The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Shell Plate #16 (MPN: 392616) is a precision-machined progressive reloading press accessory manufactured from solid heat-treated steel. Designed specifically for the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP (Auto-Progressive) and legacy Pro-Jector progressive presses, it holds up to 5 cartridge cases simultaneously, indexing them across resizing, priming, powder drop, bullet seating, and crimping stations. This component accommodates firearm cartridges sharing a nominal .378" rim diameter and case head profile, functioning at cycle rates between 300 and 500 rounds per hour depending on user operation.

Key Features

• 5-Station Case Capacity: Holds 5 cases simultaneously to advance ammunition through consecutive reloading stages during each cycle of the press.
• Radiused Mouth Openings: Engineered with subtle radiused entry points on each shell station to guide case rims into position smoothly during rapid auto-indexing.
• Retainer Spring Channel: Features a perimeter groove to seat the Lock-N-Load case retainer spring, maintaining vertical case alignment across all stations.
• EZ-Ject Compatibility: Built with underside relief cuts to engage the sub-plate EZ-Ject system for automatic completed-round ejection.

Specifications

• Material: Heat-treated solid steel
• Dimensions: 11.4 cm x 11.4 cm x 1.3 cm (4.5" x 4.5" x 0.5")
• Weight: 180 to 230 grams (0.4 to 0.5 lbs)
• Case Head / Rim Compatibility: .378" rim diameter profile
• Supported Calibres: .204 Ruger, .222 Remington, .223 Remington / 5.56×45mm NATO, .22 Nosler, .300 AAC Blackout, .17 Remington, .17 Rem Fireball, .221 Rem Fireball, .380 Auto, 6x45mm, and related intermediate variants
• Press Compatibility: Hornady Lock-N-Load AP (EZ-Ject and wire ejector models) and Hornady Pro-Jector progressive presses

Who is the Hornady Shell Plate #16 for?

• Australian varmint hunters — Requires high-output progressive loading of .204 Ruger, .222 Rem, and .223 Rem brass using a dedicated progressive reloading press shell plate engineered precisely for cases with a .378" rim diameter.
• Feral pest controllers — Demands rapid, bulk production of intermediate field ammunition on a 180 to 230 grams steel shell plate configured to cycle .223 Rem or 6x45mm cartridges across 5 stations at speeds up to 500 rounds per hour.
• Target shooters — Relies on a 11.4 cm x 11.4 cm x 1.3 cm progressive reloading plate to maintain precise alignment and automatic ejection when processing high volumes of .300 AAC Blackout and .223 Rem ammunition.

Less suitable for: Reloading cartridges with larger case heads such as standard .473" or .440" rims (including .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, or 9mm Luger), which require dedicated alternative shell plate models, or use on non-Hornady presses and standard single-stage presses, which require universal snap-in shell holders.