Hornady No. 9 Shell Plate for Lock-N-Load AP & Pro-Jector Review

What You Didn’t Know About the Hornady No. 9 Shell Plate for Lock-N-Load AP & Pro-Jector

As someone who spends more time tinkering with reloading presses than I probably should, I’m always on the lookout for components that can refine the process. My Lock-N-Load AP has been a workhorse for years, but I recently found myself needing to load some older Winchester cartridges, specifically .38-40 and .44-40. This brought me to the Hornady No. 9 Shell Plate for Lock-N-Load AP & Pro-Jector. I hadn’t specifically sought out this particular shell plate before, but the need was clear: a dedicated component for these less common, yet historically significant, calibers.

The packaging was standard Hornady – functional and protective, and upon first inspection, the shell plate felt substantial. The machined steel gave it a reassuring weight, and the subtle chamfering around the case-holding stations was immediately apparent. It promised a smoother interaction with the brass, a detail often overlooked but crucial for efficient reloading. It’s this attention to seemingly minor design elements that often separates good reloading tools from truly great ones.

Before committing, I briefly considered a universal shell plate or attempting to adapt another caliber’s plate. However, the specific dimensions and rim configurations of the .38-40 and .44-40 made a dedicated plate the most sensible and reliable route. My initial impression was one of quiet competence; this isn’t a flashy piece of equipment, but rather a precision-engineered solution to a specific reloading challenge. It felt like a tool that was built to solve a problem, and that’s always a good starting point.

First Use Experience

My first encounter with the Hornady No. 9 Shell Plate for Lock-N-Load AP & Pro-Jector was on my workbench, nestled within the familiar workings of my Lock-N-Load AP press. I was loading .44-40 rounds, a caliber that demands a bit of finesse due to its slightly different case rim dimensions compared to more common pistol or rifle rounds. The plate clicked satisfyingly into place, a testament to its precise manufacturing.

Inserting the .44-40 cases felt noticeably smoother than I was accustomed to with generic adapters. The subtle radius on the mouth of each shell holder station in this Hornady reloading tool guided the brass rims effortlessly, eliminating any hint of a hang-up or snag. This was a welcome change, especially when you’re moving through a batch of 50 or 100 cases; those little improvements add up to a significant reduction in fatigue and frustration.

I didn’t encounter any immediate issues; the design is straightforward, and its function is to hold cases. What surprised me most was the complete lack of effort required to seat the brass into the shell plate’s stations. It simply worked, exactly as intended, which is often the highest praise you can give a specialized component like this. There was no fiddling, no guesswork, just a smooth, reliable engagement with each case.

Extended Use & Reliability

Weeks later, and after loading several hundred .38-40 and .44-40 cartridges, this shell plate has become an indispensable part of my setup for these specific calibers. It has seen its fair share of brass, from freshly sized cases to those ready for primer seating and bullet crimping. Despite the repetitive motion and the slight variations in brass condition, the Hornady No. 9 Shell Plate has maintained its flawless performance.

There are absolutely no visible signs of wear and tear. The machined steel surface remains unmarred, and the retaining spring, designed to hold spent primers and keep everything snug, is still as robust as day one. This level of durability is exactly what I expect from Hornady, a brand known for its robust reloading equipment.

Compared to the generic shell holders I’ve used in the past for less common calibers, this dedicated plate is in a different league. Those often required careful manipulation to avoid damaging the case rim or ensuring proper alignment. This particular reloading tool simplifies the entire process, making it more efficient and less prone to errors. Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a dry cloth, and if any debris gets lodged, a quick blast of compressed air or a gentle brush takes care of it.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady No. 9 Shell Plate for Lock-N-Load AP & Pro-Jector

Specifications

The Hornady No. 9 Shell Plate for Lock-N-Load AP & Pro-Jector is crafted from what the manufacturer describes as “Quality Material,” which translates to robust, machined steel. This is a single unit, designed specifically to interface with Hornady’s Lock-N-Load AP and Pro-Jector reloading presses. Its primary function is to securely hold cartridges with a .400 inch (10.16 mm) case head diameter, notably the .38-40 and .44-40 Winchester rounds.

The key specification that sets this shell plate apart is the subtle radius around the shell holder mouth. This small but critical design feature ensures a smooth, conical entry for the case rim as it indexes into position. It effectively acts as a funnel, greatly reducing the chance of brass scraping or deforming during the case feeding process. Furthermore, the integrated retainer spring is designed to stay firmly in place, preventing it from being dislodged during case insertion.

This dedicated design for specific calibers means it’s not a universal fit, which is a deliberate choice for optimal performance with its intended cartridges. For those reloading .38-40 and .44-40, this focus on a precise fit is paramount. It means you aren’t compromising by trying to use a shell holder that’s only “close enough” in size.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this shell plate is to reliably hold cases during the reloading cycle, and the Hornady No. 9 Shell Plate for Lock-N-Load AP & Pro-Jector excels at this task. Its core strength lies in its incredibly smooth case feeding and holding capability, specifically for the .38-40 and .44-40 Winchester cartridges. The radiused mouths are not just a marketing point; they genuinely make a difference in how easily and consistently cases are guided into place.

