The Essential Guide to Lee Precision Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate #19: Mastering High-Volume Handgun Reloading

For dedicated handgun shooters and reloading enthusiasts, achieving consistent, high-quality ammunition is paramount. Whether you're a competitive shooter chasing tighter groups, a recreational plinker seeking cost savings, or a self-defense advocate prioritizing reliability, the ability to produce your own ammunition offers unparalleled control and flexibility. At the heart of efficient, progressive reloading systems lies the shell plate, a seemingly simple component that dictates the smooth operation and safety of your entire reloading process. This comprehensive guide delves into the specific capabilities and benefits of the Lee Precision 90944 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate #19, a crucial tool designed to streamline your production of popular handgun calibers.

Why is a Quality Shell Plate Indispensable for Progressive Reloading?

Imagine a ballet of brass cases moving seamlessly through various stages – sizing, decapping, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, and crimping – all on a single machine. This is the magic of a progressive reloading press. A shell plate is the carousel that holds your cases, accurately indexing them from one station to the next. Without a perfectly engineered shell plate, you'd encounter frustrating stoppages, misfeeds, inconsistent results, and even potential safety hazards.

The primary problem a precision-engineered shell plate solves is maintaining exact alignment and positive control over each cartridge case as it progresses through the reloading cycle. It ensures that every case is centered under the appropriate die, preventing damage to brass, dies, or the press itself. For reloaders aiming for high volume without sacrificing quality, the right shell plate is not just an accessory; it's a foundation.

Introducing the Lee Precision Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate #19

The Lee Precision 90944 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate #19 is an integral component specifically engineered for the popular Lee Breech Lock Pro progressive reloading press. This robust steel shell plate is designed to handle multiple common handgun cartridges, making it an incredibly versatile asset for any serious reloader. Its precise manufacturing ensures smooth operation, reliable case feeding, and consistent alignment, contributing directly to the quality and uniformity of your finished ammunition.

Who is this shell plate for?

• High-volume handgun reloaders: If you shoot frequently and go through hundreds or thousands of rounds of 9mm Luger, 40 S&W, or 10mm Auto, this plate is a game-changer for efficiency.
• Competitive shooters: For those who demand exacting precision and consistency for match-grade ammunition.
• Cost-conscious shooters: Producing your own ammo drastically reduces per-round costs, especially for popular calibers.
• Reloading enthusiasts: Anyone looking to expand their capabilities and fine-tune their ammunition for specific firearms or purposes.
• Existing Lee Breech Lock Pro press owners: This is the specific shell plate required for a range of handgun calibers on that press.

What problem does it solve?
The core problem it addresses is the need for a single, reliable component that can handle multiple popular handgun calibers on a progressive press, facilitating rapid and accurate production of ammunition. It eliminates the need for multiple shell plates for similar-sized cartridges, simplifying changeovers and reducing equipment costs.

Unpacking Caliber Compatibility: Versatility on the Bench

One of the standout features of the Lee Precision Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate #19 is its remarkable multi-caliber compatibility. Engineered to accommodate several distinct yet dimensionally similar handgun cartridges, it truly offers exceptional value. This single shell plate works seamlessly with:

• 40 S&W: A popular law enforcement and self-defense cartridge known for its balance of power and capacity.
• 10mm Auto: A potent and versatile cartridge favored by hunters and those seeking greater power than 9mm or 40 S&W.
• 9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum): The most popular handgun cartridge globally, used extensively for self-defense, target shooting, and competition.
• 38 Super: A high-velocity, high-capacity semi-automatic pistol cartridge often used in competitive shooting divisions.
• 38 Auto (9x23mm SR): While less common today, this plate's compatibility ensures versatility for those who might encounter or specialize in older firearms chambered for it.
• 41 AE (Action Express): Another less common but historically significant cartridge that benefits from this plate's broad compatibility.

