The Good, the Bad & the Real of the Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656
As an equipment specialist with over a decade of putting gear through its paces, I’ve learned that the devil, or the delight, is often in the details. When it comes to reloading, the shell plate is a seemingly small component, yet it dictates much of the smooth operation and speed of any progressive press. I was looking for a reliable and specifically calibrated shell plate to expand my reloading capabilities for the robust .41 Magnum cartridge, and that’s what led me to the Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656. Lee Precision has a long-standing reputation for offering functional, no-nonsense reloading tools that offer significant value, and this particular component promised to integrate seamlessly into their Pro 1000 system for a specific, challenging caliber.
My need for this specific shell plate arose from a desire to delve deeper into reloading for my .41 Magnum revolvers. While I have a robust collection of dies and components for many calibers, the .41 Magnum demands precision and consistency, particularly on a progressive press where case feeding and alignment are paramount. I considered a few other manufacturers, but the straightforward design and the known compatibility with the Lee Pro 1000 platform made the Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656 the clear frontrunner. There was a slight hesitation as some users online noted that primer seating can sometimes be finicky on progressive presses, but I reasoned that with careful setup, this particular shell plate would be up to the task.
Unboxing this shell plate revealed a solid, precisely machined piece of hardened steel. The weight felt substantial, suggesting durability, and the finish was consistent across its surface. There were no rough edges or obvious imperfections that would indicate shoddy manufacturing. It felt exactly like what it is: a precision-engineered part designed for a specific purpose. My initial impression was one of quiet confidence; it looked and felt like a component that would perform its function reliably without fuss.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656 to the Test
My testing environment for this shell plate has been primarily my home reloading bench, a space that sees a good mix of routine tasks and more involved projects. The specific scenario involved setting up my Lee Pro 1000 press to load .41 Magnum ammunition, a caliber that often requires a bit more attention to detail than some of its more common counterparts. This meant meticulously adjusting the press and ensuring proper case feeding and primer seating, with the shell plate being central to this entire operation.
In terms of performance, the first few hundred rounds loaded with this shell plate were a revelation in terms of case alignment. Each .41 Magnum case was guided smoothly into position under the sizing and expander die with each pull of the lever. There was a noticeable absence of the slight case mouth misalignment that can sometimes plague progressive presses with less precise shell plates, which is crucial for consistent powder drops and bullet seating. The Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656 proved to be remarkably forgiving, even when I wasn’t perfectly precise with my case presentation into the feeder mechanism.
Over several months and an estimated 1,500 rounds of .41 Magnum ammunition, the shell plate has held up exceptionally well. I haven’t observed any significant wear or degradation in its performance. The steel remains robust, and the machined detents for case positioning are as crisp as they were on day one. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after each reloading session has kept it free of any powder residue or lubricant build-up. Compared to some older, less durable shell plates I’ve encountered from other brands that sometimes developed play or started to bind after extensive use, this Lee component has demonstrated superior longevity and consistency. It genuinely performs as well now as it did when I first installed it.
First Use Experience
The initial setup of the Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656 on my Pro 1000 press was straightforward, as expected from Lee Precision equipment. The plate slides into place with a satisfying click, indicating a secure fit. I loaded a batch of .41 Magnum cases, and the process was remarkably smooth. There was no hesitation as each case was presented to the die station, and the indexing was precise with every lever stroke. I did notice that on a few occasions, a slightly dented case didn’t feed perfectly, but the plate’s design seemed to resist forcing it, preventing any damage to the press or the case.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a significant volume of .41 Magnum rounds, the Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656 continues to perform with unwavering reliability. I’ve subjected it to varying temperatures in my garage workshop without any noticeable impact on its function or material integrity. The hardened steel construction means it shrugs off minor cosmetic scuffs from brass on brass contact. Its primary function – to accurately index cases under the dies – remains flawless, which is critical for consistent ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656
Specifications
The Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656 is specifically engineered for the .41 Remington Magnum caliber. It is identified by its size designation, “9,” within the Lee system. Constructed from hardened steel, this ensures exceptional durability and resistance to wear, which is crucial for a component that undergoes constant indexing and contact with brass cartridges. The specifications detail its precise fit for the .41 Magnum, meaning it’s designed to accommodate the specific rim diameter and case head dimensions of this cartridge. This precise sizing is key to preventing case slippage or misalignment during the reloading process.
These specifications translate directly into reliable performance. The hardened steel construction means this shell plate is built to last for thousands upon thousands of reloading cycles. Its specific calibration for the .41 Magnum caliber ensures that each case is presented perfectly under the dies, which is non-negotiable for consistent and safe ammunition. Unlike more generic shell plates that might offer broader compatibility but less precision, this specific model guarantees optimal alignment for this powerful cartridge. It represents a focused design approach rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, and that attention to detail is evident in its performance.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this shell plate is to accurately and reliably index each .41 Magnum case into position under the various dies on the Lee Pro 1000 progressive press. In this regard, the Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656 excels. It consistently presents the case rim for reliable pickup and seating, and the case head sits perfectly square under the die. I experienced virtually zero instances of misfeeds or cases entering the die stations at an angle.
