What Makes Hornady Shell Plate, Number 16, Steel, 392616 – 1 out of 23 models Stand Out?
The Hornady Shell Plate, Number 16, Steel, 392616 – 1 out of 23 models isn’t just another reloading component; it’s a precision-engineered piece from Hornady designed to ensure seamless operation of your progressive reloading press. This particular shell plate is crafted from heat-treated steel and stands out due to its wide caliber compatibility. The promise of smooth functioning and reliable case insertion immediately piqued my interest.
My reloading bench has seen a fair share of shell plates, some better than others, but consistency and reliability are paramount when cranking out hundreds of rounds at a time. I’d been wrestling with some feeding issues when reloading .223 Remington, and a friend swore that switching to a Hornady shell plate drastically improved his process. That was enough for me to give the Hornady Shell Plate, Number 16 a shot.
Unboxing the shell plate, the first thing that struck me was its solid feel. The steel construction speaks to durability, and the smooth, even finish hints at precision machining. It felt like a quality piece of equipment, a far cry from some of the cheaper, pot-metal shell plates I’ve encountered.
I was considering the RCBS shell plate for similar calibers, but opted for the Hornady due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from fellow reloaders, specifically regarding its smooth case feeding. I also looked at a Lee Precision option, but the reports of potential durability issues with the Lee offering steered me toward the more robust Hornady. My initial excitement was mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could this seemingly simple piece of steel truly make that much of a difference?
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Shell Plate, Number 16, Steel, 392616 – 1 out of 23 models to the Test
First Use Experience
I put the Hornady Shell Plate, Number 16 to work reloading .223 Remington at my home reloading bench. The conditions were typical: a bit dusty from previous sessions, and a comfortable room temperature. Installation was a breeze, slotting perfectly into my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press.
The immediate difference was noticeable. Case feeding felt smoother and more consistent than with my previous shell plate. There were significantly fewer instances of cases getting stuck or misaligned. The smooth operation translated directly into increased reloading speed and decreased frustration. The first session yielded several hundred rounds of consistent .223 with zero hiccups attributable to the shell plate itself.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Hornady Shell Plate, Number 16 consistently (reloading roughly 500-1000 rounds per month), it has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear, and the smooth operation remains unchanged. Occasional cleaning with a dry cloth is all that’s been required for maintenance.
Compared to my previous experiences with other shell plates, the Hornady offering is a clear winner. The reliability and smooth feeding far surpass anything I’ve used before. The reduction in jams and misfeeds alone makes it worth the investment. It definitely outperforms my previous shell plate and restores my confidence in the reloading process.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Shell Plate, Number 16, Steel, 392616 – 1 out of 23 models
Specifications
- Caliber Compatibility: Fits a wide range of calibers including 17 Rem, 17 Rem Fireball, 17-222, 17-223, 20 Tactical, 204 Ruger, 220 VT, 221 Rem Fireball, 222 Rem, 222 Rem Mag, 223 Rem, 5.6×50 Mag, 6mm TCU, 6mm-223, 6.5mm TCU, 7mm TCU, 7mm-223 Ingram, 7×47 Helm, 380 Auto and more. This wide range makes it versatile for reloaders who work with multiple calibers.
- Material: Constructed from heat-treated steel. This ensures exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear, even with high-volume reloading.
- Design: Features a subtle radius on each shell holder mouth. This contributes to the smooth and reliable functioning by guiding cases into the shell plate more easily.
- Retainer Spring: Designed to stay in place during case insertion. This seemingly small detail significantly reduces frustration and prevents the spring from becoming dislodged.
- Compatibility: Designed for use with Hornady Lock-N-Load AP and Pro-Jector progressive reloading presses. This ensures a perfect fit and optimal performance with Hornady equipment.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the reloading experience. The wide caliber compatibility reduces the need for multiple shell plates, the steel construction guarantees longevity, and the thoughtful design elements contribute to smooth and consistent operation.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Shell Plate, Number 16 performs its job flawlessly. Its primary function is to reliably hold and advance cases through the reloading process, and it excels in this regard. Cases feed smoothly, align perfectly with the dies, and eject cleanly.
The main strength is its consistent and reliable performance. A notable weakness doesn’t readily present itself; however, the shell plate is dedicated to certain calibers, and thus requires purchasing separate plates for others. It exceeded my expectations by eliminating the feeding issues I was previously experiencing.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The steel construction feels robust and durable, and the smooth finish speaks to the precision machining. It’s a simple design, but every detail is well-executed.
It’s extremely user-friendly. It installs easily and requires no adjustments. The subtle design features, like the radius on the shell holder mouth, contribute to a smooth and intuitive reloading experience.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, it’s highly likely to last for many years. The heat-treated steel construction is incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a dry cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The shell plate itself doesn’t have any customization options. It’s a standalone component designed to work with Hornady reloading presses. However, the wide range of compatible calibers essentially offers a degree of adaptability. It’s designed to work seamlessly with other Hornady accessories, such as case feeders and powder measures.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Shell Plate, Number 16, Steel, 392616 – 1 out of 23 models
Pros
- Exceptional Reliability: Consistently feeds cases smoothly and accurately, minimizing jams and misfeeds.
- Wide Caliber Compatibility: Supports a broad range of popular calibers, reducing the need for multiple shell plates.
- Durable Construction: Made from heat-treated steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation: Installs quickly and easily into compatible Hornady reloading presses.
- Improved Reloading Speed: Smooth operation translates to faster and more efficient reloading.
Cons
- Caliber Specific: Requires separate shell plates for calibers outside its compatibility range.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some other shell plate options, although the quality justifies the cost.
Who Should Buy Hornady Shell Plate, Number 16, Steel, 392616 – 1 out of 23 models?
This shell plate is perfect for reloaders who frequently load any of the compatible calibers and value reliability and efficiency. It’s particularly beneficial for those using a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP or Pro-Jector progressive reloading press. It’s also a great investment for reloaders who are tired of dealing with feeding issues and want a smoother, more consistent reloading experience.
Reloaders who only load a very limited number of rounds, or who only work with calibers not supported by this shell plate, might not find it to be a worthwhile investment. A must-have accessory is a compatible Hornady reloading press.
Conclusion on Hornady Shell Plate, Number 16, Steel, 392616 – 1 out of 23 models
The Hornady Shell Plate, Number 16, Steel, 392616 – 1 out of 23 models is an excellent investment for serious reloaders. The price is justified by its exceptional reliability, durable construction, and wide caliber compatibility. It’s a simple component that makes a significant difference in the reloading process.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to improve the performance of their Hornady progressive reloading press. If you’re tired of dealing with feeding issues and want a smoother, more efficient reloading experience, this shell plate is a must-have. Upgrade your reloading bench today and experience the difference!