Hornady No. 27 Shell Plate for Lock-n-Load AP & Pro-Jector Review

My Experience with the Hornady No. 27 Shell Plate for Lock-n-Load AP & Pro-Jector: Here’s the Truth

For any reloader, the shell plate is the silent workhorse of the press, dictating which cartridges can be processed. My journey with the Hornady No. 27 Shell Plate for Lock-n-Load AP & Pro-Jector began out of a need to expand my reloading capabilities for some rather specific, yet popular, hunting cartridges. Hornady’s reputation for robust reloading equipment is well-established, and this particular shell plate promised compatibility with my existing Lock-n-Load AP press, a significant advantage. My initial impression upon handling it was one of solid engineering; the metal felt substantial, and the machining appeared precise. I had briefly considered generic alternatives, but the assurance of a direct Hornady part for my press made this the logical choice. Ultimately, acquiring this shell plate brought a welcome sense of completeness to my reloading setup.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady No. 27 Shell Plate for Lock-n-Load AP & Pro-Jector to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of this shell plate occurred on my dedicated reloading bench, a space that sees constant use for everything from precision rifle rounds to common pistol cartridges. I specifically installed it to work with .444 Marlin and .308 Marlin Express, calibers that demand a particular shell plate size. The installation was straightforward, snapping into place on my Lock-n-Load AP press without any fuss. Throughout the first session, which involved processing about 50 rounds each of .444 Marlin and .308 Marlin Express, the plate performed flawlessly. There was a noticeable smoothness to the case indexing, and the retainer spring held each shell securely without requiring excessive force to seat. No unexpected quirks or issues arose during this initial deployment.

Extended Use & Reliability

Weeks and months have passed since I first integrated this shell plate into my reloading workflow, and it has seen consistent use. I’ve now processed hundreds of rounds of both .444 Marlin and .308 Marlin Express, along with some .309 JDJ and .375 JDJ brass when the opportunity arose. Durability has been exceptional; despite the repetitive motion of the press and the inherent stress of reloading, there are no visible signs of wear, cracks, or any performance degradation. Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a dry cloth or a touch of CLP, and storage involves leaving it on the press or tucking it safely into a tool drawer. Compared to some older, less precisely manufactured shell plates I’ve used from other brands in the past, this Hornady model demonstrates superior resilience and a consistent level of performance that instills confidence with every pull of the handle.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady No. 27 Shell Plate for Lock-n-Load AP & Pro-Jector

Specifications

The Hornady No. 27 Shell Plate for Lock-n-Load AP & Pro-Jector is meticulously engineered for specific cartridge families. It is designed to accommodate cases for .308 Marlin Express, .309 JDJ, .375 JDJ, and .444 Marlin. This particular plate is a direct fit for the Hornady Lock-n-Load AP and Pro-Jector reloading presses, ensuring seamless integration. The weight of this component is listed at 0.55 lbs, which contributes to its sturdy feel and reliable indexing. A key design element is the subtle radius around the shell holder mouth, a detail that significantly aids in the smooth and reliable insertion of cases. Furthermore, the retainer spring is engineered to remain securely in place, preventing accidental dislodging when seating brass.

The smooth and reliable functioning is a direct benefit of this thoughtful design, reducing the likelihood of case jams or misfeeds during operation. The radius around the shell holder mouth is crucial for guiding the case rim correctly into position, preventing any snagging or awkward seating. This attention to detail directly translates into a more efficient and less frustrating reloading experience. Unlike some universal shell plates that might require additional shims or adapters, this specific Number 27 shell plate offers a purpose-built solution for its designated calibers, minimizing potential points of failure.

Performance & Functionality

In practice, the primary function of the Hornady No. 27 Shell Plate for Lock-n-Load AP & Pro-Jector is to accurately and reliably position each cartridge for the various stages of reloading. It excels at this core task. The smooth case insertion and subsequent indexing between stations are hallmarks of its excellent design. I’ve experienced virtually no instances of cases failing to index correctly or getting hung up, even when processing brass that might have minor imperfections.

