Hedstrom files cut in an up down motion(on the up stroke), very aggressively. I wouldn't recommend using them in the apical 3rd, they will transport and rip the apical foramen in a heartbeat. Personally, Im using only k files to get a nice glide path, and then go right to rotary. K files have memory (flexible) unlike Hedstroms which bend. K files are used in a watch winding motion.
Hedstroms work well when retreating to remove gutta percha, or carriers, and also if you need to channel around something. Probably want to leave most of that up to the specialists.