First Impressions of Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848
The Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 is a vital component for any serious reloader using Lee‘s Six Pack Pro progressive press, enabling efficient and reliable cartridge processing. This particular shell plate is designed to accommodate a range of popular calibers, including .44/40, .38/40, .45 Colt, and .460 S&W, making it a versatile addition to the reloading bench. I was immediately intrigued by the potential for streamlining my reloading process across multiple calibers with a single shell plate.
As a dedicated reloader for over a decade, I’ve come to appreciate tools that enhance both speed and precision. My main problem was constantly switching shell plates when reloading different pistol calibers, a tedious process that ate into valuable time. The Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 promised to simplify this task by offering multi-caliber compatibility.
Upon unboxing, the shell plate felt solid and well-machined. The steel construction gave me confidence in its durability, and the finish appeared clean and professional. Compared to other shell plates I’ve used from Lee and other manufacturers, the Six Pack Pro Shell Plate seemed robust and precisely engineered.
I considered shell plates from RCBS and Hornady, but the Lee plate’s multi-caliber compatibility and the positive reviews regarding its smooth operation on the Lee Six Pack Pro press swayed my decision. Initially, I was excited about the potential time savings and increased efficiency this shell plate offered, while also slightly apprehensive about whether a single plate could truly handle multiple calibers without compromising accuracy. The Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 felt like it would be a great addition to my reloading setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 was at my home reloading bench, where I primarily load for .45 Colt and .44/40 for my lever-action rifles and revolvers. I ran several hundred rounds of each caliber through the press using this new shell plate. The performance was generally smooth, with consistent case advancement and reliable priming.
I didn’t encounter any significant issues during the initial reloading session, even when switching between the .45 Colt and .44/40 calibers. The only minor issue was a slight difference in the “feel” of the case insertion, requiring a bit of adjustment when changing between the two. It did not seem to be affected by the temperature or humidity in my work space, and was relatively easy to get used to.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 continues to perform reliably. There are no visible signs of wear and tear beyond minor surface scratches from normal use. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth removes any powder residue or debris.
Compared to my previous reloading experiences with single-caliber shell plates, the Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate definitely increases efficiency when I’m batch-reloading different calibers. The Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 has easily outperformed my old way of reloading, and has not disappointed me.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848
Specifications
The Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 is designed specifically for the Lee Six Pack Pro progressive reloading press. It accommodates the following cartridges: .44/40, .38/40, .45 Colt, and .460 S&W. The shell plate is constructed from steel and weighs approximately 0.45 lb, providing durability and stability.
The most significant aspect of these specifications is the multi-caliber compatibility. This allows reloaders to switch between these specific calibers without the need to swap shell plates, saving time and effort. The steel construction ensures the shell plate can withstand the repetitive stress of progressive reloading, contributing to its longevity and reliable performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 performs its job effectively, providing smooth and consistent case advancement through the reloading stages. Its usability is high, especially for reloaders already familiar with the Lee Six Pack Pro press. The reliability is excellent as it consistently holds the cases securely throughout the reloading process.
One of the strengths is its ability to handle multiple calibers with minimal adjustment. A minor weakness is that the case insertion can feel slightly different for each caliber, requiring the reloader to be attentive. Overall, this shell plate meets and even exceeds expectations for reloaders seeking a versatile and efficient reloading solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate is solid, utilizing steel for enhanced durability. Its weight contributes to its stability on the press, and it appears well manufactured. The Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 is very user-friendly and has no learning curve, especially if you have used a progressive press before.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its steel construction, the Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 is built to last through many reloading sessions. Maintenance is simple, usually only requiring a quick wipe-down after each use to remove powder residue. Repair is not typically needed, but replacement shell plates are readily available if damage occurs.
Accessories and Customization Options
This shell plate is a standalone component designed specifically for the Lee Six Pack Pro press and does not require additional accessories. However, optimal use may depend on having the correct dies for the specific calibers being reloaded. The Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 is compatible with a wide range of standard reloading dies from Lee and other manufacturers, providing ample customization options for different reloading preferences.
Pros and Cons of Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848
Pros
- Multi-caliber compatibility saves time and effort.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Smooth and consistent case advancement improves reloading efficiency.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Relatively inexpensive.
Cons
- Only compatible with specific calibers (.44/40, .38/40, .45 Colt, .460 S&W).
- Case insertion feel may vary slightly between calibers.
Who Should Buy Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848?
The Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 is perfect for reloaders who use the Lee Six Pack Pro progressive press and frequently reload .44/40, .38/40, .45 Colt, and .460 S&W cartridges. It’s also perfect for reloaders looking to streamline their reloading process and reduce the amount of time spent changing shell plates. Anyone who wants to increase the speed of their reloading setup will find this product useful.
This product should be skipped by reloaders who primarily load calibers not supported by this shell plate or who do not own a Lee Six Pack Pro progressive press. Those who prefer single-stage reloading or load only a single caliber at a time may not find the multi-caliber capability necessary. It may be more cumbersome than other options for single-stage reloading.
A must-have accessory is a complete set of reloading dies for each of the supported calibers. Additionally, a quality case gauge for each caliber is highly recommended to ensure proper cartridge dimensions and reliable chambering in the firearm.
Conclusion on Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848
Overall, the Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848 is an excellent addition to any reloader’s bench who uses the Lee Six Pack Pro progressive press and loads the supported calibers. The price is definitely justified by the time saved and increased efficiency. I would definitely recommend this product to fellow reloaders seeking a versatile and durable shell plate.
If you’re looking to streamline your reloading process and make cartridge changes quicker, I encourage you to purchase the Lee Six Pack Pro Shell Plate /Multi-Caliber/Size 14L 91848. It is a worthwhile investment.