What Makes Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 Stand Out?
The Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 might seem like a small, unassuming piece of reloading equipment. However, its precision and reliability are crucial for producing consistent and accurate ammunition. As someone who has spent countless hours at the reloading bench, I know that even the smallest component can significantly impact the final product. I’ve seen firsthand how a subpar shell plate can lead to frustrating inconsistencies, wasted components, and potentially dangerous ammunition. The Hornady Shell Plate Number 8, manufactured by Hornady, promises to alleviate those concerns with its heat-treated construction and tight tolerances. It’s designed to offer smooth and reliable functioning.
My journey to the Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 began with a familiar problem: inconsistent seating depths in my 9mm Luger reloads. I had been using a universal shell holder that, while versatile, simply wasn’t providing the consistent case alignment needed for optimal accuracy. This led to varying bullet seating depths and, consequently, inconsistent pressures. I wanted a dedicated solution.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the Hornady Shell Plate Number 8. The weight suggested a robust build, and the smooth finish indicated precise machining. The shell plate exuded quality. It was clear that Hornady had paid attention to detail in its construction.
I was also considering the RCBS shell plate for 9mm and the Lee Precision Auto-Prime shell plate. I ultimately chose the Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 because of Hornady’s reputation for quality and the specific compatibility with my Hornady Lock-N-Load AP reloading press. I needed the reliability and consistency, and Hornady seemed the best bet.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 looked and felt like a quality product, the real test would be how it performed on the reloading bench. I was excited to see if it would solve my consistency issues and improve the overall reloading process.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 at my home reloading bench, focusing on reloading 9mm Luger ammunition for my Glock 19 and Sig Sauer P320. The weather was typical for a Pacific Northwest autumn: damp and cool, so I was working in a climate-controlled environment. I reloaded about 500 rounds that first session.
The Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 performed flawlessly. The cases fed smoothly into the shell plate, and the primer seating was consistent. The wide mouth and rounded edges made case insertion effortless. There were no hiccups or jams.
The most noticeable improvement was in the consistency of the bullet seating depth. Using a digital caliper, I measured each round and found that the variance was significantly reduced compared to my previous setup. The rounds looked and felt uniform.
After the first use, I was relieved. The Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 delivered on its promise of improved consistency and ease of use. It was a noticeable upgrade from my previous shell holder.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 continues to perform admirably. I estimate that I have reloaded well over 5,000 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition using this shell plate.
The shell plate shows no signs of wear and tear. The finish remains smooth, and there is no noticeable play or looseness in the fit. The heat treated construction seems to be holding up extremely well.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each reloading session is all that’s required. I occasionally apply a small amount of gun oil to the rotating surfaces to ensure smooth operation. It needs next to no cleaning.
Compared to my previous experiences with universal shell holders, the Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 is a significant improvement. It has eliminated the inconsistencies I was experiencing and has made the reloading process more efficient and enjoyable. It has exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Shell Plate Number 8
Specifications
The Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 is specifically designed to accommodate a range of cartridges, including:
- 30 Luger
- 30 Mauser
- 9mm Luger
- 9×21
- 9×23 Win
- 38 Auto
- 38 Super Auto
- 9×18 Makarov
It’s heat treated to perform flawlessly, ensuring durability and longevity. This is crucial for high-volume reloaders who demand reliability. The wide mouth and rounded edge facilitate smooth and easy case insertion. This minimizes the risk of case damage and speeds up the reloading process. Tight tolerances ensure precision alignment with the die, resulting in consistent bullet seating depths and improved accuracy. This is paramount for producing quality ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 performs its job exceptionally well. Its tight tolerances and smooth operation translate directly into more consistent and accurate ammunition.
The primary strength of the Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 lies in its reliability and precision. It consistently delivers the correct case alignment. This leads to more uniform rounds. One area for potential improvement would be a clearer indication of the shell plate number on the plate itself, perhaps with a more durable marking method.
The Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 meets and exceeds my expectations. It has solved the consistency issues I was experiencing and has made the reloading process more efficient and enjoyable.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 features a robust, all-metal construction. The materials are high-quality and feel durable. The weight is substantial, conveying a sense of solidness and reliability.
The shell plate is designed to be user-friendly. There is virtually no learning curve. It simply replaces the existing shell holder on your reloading press. The wide mouth and rounded edge further enhance ease of use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 is built to last. The heat treated construction ensures that it can withstand years of use. The shell plate is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning and occasional lubrication are all that’s required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 does not come with any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP reloading press and other presses that accept standard shell plates. There are no specific customization options available for the shell plate itself.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Shell Plate Number 8
Pros
- Heat treated to perform flawlessly, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.
- Tight tolerances guarantee precision alignment with the die. This leads to more consistent and accurate ammunition.
- Wide mouth and rounded edge facilitate smooth and easy case insertion, speeding up the reloading process.
- Specifically designed for a range of popular cartridges, including 9mm Luger, 38 Super Auto, and more.
- Easy to install and use, with no significant learning curve.
Cons
- The price point is somewhat higher compared to universal shell holders.
- The specific shell plate number could be marked more clearly and durably on the plate itself.
Who Should Buy Hornady Shell Plate Number 8?
The Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 is perfect for reloaders who value consistency and accuracy in their ammunition. It’s ideal for competitive shooters, handgun enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to produce high-quality reloads for specific cartridges.
Those who primarily reload a wide variety of calibers and prioritize versatility over pinpoint accuracy might find a universal shell holder more suitable. Those who are on a very tight budget might want to consider less expensive alternatives, though they may sacrifice quality and consistency.
A must-have accessory for the Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 is a high-quality set of reloading dies specifically designed for the cartridges you intend to reload. Proper lubrication of the cases is also essential for smooth operation.
Conclusion on Hornady Shell Plate Number 8
The Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 is a well-designed and well-built piece of reloading equipment that delivers on its promises of precision, reliability, and ease of use. While the price may be slightly higher than some alternatives, the improved consistency and accuracy make it a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders.
The value proposition is excellent. The peace of mind knowing that each round is being consistently processed is invaluable. The improved consistency is worth the cost.
I would personally recommend the Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 to anyone who is looking to improve the quality and consistency of their reloads. It is a valuable addition to any reloading bench.
If you are serious about reloading and want to produce accurate and reliable ammunition, the Hornady Shell Plate Number 8 is a must-have. Upgrade your reloading setup today and experience the difference!