Hornady Shell Plates

[Whitetash]

I was wondering if anyone has see this or had this problem. I purchased a new Hornady LNL-AP press and purchased 5 shell plates for it. The problem I’m having is when loading 45 acp’s with shell plate number 45, the case retainer spring keeps coming off and I have kinked two springs so far. I got looking at the plates and plate number 45 and number 32 have a spring retainer grove 3/32’s deep. The other plates number 6, 8, and 10 have a grove that is 5/32’s deep. My thinking is if the spring retainer grove was cut to the same depth on the 45 and 32 shell plate the spring would stay in place. I have not tried to load any other caliber so far but the 45’s. All the shell pates are the new EZ-Ject and are in plastic cases.

 

[RealGun]

I checked mine and would have to say that 3/32" is the right number. It works. It will tolerate only so much kink in the spring until you need a new one. Otherwise, it looks like a kink would hang up on the narrow track corners.

Keep that shellplate tight. It has bearings on the bottom. A spring has almost nowhere to go if the plate is tight.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

I think your problem is either you're cranking the shellplate screw down too hard or you're not getting it lined up properly in the sub-plate before tightening it down. You should be getting the screw finger tight then carefully placing the spring around/under the shellplate. Then slowly lower the handle on the press while guiding the spring into the groove in the sub-plate. Once it's in there properly snug the screw down pretty good but don't go gorilla strength on it.

If you're doing that already and running into problems, try running a different caliber on your press. If you still have trouble then you know the problem isn't the shellplate. If you think something is wrong with the press, Hornady has great customer service, give them a call.

 

[cfullgraf]

The problem I’m having is when loading 45 acp’s with shell plate number 45, the case retainer spring keeps coming off and I have kinked two springs so far.

I am still using my original retaining spring after 3 years and it has more kinks than Carter has Liver pills. So, the springs do not have to be perfect to still work.

I find that I have to guide the spring into the slot at station one and rotate the shell plate. Otherwise, the spring does not get into slot in the base plate on its own.

Some folks have polished the corners and extended the slot in the base plate a little. Forum moderator Walkalong had some nice photos and explanation of the modification but I am afraid I do not know the link off hand.

Hope this helps.

 

[Walkalong]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=6293946&postcount=4

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=464088

I find that I have to guide the spring into the slot at station one and rotate the shell plate. Otherwise, the spring does not get into slot in the base plate on its own.

Yep, on most the spring drops in by its self, but some need to be nudged.

Different shell plates have the cutout for the spring cut farther towards the middle than others.

When tightening the shell plate down it is important to pull up on the bolt. If you let the bolt pull the shaft up when being tightened, sometimes it will bind.

 

[BYJO4]

I completely tighten my shellplate and then put the case retaining spring on. I am still using the original springs on my 2 LNL APs and have around 75,000 rounds loaded in a little less than 2 years.

 

[uf-engineer]

I completely tighten my shellplate and then put the case retaining spring on. I am still using the original springs on my 2 LNL APs and have around 75,000 rounds loaded in a little less than 2 years.

Same here. Ive got over 15000 round on my spring with different calaber from 380, 44mag, 45, 223, 308 and 30-30. I tighten the crap out of the bolt then put the spring on. No problems knock on wood.

 

[RealGun]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BYJO4 View Post
I completely tighten my shellplate and then put the case retaining spring on. I am still using the original springs on my 2 LNL APs and have around 75,000 rounds loaded in a little less than 2 years.

Same here. Ive got over 15000 round on my spring with different calaber from 380, 44mag, 45, 223, 308 and 30-30. I tighten the crap out of the bolt then put the spring on. No problems knock on wood.

Does the spring drop into the case loading channel by itself, when you cycle the press?

 

[Whitetash]

Thanks for all your input.

I think I'm going to have the grove cut to 5/32 and give that a try ( my buddy has a machine shop). The worst thing is I will be buying a new plate. The other problem could be the case won't eject because the spring is sitting in to far. Will keep you posted.

 

[dickttx]

I have to help the spring into the shell plate channel.
My original spring is still in use and pretty much looks like a pile of spaghetti when it is lying on the bench. Still works fine.

 

[BYJO4]

I press down on the spring in the area of where the case is ejected and slowly cycle the press and the spring will go into place.