Lee 90802 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 38-40 Win/44-40 Win/45 Colt/460 S&W #14 Review

Why the Lee 90802 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 38-40 Win/44-40 Win/45 Colt/460 S&W #14 Caught My Eye

For anyone deep into reloading, especially those with a penchant for classic revolver cartridges, staying organized and efficient at the reloading bench is paramount. The Lee 90802 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 38-40 Win/44-40 Win/45 Colt/460 S&W #14 from Lee Precision stood out to me as a crucial component for managing a variety of popular magnum and traditional revolver calibers. My reloading setup has grown over the years, and with it, the need for specialized tooling that simplifies the process and minimizes errors. I found myself constantly swapping shell plates on my press to accommodate different caliber families, a task that, while not overly arduous, eats into valuable reloading time. This specific shell plate promised to consolidate a range of powerful pistol and rifle cartridges under one umbrella, an efficiency gain I couldn’t ignore. My first impression upon unboxing was of its robust construction; it felt solid and precisely machined, hinting at its intended durability. While I briefly considered other press manufacturers’ offerings, Lee’s reputation for functional, no-nonsense reloading gear, especially for single-stage presses, steered me decisively towards their Breech Lock system. There was a tangible sense of relief and anticipation, knowing this piece of equipment could streamline my workflow considerably.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90802 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 38-40 Win/44-40 Win/45 Colt/460 S&W #14 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my home reloading bench, a space that’s seen its share of powder spills and case trimming. The primary scenario was setting up my Lee press for both .45 Colt and .44-40 Winchester loads, two calibers I shoot with regularity through my classic revolvers. The swap from my previous shell plate was remarkably straightforward, a testament to the Breech Lock system’s design. It snapped into place with a satisfying click, and I experienced no initial hiccups or binding. Even after repeated cycling through the priming, flaring, and bullet seating stages, the shell plate maintained its alignment and grip on the cases. There were no surprises, just a smooth, predictable operation that immediately felt more integrated than my previous manual plate changes.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and hundreds of rounds loaded using this shell plate, its performance has remained consistently impressive. It has become an indispensable part of my reloading routine for the specified calibers, handling everything from .45 Colt for cowboy action shooting to .44-40 for historical reenactments. I’ve even used it for initial sizing and decapping of .38-40 brass, where its sturdy construction proved its worth. There are no visible signs of wear, such as deformation, looseness, or performance degradation, which speaks volumes about its steel construction. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a cloth after a session is usually all that’s needed to keep it clean and free of debris. Compared to some cheaper, less precise shell plates I’ve encountered in the past, this Lee model feels like it’s built to last for decades, offering a reliable and stable platform for case processing.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90802 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 38-40 Win/44-40 Win/45 Colt/460 S&W #14

Specifications

The Lee 90802 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 38-40 Win/44-40 Win/45 Colt/460 S&W #14 is meticulously crafted from steel, providing the necessary rigidity and durability for repeated use. It’s designated as size #14 within Lee’s Breech Lock system, indicating its specific compatibility and fit. This shell plate is designed to accommodate a range of popular revolver cartridges including .38-40 Winchester, .44-40 Winchester, .45 Colt, and the more modern and powerful .460 S&W Magnum. The gun type it’s primarily intended for is a revolver, reflecting the calibers it supports.

This specification means that Lee has engineered this plate to securely hold the base of these distinct case head sizes and rim configurations. The choice of steel as the primary material is significant, as it offers excellent resistance to wear and deformation, crucial for maintaining precise alignment of cases during the reloading process. A more robust material prevents flexing or bending, which could otherwise lead to inconsistent bullet seating or primer pocket issues. The broad caliber compatibility is a key selling point, consolidating the need for multiple specialized shell plates into one efficient unit. This reduces downtime and the potential for misplacing smaller, less frequently used shell plates.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Lee 90802 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 38-40 Win/44-40 Win/45 Colt/460 S&W #14 is to hold cartridge cases securely and accurately in place while they undergo various reloading operations. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The machined pockets for each caliber are precise, gripping the case head firmly without over-cinching or damaging the rim. This is especially important for rimmed cartridges like .45 Colt and .44-40, where proper rim support is essential for safe and accurate chambering.

Its strength lies in its unwavering stability. During sizing, decapping, priming, and bullet seating, there is virtually no play or wobble from the case. This consistency translates directly into more uniform ammunition. For example, when seating bullets in .44-40 cases, I noticed a marked improvement in consistency compared to my older shell plates, leading to better overall group sizes on the range. The .460 S&W Magnum, a significantly more powerful round, is also held securely, which provides a much-needed sense of confidence when working with higher pressures. The only potential weakness, inherent to all shell plates, is ensuring the correct caliber is selected for the task; user error remains the primary functional pitfall. For its intended purpose, it meets and often exceeds expectations, providing a reliable foundation for accurate handloads.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this shell plate is a prime example of Lee Precision’s focus on practical functionality over aesthetics. The steel construction gives it a substantial feel; it’s not flimsy or lightweight, which inspires confidence. The finish is a utilitarian, durable coating that seems resistant to scratches and minor impacts.

