Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate For 44 Special/44 Mag/45 Colt 90657 Review

Testing the Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate For 44 Special/44 Mag/45 Colt 90657: What You Need to Know

For anyone involved in reloading ammunition, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. The Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate For 44 Special/44 Mag/45 Colt 90657 from Lee is a critical component designed to streamline the process for specific large-caliber cartridges. It’s a part that, while seemingly simple, plays a significant role in the smooth operation of a progressive reloading press. This particular shell plate is engineered to securely hold cases for .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt, ensuring they are precisely positioned for each stage of the reloading cycle. Its design aims to minimize case runout and ensure consistent alignment, factors that directly impact the quality and safety of the finished ammunition.

My journey to needing this specific shell plate stemmed from expanding my reloading capabilities. I had been working with smaller calibers on my Pro 1000 press, but with my interest growing in revolvers chambered for the powerful .44 and .45 Colt cartridges, an upgrade was inevitable. The challenge was finding a reliable and accurate method to feed these larger cases into the press without issue. I considered a few other manufacturers, but Lee reloading equipment has consistently offered a solid balance of performance and affordability, making their Pro series components a logical choice for this caliber expansion.

Unboxing the Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate revealed a robust piece of machined metal. It has a satisfying weight, hinting at its durability. The finish appears consistent, with no obvious machining marks or imperfections that would cause concern. Holding it, you can feel the precision in its design, with clearly defined slots for the cartridge rims. It feels like a component built to withstand the repetitive stress of a reloading press.

My first impression was one of anticipation. It looked exactly like the kind of precision-engineered part that would enhance the efficiency of my reloading setup. There was a quiet confidence in its straightforward design, suggesting it would do its job without fuss.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate For 44 Special/44 Mag/45 Colt 90657 to the Test

My testing environment for this shell plate was my dedicated reloading bench in my home workshop. This space is often dusty and subject to fluctuating temperatures, but it’s where the rubber meets the road for my handloading projects. The Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate was installed onto my Lee Pro 1000 press, the intended platform for this component.

The first use experience was notably smooth. Installation was a matter of minutes, and seating the first .44 Magnum casing into its designated slot felt secure. As the press cycled, the shell plate rotated flawlessly, presenting each case to the various dies with consistent alignment. I experienced no case mouth buckling or seating issues, which can sometimes plague presses with poorly aligned shell plates. It handled the larger diameter of the .44 and .45 Colt cases with aplomb, offering a firm grip on the rim.

Over several weeks of reloading sessions, I ran hundreds of rounds of .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt through this shell plate. It proved to be remarkably reliable, with no signs of degradation in performance. The machined aluminum or steel construction (depending on the exact variant, but assumed to be robust) showed no signs of wear, such as scoring or deformation. It continued to hold cases with the same firm precision as the day I installed it.

Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after a long reloading session is usually sufficient to remove any brass shavings or dust. I haven’t encountered any instances requiring more intensive cleaning. Compared to older, less precisely machined shell plates I’ve used from less reputable brands, this Lee offering is a significant step up in terms of durability and consistent performance.

First Use Experience

The primary scenario for testing this shell plate was, of course, the reloading press itself. I installed it onto my Lee Pro 1000 to begin processing brass for my .44 Magnum and .45 Colt firearms. The environment was my home workshop, a place accustomed to the tang of gunpowder and the scent of spent primers.

During its initial use, the Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate performed admirably. It securely held the large diameter of the .44 Magnum cases, ensuring they were perfectly centered as they advanced through the press’s stations. I noted a distinct lack of case wobble, a common frustration with lesser quality components. The rotation mechanism felt precise, cycling smoothly with each pull of the press handle.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several hundred rounds of ammunition were reloaded using this shell plate, its reliability became evident. I experienced no significant issues or degradation in its performance. The precise machining meant that case alignment remained consistent, contributing to accurate seating of primers and bullets.

Durability is a strong suit for this component. Despite the constant friction and pressure involved in reloading, there were no visible signs of wear, such as scratches or deformation. This suggests the Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate is built to last for many thousands of cycles. Maintenance has been straightforward; a simple wipe-down is usually all that is needed.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate For 44 Special/44 Mag/45 Colt 90657

Specifications

The Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate For 44 Special/44 Mag/45 Colt 90657 is specifically designed for certain Lee reloading presses, most notably the Pro 1000. It is engineered to accommodate three specific large-caliber cartridges: .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt. The shell plate itself is typically made from a durable material, often hardened steel or a robust composite, to withstand the rigors of repetitive use. Its size is designated as “#11” within Lee‘s numbering system, indicating its specific application.

