Revolutionize Your Reloading Workflow: The Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Feeder Plate - Small Rifle

In the world of precision reloading, where meticulous attention to detail meets the relentless pursuit of efficiency, innovations that streamline the process are invaluable. For both seasoned ammunition producers and enthusiastic hobbyists, the ability to churn out consistent, high-quality rounds quickly is paramount. This is where the Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Feeder Plate, specifically designed for Small Rifle cases, emerges as a truly essential component for any progressive reloading setup. If you're looking for the best tools to significantly enhance your reloading speed and consistency, or wondering how to optimize your progressive press, this feeder plate offers a definitive answer.

This robust component addresses one of the most significant bottlenecks in traditional progressive reloading: the manual placement of cases. While a progressive press excels at performing multiple operations simultaneously, the need to manually orient and insert each case can slow down production, introduce inconsistencies, and lead to operator fatigue. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Feeder Plate for small rifle rounds transforms this manual step into an automated, seamless part of your reloading sequence, allowing your progressive press to operate at its full, breathtaking potential.

Unlocking Unprecedented Efficiency: Why Automated Case Feeding Matters for Reloaders

For anyone serious about reloading, especially those producing large volumes of ammunition for competitive shooting, varmint hunting, or general range practice, time is a precious commodity. Manually placing cases onto the shellplate of a progressive press is a repetitive task that demands constant attention, breaking the rhythm of the reloading cycle. It's often the single slowest point in the entire process.

Consider these common scenarios where automated case feeding, enabled by a precise component like the Hornady Small Rifle Case Feeder Plate, becomes indispensable:

• Competitive Shooters: When preparing for a match, you need hundreds, if not thousands, of identical, high-performance rounds. Manual feeding becomes a tedious chore that eats into valuable practice time.
• High-Volume Hunters: Prepping for prairie dog season or a similar high-round-count outing requires a substantial ammo supply. Automating the case feed frees you to focus on powder charges, bullet seating, and overall quality control.
• Cost-Conscious Hobbyists: Reloading is inherently about saving money, and producing more rounds in less time maximizes the return on your investment in equipment.
• Anyone Seeking Consistency: The uniform presentation of cases to the sizing die and subsequent stations is crucial for consistent ammunition. An automated feeder ensures each case is oriented correctly, reducing errors and enhancing uniformity.

The primary benefit is raw speed. With an automated system, the operator only needs to keep the feeder bowl full of brass, allowing them to maintain a steady, uninterrupted rhythm. This translates directly into more finished rounds per hour, often doubling or even tripling output compared to manual feeding. Beyond mere quantity, the reduction in repetitive strain and mental fatigue allows reloaders to enjoy their craft more, focusing on the precision aspects rather than the mundane.

The Heart of High-Volume Production: Introducing the Hornady Small Rifle Case Feeder Plate (UPC: 090255953145)

At the core of Hornady's highly regarded Lock-N-Load Case Feeder system lies the feeder plate itself. This particular plate, identified by SKU 095314 and UPC 090255953145, is specifically engineered to handle the unique dimensions of small rifle cartridges. Manufactured from durable, high-quality materials, it's designed to withstand the rigors of high-volume reloading, providing years of reliable service. Its robust construction ensures that it can continuously orient and drop cases without significant wear or deformation.

How does it achieve such consistent performance? The plate features precisely machined pockets or slots that are perfectly sized to capture small rifle cases as they tumble within the feeder bowl. As the plate rotates, these cases are guided into an upright position and then strategically dropped into a feed tube. This feed tube then delivers them directly to the progressive press's shellplate, ready for the first reloading operation. The ingenious design minimizes the chances of cases becoming inverted, stuck, or improperly oriented, which are common frustrations with less refined systems.

Unrivaled Compatibility with Your Hornady Lock-N-Load System

This feeder plate is engineered to integrate seamlessly with the Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Feeder, which is primarily paired with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP (Auto Progressive) press. This closed ecosystem ensures optimal performance and minimal setup headaches. If you own a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, this small rifle plate is a direct, drop-in upgrade that immediately enhances your press's capabilities. It’s a testament to Hornady’s commitment to providing a cohesive and user-friendly reloading platform.

What Calibers Are Considered 'Small Rifle' for Case Feeder Plates?

