Hornady Custom Grade Series I 2-Die Set for 204 Ruger - Includes Sizing & Seater Dies (546201)

The Hornady Custom Grade Series I 2-Die Set for 204 Ruger gives you the core tooling you need to reload this popular varmint cartridge with precision and confidence. This two-die set includes a full-length sizing die and a bullet seater die—everything required to resize fired brass and seat bullets to your exact specifications. Hornady backs the set with a no-risk lifetime warranty against breakage or wear under normal use, so you're investing in dies built to outlast your reloading bench.

Built into the sizing die is Hornady's exclusive elliptical expander, a superior design that outperforms traditional ball expanders by reducing friction and neck stretch during the sizing process. The smooth, precision-polished internal profile resists case sticking and excessive drag, speeding up your workflow and improving consistency. The Sure-Loc lock ring applies constant pressure across the die threads without a separate locking screw ever touching the threads themselves—eliminating the risk of damage from pliers and ensuring your die stays locked in place shot after shot.

The seater die incorporates Hornady's in-line bullet seating system, which aligns your bullet and case neck before the bullet enters the die for benchrest-grade consistency. The floating bullet alignment sleeve and floating steel seating stem work together to hold everything true, while the built-in crimper lets you crimp in the same station if you choose—no separate crimp die needed. A seater adjustment screw gives you fine control over seating depth, and a locking retainer spring allows quick disassembly for cleaning.

Both dies ship in Hornady's compartmentalized, stackable storage boxes, keeping your setup organized and your tooling protected. If you're setting up a dedicated 204 Ruger reloading station or upgrading from older equipment, this series delivers the reliability and precision Hornady is known for.

Key Features

• Full-length sizing die with Zip Spindle Design for secure, slippage-free positioning
• Elliptical expander technology reduces friction and neck stretch compared to ball expanders
• Smooth, precision-polished die internals minimize case sticking and drag
• Sure-Loc lock ring applies constant pressure without contacting die threads
• In-line bullet seating system with floating alignment sleeve and steel seating stem
• Built-in crimper saves a press station and maintains alignment
• Seater adjustment screw for precise seating depth control
• Locking retainer spring for quick, tool-free disassembly and cleaning
• Compartmentalized, stackable storage boxes included
• Lifetime warranty against breakage or wear under normal use

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in this 204 Ruger die set?

The set includes a full-length sizing die with elliptical expander and a bullet seater die with built-in crimper. Both dies arrive in compartmentalized, stackable storage boxes.

Can I crimp with this set without buying a separate crimper die?

Yes. The seater die includes a built-in crimper, so you can crimp during the seating stage if you choose. This saves you a station on your press.

What makes the elliptical expander better than a ball expander?

Hornady's elliptical expander design reduces friction and case neck stretch during sizing compared to traditional ball expanders. It also eliminates the need for a separate expander die if you want to neck up brass to a different caliber.

Is the lock ring easy to use without damaging threads?

Yes. The Sure-Loc lock ring clamps around the entire die and applies constant pressure. The locking screw tightens the ring without ever contacting the die threads, eliminating the risk of thread damage from pliers or wrenches.