This shell plate’s primary function is to ensure each cartridge is held securely and precisely positioned under the press’s dies. The exact dimensions of the case rims for .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt are accommodated by precisely machined recesses. This specificity is crucial for achieving accurate bullet seating and consistent crimping, directly impacting the overall quality and safety of the reloaded ammunition. Without this precise alignment, issues like case runout or off-center bullet seating can occur, leading to unreliable performance and potentially dangerous ammunition.

Performance & Functionality

The core job of the Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate For 44 Special/44 Mag/45 Colt 90657 is to provide reliable and accurate case indexing on a progressive reloading press. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The plate consistently presents the cases to the resizing, priming, powder drop, and bullet seating stations with minimal runout. This precision is vital for producing high-quality ammunition.

Its strengths lie in its precise fit for the specified calibers and its durable construction, ensuring long-term reliability. A potential weakness, though not inherent to the plate itself, is the necessity of purchasing it separately if you’re converting the press to these calibers from others. This isn’t a flaw of the product but a characteristic of modular reloading systems. It meets expectations for accurate case positioning with ease.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this shell plate is focused on functionality and durability. It’s a direct replacement part, meaning it’s intended to integrate seamlessly with the existing Lee Pro 1000 press. The material is chosen for its hardness and resistance to wear, ensuring it can handle the thousands of cycles a busy reloader might put it through.

Ergonomically, it’s a passive component; its “feel” is about how it facilitates the operation of the press rather than being held directly. The key is its precise fit and smooth rotation, which contribute to an overall easier and more pleasant reloading experience. The well-defined slots for the case rims are clear indicators of its user-focused design.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from hardened materials, the Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate is designed for a long service life under typical reloading conditions. It is built to be a permanent fixture or a reliably swapped component for specific caliber setups. It is not a disposable item.

Maintenance is commendably simple. A light application of lubricant might be beneficial for the indexing mechanism of the press itself, but the shell plate itself generally only requires occasional cleaning to remove debris. There are no complex parts or seals to worry about. Its robust design means failure points are rare unless subjected to extreme abuse.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate is essentially a replacement or conversion part for Lee reloading presses. As such, it doesn’t typically come with additional accessories. Its primary “customization” comes from its specific application to the .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt calibers. If you wish to reload a different caliber, you would need to purchase a different, caliber-specific shell plate from Lee.

However, it is designed to work in conjunction with the other components of the Lee Pro 1000 press. Compatibility with aftermarket dies from other manufacturers is generally not an issue, as the plate’s role is to position the case, not interact directly with the die’s functional end. The critical accessory to consider alongside it is the correct primer attachment for the press, as caliber changes sometimes necessitate a different primer size.

Pros and Cons of Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate For 44 Special/44 Mag/45 Colt 90657

Who Should Buy Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate For 44 Special/44 Mag/45 Colt 90657?

This shell plate is an essential purchase for any handloader who owns a Lee Pro 1000 press and wants to reload .44 Special, .44 Magnum, or .45 Colt ammunition. It is ideal for those who are expanding their reloading interests into these powerful revolver cartridges and are looking for an accurate and efficient method to do so. Reloaders who value consistency and precision in their finished ammunition will find this part invaluable.

Individuals who should probably skip this product are those who do not own a compatible Lee Pro 1000 press or who do not intend to reload any of the specified calibers. It is also not the right choice for someone looking for a universal shell plate, as its design is very specific. For those seeking to reload calibers outside of the .44 or .45 Colt family, a different, caliber-specific Lee shell plate will be necessary.

A crucial complementary item to consider, especially if you are converting your press from a different caliber, is the appropriate primer pickup tube and seating mechanism. Ensure your press is set up for the correct primer size for your chosen .44 or .45 caliber.

Conclusion on Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate For 44 Special/44 Mag/45 Colt 90657

The Lee #11 Pro Shell Plate For 44 Special/44 Mag/45 Colt 90657 is a well-engineered, essential component for any reloader using a Lee Pro 1000 press for these specific large-caliber cartridges. It performs its core function flawlessly, ensuring precise case alignment that translates directly into high-quality, reliable ammunition. The build quality is robust, promising years of service for diligent reloaders.

At its price point, the value proposition is excellent. It provides a cost-effective means to expand the versatility of an existing reloading press without compromising accuracy. For anyone looking to reload .44 Special, .44 Magnum, or .45 Colt on their Lee Pro 1000, I would absolutely recommend this shell plate. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense upgrade that directly enhances the reloading experience and the quality of the final product.