Its main strength lies in its precise calibration for the .41 Magnum cartridge, which drastically reduces the likelihood of alignment errors. This translates into more consistent powder drops and, critically, ensures bullets are seated straight, leading to more accurate ammunition. A potential weakness, though not inherent to the plate itself but rather the press system it’s part of, is that if the primer seating mechanism isn’t perfectly adjusted, it can lead to issues. However, the shell plate itself does its job flawlessly, ensuring the case is in the right place for that mechanism to work. It meets and exceeds expectations for its intended function.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this shell plate is classic Lee Precision: functional and robust. The hardened steel offers a reassuring weight and solid feel. Its surface is smoothly machined, minimizing friction with the brass cases as they move into and out of position. The detents that catch the case rims are well-defined, providing positive engagement without being overly aggressive.
Ergonomically, the shell plate itself doesn’t have much to do with “feel” in the traditional sense since it’s internal to the press. However, its smooth operation directly contributes to the overall ease of use of the press. The lack of any snagging or binding means the lever action remains smooth and consistent, reducing user fatigue during longer reloading sessions. The clear caliber designation (Size 9 for .41 Magnum) on the plate itself is also a practical design detail, preventing mix-ups, which is crucial when dealing with multiple calibers.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction from hardened steel, the Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656 is built for longevity. Under normal reloading use for medium to high volumes of .41 Magnum ammunition, it is highly unlikely to fail or show significant wear within the lifespan of the press itself. Its primary maintenance requirement is simply keeping it clean. A quick wipe-down after use removes any powder residue or debris that could potentially impede its smooth operation or cause premature wear.
There are no complex parts or lubrication requirements, making maintenance exceptionally simple. The only potential concern, which is very minor, could be if fine abrasive dust were to accumulate in the detents over a very long period, but this is easily rectified with a brush and a blast of compressed air. I have yet to see any signs of deformation or degradation in the detents themselves, which is a testament to the quality of the steel and the manufacturing process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656 is a standalone component that is specifically designed to fit the Lee Pro 1000 reloading press. It does not come with any additional accessories, nor does it offer any direct customization options in terms of swappable parts or attachments. Its specialization means it’s intended to work as-is for the .41 Magnum caliber.
However, it’s important to note that Lee Precision offers other shell plates for different calibers, and the Pro 1000 primer attachment is a separate component that would be needed if you were changing primer sizes, though not directly related to the shell plate’s primary function for caliber conversion. This specific shell plate is designed for precise integration with the Lee Pro 1000 system and is not intended for use with presses from other manufacturers.
Pros and Cons of Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656
Pros
- Specifically calibrated for the .41 Magnum caliber, ensuring perfect case alignment and indexing.
- Constructed from hardened steel for exceptional durability and a long service life.
- Provides smooth and consistent operation of the Lee Pro 1000 press, leading to reliable ammunition.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring only basic cleaning.
- Offers excellent value for a dedicated caliber-specific component.
Cons
- Requires a separate purchase for each caliber you wish to reload on the Pro 1000 press.
- Its specificity means it is not interchangeable with shell plates for other calibers or presses.
Who Should Buy Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656?
This shell plate is an absolute must-have for any Lee Pro 1000 owner who intends to reload the .41 Remington Magnum cartridge. If you value precision, reliability, and efficient operation from your progressive press, then this specific component is precisely what you need. It’s ideal for avid handgun reloaders who want to achieve consistent results for their magnum revolvers, whether for target shooting, competition, or hunting.
Anyone who already owns a Lee Pro 1000 press and is looking to expand their reloading capabilities to include the .41 Magnum should seriously consider this shell plate. You should probably skip this if you are not using a Lee Pro 1000 press, as it is designed exclusively for that platform. For optimal performance, ensure your press is properly adjusted and that you have the correct dies for the .41 Magnum; the shell plate is the foundation, but a full setup is crucial.
Conclusion on Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656
The Lee #9 Pro Shell Plate For 41 Magnum 90656 is a prime example of how a small, specialized part can make a significant difference in the reloading process. Its hardened steel construction and precise calibration for the .41 Magnum cartridge ensure that cases are consistently and accurately presented to the dies, which is fundamental for producing safe, reliable, and accurate ammunition. For its price point, the value it offers in terms of reliability and the potential for consistent reloading results is outstanding.
If you are a Lee Pro 1000 user looking to reload .41 Magnum ammunition, I would unequivocally recommend this shell plate. It performs its intended function flawlessly, and its durability means it’s a worthwhile investment that will serve you well for many years. It’s not a flashy component, but its quiet effectiveness is exactly what any serious reloader desires for their chosen caliber.