The strengths of this shell plate lie in its precise fit and the thoughtful radius at the mouth of each shell pocket, which guides the case rim flawlessly. This means consistent alignment for priming, powder seating, and bullet seating. A minor point of consideration, though not a true weakness, is that this plate is caliber-specific for its designated cartridges. While this ensures optimal performance for those rounds, it means you’ll need additional shell plates if you intend to reload a wider variety of calibers. It meets and exceeds expectations for the cartridges it’s designed for, providing a level of reliability that simplifies the reloading process considerably.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this shell plate is purely functional, prioritizing robust construction and precise machining over aesthetic flourishes. It’s forged from what appears to be hardened steel, giving it a substantial and durable feel. The finish is a practical, utilitarian matte that resists minor scuffs and scratches reasonably well.

In terms of ergonomics, the shell plate itself is not something you grip directly for extended periods; its interaction is with the press mechanism and the brass. However, the ease with which cases are seated and the smoothness of the indexing contribute to an overall ergonomic reloading experience. The retainer spring is also well-integrated, making it easy to feel that the case is properly seated without excessive force. There’s no real “learning curve” for this component; it’s designed to work seamlessly with the Lock-n-Load AP or Pro-Jector presses, requiring only proper installation.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its solid metal construction, the Hornady No. 27 Shell Plate for Lock-n-Load AP & Pro-Jector is built for long-term durability. Under normal reloading conditions, it’s reasonable to expect this component to last for decades, potentially outliving the press it’s mounted on. The materials used are resistant to corrosion and wear from repeated contact with brass.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down after a reloading session is usually sufficient to keep it free of dust and lubricant residue. I haven’t encountered any specific maintenance challenges or failure points. It’s a part that is designed to be reliable and largely maintenance-free.

Accessories and Customization Options

This Hornady No. 27 shell plate is primarily a standalone component designed to fit specific Hornady reloading presses. It does not come with additional accessories, nor does it offer direct customization in the way some other reloading components might. Its sole purpose is to serve as the correct receiver for specific case head dimensions within the Lock-n-Load AP or Pro-Jector system.

However, its value lies in its compatibility with the Lock-n-Load system, which is renowned for its interchangeable nature. While this plate itself isn’t customizable, it enables the press to accept the specified calibers. If you are reloading other calibers, you would need to purchase separate, caliber-specific shell plates for your Lock-n-Load system, a common practice for press owners.

Pros and Cons of Hornady No. 27 Shell Plate for Lock-n-Load AP & Pro-Jector

Who Should Buy Hornady No. 27 Shell Plate for Lock-n-Load AP & Pro-Jector?

The Hornady No. 27 Shell Plate for Lock-n-Load AP & Pro-Jector is an essential purchase for any reloader who owns a Hornady Lock-n-Load AP or Pro-Jector press and intends to reload cartridges such as the .308 Marlin Express, .309 JDJ, .375 JDJ, or .444 Marlin. It is ideal for hunters and long-range shooters who utilize these specific rifle calibers and require the precision and efficiency that the Hornady system offers. This is particularly true if you are already invested in the Lock-n-Load ecosystem and appreciate the ease of its quick-change components.

However, shooters who primarily reload common pistol calibers or other rifle cartridges not listed will not find this specific shell plate useful and should look for different numbered shell plates within the Hornady lineup. Someone looking for a single shell plate to handle dozens of different calibers might find the need to purchase multiple plates to be cost-prohibitive. For enhanced usability, ensuring you have ample lighting over your press and perhaps a good pair of reading glasses will aid in precise case inspection and seating.

Conclusion on Hornady No. 27 Shell Plate for Lock-n-Load AP & Pro-Jector

The Hornady No. 27 Shell Plate for Lock-n-Load AP & Pro-Jector is a prime example of Hornady’s commitment to producing high-quality, functional reloading components. For those reloading the specific calibers it’s designed for – .308 Marlin Express, .309 JDJ, .375 JDJ, and .444 Marlin – this shell plate is indispensable. Its precision engineering ensures smooth operation, reliable case feeding, and accurate indexing, contributing to a more efficient and enjoyable reloading process. While the price per shell plate can accumulate if you reload a wide variety of cartridges, the performance and durability it offers for its intended purpose justify the investment. I wholeheartedly recommend this shell plate to any reloader using a compatible Hornady press who is looking to expertly handle these popular hunting rounds.