Hornady Shell Plate #32

• Caliber-specific fit: Shell Plate #32 is matched to .40 S&W Auto, helping cases seat correctly in the press and supporting smooth, repeatable indexing during progressive reloading.
• Smoother case insertion: Hornady shell plates use a subtle radius on each shell holder mouth, which helps guide cases into place with less fumbling and keeps the loading rhythm consistent.
• Reliable case retention: The retainer spring is designed to stay in place while cases are inserted, reducing interruptions and making batch loading more efficient.
• Built for Hornady press systems: As a dedicated reloading press part, this shell plate supports proper cartridge handling where consistent alignment matters for dependable operation.

About the Shell Plates Series

Hornady Shell Plates are part of the company’s Lock-N-Load reloading accessory range, built for reloaders who want caliber-specific parts that keep a press running smoothly and consistently. Within Hornady’s lineup, these components sit alongside shell holders, bushings and other press accessories that adapt a loading setup to different cartridges without changing the overall workflow. Their role is straightforward but important: they position the case correctly at each station so sizing, priming, charging and bullet seating can happen with proper alignment.

The series is designed around practical handling rather than unnecessary complexity. Hornady gives these shell plates a radiused shell holder mouth to help cases enter more easily, and the retainer spring system is arranged to remain in place during insertion. In use, that means less disruption when feeding brass and a steadier pace on progressive presses. For reloaders working across multiple handgun or rifle calibers, the Shell Plates series is a core part of configuring the press correctly for each cartridge while preserving the speed advantage of a dedicated reloading setup.

About the Hornady Shell Plate #32

Hornady Shell Plate #32 is a caliber-specific press component made for .40 S&W Auto. Its job is to hold the case securely and present it in the correct position as the press cycles through each stage of the reloading process. That sounds simple, but correct fit at the shell plate is essential to smooth indexing, consistent case handling and reduced interruptions when loading in volume.

For handgun reloaders working with .40 S&W Auto, this model helps maintain a steady workflow by matching the case head dimensions of the cartridge it is intended for. A shell plate that fits properly supports cleaner transitions from station to station, which matters when resizing, charging and seating bullets on a progressive press. Hornady’s shell plate design also includes a subtle radius on each shell holder mouth, a small detail that makes case insertion easier in practice, especially when loading repeatedly over longer sessions.

The design is also supported by a retainer spring that stays in place during case insertion, which helps reduce handling interruptions. In practical terms, Shell Plate #32 is the kind of accessory that keeps a reloading press set up correctly for one specific cartridge, making it a useful part for reloaders who value repeatable operation, efficient caliber changes and dependable case control at every pull of the handle.

About Hornady

Hornady Manufacturing was founded by Joyce Hornady in 1949 in Grand Island, Nebraska. The company remains headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska, United States, and it has built its reputation around bullets, ammunition and reloading equipment. As a family-owned company, Hornady manufactures bullets, ammunition, reloading tools and related accessories, with a product range that serves both shooters and handloaders.

Reloading has long been an important part of the brand’s identity. Hornady expanded into this area further when it acquired Pacific Tool Company in 1971, and its reloading equipment lineup now includes presses, dies, powder measures, scales and case-preparation tools. One of the company’s best-known systems is the Lock-N-Load bushing design, which simplifies die changes and helps reloaders switch setups with less downtime. That focus on practical efficiency is directly relevant to accessories such as shell plates, where correct fit and smooth press operation matter as much as durability.

Main Features

• Manufacturer: Hornady
• Product name: Shell Plate #32
• Item number: 392632
• Accessories for: Presses
• Compatible caliber: .40 S&W Auto
• Made in: USA
• Warranty: 2 years

Warranty

Hornady Shell Plate #32 is supplied with a 2-year warranty. This stated warranty period covers the product as specified for this model and gives added reassurance for a frequently handled reloading press accessory.