Setting up the Hornady Universal Blank Cartridge Die Set.

The setup instructions that come with the Hornady Universal Blank Cartridge Die Set are pretty good, but you might still have questions as to how much adjustment to make for the perfect crimp. Today, I had to switch from a .223 setup to a .30-06 setup, so I took note of the adjustments.

First, the dies should be set up according to the instructions. Generally, insert an empty brass case into the shell holder and raise the ram to the top of the stroke of the press. With the adjustment screw backed out according to instructions, screw the Crimp Start Die into the press until the die makes contact with the cartridge case. At this point, lower the ram and turn the adjustment screw about 3.5 turns to get the crimp started. It should look as pictured here.

The instructions suggest that you can completely close the cartridge case with the Crimp Start Die. I opt for a more conservative approach, and use the Crimp Finish Die to complete the closure of the blank.

Install the Crimp Finish Die according to instructions. Generally, insert an empty brass case (with the started crimp) into the shell holder and raise the ram to the top of the stroke of the press. With the adjustment screw backed out according to instructions, screw the Crimp Finish Die into the press until the die makes contact with the cartridge case. At this point, lower the ram and turn the adjustment screw about 2.5 turns to complete the crimp closure. It should look as pictured here.

Fine-tune the closure in very small increments. Be careful not to overdo starting or finishing the crimp. You can cause the case to bulge, which will ruin it.

To set up the dies for .223 launcher blanks, turn the Crip Start Die adjustment screw about 2.5 turns after the die makes contact with the cartridge case. Then, turn the Crimp Finish Die adjustment screw about one turn after the die makes contact with the cartridge case.

Hope this helps get your rifle launcher blanks off to a good start–and finish!!!