The term "small rifle" for a case feeder plate generally refers to cartridges with a base diameter and overall length that fit within specific parameters. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Rifle Case Feeder Plate is optimized to handle a wide array of popular rifle calibers, making it incredibly versatile for many shooters. Common examples include:

• .223 Remington / 5.56x45mm NATO: By far one of the most popular rifle cartridges in the world, these are perfectly suited for this plate. High-volume production of these rounds is a primary use case.
• .204 Ruger: A fast, flat-shooting varmint cartridge that also fits the "small rifle" profile.
• .17 Remington / .17 Hornet: These diminutive rifle cartridges are also handled efficiently by this plate.
• 6.5 Grendel: While slightly larger than a .223, its overall dimensions often allow it to be fed effectively by a small rifle plate, depending on its specific design and case geometry. (Always check specific manufacturer recommendations for less common calibers.)

The precision of the plate's pockets ensures that these various small rifle cases are handled with consistent reliability, minimizing jams and maximizing your output.

Mastering Your Reloading Workflow: Setup and Operation Insights

Setting up your Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Feeder with the Small Rifle plate is a straightforward process, designed for quick interchangeability and minimal downtime. Here’s a general guide to integrating this essential component into your reloading routine:

1. Installation: Ensure your Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press is properly mounted. The case feeder assembly typically mounts to the top of the press or a dedicated stand. The small rifle plate simply drops into the feeder bowl, aligning with the central spindle.
2. Calibration: Once the plate is in place, fill the feeder bowl with your small rifle cases (e.g., .223 brass). Turn on the case feeder. Observe how the cases are oriented and fed. The feeder uses agitation and the rotational movement of the plate to align cases.
3. Adjustment: Most case feeders have a feed arm or chute that guides the cases from the plate into the drop tube. Ensure this arm is correctly positioned and tensioned for your specific case length to prevent tipping or misfeeds. Some systems also have adjustable gates or baffles within the bowl to optimize feeding for different case dimensions.
4. Maintenance: To ensure consistent performance, keep your case feeder plate and bowl clean. Brass dust and residue can build up over time, affecting the smooth movement of cases. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth, or using compressed air, can prevent most feeding issues. Occasionally, checking for any bent or worn parts on the plate or feeder mechanism will extend its lifespan.
5. Troubleshooting: If cases are consistently tipping or not feeding correctly, check the tension on the feed arm, ensure the cases are clean and free of significant dents, and verify that the feeder bowl isn't overfilled, which can sometimes hinder proper orientation.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Feeder Plate operates flawlessly, providing a consistent supply of cases to your press without interruption.

Beyond Speed: The Unseen Advantages for Reloading Enthusiasts

While the immediate impact of the Hornady Small Rifle Case Feeder Plate is undeniable speed, its benefits extend far beyond mere rounds per hour. For the dedicated reloader, this piece of equipment contributes to several critical aspects of ammunition production and personal enjoyment:

• Consistency is Key: Automated feeding ensures that every case is presented to the sizing die and subsequent stations in exactly the same orientation. This uniformity is crucial for achieving consistent overall length, consistent bullet seating depth, and ultimately, consistent performance on target. When you're striving for sub-MOA groups, every detail matters, and automated case feeding eliminates a variable.
• Reduced Physical Strain: Repetitive motions, especially in a hobby that involves significant physical interaction with machinery, can lead to fatigue or even injuries over time. The case feeder significantly reduces the need for manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for each individual round, allowing you to reload for longer periods without discomfort.
• Focus on Quality Control: With your hands free from constantly manipulating individual cases, your attention can be redirected to more critical quality control checks. You can better observe powder levels, inspect primers for proper seating, ensure bullets are aligned correctly, and monitor the overall operation of your press. This enhanced focus leads to safer, higher-quality ammunition.
• Maximizing Your Progressive Press Investment: A progressive press, especially one as capable as the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, represents a significant investment. Without a case feeder, you're not fully utilizing its potential. The small rifle feeder plate unlocks the true capacity of your press, allowing it to perform its multi-stage operations uninterrupted, justifying your initial outlay and maximizing your return on investment.
• Enhanced Enjoyment: Reloading should be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. Struggling with slow, manual processes can turn a pleasure into a chore. By automating the case feeding step, the Hornady plate helps create a smoother, more fluid, and ultimately more satisfying reloading experience.

Hornady: A Legacy of Precision and Innovation in Reloading

When you invest in reloading equipment, you're not just buying a tool; you're buying into a system and a brand's reputation. Hornady has been a cornerstone of the shooting and reloading industry for decades, renowned for its commitment to precision, innovation, and unwavering quality. Their approach to product development is always with the user in mind, designing tools that simplify complex tasks and elevate the reloading experience.

