The Hornady Custom Grade™ Taper Crimp Die (Item #044170) is a dedicated steel reloading die designed to remove case-mouth flare and apply a uniform taper crimp to semi-automatic handgun ammunition. Engineered for cartridges that headspace on the case mouth, it presses brass walls inward against .355" to .356" diameter projectiles without buckling thin cases. This process maintains a crisp case mouth edge, ensuring reliable feeding in semi-automatic actions and pistol-calibre carbines while preventing bullet setback during cycling.

Key Features

• Flare Removal and Crimping: Eliminates expansion imparted during powder-charging stages, applying a consistent taper crimp across the projectile.
• Headspace Retention: Preserves the flat forward edge of rimless cases to ensure correct chamber seating and headspace preservation.
• Sure-Loc™ Ring: Includes a collar clamp with an Allen screw that applies radial pressure across mounting threads, locking die depth securely without damaging the steel threading.
• Independent Station Operation: Separates bullet seating from crimping to prevent projectile shaving or inconsistent seating depths on progressive presses.

Specifications

• Threading: Standard 7/8"-14 thread interface
• Product Weight: Approximately 0.455 lb (206 g)
• Cartridge Compatibility: 9mm Luger (9x19mm), .380 Auto (9mm Browning Court), 9x21mm, and .38 Super Auto
• Projectile Sizing: Nominal .355" to .356" jacketed, plated, or cast bullets
• Construction: Polished steel die body with mechanical adjustment

Who is the Hornady 9mm Taper Crimp Die For 9mm Luger, 380 Auto for?

• IPSC and USPSA handgun competitors — mounts into standard 7/8"-14 progressive press stations to apply an independent taper crimp to high-volume 9mm Luger or .38 Super Auto competition ammunition, preventing bullet setback during rapid semi-automatic cycling.
• Handgun target shooters — provides dedicated case-mouth flare removal across 9mm Luger and .380 Auto cases, utilizing a 0.455 lb steel die assembly to establish proper chamber headspace without crushing thin brass walls.
• Pistol-calibre carbine owners — ensures reliable feeding of 9mm Luger rounds into carbine chambers by smoothing feeding profiles using a standalone handgun reloading taper crimp die.

Less suitable for: Revolver shooters loading .38 Special or .357 Magnum cartridges requiring a roll crimp into cannelures, who require a dedicated roll crimp die, or handloaders using single-stage or progressive presses with limited die stations, who should use a combined dual-action bullet seating and crimping die instead.