Hornady Lock N Load Shell Plate - Reliable Caliber Changes

In this review the Hornady Lock N Load Shell Plate is assessed for handloaders who need quick, reliable caliber changes on the Lock N Load progressive presses. The bottom line: this shell plate delivers a secure fit and smoother case handling thanks to an improved mouth radius, making it a simple upgrade for users of the Lock N Load AP or Pro-Jector presses who value dependable, repeatable performance during high-volume reloading.

Key Features

• Improved shell plate: The revised plate design provides a better locking interface so calibers seat securely during cycling.
• Compatible with Lock N Load AP and Pro-Jector: Works with Hornady progressive presses, allowing straightforward swaps without modifying the press.
• Smooth radius at the mouth: A rounded mouth profile reduces hangups and helps ensure consistent feeding and ejection.
• Multi-caliber capability: Can hold additional calibers that share the same case head dimensions, saving the need to buy many plates.
• Easy case insertion: Cases drop in smoothly during the loading cycle, which speeds setup and reduces fumbling during runs.

Who It's For

The shell plate is aimed at reloaders who already own a Hornady Lock N Load AP or Pro-Jector press and need a dependable plate for swapping calibers without sacrificing reliability. It is especially useful for those running progressive operations where fast, consistent case handling matters.

Less suitable users include operators of presses from other manufacturers or reloaders who need plates for calibers with different case head dimensions; this plate will not magically adapt to incompatible case heads. If you require plates for many disparate calibers you do still need to match case head size when selecting additional plates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Works well in the Lock N Load AP progressive press and fits securely during cycling.
• Quality construction with a smooth mouth radius that improves feeding and reduces jams.
• Good value for money because a single plate can hold multiple calibers with the same case head size.

Cons

• Limited to calibers sharing the same case head dimensions, so additional plates may still be needed for other families.

Specifications

Product	Shell plate for Lock N Load presses
Compatibility	Lock N Load AP and Pro-Jector
Design feature	Improved shell plate with smooth mouth radius
Caliber support	Holds calibers with same case head dimensions
Installation	Easy case insertion and straightforward fit

Our Verdict

The Hornady Lock N Load Shell Plate is a solid, cost-effective upgrade for owners of Hornady progressive presses who need dependable caliber changes and smoother case handling. It offers clear value when replacing or adding plates for calibers that share case head dimensions and saves time during progressive reloading runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this plate work on my Lock N Load AP press?
Yes, it is designed to be compatible with Hornady Lock N Load AP presses.

Can one plate handle multiple calibers?
Yes, the plate will hold additional calibers that have the same case head dimensions.

Does the plate reduce feeding issues?
The smooth radius at the mouth is intended to improve feeding and reduce hangups during cycling.