How can one shell plate fit so many different cartridges?
The secret lies in the precise machining of the shell plate's slots. While these cartridges have different overall lengths and bullet diameters, their case head dimensions (the rim diameter and extractor groove) are sufficiently similar to be securely held and accurately indexed by the #19 shell plate. This clever design minimizes the number of shell plates a reloader needs to own, simplifying their setup and reducing changeover time when switching between popular calibers like 9mm and 40 S&W. This level of broad compatibility is a significant advantage, particularly for reloaders who enjoy shooting a variety of handguns.

The Lee Breech Lock Pro System: Speed and Simplicity

The Lee Precision 90944 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate #19 is designed specifically for the Lee Breech Lock Pro progressive press. Understanding how this shell plate integrates into the larger Breech Lock Pro system highlights its full potential. The Breech Lock Pro press is celebrated for its user-friendly design and rapid die change capabilities, largely thanks to Lee's innovative Breech Lock quick-change bushing system.

Benefits of the Breech Lock Pro System (and how the shell plate contributes):

• Rapid Die Changes: The Breech Lock system allows for instantaneous die swapping without needing to readjust your dies. While not directly related to the shell plate, this contributes to the overall speed and efficiency of switching between calibers, as changing the shell plate is often part of a caliber conversion.
• Smooth Progression: The #19 shell plate ensures a seamless movement of cases through the various stations of the progressive press. This smooth indexing is critical for maintaining high production rates and preventing frustrating hangups.
• Consistent Operation: Precision-machined from durable steel, the shell plate holds cases firmly and consistently in alignment under each die. This consistency is vital for producing uniform ammunition, which translates to better accuracy and reliability downrange.
• Durability: Made from robust steel, the #19 shell plate is built to withstand the rigorous demands of high-volume reloading, promising years of reliable service. This longevity means less worry about wear and tear, and a consistent investment in your reloading setup.
• User-Friendly Design: Lee Precision is known for making reloading accessible. The shell plate easily installs and removes, facilitating quick caliber changes and cleaning. This ease of use is particularly beneficial for new reloaders, reducing the learning curve.

Why Handgun Reloading with Lee Precision Makes Sense

For many, reloading is more than just a hobby; it’s a passion that combines technical skill with the satisfaction of self-sufficiency. When considering high-volume handgun reloading, especially for common calibers like 9mm Luger and 40 S&W, the benefits are substantial:

• Significant Cost Savings: The cost of factory ammunition, especially for high-volume shooting, can quickly add up. Reloading allows you to reuse spent brass cases, which are often the most expensive component of a cartridge. This can lead to per-round savings of 50% or more, allowing you to shoot more for less.
• Customized Ammunition: Unlike factory ammunition, reloading gives you complete control over every variable – powder type and charge, bullet weight and type, primer selection, and overall cartridge length. This enables you to tailor loads precisely to your specific firearm for optimal accuracy, reliability, and felt recoil. Competitive shooters often spend countless hours fine-tuning loads to gain a competitive edge.
• Improved Accuracy: Handloaded ammunition, when crafted with precision and consistency using tools like the #19 shell plate, often outperforms factory ammunition in terms of accuracy. This is due to the ability to control variables more tightly and match the load perfectly to your firearm's unique characteristics.
• Understanding Your Ammunition: The reloading process provides an intimate understanding of how ammunition functions. This knowledge can enhance your shooting skills, help you diagnose firearm issues, and deepen your appreciation for firearms mechanics.
• Self-Sufficiency: In times of ammunition shortages or specific component scarcity, being able to produce your own ammunition provides a valuable sense of independence and preparedness.

Key Features and Construction of the #19 Shell Plate

The Lee Precision 90944 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate #19 is a testament to Lee's commitment to delivering reliable and cost-effective reloading solutions. Its design and construction are optimized for performance within the Breech Lock Pro system:

