Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates Review

Let’s Dive into Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates are a critical component for reloaders looking to streamline their process, specifically those using the Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Feeder. These plates are designed to seamlessly integrate with the feeder, allowing for efficient and automated case feeding for a wide range of large rifle calibers, significantly reducing the manual labor involved in reloading. For anyone cranking out large quantities of ammunition, this seemingly simple piece of plastic can be a game-changer.

I’ve spent countless hours manually placing cases into my progressive press, a task that quickly becomes tedious, especially when preparing for a long-range competition or a big hunting trip. The promise of automating this step, increasing speed and consistency, led me to explore the Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates. Upon unboxing, the plate feels solid, despite being constructed from plastic.

Compared to universal case feeder plates, which can be finicky and require constant adjustment, the Hornady solution offers caliber-specific plates, aiming for a more precise and reliable feeding experience. I considered a completely automated case feeder system from another brand, but the cost was significantly higher, and the modularity of the Hornady system, allowing me to purchase only the plates I needed, was a major selling point. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the plate looked well-made, and the caliber list seemed comprehensive, but I was eager to see if it lived up to the promise of seamless integration and increased efficiency.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates took place in my reloading room, where I was preparing .30-06 Springfield ammunition for an upcoming deer hunting trip. I loaded the case feeder with a batch of cleaned and prepped .30-06 cases and attached the plate. The setup was surprisingly simple, requiring only a few minutes to install the plate and adjust the feeder settings according to the Hornady instructions.

The plate performed admirably, consistently feeding cases into the press without jams or hiccups. This was a significant improvement over my previous method of manually placing each case. The increased speed and smoothness of the reloading process were immediately noticeable, allowing me to focus on other critical aspects of reloading, such as powder charge and bullet seating depth. There were a few instances where a case would occasionally wobble slightly in the plate, but this didn’t cause any significant issues or disrupt the overall flow.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates for various calibers, including .308 Winchester and 7mm Remington Magnum, the plate continues to perform reliably. There are no visible signs of wear or tear, even after processing thousands of cases. The plastic material seems durable and resistant to the stresses of continuous use.

Cleaning the plate is simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth is usually sufficient to remove any powder residue or debris. Compared to my previous experiences with universal case feeders, the Hornady plates have significantly reduced downtime and frustration, allowing me to reload more efficiently and with greater consistency. The caliber-specific design ensures that each case is properly oriented and fed into the press, minimizing the risk of errors and improving the overall quality of my reloaded ammunition.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates

Specifications

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates are designed to work exclusively with the Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Feeder. They are made from a durable, high-impact plastic. Each plate is caliber-specific, ensuring proper case orientation and feeding.

The plates are designed to handle a wide range of large rifle calibers, including, but not limited to, .22-250, .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum, and .338 Winchester Magnum. This caliber specificity ensures reliable feeding and reduces the likelihood of jams or misfeeds. The one-plate-per-caliber design avoids the compromises inherent in universal feeder plates.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates excel at their primary function: efficiently and reliably feeding large rifle cases into a progressive reloading press. The precision-molded design ensures that each case is oriented correctly, minimizing the chance of errors. The plate’s smooth operation contributes to a faster and more consistent reloading process.

The main strength of these plates is their caliber-specific design, which virtually eliminates the issues common with universal feeders. One potential weakness is that you need a separate plate for each caliber, which can add to the overall cost if you reload a wide variety of cartridges. They meet, and even exceed, expectations for reloaders who prioritize efficiency and consistency.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates are designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. The plastic material is lightweight yet durable. The ease of installation and removal makes it easy to switch between different calibers.

The design is user-friendly, requiring minimal adjustment or fine-tuning. The intuitive design minimizes the learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates are constructed from a durable plastic material that is designed to withstand the rigors of reloading. With proper care, the plate should last for many years. Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down to remove any powder residue.

The simple design means there are no complex parts to break or wear out. Repair, if ever needed, would likely involve replacing the entire plate.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates themselves are accessories to the Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Feeder. They are not designed to be further customized. Compatibility is limited to the specific calibers listed by Hornady.

While there are no direct customization options for the plates, reloaders can customize their overall reloading setup with various dies, bullet feeders, and other accessories from Hornady and other brands. The modular nature of the Hornady Lock-N-Load system allows for easy integration with other reloading components.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Lock-N-Load Large Rifle Case Feeder Plates