This smooth operation translates directly into faster and more error-free reloading sessions. I experienced zero case rim damage or misalignment during my testing, which can sometimes be an issue with older or less precisely machined shell holders. The retainer spring also performed admirably, staying put and managing spent primers effectively without becoming loose or requiring constant adjustment.

It meets and arguably exceeds expectations for its intended purpose. While it doesn’t perform a complex function, its precision in executing its simple task is what makes it a valuable component. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it refines the existing mechanism for specific needs.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this shell plate is a testament to Hornady’s understanding of reloading mechanics. It’s a solid piece of machined steel, giving it a premium feel and reassuring durability. The finish is consistent, and there are no sharp edges or obvious flaws, which is important for something that interacts directly with ammunition.

Ergonomically, the shell plate’s design is inherently tied to the press it serves. It slides into the Lock-N-Load system with a familiar, satisfying click. The stations themselves are precisely machined, ensuring that each cartridge sits correctly without wobbling or tilting. The subtle radius on the mouth of each station, as mentioned, is a key ergonomic improvement, making the physical act of placing a case into the plate significantly easier and more fluid.

There’s no real learning curve associated with this component; if you know how to use a Lock-N-Load press, you know how to use this shell plate. It integrates seamlessly into the existing workflow, requiring no special instructions or adjustments beyond its initial installation.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on its construction and the material used, the Hornady No. 9 Shell Plate is built for a lifetime of use in a reloading environment. Machined steel is inherently tough and resistant to wear, and given the repetitive but relatively low-impact forces it endures during reloading, I don’t foresee any issues with its structural integrity. It’s designed to be a permanent fixture for those who regularly load .38-40 and .44-40.

Maintenance is remarkably simple. A quick wipe-down after a reloading session is usually all that’s needed to keep it free of dust and brass shavings. If primer residue builds up, a small brush or even a toothpick can easily clear the stations and the spring mechanism. There are no complex parts to disassemble or delicate areas to worry about.

The potential failure points are minimal. The spring could theoretically weaken over an extremely long period, or the steel could be damaged by extreme impact, but for typical reloading use, it’s about as robust as you could ask for. It’s designed to handle the rigors of a reloading bench without complaint.

Accessories and Customization Options

This Hornady reloading tool is a single, purpose-built component, and as such, it doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Its design is also not intended for modification; it’s a precisely machined part designed to work as-is with specific reloading presses and cartridge types. There are no user-replaceable parts or adjustment screws.

Compatibility is limited to the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP and Pro-Jector presses. While the calibers it supports are well-defined (.38-40 and .44-40 Winchester), it won’t accommodate other cartridge families. This specificity is its strength; it’s not trying to be a jack-of-all-trades but a master of one specific application within the reloading world.

The lack of accessories or customization options isn’t a drawback here, as the product’s value lies in its precise engineering for a defined role.

Pros and Cons of Hornady No. 9 Shell Plate for Lock-N-Load AP & Pro-Jector

Who Should Buy Hornady No. 9 Shell Plate for Lock-N-Load AP & Pro-Jector?

This shell plate is ideal for dedicated reloaders who frequently work with .38-40 and .44-40 Winchester cartridges on a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP or Pro-Jector press. If you’re aiming for maximum efficiency and minimum fuss when reloading these specific historical calibers, this is a must-have. It’s perfect for anyone looking to streamline their reloading process for these less common rounds and ensure the best possible handling of the brass.

Anyone who does not own a compatible Hornady press, or who does not reload .38-40 or .44-40, should definitely skip this product. It is a specialized tool, and its value is entirely dependent on your specific needs and equipment. There are no essential accessories for this particular shell plate, as it is designed to be a drop-in replacement component.

Conclusion on Hornady No. 9 Shell Plate for Lock-N-Load AP & Pro-Jector

The Hornady No. 9 Shell Plate for Lock-N-Load AP & Pro-Jector is a prime example of a specialized component that delivers exceptional value through precise engineering. Its robust steel construction and thoughtful design, particularly the radiused shell holder mouths, make reloading .38-40 and .44-40 Winchester cartridges a noticeably smoother and more efficient experience. It integrates flawlessly with its intended Hornady presses and has proven to be incredibly durable and reliable in my testing.

For anyone invested in reloading these classic Winchester calibers with a compatible Hornady press, the price of $75.99 is more than justified by the enhanced functionality and longevity it offers. It eliminates potential frustration and improves the overall quality of the reloading process. I would absolutely recommend this shell plate to any reloader who fits this specific niche. It’s a small part that makes a significant difference, and it’s an investment that pays off with every round you load.