RCBS AmmoMaster/ Piggyback Shell Plate #17

The RCBS AmmoMaster/Piggyback Shell Plate #17 is a precision reloading component engineered to position cartridge cases with exacting accuracy during the ammunition reloading process. This shell plate assembly is part of RCBS's modular reloading press system, where proper case alignment directly impacts the consistency of fired rounds and safety of the finished ammunition. Shell plates are indexing components that position each case under the appropriate die station as the press turret advances through the reloading sequence.

Plate #17 is designed for specific cartridge specifications supported by RCBS 5-station progressive and single-stage press configurations. The plate's geometry ensures the case head sits at the correct height and prevents lateral movement during the sizing, decapping, priming, charging, and seating operations that define the reloading cycle. Precision in shell plate design is critical—misalignment introduces variables that compromise round-to-round consistency and can result in unsafe pressure spikes or unreliable ignition. RCBS plates are manufactured to tight tolerances and serve as the mechanical foundation for accurate hand-loaded ammunition.

This component is essential for reloaders who depend on the AmmoMaster or Piggyback press platform—whether for precision rifle ammunition, pistol loads, or volume shooting applications. Serious handloaders operating multiple calibers maintain shell plate inventories to avoid press reconfiguration time between cartridge changes. The #17 plate ensures compatibility with the specific case dimensions it's engineered for, making it a necessary wear and spares item for active reloaders who prioritize accuracy and repeatability.