Hornady Custom Grade™ Series IV Neck Sizer Die — 6mm PPC
Part #: 046052 • UPC: 090255460520 • Cartridge: 6mm PPC • Type: Neck Sizer (Custom Grade™ Series IV)
Unlock match-winning consistency from your fire-formed brass with the Hornady Custom Grade™ Series IV Neck Sizer Die for 6mm PPC (046052). Purpose-built for precision reloaders, this die resizes only the case neck—not the shoulder or body—so your brass remains perfectly fitted to your chamber. The result is tighter groups, more uniform neck tension, longer brass life, and silky-smooth chambering in bolt guns and single-shots tuned for accuracy.
Why Neck Size with Hornady
Accuracy Through Concentricity: By sizing the neck to a uniform diameter while leaving the shoulder datum intact, you preserve true case-to-chamber alignment, promoting straighter bullet seating and lower runout.
Consistent Neck Tension: A precision expander/decapper assembly produces repeatable inside-neck dimensions so your 6mm projectiles seat with the same feel—shot after shot.
Extended Brass Life: Minimal working of the case body helps reduce hardening and splits over multiple reload cycles, saving time and money.
Ideal for Fire-Formed Brass: Maintains headspace as-fired for your rifle, often improving cold-bore and follow-up shot consistency.
Hornady Custom Grade™ Features You’ll Appreciate
Zip Spindle™ with Elliptical Expander: Serrated, tool-friendly spindle for micro adjustments and an elliptical expander that reduces drag, neck stretch, and lube requirements.
Micro-Polished Die Interior: Mirror-smooth surfaces deliver low friction, easy extraction, and long service life.
Sure-Loc™ Lock Ring: Split-clamp ring holds your die setting rock solid without marring threads—remove and reinstall with settings intact.
Hardened, Precision-Ground Steel: Built to tight tolerances for repeatable performance on premium 6mm PPC brass.
Series IV Coverage: Supports specialized and less common chamberings with Hornady’s top-tier components and QC.
Key Specs & Inclusions
Cartridge: 6mm PPC
Die Type: Neck Sizer (resizes neck only; includes decap/expander assembly)
Material: Heat-treated, precision-ground steel with micro-polished interior
Locking System: Sure-Loc™ split-ring with Allen clamp
Spindle/Expander: Zip Spindle™ with elliptical expander and replaceable decapping pin
Part #: 046052 • UPC: 090255460520
Press Compatibility: Standard 7/8"-14 threaded single-stage and turret presses
Fitment Note: Neck sizing is ideal for bolt-action and single-shot rifles using fire-formed brass. For semi-autos or if chambering becomes tight after several reloads, perform an occasional full-length size to reset shoulder position.
Real-World Performance Gains
Lower ES/SD: More uniform neck tension and bullet release can reduce velocity spread with popular 6mm PPC match powders.
Cleaner Seating Feel: A consistent, burr-free inside neck combined with straight case alignment improves seating pressure and concentricity.
Confidence at Distance: When your brass fits your chamber, you’ll see more predictable vertical and tighter nodes during load tuning.
How to Use (Quick Start)
Prep Brass: Clean and lightly lube the necks (if using a conventional lube).
Set the Die: Thread into the press until it contacts the shellholder at top of stroke, then back off per Hornady’s instructions for neck-only sizing. Lock with Sure-Loc™.
Adjust the Expander: Use the Zip Spindle™ to fine-tune decap depth and expander position.
Size & Inspect: Size cases, verify neck OD/ID with calipers or a ball mic, and check for smooth seating feel.
Seat & Tune: Proceed with your preferred 6mm bullets—then confirm groups and chronograph data.
Pro Tips for 6mm PPC Precision
Anneal on Schedule: Every 3–5 firings (or as needed) to keep neck tension uniform.
Mandrels & Bushings: If you use mandrels or bushing seaters, coordinate final neck ID with your target tension (e.g., 0.0015"–0.003" grip).
Measure Runout: Use a concentricity gauge to confirm your process is delivering straight, repeatable rounds.
Record Settings: Note die height and expander depth for quick return to proven recipes.
Ideal Use Cases
Benchrest & Group Shooting: The 6mm PPC standard demands neck-tension repeatability you can trust.
Load Development: Consistent neck sizing isolates variables so you can tune powder charge and seating depth more effectively.
Match Preparation: Produce uniform lots that track the same POI across strings and temperatures.
Care & Maintenance
Clean Internals: Wipe the expander and decap stem; remove powder fouling from the die body periodically.
Light Lube: A dab on the expander reduces galling on dry-neck brass.
Protect Threads: Keep the die capped or stored in its case to prevent grit contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I still need a full-length die?
A: For bolt guns running fire-formed brass, neck sizing can be your primary step. If you notice stiff bolt close or during match prep, use a full-length size to bump the shoulder a couple thousandths.
Q: Will this work on new, unfired brass?
A: Yes, but the biggest benefits appear after brass is fire-formed to your chamber.
Q: Does the die include a seater?
A: No. This is a neck sizer die only. Pair it with your preferred seating die for 6mm PPC.
Q: Can I run this in a progressive press?
A: It uses standard 7/8"-14 threads, but most precision users prefer a single-stage or turret for better control.
SEO Highlights (Quick Scan)
Hornady Custom Grade™ Series IV Neck Sizer Die — 6mm PPC
Enhances concentricity, neck tension, and brass life for match-grade accuracy
Zip Spindle™, elliptical expander, Sure-Loc™ lock ring, micro-polished interior
Ideal for bolt-action precision with fire-formed brass; occasional full-length size as needed
Part 046052, UPC 090255460520 — premium Hornady die for benchrest-level performance
Dial in benchrest consistency for your 6mm PPC loads with the Hornady Custom Grade™ Series IV Neck Sizer Die (046052)—the precision tool that turns fire-formed brass into one-hole potential.
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