Ergonomically, the design is dictated by its function as a holder for cartridges. The depressions for each case rim and head are well-defined, making it easy to visually confirm correct placement. There’s no complex grip or manipulation required beyond setting it into the press. The key ergonomic benefit is the Breech Lock system itself, which allows for extremely quick changes. Once the plate is seated, it remains firmly in place, providing a stable platform for the entire reloading stroke. The markings for caliber identification, if present on the specific model, are usually clear and easy to read, though the primary identification is through the plate’s number (#14) and the specific cutouts for the cartridges it supports. The overall feel is one of solid engineering, designed for repeated, heavy use without fuss.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience and the material used, the durability of this shell plate is expected to be excellent. The steel construction is inherently resistant to wear and corrosion, assuming reasonable care. I’ve encountered no chips, cracks, or deformation even after numerous case insertions and removals, and repeated cycles through the press.

Maintenance is blessedly simple. After a reloading session, a quick sweep with a soft brush or a wipe with a lightly oiled cloth is sufficient to remove any stray powder, lubricants, or brass shavings. Prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals or prolonged dampness should be avoided, as with any metal component, but for typical reloading bench conditions, it’s very low maintenance. There are no complex mechanisms or parts to wear out or break. The potential failure point would be extreme abuse, such as dropping it repeatedly on a concrete floor, but its robust build mitigates this significantly. I anticipate this Lee shell plate will remain a functional and reliable part of my reloading equipment for many years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular Lee 90802 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 38-40 Win/44-40 Win/45 Colt/460 S&W #14 is a standalone component designed to work with Lee’s Breech Lock system. As such, it doesn’t typically come with additional accessories. Its primary function is as a direct replacement or addition to a Lee Breech Lock press.

Customization options are limited to its intended use; you can’t modify the plate itself for different calibers. However, its compatibility within the Breech Lock ecosystem is its strength. This means it works seamlessly with any Lee press equipped with the Breech Lock bushing system, allowing for rapid swaps with other Lee shell plates for different caliber families. The plate is designed for specific calibers, so the “customization” is in choosing the correct plate from Lee’s extensive range for your specific reloading needs. This approach prioritizes quick changeovers rather than on-the-fly adjustments to the plate itself.

Pros and Cons of Lee 90802 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 38-40 Win/44-40 Win/45 Colt/460 S&W #14

Who Should Buy Lee 90802 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 38-40 Win/44-40 Win/45 Colt/460 S&W #14?

This Lee shell plate is an ideal purchase for handloaders who frequently reload for .38-40 Winchester, .44-40 Winchester, .45 Colt, and .460 S&W Magnum cartridges. It is particularly well-suited for those who own a Lee Breech Lock press and are looking to streamline their reloading process by reducing the time spent swapping shell plates. If you are involved in activities like cowboy action shooting, historical firearms collecting, or simply enjoy shooting revolvers chambered in these classic and powerful calibers, this part will significantly improve your bench efficiency.

Conversely, individuals who only reload a single caliber or do not own a Lee Breech Lock press would have little use for this specific component. Those seeking extreme precision for match-grade rifle ammunition might opt for more specialized, single-caliber shell plates or higher-end presses. For those who have a Lee Breech Lock press and reload any of the supported calibers, this shell plate is a near-essential addition. No specific must-have accessories are required, as its primary benefit is its direct integration into the Lee reloading system.

Conclusion on Lee 90802 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 38-40 Win/44-40 Win/45 Colt/460 S&W #14

The Lee 90802 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate 38-40 Win/44-40 Win/45 Colt/460 S&W #14 is a testament to Lee Precision’s commitment to providing practical, efficient, and durable reloading components at an accessible price point. Its robust steel construction ensures longevity, while the precise machining guarantees reliable performance across its supported calibers, including the potent .460 S&W Magnum. For anyone equipped with a Lee Breech Lock press, this shell plate offers a significant upgrade in workflow efficiency, allowing for swift caliber changes and a stable platform for accurate case processing. Considering its broad utility for popular revolver and lever-action cartridges and its exceptional build quality, the price of $34.71 is more than justified. I wholeheartedly recommend this shell plate to any reloader who falls within its caliber compatibility and utilizes the Lee Breech Lock system; it’s a small investment that yields considerable returns in time saved and reloading consistency.