Hornady Shell Plate #40

• Caliber-Specific Fit: Shell Plate #40 is matched to .40 S&W Auto, giving the case head support and indexing geometry needed for smooth progressive reloading.
• Progressive Press Function: As a dedicated shell plate for Hornady reloading presses, it keeps cases aligned through each station, which helps maintain a steady loading rhythm and reduces interruptions.
• Smooth Case Insertion: Hornady shell plates use a subtle radius on each shell holder mouth, making it easier to guide cases into place during faster loading sessions.
• Secure Retainer Spring Design: The retainer spring is designed to stay in place during case insertion, which supports more reliable handling when working through repeated cycles.
• Made in USA: Built by Hornady in the USA, this shell plate fits naturally into the company’s reloading system and supports consistent bench use.

About the Shell Plates Series

Hornady Shell Plates are part of the company’s Lock-N-Load reloading accessory range, built for reloaders who use progressive presses and need caliber-specific parts that keep the loading cycle running smoothly. Within Hornady’s reloading lineup, these shell plates sit alongside shell holders, bushings and other press accessories that adapt the press to different cartridges without changing the overall workflow. The series is intended for shooters who load regularly and want repeatable case positioning from station to station.

A key characteristic of the series is its focus on practical handling. Hornady designs these shell plates with a radiused shell holder mouth to help cases enter more smoothly, while the retainer spring is arranged to remain in place during insertion. In use, that means less fumbling when feeding brass and more consistent movement through the press. Rather than being a general-purpose part, each shell plate is tailored to specific cartridge families, so the series is defined by fit, reliable indexing and compatibility with Hornady’s progressive reloading system.

About the Hornady Shell Plate #40

Hornady Shell Plate #40 is a caliber-specific reloading press part made for .40 S&W Auto. Its role is simple but important: it holds and advances the case through the press in a controlled way, so each station can do its job without the case shifting out of position. For reloaders working with a straight-wall pistol cartridge such as .40 S&W, that kind of repeatable alignment matters because it helps the press run more smoothly across sizing, priming, charging and bullet seating steps.

What sets this model apart is not a long feature list, but the fact that it is built around one cartridge application. That dedicated fit helps support reliable indexing and more confident case handling than a generic workaround. Hornady’s shell plate design also includes a subtle radius on each shell holder mouth, which helps cases start into position with less resistance, especially useful during longer loading sessions. The retainer spring is designed to stay in place as cases are inserted, reducing the chance of small disruptions at the bench. As a USA-made Hornady accessory for presses, Shell Plate #40 is best understood as a functional part that keeps a progressive reloading setup consistent, efficient and properly matched to the cartridge it is meant to load.

About Hornady

Hornady Manufacturing was founded by Joyce Hornady in 1949 in Grand Island, Nebraska. The company remains headquartered in Grand Island and is still known as a family-owned manufacturer focused on bullets, ammunition, reloading tools and related accessories. That broad involvement in both ammunition and loading equipment gives Hornady a practical understanding of how components, tooling and cartridge performance work together at the bench and in the field.

Reloading equipment is a long-established part of the company’s identity. Hornady expanded further into this area after acquiring Pacific Tool Company in 1971, and its reloading range now includes presses, dies, powder measures, scales and case-preparation tools. Among its best-known systems is the Lock-N-Load bushing design, developed to make die changes faster and more repeatable. For products such as shell plates and press accessories, Hornady’s reputation rests on building parts that integrate cleanly into a complete reloading workflow.

Main Features

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

Warranty

Hornady Shell Plate #40 is supplied with a 2-year warranty. This stated warranty period covers the product as specified for this model.