Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 Review

The Truth About Using the Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652

As someone who’s spent over a decade wrestling with gear in every conceivable environment – from sterile labs to dusty workshops, and from the rugged outdoors to demanding field operations – I’ve learned to appreciate components that simplify complex processes. The Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 is one such piece, designed to streamline caliber changes on a specific reloading press. It promises quick transitions between common handgun cartridges, a significant boon for those who load for multiple firearms or calibers.

My own reloading bench is a testament to a constant need for efficiency and precision. I found myself needing to switch from loading .380 ACP to .45 ACP rounds relatively frequently on my Pro-1000 press, and the manual swap of the entire shell plate assembly was becoming a tedious bottleneck. I’d heard mixed reviews about the Pro-1000 itself, but for my particular needs and budget, it had been a reliable workhorse. The promise of a quick-change shell plate system for it was an attractive proposition to alleviate this repetitive task.

Upon receiving the Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652, my initial impressions were centered on its no-nonsense construction. It’s a solid piece of steel, precisely machined to fit its designated role. There’s no excessive heft, just a functional component designed for a specific purpose. Unlike some premium alternatives that might offer polished finishes or integrated dampening, this shell plate is purely about utility, which aligns well with the overall philosophy of the Lee Precision brand.

Before committing, I’d briefly considered looking into more advanced, multi-caliber turret systems from other manufacturers. However, the sheer cost associated with those systems, coupled with the fact that they often required a completely different press, made them impractical for my current setup. The Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 offered a direct, cost-effective upgrade to my existing Lee Pro-1000, fitting my budget and workflow perfectly. My excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of realism; I knew it was a simple part, but I was eager to see how well it performed its intended function.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test of the Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 took place on my home reloading bench, a space that sees constant activity with projects ranging from small-caliber plinking rounds to heavier hunting cartridges. The goal was simple: convert my Lee Pro-1000 from .380 ACP to .45 ACP as quickly and efficiently as possible. The process of swapping out the shell plate itself was surprisingly straightforward, requiring only a few turns of a hex key.

I tested it across several reloading sessions, specifically focusing on how many rounds I could process in a given time before and after the shell plate change. This included loading batches of about 100 rounds each for a .45 ACP pistol. The conditions were typical for my bench: ambient room temperature, good lighting, and the usual benchtop dust.

The ease of use was immediately apparent. The design of the Pro-1000’s quick-change system, for which this shell plate is designed, is quite intuitive. Once the retaining screw was loosened, the old plate lifted out, and the new Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 seated perfectly. The transition was significantly faster than the older method of disassembling and reassembling the entire indexing mechanism.

My only initial surprise was a slight learning curve in precisely aligning the new plate during the re-tightening of the retaining screw. It wasn’t a major issue, but it took a couple of attempts to get it perfectly seated and snug without over-tightening. This minor adjustment was a small price to pay for the time saved in subsequent caliber changes.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, involving numerous caliber switches between .380 ACP, 9mm Luger, and .45 ACP on my Pro-1000, the Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 has proven its worth. It has become a routine part of my reloading workflow, facilitating swift changes that used to take considerable time and effort. I estimate it has shaved at least 5-10 minutes off each caliber changeover, which adds up significantly over dozens of reloading sessions.

Durability has been excellent so far. Despite being removed and reinserted many times, there are no visible signs of wear, such as cracking or excessive scratching, on the steel plate. The machined surfaces remain sharp, and the fit against the press’s indexing mechanism has not loosened. It still seats as snugly and reliably as it did on day one.

Maintenance and care have been minimal. The shell plate simply requires a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth to remove any residual case lube or powder residue after a reloading session. Storage is also simple; it fits easily into a small parts organizer or even a zipped pocket in my reloading toolbox. There’s nothing particularly fragile or complex to worry about, which is a testament to its robust design.

Compared to the older, non-swappable shell plate setup on the Pro-1000, this upgrade is night and day. While the original plate was functional, it tethered me to a single caliber unless I was willing to invest significant time. This Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 offers the flexibility I needed without demanding a new press, making it a far superior solution for anyone loading multiple calibers on this press.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652

Specifications

The Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 is specifically engineered as the number 2 shell plate for the Lee Pro-1000 progressive reloading press. It is designed to precisely accommodate cartridges of .45 ACP and .45 GAP calibers. The primary material is a durable, hardened steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear.

This shell plate’s crucial function is its quick-change capability, allowing users to transition between calibers in a matter of minutes. This is facilitated by its precise machining which ensures a secure fit within the Pro-1000’s indexing system. The size 2 designation signifies its specific fit within the Lee shell plate numbering system for this press.

The importance of these specifications lies in their direct impact on reloading efficiency. A precise fit means consistent indexing of cases under the dies, preventing misalignment and potential damage to cases or dies. The use of steel provides a robustness that plastic components might lack, especially under repeated mechanical stress.

While some might opt for universal shell plates on different presses, this dedicated Lee component ensures optimal performance with its intended machine. For example, compared to a universal plate that might require shims or adapters, this specific size 2 plate from Lee integrates seamlessly, eliminating potential slop or play that could compromise accuracy or speed. It’s designed to do one job, and do it exceptionally well.

Performance & Functionality

The core job of the Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 is to hold .45 ACP and .45 GAP cases securely and present them accurately to the resizing, priming, and seating dies on the Lee Pro-1000. In this regard, it performs its function flawlessly. The recessed pockets for the cartridge bases are perfectly contoured, gripping each case without being so tight as to impede their movement during indexing.

