The Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension (CGND) .338 Caliber Short Seating Die (MPN 044131) is a dedicated mechanical handloading tool engineered to seat .338" (8.5 mm) diameter projectiles into short-action and medium-length rifle cases. It utilizes an internal in-line floating bullet alignment sleeve and floating steel seating stem that pre-aligns the projectile and cartridge neck before seating begins, eliminating bullet runout and case shaving. Built to standard 7/8"-14 die threads, this unit threads directly into single-stage and progressive reloading presses, offering an integrated roll crimp ring for simultaneous or independent bullet crimping.

Key Features

• In-Line Alignment System: Floating sleeve and seating stem capture the case neck and .338" projectile in true coaxial alignment prior to seating.
• Built-In Crimp Ring: Includes an internal roll crimp profile allowing users to seat and crimp in a single press stroke or adjust the die body upward for seat-only operation.
• Sure-Loc Lock Ring: Features a 7/8"-14 clamp-style lock ring with a lateral socket-head screw that secures press settings without contacting or galling external threads.
• O-Ring Tension Retainer: Maintains friction against the top adjustment screw for repeatable seating depth settings and simple tool-free disassembly.

Specifications

• Brand: Hornady
• Model / MPN: 044131
• Die Category: Calibre-specific rifle bullet seating die
• Thread Standard: 7/8"-14 industry standard
• Projectile Calibre: .338" (8.5 mm / 8.58 mm)
• Cartridge Compatibility: .338 Federal, .338 Marlin Express, .338 Ruger Compact Magnum (.338 RCM), 8.5x55 Blaser, .33 Winchester
• Weight: Approximately 0.60 lbs (272 g)
• Overall Packaging Length: Approximately 6.00 inches (15.2 cm)
• Power Requirement: Non-powered / fully mechanical

Who is the Hornady 338 Cal Short Seating Die for?

• Reloaders loading short-action .338 cartridges: Engineered for cases measuring approximately 48 mm to 55 mm in length, this reloading bullet seating die correctly supports case bodies and seats .338" (8.5 mm) diameter projectiles for chamberings like .338 Federal, .338 Marlin Express, and .338 RCM.
• Handloaders utilizing 7/8"-14 threaded reloading presses: Weighing approximately 0.60 lbs, this mechanical die installs directly into universal 7/8"-14 thread single-stage or progressive presses without requiring special thread adapters or external power.

Less suitable for: Handloaders assembling long-action magnum ammunition such as .338 Winchester Magnum or .338 Lapua Magnum, or different projectile diameters including .30 calibre and .375 calibre; these larger cartridge profiles require a full-length standard magnum seating die or a calibre-matched seating die.