• Precision-Machined Steel: The plate is crafted from high-quality steel, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to wear even under heavy use. Steel offers superior rigidity and longevity compared to other materials, maintaining its precise dimensions over countless reloading cycles. This material choice is critical for the long-term consistency of your reloads.
• Exact Case Fit: Each slot on the #19 shell plate is precisely machined to securely hold the case head of the compatible cartridges (40 S&W, 10mm Auto, 9mm Luger, 38 Super, 38 Auto, 41 AE). This snug fit prevents slop or misalignment, which could lead to damaged cases or inconsistent powder charges and bullet seating.
• Smooth Indexing: The engineering behind the plate ensures smooth rotation and precise indexing at each station of the Breech Lock Pro press. This contributes to uninterrupted reloading sessions and reduces the potential for operator fatigue or errors.
• Low Maintenance: The robust steel construction requires minimal maintenance beyond routine cleaning. A quick wipe-down after use and occasional lubrication of the press mechanism is typically all that's needed to keep it performing optimally.
• Clear Identification: Often marked with its number (#19) for easy identification, this shell plate streamlines the process of setting up your press for different calibers. Its manufacturer part number (MPN: 90944) and universal product code (UPC: 734307909444) further assist in accurate ordering and inventory management.

Tips for Choosing and Using Your Shell Plate

Selecting the correct shell plate is a fundamental step in setting up any progressive reloading press. For the Lee Breech Lock Pro, the choice is specific: you need the plate designed for your cartridge's case head dimensions.

How do I know which shell plate I need?
The simplest way is to consult the manufacturer's compatibility chart or the product description, as demonstrated by the detailed listing for the #19 plate. For cartridges like 9mm Luger, 40 S&W, and 10mm Auto, the Lee Precision #19 shell plate is the definitive choice for the Breech Lock Pro press. Always double-check your specific cartridge against the shell plate's listed compatibility to ensure a perfect fit and safe operation.

Installation and Maintenance:
Installing the #19 shell plate on your Lee Breech Lock Pro press is straightforward. Typically, it involves removing a retaining clip or screw, seating the new plate, and securing it. Always refer to your press's instruction manual for the precise steps.

For maintenance, keep the shell plate clean. Powder residue, lubricant, and brass shavings can accumulate. A soft brush and a clean cloth can remove most debris. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the steel. Proper cleaning ensures smooth operation and extends the life of the plate and your press.

Maximizing Your Reloading Experience

Using a high-quality shell plate like the Lee Precision #19 is just one piece of the puzzle for an optimized reloading experience. Consider these points to get the most out of your setup:

• Consistent Case Preparation: Even the best shell plate can't compensate for poorly prepared brass. Ensure your cases are clean, trimmed to length (if necessary), and free of defects.
• Proper Die Setup: Each die must be correctly adjusted for its specific function. The Lee Breech Lock system simplifies this, but initial setup is crucial.
• Quality Components: Use high-quality primers, powder, and bullets. The consistency of your components directly impacts the quality of your finished ammunition.
• Safety First: Always follow safety guidelines for reloading. Wear appropriate eye protection, ensure good ventilation, and never exceed recommended powder charges.
• Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your shell plate for any signs of wear, damage, or buildup. A well-maintained shell plate ensures consistent and safe reloading.

The Lee Precision 90944 Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate #19 is more than just a piece of metal; it's a gateway to efficient, precise, and cost-effective handgun ammunition production. By understanding its role, its wide compatibility, and its place within the broader Lee Breech Lock Pro system, reloaders can significantly enhance their capabilities and enjoy the profound satisfaction of crafting their own reliable ammunition. Investing in the right tools, like this versatile shell plate, lays the groundwork for a rewarding and productive reloading journey.

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Lee Precision Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate #19 Specifications

Feature	Detail	Notes
Brand	Lee Precision	A leader in affordable and reliable reloading equipment
Model	Breech Lock Pro Shell Plate #19 (MPN: 90944)	Essential component for the Breech Lock Pro Press
Compatible Calibers	40 S&W, 10mm Auto, 9mm Luger, 38 Super, 38 Auto, 41 AE	Versatile for many popular handgun cartridges
Material	Steel	Ensures durability and long-lasting performance
Gun Type	Handgun	Optimized for pistol and revolver ammunition
Weight	Approximately 0.28 lbs (0.13 kg)	Lightweight yet robust design
UPC	734307909444	Universal Product Code for identification