Its main strength lies in the speed and ease with which it can be swapped. This significantly boosts productivity when moving between calibers. The plate’s accurate seating ensures that each station on the Pro-1000 aligns correctly with the case, leading to consistent crimping, priming, and bullet seating.

A minor weakness, which is more a function of the press than the plate, is that for calibers with different primer sizes (e.g., large vs. small), the user also needs to swap the primer attachment, as noted in the product description. The shell plate itself only handles the case feeding. However, the shell plate change is the most time-consuming part of this process, and this component streamlines that critical step considerably.

Considering its price point and intended application, the Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 not only meets but arguably exceeds expectations for a simple, yet critical, reloading component. It fundamentally improves the user experience of the Pro-1000 for those who load for .45 ACP or .45 GAP.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this shell plate is purely utilitarian, reflecting its role as a functional part within a larger machine. The hardened steel construction gives it a reassuring weight and feel, conveying a sense of durability. Its finish is typically a utilitarian blued or parkerized look, common for components designed for function over aesthetics.

Ergonomically, the shell plate is not something one typically “holds” for extended periods. Its design is focused on how it interfaces with the press. The machined edges are clean, with no sharp burrs that could snag fingers or snag the press mechanism. The precision-cut pockets for the cartridge rims are the most critical ergonomic feature, ensuring a snug and accurate fit for the casings.

Practical design details include the precisely machined indexing surfaces that engage with the Pro-1000’s rotating turret. The slight chamfering around the mounting hole makes alignment when installing the plate easier. These small, practical details are crucial for tool-less or quick-change systems, ensuring that the component can be installed and removed efficiently.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its hardened steel construction and relatively simple design, the Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 is built for longevity. Under typical reloading conditions, which involve the insertion and removal of brass cases, this plate should easily last for tens of thousands of cycles, if not the lifetime of the press itself. It’s not a wear item in the traditional sense; rather, it’s a permanent fixture that facilitates caliber changes.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving keeping it clean from powder residue or case lube. A quick wipe-down with a cloth is usually all that’s needed. There are no complex parts to clean or lubricate, which is a significant advantage. Any potential failure points would likely arise from extreme misuse, such as dropping it on a hard surface from a significant height, which could potentially warp the mounting surface or damage the indexing engagement points.

The main concern is ensuring it’s properly seated and the retaining screw is adequately tightened to prevent any movement during the press cycle. Loose seating is the most likely cause of poor indexing performance, though this is less a fault of the plate itself and more of its installation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 itself is a single, specific component. It does not typically come with accessories in the way a tool might. However, its purpose is to enable customization of the Lee Pro-1000 for different calibers. The true “accessory” it works with is the appropriate caliber-specific cartridge feeder and primer attachment for the Pro-1000.

Lee Precision offers a range of these complementary components. For instance, if you were switching from .45 ACP to 9mm Luger, you would need the corresponding 9mm cartridge feeder and potentially a primer attachment designed for small primers, if the .45 ACP setup used large primers. These are essential to complete the caliber conversion, but they are separate purchases and not part of this shell plate’s package.

There are no direct customization options for the shell plate itself. Its design is fixed and optimized for the calibers it supports. However, the system it is part of allows for extensive customization of the Pro-1000’s output to various calibers, making it a key enabler of a personalized reloading setup.

Pros and Cons of Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652

Who Should Buy Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652?

This shell plate is an ideal purchase for any reloader who owns a Lee Pro-1000 progressive press and frequently loads for both .45 ACP and .45 GAP cartridges. If you find yourself spending too much time swapping out the entire shell plate assembly when switching between these calibers, this component will be a significant quality-of-life improvement. It’s perfect for the home reloader who shoots multiple firearms chambered in these popular rounds and wants to maximize their bench time.

Conversely, individuals who only load for a single caliber on their Pro-1000, or who exclusively use other reloading press platforms, will not benefit from this specific part. Those needing to load for significantly different cartridge families (e.g., rifle cartridges) would require a different shell plate and likely a different press altogether.

For those who decide to purchase, I highly recommend also ensuring you have the appropriate caliber-specific cartridge feeder and the correct primer attachment for your target caliber. These complementary parts are essential to fully leverage the quick-change system enabled by this shell plate. Having them readily available will ensure that when you switch shell plates, the entire caliber conversion is swift and seamless.

Conclusion on Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652

The Lee #2 Pro Shell Plate For 45 ACP/45 GAP 90652 is a simple, yet incredibly effective upgrade for owners of the Lee Pro-1000 press. It addresses a common pain point by dramatically reducing the time and effort required to switch between loading .45 ACP and .45 GAP. Its hardened steel construction promises durability, and its precise fit ensures reliable operation on the press.

At its price point, the value proposition is undeniable. It transforms the Lee Pro-1000 from a press somewhat locked into a single caliber to a much more flexible reloading tool. For anyone who values efficiency and frequently loads for these two popular handgun cartridges, this component is an almost mandatory addition.

I wholeheartedly recommend this shell plate to the intended user. If you have a Pro-1000 and a need to switch between .45 ACP and .45 GAP, this part is a must-have. It’s not flashy, but it does its job exceptionally well, making the entire reloading process smoother and more enjoyable.