Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates Review

Let’s Dive into Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates

For those of us serious about reloading, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates are more than just accessories; they are the heart of a smooth, efficient, and ultimately, enjoyable reloading experience. Hornady has built a solid reputation in the reloading world, and these shell plates exemplify their commitment to quality and precision. As someone who’s spent countless hours at the reloading bench, chasing that perfect load for everything from competition rounds to hunting cartridges, I was eager to see if these shell plates lived up to the hype.

My search for these shell plates began out of necessity. I was tired of constantly switching out shell holders when reloading different calibers on my single-stage press. The inefficiency was killing my momentum.

Upon receiving the shell plates, I was immediately impressed by their robust design. The weight felt substantial, a clear indication of the quality materials used. This was a welcome contrast to some of the flimsier reloading components I’ve encountered over the years.

Comparing the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates to other shell plates on the market, particularly those from Lee Precision and RCBS, the Hornady plates stood out. The Lock-N-Load system promised quicker caliber changes, and the overall machining appeared more precise than some of the competing offerings. Ultimately, the promise of speed and precision swayed me to choose Hornady.

My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. I’ve been burned before by products promising the world, but the initial quality of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates gave me hope that these would be a game-changer for my reloading process.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real test of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates came during a bulk reloading session for 9mm rounds destined for weekly pistol matches. This session was held in my garage, which tends to fluctuate in temperature and humidity with the changing seasons. The variability makes for a good torture test.

The plates performed flawlessly, even under moderately humid conditions; cases seated smoothly and consistently with each cycle. The Lock-N-Load feature truly shined, allowing me to switch calibers significantly faster than using traditional shell holders.

The ease of use was immediately apparent, and the installation process was incredibly simple. Even a novice reloader would be able to quickly understand how to use this system. There were no issues or surprises, only a smooth and efficient reloading session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of heavy use, reloading thousands of rounds across various calibers, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates continue to perform admirably. The shell plates still lock in place securely, showing no signs of loosening or wearing down.

The plates have proven to be incredibly durable, showing only minor cosmetic wear, such as slight scratches on the surface. There’s no indication of diminished performance.

Maintaining the shell plates is ridiculously easy: a quick wipe down with a clean cloth removes any powder residue or grime. This simplicity is a huge plus for reloaders who prefer to spend more time at the range than at the cleaning bench. Compared to my previous single-stage setup, using the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates has dramatically increased my reloading speed and efficiency, and I couldn’t be happier with the upgrade.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates

Specifications

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates are specifically designed to work with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press. They are constructed from heat-treated steel.

Each shell plate is machined to tight tolerances for specific calibers, ensuring proper case alignment and smooth operation. These shell plates are essential for converting your Hornady press to load different cartridges, increasing the versatility of your setup.

The correct shell plate is critical for safe and consistent reloading because using the wrong one can lead to improperly seated primers, powder spills, and potentially dangerous squib loads. The precision and fit of these shell plates ensure the correct amount of case support. This is essential for repeatable and reliable reloading.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates perform their job exceptionally well, providing consistent case alignment and smooth cycling during the reloading process. They significantly increase reloading speed and efficiency compared to single-stage presses with traditional shell holders.

The main strength is the Lock-N-Load system, which allows for quick and easy caliber changes. This saves a tremendous amount of time and effort, especially for reloaders who work with multiple calibers. A minor improvement could be a more robust labeling system to easily identify the correct shell plate for each caliber.

These shell plates exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and ease of use. They have become an indispensable part of my reloading setup.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates boast a robust and well-machined design, giving them a solid feel. The steel construction instills confidence in their long-term durability.

The installation and removal process is intuitive and straightforward, requiring no specialized tools. While there’s a slight learning curve to understanding the Lock-N-Load system, once mastered, it becomes second nature.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the heat-treated steel construction, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates are built to last for years with proper care. They are resistant to wear and tear, even with frequent use.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick wipe down after each reloading session. This simplicity further enhances the user experience, making it a low-maintenance component of your reloading setup.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates themselves don’t come with any specific accessories, as they are primarily designed to work with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press. The beauty of the system is that you can buy the individual shell plates you need for the calibers you reload.

They are fully compatible with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press, as well as other Hornady reloading accessories. The system allows for seamless integration with other Hornady components such as powder measures and case feeders.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Shell Plates