Altering a shell plate to a different caliber?

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Most shell plates (assuming AP) are heat treated after the machining is done. It can be done but like JMorris set the cost would be $$$.

Hornady did this when they went from the Ejector to EZ-eject. All they had to do was cut a groove on the bottom for the nub on the shell plate to clear. The problem arised afterwards, the shell plates warped. The procedure if done right worked but required the shell plates to be annealed prior to machining then reheat treated after wards. And even some of those warped. So even if you go this way it's a possibility that it will not be usable afterwards.
 
As mentioned it would most likely cost more to have that plate machined than buy several more. To do so requires a form cutter of a specific shape. Form tools cost a bunch to make. Then that form tool would need be about the same size as the cartridge (plus a few thousandths in diameter) or it would need have to be done on a CNC machine to cut the profile. Either way you're talking several hundred dollars. Machine time is generally $50.00 an hour or more. Unless of course you happen to have a friend with a tool grinding shop and a machine shop. And of course if those plates are hardened that makes things more difficult. I'll also mention that once it is modified it can never be returned to what it once was as to try would cost more than having it modified the first time.
 
Probably for what it would cost to have a shell plate redone you could buy a Lee turret press and a shell holder (assuming you can find those) and use it until you could find the shell plate you need for your progressive.
Sure not as fast as the progressive but would get you going and could always be used for small batches later on.

I do most of my ammo on my LNL progressive but still use my old Lee 3 hole turret for small batches and load workups.

Not saying this is the best option but just throwing it out as a thought.
 
Dudedog said:
Probably for what it would cost to have a shell plate redone you could buy a Lee turret press and a shell holder (assuming you can find those) and use it until you could find the shell plate you need for your progressive.
Sure not as fast as the progressive but would get you going and could always be used for small batches later on.

I do most of my ammo on my LNL progressive but still use my old Lee 3 hole turret for small batches and load workups.

Not saying this is the best option but just throwing it out as a thought.
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I’m already doing that with a Lee single stage and can load more than I’m shooting these days.
 
You should be able to locate someone with an extra 223 and 9mm shell plate they'll sell you. Maybe even a neighbor willing to loan them out for a while. It's not like you need something for an exotic rare cartridge. I have 4-5 laying around that will fit the 308 or 30-06 family. I'd gladly give one to anyone in need and I'm sure others would help. It's just a matter of getting the word out.
 
Be patient. Everything is coming back in stock.
I was finally able to get a case neck turning rig at non gouge prices.
I could get a primer pocket swagger tool at non gouge prices today, but I have more brass than primers, from all the new gun owners mag dumping at the range. So crimped brass is set off to the side till I can get primes at non gouge prices and by then I should be able to get at primer pocket swagger tool on sale.
Your shell plates will be in stock before too much longer.
 
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jmorris said:
Did you get the #16 from Natchezss or are you still looking for both?

I am sure there are other sources, those are just two I found after I googled “RCBS pro 2000 shell plate”.
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Waiting on a pm from a member. I actually google this once a week and always look at Natchez. They’ve never had either until now. This gives me hope.
 
find or trade for the right one. I added a .223 and 9mm plate for RCBS and Herter's in the last few months, they are out there - you might pay a bit more, but - not so much more it isn't worth it.
 
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