Choosing Hornady accessories like the Lock-N-Load Case Feeder Plate means you're selecting a component that's designed to seamlessly integrate with their broader ecosystem of reloading products. From dies to presses to accessories, Hornady products are engineered to work together flawlessly, ensuring reliability and peak performance. Their dedication to research and development means you're always getting products that leverage the latest in manufacturing techniques and design principles. When you're searching for "reliable reloading tools" or "precision ammunition equipment," Hornady consistently ranks among the top recommendations due to their established track record and consistent delivery of excellence.

Common Questions Asked by Reloaders About Case Feeders

When considering an upgrade to their reloading setup, many individuals have similar questions. Here, we address some of the most frequently asked queries about case feeder plates and their impact on the reloading process.

What is the best way to speed up my ammunition production?

The absolute best way to significantly speed up your ammunition production, especially on a progressive press, is to automate the case feeding process. Manual case placement is a major bottleneck. Integrating a high-quality case feeder with a plate like the Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Rifle Case Feeder Plate eliminates this manual step, allowing for continuous, high-speed operation and drastically increasing your rounds per hour.

How do I choose the right case feeder plate for my progressive press?

Choosing the right case feeder plate depends primarily on two factors: the brand and model of your progressive press/case feeder system, and the caliber of ammunition you intend to reload.

1. System Compatibility: Plates are specific to certain case feeder systems (e.g., Hornady Lock-N-Load, Dillon, etc.). Always ensure the plate you choose is designed for your specific feeder. The Hornady plate (UPC 090255953145) is specifically for Hornady Lock-N-Load case feeders.
2. Caliber Group: Case feeder plates are categorized by case size: small pistol, large pistol, small rifle, and large rifle. You must select the plate corresponding to the general dimensions of the cartridges you plan to feed. For calibers like .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO, the "small rifle" plate is the correct choice.

Is a case feeder really worth the investment for a home reloader?

Absolutely. While the initial investment might seem significant, a case feeder quickly pays for itself in time saved and reduced effort. For anyone producing more than a few hundred rounds a month, or those who value efficiency and consistency, a case feeder is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. It transforms reloading from a repetitive chore into a smoother, more enjoyable, and highly productive process, allowing you to spend more time shooting and less time struggling at the bench.

How does this Hornady plate improve reloading efficiency?

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Small Rifle Case Feeder Plate improves reloading efficiency by:

• Automating Case Presentation: It eliminates the need for manual case placement, allowing you to keep a continuous workflow.
• Increasing Output: By removing a major bottleneck, it significantly boosts your rounds per hour, enabling higher volume production.
• Reducing Operator Fatigue: Less manual handling means less physical strain, allowing for longer, more comfortable reloading sessions.
• Enhancing Consistency: By consistently orienting and feeding cases, it contributes to more uniform ammunition, which is critical for accuracy.
• Freeing Operator Focus: With cases feeding automatically, your attention can be directed to critical quality checks at other stations, improving overall ammunition quality and safety.

Elevate Your Reloading Experience Today

The pursuit of reloading excellence is a continuous journey, and investing in tools that enhance both efficiency and precision is key. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Feeder Plate for Small Rifle cases (UPC: 090255953145) is more than just an accessory; it's a transformative component that redefines what's possible at your reloading bench. By automating one of the most time-consuming steps, it allows you to produce more consistent, high-quality ammunition with less effort, more enjoyment, and greater speed.

For reloaders seeking to maximize their output, minimize fatigue, and produce top-tier ammunition, this Hornady feeder plate is an indispensable addition to any progressive setup. It's designed to deliver the reliability and performance that serious reloaders demand, making every minute at the press more productive and enjoyable.

You can find this essential Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Feeder Plate for Small Rifle cases at DEGuns, your trusted source for premium reloading equipment and accessories. Elevate your reloading game and experience the difference that true automation can make.

Product Specifications & Compatibility

Feature	Detail
Product Name	Lock-N-Load Case Feeder Plate - Small Rifle
SKU	095314
UPC	090255953145
Material	Durable, High-Quality Polymer/Metal Composite (as per Hornady standards)
Compatibility	Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Feeders & Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Presses
Primary Function	Automates feeding and orientation of small rifle cases to the reloading press
Key Benefit	Significantly increases reloading speed, consistency, and reduces operator fatigue

Common Small Rifle Calibers Supported

Caliber	Description
.223 Remington	Ubiquitous sporting and tactical rifle cartridge
5.56x45mm NATO	Military variant of .223 Rem
.204 Ruger	High-velocity varmint cartridge
.17 Remington	Fast, light varmint cartridge
.17 Hornet	Small, efficient varmint cartridge
6.5 Grendel	Intermediate cartridge for AR-15 platform (verify fit)