First Impressions of Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate
The Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate might not sound glamorous, but for those of us who churn out hundreds, even thousands, of rounds of ammunition, it’s a critical piece of the reloading puzzle. This small but mighty component is designed to work seamlessly with the Lee Load-Master progressive reloading press, ensuring smooth and reliable case feeding. Specifically, this #21L shell plate is designed for the 6.8 REM SPC and .224 Valkyrie cartridges.
What spurred my interest in this particular shell plate? I recently invested in a .224 Valkyrie upper for my AR-15, seeking to capitalize on its flat-shooting capabilities at longer ranges. Reloading this caliber is almost a necessity to keep costs down and performance consistent, and my existing shell plate collection simply didn’t include one for the Valkyrie.
The Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate arrived in a simple, no-frills package, just as I expected from Lee. The steel construction feels robust and the machining appears precise, a promising start for a component that will endure countless cycles. Picking it up, it has the expected weight and feel of a solid piece of equipment.
I considered a shell plate from another manufacturer, but I’ve been consistently impressed with Lee’s value proposition. Ultimately, the affordability of the Lee plate, combined with my existing familiarity with the Lee Load-Master press, made it the clear choice. Initial impressions are positive; I’m eager to see how it performs under the pressures of mass reloading.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate was at my home reloading bench, specifically set up in a dedicated room in my basement. I loaded up a few hundred rounds of .224 Valkyrie, focusing on developing a consistent load for an upcoming precision rifle competition. The initial setup was straightforward, dropping the shell plate into my Lee Load-Master press and securing it.
The press cycled smoothly, and the shell plate reliably advanced each case without any noticeable hiccups. Throughout the reloading process, I observed that the cases seated properly, and felt the shell plate held them firmly as the bullet was being seated. No issues arose, even when some powder granules found their way into the shell plate area.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate continues to perform flawlessly. It’s churned out thousands of rounds of .224 Valkyrie, and I’ve experienced no significant wear or tear. Regular cleaning with a brush and a bit of solvent keeps it running smoothly.
The shell plate shows no signs of loosening or developing any play within the press. My previous experiences with less precise shell plates often resulted in inconsistent seating depths and even spilled powder. The Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate has significantly outperformed those, delivering consistent and reliable results.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate
Specifications
- The Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate is specifically designed for the Lee Load-Master progressive reloading press. It ensures proper case alignment and feeding throughout the reloading process.
- This particular #21L shell plate is calibrated for the 6.8 REM SPC and .224 Valkyrie cartridges. This dedicated fit ensures reliable and consistent performance with these case dimensions.
- The shell plate is constructed from hardened steel for durability and longevity. The robust material withstands the repetitive stresses of progressive reloading.
- It facilitates the automatic indexing of cases through each reloading station. The smooth indexing action ensures consistent processing of each cartridge.
- The price is $37.99. This low price point makes it accessible for reloaders working with these calibers on a budget.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the accuracy and efficiency of the reloading process. A properly sized and durable shell plate is essential for maintaining consistent case alignment, which leads to improved bullet seating and ultimately, more accurate ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate performs its job admirably, ensuring smooth and reliable case feeding. The shell plate holds the cases firmly and advances them consistently through each stage of the reloading process.
Its greatest strength is its consistent and reliable operation. There are no frustrating jams or misalignments. A potential weakness is that it is only compatible with certain cartridges, and the user must swap plates when changing cartridge types.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid, reflecting Lee’s commitment to providing reliable tools at an accessible price. The steel construction feels durable, and the plate fits snugly within the Lee Load-Master press.
The design is straightforward, and there’s virtually no learning curve. Swapping shell plates is a quick and easy process.
Durability & Maintenance
The hardened steel construction suggests a long lifespan. The Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate is built to withstand the repetitive stresses of progressive reloading.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a brush and solvent. No specialized tools or procedures are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate does not require any additional accessories for its core function. It’s designed to integrate seamlessly with the Lee Load-Master press.
It is compatible with the standard Lee Load-Master press accessories, such as the case feeder and bullet feeder. Its focused design ensures compatibility within the Lee reloading system.
Pros and Cons of Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate
Pros
- Reliable Case Feeding: The Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate consistently advances cases through each stage of the reloading process without jamming.
- Durable Construction: Made from hardened steel, it is built to withstand thousands of reloading cycles.
- Easy to Install and Use: It drops directly into the Lee Load-Master press with no modifications required.
- Affordable Price: At $37.99, it is a cost-effective solution for reloading 6.8 REM SPC and .224 Valkyrie.
- Precise Cartridge Compatibility: Specifically designed for 6.8 REM SPC and .224 Valkyrie cartridges for reliable seating.
Cons
- Cartridge Specific: It is only compatible with 6.8 REM SPC and .224 Valkyrie, requiring separate shell plates for other calibers.
- Basic Packaging: The packaging is simple, offering minimal protection during shipping (though this hasn’t been a problem in my experience).
Who Should Buy Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate?
This Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate is perfect for reloaders who own a Lee Load-Master progressive press and load 6.8 REM SPC or .224 Valkyrie cartridges. Those seeking to produce high volumes of ammunition for hunting, target shooting, or competitive shooting will benefit greatly.
This product isn’t ideal for reloaders who use single-stage presses or those who primarily load calibers other than 6.8 REM SPC and .224 Valkyrie. In this case, this specific shell plate will simply not work.
A must-have accessory would be a dedicated case feeder for the Lee Load-Master press to further enhance reloading speed and efficiency. Additionally, it’s advisable to keep a few spare parts on hand, such as primer carriers, for the Lee Load-Master in general.
Conclusion on Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate
The Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate is a reliable and affordable solution for reloaders working with 6.8 REM SPC and .224 Valkyrie cartridges on the Lee Load-Master press. It performs its core function consistently and shows no signs of premature wear, even after thousands of rounds.
The price is more than justified by the performance and durability. This essential piece enables reloaders to produce accurate ammunition efficiently.
I would absolutely recommend the Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate to anyone looking to streamline their 6.8 REM SPC or .224 Valkyrie reloading process on a Lee Load-Master press. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable upgrade that delivers tangible results. Invest in the Lee Load-Master Press Shell Plate and start cranking out those rounds with confidence!