What Makes Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models Stand Out?
The Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models is a crucial component for any reloader using a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP or Pro-Jector progressive press. It’s the heart of the operation, indexing each cartridge case through the various stages of reloading. Made from steel, it promises durability and consistent performance, but does it live up to the hype?
I needed to upgrade my existing shell plate because I was starting to reload a wider variety of calibers, specifically adding .44 Magnum to my repertoire. My old aluminum plate, while functional, felt a little flimsy when handling larger cartridges. I was searching for something robust that would last.
Upon unboxing, the steel construction of the Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models immediately impressed me. It has a reassuring weight to it and the machining appears precise. It just feels like a quality piece of equipment.
Compared to RCBS shell plates and some cheaper, no-name options I’ve seen, the Hornady plate seemed to offer a better balance of quality and price. While RCBS is a great brand, their shell plates were significantly more expensive for what seemed to be a similar product. The Hornady option offered a more budget-friendly route.
My initial impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. I was excited about the potential for smoother, more reliable reloading, but also concerned whether a simple shell plate could truly make that much of a difference. I was ready to see what this upgrade brought to my reloading bench.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models at my home reloading bench, primarily focusing on reloading .44 Magnum and .45 ACP cartridges. The initial setup was simple – swapping out the old shell plate was a matter of seconds.
The performance was noticeably smoother than with my previous shell plate, particularly when seating primers. I noticed less “crunch” and more consistent primer seating depth, even in slightly tarnished brass. The indexing felt more positive and precise, even when the reloading room was a bit dusty from some recent woodworking projects.
The initial use was trouble-free, though I did notice a slightly tighter fit with some of my older brass. A quick adjustment of the shell plate carrier on my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press resolved the issue, ensuring smooth operation. This slight adjustment was necessary.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or tear, even after reloading thousands of rounds.
The steel construction has proven to be incredibly durable. There’s no noticeable play or looseness in the indexing mechanism, and the shell plate still looks and functions like new. I only wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth every few weeks to prevent rust.
Compared to my experiences with aluminum shell plates, the Hornady steel plate is a clear winner. It provides a more consistent and reliable reloading experience and shows no signs of giving up anytime soon. It far outperforms my previous aluminum plate.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models
Specifications
- The Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models is designed specifically for the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP and Pro-Jector progressive reloading presses. This ensures perfect compatibility and smooth operation.
- It is constructed from hardened steel for maximum durability and longevity. This robust construction withstands repeated use and resists wear and tear.
- This shell plate is designed to accommodate a specific range of cartridges, including .44 Magnum, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, and others. Knowing the specific cartridges it supports is crucial for proper reloading.
- It facilitates seamless caliber changes on the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press. This makes switching between different cartridges quick and efficient.
- The shell plate’s precision machining ensures accurate case alignment and consistent reloading results. Accurate alignment is essential for safe and reliable ammunition.
The steel construction of this shell plate is critical. It ensures longevity and precise alignment during the reloading process. Proper alignment and shell plate endurance are essential for safe ammunition production.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models performs its job flawlessly. It consistently indexes cartridges through each stage of the reloading process, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
Its strengths lie in its durability and precision. The steel construction ensures that it will last for years, and the precise machining guarantees consistent results. One improvement would be a clearer marking of compatible calibers directly on the plate.
The shell plate meets and exceeds expectations for reloaders who demand reliability and longevity from their equipment. It is a high-quality, durable reloading product.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional. It prioritizes durability and ease of use.
The steel construction gives it a solid, substantial feel, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand repeated use. It’s a robust and well-made tool.
The installation is straightforward. The design is user friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its steel construction, the Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models should last a lifetime with proper care. It is expected to be incredibly durable.
Maintenance is minimal; a simple wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each reloading session is sufficient to prevent rust and corrosion. This ensures long-term durability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models itself doesn’t have accessories, but it is compatible with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP and Pro-Jector presses. It works flawlessly with those presses.
It’s designed to work with various Hornady Lock-N-Load bushings and accessories. These bushings and accessories enable quick caliber changes. The shell plate is also compatible with aftermarket case collators.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The hardened steel construction ensures the shell plate will withstand years of heavy use without wearing down.
- Smooth and Reliable Indexing: The precise machining provides consistent and smooth indexing, improving reloading efficiency.
- Easy Caliber Changes: Facilitates fast and easy caliber changes on the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press.
- Improved Primer Seating: Results in more consistent primer seating depth compared to weaker aluminum alternatives.
- Cost-Effective: Balances high quality with a reasonable price point, offering excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Can be a Tight Fit with Older Brass: May require slight adjustments to the press to accommodate older or slightly oversized brass.
- Caliber Notations Absent: There are no caliber markings etched on the shell plate itself, making it difficult to identify without the packaging.
Who Should Buy Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models?
The Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models is perfect for reloaders who own a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP or Pro-Jector press and reload cartridges like .44 Magnum, .45 ACP, or .45 Colt. Those needing to reload these calibers will greatly benefit. It is also ideal for those who prioritize durability and precision in their reloading equipment.
Someone who primarily reloads smaller pistol calibers or prefers a single-stage press might not need this particular shell plate. Also, if you are not working with .44, .45 ACP, or .45 Colt this is not the shell plate for you.
A must-have accessory is a quality set of calipers for verifying cartridge overall length (COL) after reloading. Also consider Hornady Lock-N-Load bushings to further speed up the caliber change process.
Conclusion on Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models
The Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models is a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders seeking a durable and reliable component for their Hornady progressive press. Its steel construction and precise machining provide smooth, consistent performance, making the reloading process more efficient and enjoyable.
The price of $64.97 is justified by the quality and longevity of the product. You get what you pay for with this steel shell plate.
I would absolutely recommend this shell plate to anyone who reloads .44 Magnum, .45 ACP, or .45 Colt on a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP or Pro-Jector press. If you’re looking to upgrade your reloading setup and improve consistency, the Hornady Shell Plate, Number 3, Steel, 392603 – 1 out of 23 models is a solid choice. Consider this upgrade.