the process of measuring and dispensing powder for reloading bullets. It consists of a base plate with interchangeable adapters for various cartridge cases and built-in scales for precise powder measurement.

The system works by placing it on top of your powder measure, which is then connected to the Auto Charge Pro's electronic unit. This unit controls the powder flow, ensuring consistent charge weights without manual measurement.

How accurate is the Hornady Auto Charge Pro?

According to Hornady's specifications, the Auto Charge Pro provides consistent and repeatable measurements with an accuracy of ±0.2% of the total charge weight. This level of precision helps maintain optimal cartridge performance and consistency between loads.

Users typically report good accuracy after initial setup and calibration, though regular calibration with a precise scale is recommended to maintain measurement accuracy over time.

What cartridges is the Hornady Auto Charge Pro compatible with?

The base plate of the Auto Charge Pro comes with adapters for common cartridge cases including. 223 Remington, . 308 Winchester, 7.62x39mm, and 9mm Luger. Additional adapters are available separately for other popular cartridges.

The system's interchangeable adaptors allow it to be used with various cases from. 17 HMR up to. 458 Win Mag, making it versatile for both handgun and rifle reloading.

How easy is it to set up and use?

Setting up the Hornady Auto Charge Pro requires some initial calibration and adapter selection. Users typically need about 30 minutes to install the appropriate adapter and verify system settings.

Once set up, loading a charge is straightforward - place the adapter on your powder measure, connect it to the electronic unit, and the system handles the rest, making it accessible for reloaders of all skill levels.

What maintenance is needed for the Hornady Auto Charge Pro?

Regular maintenance includes cleaning the base plate and adapter surfaces to prevent powder residue buildup, which could affect measurement accuracy. The electronic unit should be wiped down with a slightly damp cloth.

Calibration with a precise scale should be performed monthly or after significant use to ensure continued measurement accuracy. The system's internal battery should be charged as needed, and the device itself should be stored in a dry location when not in use.

Is the Hornady Auto Charge Pro worth the investment?

For serious reloaders who prioritize consistent charge weights and want to reduce manual measurement errors, the Hornady Auto Charge Pro offers significant value. The upfront investment can lead to more precise loads and potentially lower costs per round when combined with consistent charge measurement.

The system is particularly beneficial for those who reload high-precision cartridges or compete in shooting sports where consistent load weight is crucial.