Hornady 366 Shotshell Press – Unboxing

I’m excited to formally kick off shotshell reloading content here on Ultimate Reloader! In this first post, I’ll walk through the unboxing of a Hornady 366 shotshell reloading press. In the included video you’ll experience this unboxing experience along with me for the first time. The Hornady 366 shotshell reloading press was actually introduced as the Pacific DL-366 before Hornady acquired Pacific in 1971. This progressive shotshell reloading press has been popular with shotshell reloaders due to its features and solid construction.

The Hornady 366 shotshell reloading press after unboxing - Image copyright 2013 Ultimate Reloader
The Hornady 366 shotshell reloading press after unboxing – Image copyright 2013 Ultimate Reloader

By joining me in this unboxing adventure you’ll know exactly what to expect if you purchase a 366 shotshell loader. What exactly is inside? Let’s see!

Like all Hornady products, the Hornady 366 is boxed up so that it could fall out of the back of the UPS van and not suffer a scratch! There’s a lot of cardboard protecting each of the components, and it actually takes a bit of effort to get the main package out of the outer cardboard box (I’ll admit that I cut out part of the middle of the video that included me huffing and puffing and pulling on the inner box). Once unpacked, it’s evident that there’s not a lot of assembly work to do- this press looks almost ready to roll straight out of the box!

Closeup of accessories and box contents for the Hornady 366 shotshell reloader - Image copyright 2013 Ultimate Reloader
Closeup of accessories and box contents for the Hornady 366 shotshell reloader – Image copyright 2013 Ultimate Reloader

Here’s what’s in the Hornady 366 box:

  • Press (main assembly)
  • Shot and Powder dispenser assembly
  • Powder drop tube
  • Allen wrench
  • Extra crimp starters
  • Primer tube and tube filler
  • Spent primer catcher
  • Owners manual
  • Hornady catalog

Ever since I saw a picture of the Hornady/Pacific 366 I knew I had to have one. For years I’ve wondered how this machine works and how it’s constructed. Now it’s finally time to load up this press with primers, shot, and powder and give it a try. Oh, and I’ll also need some hulls and wads, gotta have those!

The heart of the Hornady 366 shotshell reloader - Image copyright 2013 Ultimate Reloader
The heart of the Hornady 366 shotshell reloader – it’s a beauty! – Image copyright 2013 Ultimate Reloader

Before I get started with this press, I’ll need to fabricate a plywood sub-plate for my quick change press system (If it was invented by Hornady, they’d call it a Lock-N-Load bench! 🙂 ). Once I get this 366 mounted on the sub-plate, I’ll be ready to finish assembly and start loading. Can’t wait!

Be sure to stay tuned here on Ultimate Reloader as we’re just getting started with shotshell reloading content. Much more to come!

-Gavin

21 thoughts on “Hornady 366 Shotshell Press – Unboxing”

  1. Hey Gavin! I currently use a MEC 600jr for 12 and 20 gauge with good success. I’ve looked at Hornady 366 presses in the past, so I’m looking forward to this new series of blog posts and video clips. Keep up the good work and thank you for your efforts to provide good instructional videos. I’ve recommended your site to several friends who have been interested in getting started with reloading.

  2. Gavin, it will be nice to see some new reloading videos! I too have recommended new reloaders to your site. Have you ran any numbers to see the cost savings buying new versus reloading 12 guage assuming you don’t have to buy the hulls (since one can find them everywhere)? I have been considering buying a shot shell reloader for a while. Right now when I reload shot shell I go to a buddies house and use his MEC.

  3. Gavin, I have had a Hornady 366 press since the early 1980’s and loaded many thousands of rounds for skeet, trap and field shooting, until I gave clay target shooting away in the late eighties. It sat in the corner gathering dust until last year when I took up Single Action Shooting and decided to load 12g again. I simply sprayed the press with Inox, left it for a day, sprayed it down with the pressure washer, wiped it dry, gave it a wipe over with inox, put it back together as per specs and it has not missed a beat since. Great press, you can’t go wrong with one of these, keep up the good work.

  4. Hi Gavin, You may or may not know Hornady bought the rights for the 366 from Pacific. I have owned a Pacific 366 since the late 60’s. It is one of the best reloaders bar none. The shells produced from the 366 are a stand out. Mec does not hold a candle to the new Hornady.

  5. the only thing i’m not fond of on the 366 is that it doesn’t use a ‘spring retention system’ like the hornady LnL AP press. it really must be a PIA to remove a shell to inspect the primer after a few rounds…

  6. hello gavin nice to see you on 12 guage i think your mounting system is great but with shotshell reloading there will be a learning curve you will spill sot i have mounted my mec on a cookie sheet to catch the (odd) pellet

  7. Woo Hoo shot shell re-loading! BTW, like the opening & closing credits. Looking forward to more posts. Thanks Gavin!

  8. Gavin
    You have taught me a lot about reloading and I thank you!
    Off the subject.
    I think the music that plays with your video’s is great. Can you tell me the title and artist?

