Hornady Shell Plate #4

• Caliber-Specific Fit: Shell Plate #4 is matched to .40 S&W Auto, helping the case head seat correctly in the press for smoother indexing and more consistent handling during progressive reloading.
• Smooth Case Entry: Hornady shell plates use a subtle radius on each shell holder mouth, which helps cases enter more easily and reduces interruptions when loading in volume.
• Secure Retainer Spring Design: The retainer spring is designed to stay in place during case insertion, which helps maintain rhythm at the press and cuts down on small handling delays.
• Made for Reloading Press Use: Built as an accessory for presses, this shell plate supports reliable case positioning at the shell plate station, which is essential for repeatable sizing, charging, seating, and crimping steps.
• Made in USA: USA manufacture reflects Hornady's long-standing focus on reloading equipment, giving reloaders a part intended for regular bench use and compatibility within the Hornady system.

About the Hornady Shell Plate Series

The Hornady Shell Plate series is part of the company’s broader Lock-N-Load reloading ecosystem, aimed at reloaders who want caliber-specific parts that keep a press running smoothly and predictably. Within Hornady’s reloading lineup, shell plates are the interface between the cartridge case and the press, so their fit and geometry matter directly to how reliably a progressive setup indexes and how easily cases can be inserted and removed.

Across the series, Hornady uses a design with a subtle radius at each shell holder mouth to promote smoother case entry, while the retainer spring is arranged to remain in place during operation. In practical terms, that means less fumbling at the press and a steadier loading rhythm, especially when processing larger batches. Because a single shell plate may serve multiple cartridges depending on case head dimensions, the series is built around matching the correct plate number to the intended application. For reloaders already using Hornady press accessories, these shell plates form a small but important part of a system designed around repeatable setup, efficient caliber changes, and dependable case handling.

About the Hornady Shell Plate #4

The Hornady Shell Plate #4 is a caliber-specific reloading press part intended for .40 S&W Auto. Its role is straightforward but important: it holds the cartridge cases in the correct position as they move through the stations of a reloading press. When the shell plate matches the cartridge properly, indexing is more consistent, case insertion feels cleaner, and each stage of the loading cycle becomes easier to manage.

For reloaders working with .40 S&W Auto, that proper fit matters because it helps maintain stable case alignment during repetitive operations such as sizing, priming, charging, bullet seating, and crimping. Hornady’s shell plate design also includes a radiused shell holder mouth, which helps guide cases into place with less resistance. Combined with the retainer spring that stays in place during insertion, the result is a more fluid workflow at the bench and fewer interruptions when loading multiple rounds in sequence.

As a press accessory, the Shell Plate #4 is best understood as a functional part that supports consistency rather than a visible upgrade. It is especially useful for reloaders who want their Hornady setup to stay organized by cartridge and who value predictable case handling over improvised fit. The compact format also makes it easy to keep dedicated caliber components on hand for faster changeovers between loading sessions.

About Hornady

Hornady Manufacturing was founded by Joyce Hornady in 1949 in Grand Island, Nebraska. The company remains family-owned and is still based in Grand Island, where it produces bullets, ammunition, reloading tools, and related accessories. That broad product range gives Hornady a strong position in the shooting and reloading market, particularly for users who want components and tools from the same maker.

In reloading equipment, Hornady expanded its capabilities when it acquired Pacific Tool Company in 1971, and it has since built a lineup that includes presses, dies, powder measures, scales, and case-preparation tools. One of its best-known reloading concepts is the Lock-N-Load system, which uses a bushing design to simplify die changes. That focus on practical bench efficiency carries through to smaller parts such as shell plates, where reliable fit and smooth operation matter just as much as they do in the larger press system.

Main Features

• Manufacturer: Hornady
• Product: Shell Plate #4
• Accessories for: Presses
• Compatible caliber: .40 S&W Auto
• Made in: USA
• Item number: 392604

Warranty

This product carries a 2-year warranty.