First Impressions of Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1
The Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1 is a small but critical component for anyone serious about reloading. Made by Lee Precision, this shell plate is designed to securely hold cartridge cases in place during the reloading process, specifically for .38 Special and .357 Magnum calibers. Having reloaded thousands of rounds over the past decade, I understand the importance of a reliable shell plate, and I was eager to see how this one stacks up against others I’ve used.
I had been experiencing inconsistent seating depths with my previous shell plate, leading to variations in my crimps and overall cartridge consistency. This directly impacted my accuracy when target shooting and I needed to solve this problem, fast. Many reloaders overlook the shell plate, but it is every bit as important as your dies or powder measure.
Upon unboxing, the Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1 felt solid and well-made. The steel construction gave me confidence in its durability, and the smooth finish suggested that it would move smoothly through the reloading press. Compared to some of the aluminum shell plates I’ve used in the past, this Lee model immediately felt like an upgrade.
I considered shell plates from RCBS and Hornady, but Lee’s reputation for value and their Breech Lock Pro press system swayed me. Initial impressions are positive, and I am hoping this shell plate will solve my seating depth inconsistencies.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1 at my home reloading bench, focusing on reloading .38 Special cartridges for target practice. The process involves several steps, including resizing, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, and crimping. I put 500 rounds through the plate on my first day.
The shell plate performed admirably under normal conditions. Cartridge cases fit snugly and moved smoothly through each station on my press. I was particularly impressed by how consistently the plate indexed, minimizing powder spillage and bullet seating issues.
I didn’t encounter any major issues during my first reloading session. However, I noticed that the plate became slightly sticky after prolonged use. A light cleaning with gun solvent easily resolved this.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1 has proven to be a reliable tool. It has reloaded thousands of rounds of .38 Special and .357 Magnum without any significant problems. I routinely reload 500-1000 rounds per week.
The steel construction has held up well, with no signs of bending or cracking. The surface finish has resisted wear, maintaining a smooth indexing action. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.
Compared to my previous aluminum shell plate, the Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1 has been a noticeable improvement in terms of consistency and durability. It’s exceeded my expectations for a product in this price range. My ammunition is now more uniform, and my accuracy has definitely improved.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1
Specifications
- Caliber: Designed for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. This ensures a proper fit and reliable feeding for these popular revolver calibers.
- Material: Constructed from steel for enhanced durability. Steel provides superior strength and resistance to wear compared to aluminum or other materials.
- Weight: Weighs approximately 0.28 lb. The weight contributes to the overall stability of the reloading press during operation.
- Quantity: Comes as a single shell plate. You will need to purchase additional shell plates for other calibers.
- Manufacturer: Lee Precision, a well-known and respected name in reloading equipment. Lee offers a wide range of products at competitive prices.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the performance and reliability of the reloading process. A steel shell plate ensures consistent operation and long-term durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1 performs its job effectively by securely holding cartridge cases in place as they move through the reloading stages. The plate indexes smoothly, aligning each case precisely with the reloading dies. This ensures consistent powder charges, bullet seating depths, and crimps.
One of its strengths is its precise fit for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. Its weakness is that it’s only for those two calibers, requiring separate shell plates for other sizes. Overall, it meets expectations, providing a reliable and consistent reloading experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1 features a simple yet effective design. The steel construction provides durability and stability, while the smooth finish ensures smooth indexing. The plate fits securely into the Lee Breech Lock Pro press, with no wobble or play.
It is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or adjustments for installation. There is a slight learning curve in understanding how the shell plate indexes in relation to the press handle’s movement.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1 ensures long-term durability. With proper care, it should last for many years of reloading.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. A quick wipe down with gun solvent and a light coat of oil will keep it functioning smoothly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1 does not come with any additional accessories. It is designed to work with the Lee Breech Lock Pro reloading press.
There are no customization options available for the shell plate itself. However, it is compatible with a wide range of reloading dies and accessories from Lee and other manufacturers.
Pros and Cons of Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1
Pros
- Specifically designed for .38 Special and .357 Magnum, ensuring a precise fit and consistent performance.
- The steel construction provides excellent durability for long-term use.
- Smooth indexing and alignment contribute to consistent reloading results.
- Simple and user-friendly design requires no special tools or adjustments.
- Competitively priced, making it an affordable option for reloaders.
Cons
- Limited to .38 Special and .357 Magnum only.
- May require occasional cleaning and lubrication to maintain smooth operation.
Who Should Buy Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1?
The Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1 is perfect for reloaders who primarily load .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. It is also an excellent choice for those who want a reliable and durable shell plate at an affordable price. This shell plate would particularly benefit competitive shooters and law enforcement officers who require consistent and accurate ammunition.
Anyone who reloads a wide variety of calibers should skip this product. They should consider a universal shell plate system with interchangeable inserts.
A must-have accessory for this shell plate is a high-quality reloading press like the Lee Breech Lock Pro. Also, a good set of dies for .38 Special or .357 Magnum is crucial.
Conclusion on Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1
Overall, the Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1 is a solid and reliable tool for reloading .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. Its steel construction, smooth indexing action, and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile investment for any reloader.
The price of $39.79 is justified by the quality and performance of this shell plate. It offers excellent value for the money compared to other options on the market.
I would definitely recommend the Lee Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 1 to anyone looking for a reliable shell plate for their Lee Breech Lock Pro reloading press. Upgrade your reloading setup today and experience the difference!