  9. Hi Gavin,
    Thank you all the “hands-on”reviews that you have published over the years. It it thanks to you that I have completely upgraded my reloading system with the proper equipment that fitted me the most (Hornady for the most part).
    Could you cover if you could please, how to change calibers on the 366? I had to buy a 20 ga (which I also use) as 12 ga were out-of-stock for quite while. I bought the 12 ga kit from Hornady and I would appreciate better instructions,
    Sincerely, Guy

  10. Gavin,

    I have been reading your site and “watching” for about a year now. I have decided to take the plunge and purchase a Hornady LNL AP. I love the setup you have the with T Track system and am building something similar. I have two basic questions if you don’t mind – apologize if you have answered these, b/c I can’t seem to find them in the comments section.

    1) For the baseplates, how “tall” do they need to be? I can’t seem to find a recommended minimum mounting depth on Hornday’s site.

    2) I presume you “recess” the nuts and mount through the bottom of the plate to keep the nuts from gouging the table surface. Is that accurate?

    Any help for the newb is appreciated and keep the great vids and blog posts coming!

    Brandon

  11. Gavin,
    I’ve been reloading for nearly 30 years (I love my LnL AP), but have not tried shot shell reloading. I think your reviews of the Hornady 366 may just be the push I need to get me started.

    From one of your videos, it looked like you have a hole/PVC tube for the elected shells. If possible, could you elaborate on that?

    I wanted to state that the quality and professionalism of your productions are simply the best out there. Please keep up the excellent work! It is appreciated.

  12. I must admit that I do not own a Hornady 366 loader….However, I have five “PACIFIC 366” loaders. Yep, they are that old. One of them from before the auto advance system…and one with a PULL bar (not a push type) for advancing the shell plate. If I ever break the pull bar I will have to retrofit it for a push type. The die head is very easy to set up to swap gauges. With everything set up and ready to go it takes about 10 minutes to change. I have complete loaders ready to go for 12, 20, 28, and 410 and different die heads with dies for different loads for each 12, 20, and 28 ga. 410 is a somewhat finiky little hull so I have one load that works well and I just stick with it.

    I have purchased and even been given 366 loaders in varying stages of rust and deterioration. There has not been one of them that I haven’t resurrected into a functional loader. Many thanks to Hornady for maintaining support for these machines. As compared to other progressive shotshell loaders these are simple and efficient. IMO they are the best shotshell loader for the money.

    Gavin, I have a few tricks that I do for wad line up, resizing brass, and primer seating. It is a bit much to get into with this comment. Really need to include pics. I would be more than happy to forward them to you for evaluation to perhaps include in future videos.

    1. I’m intrigued by Dan’s comment. As a new and enthusiastic trap shooter and long time .45 ACP reloader I’m considering purchasing a Pacific/Hornady 366 on eBay. I infer from Dan’s comment that I’d be able to get repair parts from Hornady and deal with any issues with such a purchase. However, I don’t have any context to assess Dan’s assertion that he’s had success over the years resurrecting old 366’s. How much risk will I be taking in buying a Pacific 366 in 12 ga through eBay from a reputable dealer who claims it’s in good condition and works? Thanks!

  13. Hey Gavin Just came across your page as II searched Hornaday 366 on there web page it says 366 temporarily suspended any one know any thing about this? Is there dies to convert 366 12 ga to 20 ga? Was about to buy MEC 9000GN when I saw info on Hornaday 366 w/ MEC you need to but another press. May look at Hornaday if you only have to change die set. Any input on these two machines will be appreciated pros/cons

  14. I have a DL-366 from my father’s estate. Newbie that I am, would appreciate some info from the folks here.

    How do I tell what gauge it’s set up for? I’m not finding anything obvious, but a couple pieces are marked “P 20”.

    From what I’m reading (and trying to understand), it can be set up for other ga with die sets (seem available on ebay)?

    Thanks for any info.

  15. I just received back from Hornady a 366 reloader that was refurbished. I am looking for a video that will taker me thru the assembly of this reloader from the pieces in the box to a functioning unit. I currently have 3 Hornady Apex Autos but the 366 is a mystery. Any help in pointing me to a video would be appreciated-Carl

  16. Just received a used 366 back from Hornady after they refurbished. I am having difficulty getting the primers to drop onto the shell plate. What am I doing wrong or is there a video that steps thru that adjustment?

    Thanks-Carl

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