Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90995 Review

Deep Dive into the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90995

For any reloader, consistency and safety are paramount, and nowhere is this more critical than with primer insertion. My journey with reloading has spanned over a decade, encountering countless tools designed to streamline the process, often with mixed results. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90995, a small safety primer feeder for the Lee Classic Turret Press, promises to elevate this crucial step from a tedious chore to a smooth, almost delightful operation. Its core appeal lies in eliminating direct primer contact and offering a quick changeover between primer sizes, all while fitting seamlessly into an existing reloading setup.

What led me to this specific piece of equipment was a persistent niggle in my reloading workflow. While the Classic Turret Press itself is a workhorse, the manual primer insertion, even with Lee’s own earlier systems, always felt like a point where contamination or a dropped primer could occur. I was specifically searching for a system that would automate primer presentation to the shellholder, minimizing my interaction with these sensitive components and reducing the potential for errors. After perusing various reloading forums and equipment catalogs, the description of the 90995 caught my eye with its claims of a CAD-designed flipping surface and instant primer size change.

My initial unboxing revealed a surprisingly compact and elegantly simple device. The plastic felt robust, not brittle, and the moving parts exhibited a satisfying lack of wobble. It has a clean, functional aesthetic that speaks to its purpose-built design. It’s important to note that I also considered some aftermarket primer feeders that offered a higher capacity, but the Lee Classic Turret Press Small Safety Primer Feeder stood out due to its integration with my existing Lee press and its advertised ease of size changes. The price point was also significantly more accessible than some of the more complex, high-capacity options available. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; it looked promising, but the real test would be in its actual performance at the reloading bench.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90995 to the Test

My testing ground for this primer feeder was, predictably, my dedicated reloading bench in a controlled workshop environment. I integrated it onto my Lee Classic Turret Press, a setup I’ve used for thousands of rounds across various calibers, primarily for rifle cartridges which the specifications suggest this small primer feeder is designed for. The environmental conditions were standard workshop temperatures and humidity, with no extreme exposures to dust or moisture, as the nature of reloading itself usually keeps such elements at bay. My goal was to assess its performance during extended reloading sessions and its reliability over time.

The first use experience with the Lee Classic Turret Press Small Safety Primer Feeder was remarkably straightforward. Attaching it to the press was a matter of seconds, and the primer flip tray design immediately impressed me. It uses a unique CAD-designed flipping surface that ensures primers orient correctly every single time, a feature that immediately smoothed out the priming process. There was no significant learning curve; the trigger mechanism for dispensing a primer felt natural and intuitive. The satisfying “click” as a primer is presented is a small auditory cue that confirms a successful feed, which is a welcome confirmation during a repetitive task.

After weeks of consistent use, reloading batches of .223 Remington and .308 Winchester, this primer feeder has held up exceptionally well. Its durability has been a pleasant surprise; the plastic components show no signs of stress, cracks, or significant scuffing, even after being handled during caliber changes. The internal mechanisms remain smooth, with no hint of stiffness or performance degradation. Maintenance is refreshingly simple; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth is usually sufficient, and periodic brushing with a small bristle brush can clear any residual primer dust. Compared to earlier manual methods I’ve used, which often involved fiddly primer trays that could easily spill, this integrated system is a monumental improvement in both speed and reliability.

First Use Experience

I installed the Lee Classic Turret Press Small Safety Primer Feeder on my Lee Classic Turret Press, setting it up for small rifle primers. The press itself is a cornerstone of my reloading setup, known for its efficiency and ease of use, so I was eager to see how this accessory would enhance it. The feeder attached securely, aligning perfectly with the shellholder.

The initial primer seating process was surprisingly fluid. Instead of manually picking up each primer and placing it in the primer tube, I simply filled the feeder’s tray. A gentle press of the trigger presented a primer, perfectly oriented, to the shellholder. This eliminated the need to touch primers directly, which is a significant safety and convenience benefit.

There were no initial hiccups or unexpected behaviors. The mechanism felt precise, and the primer flipped correctly with each cycle. This immediate success was a testament to the thoughtful design of the feeding mechanism.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90995 has become an indispensable part of my reloading process. I’ve used it to prime thousands of cases for both rifle and pistol ammunition, and its performance has remained consistently high. The mechanism that flips the primers into the correct orientation is incredibly reliable, even with extended use.

I’ve experienced virtually zero dropped primers or misfed components, which was a common concern with previous methods. The feeder’s plastic construction, while seemingly simple, has proven surprisingly robust against the occasional bump or nudge that happens during a busy reloading session. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick blast of compressed air or a gentle brush usually suffices to keep it free of debris.

Compared to older, more manual primer feeding systems I’ve employed, this Lee product offers a significant improvement in both speed and user comfort. The reduction in manual handling of primers is a notable advantage, especially during longer reloading sessions.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90995

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90995 is specifically designed for Lee Classic Turret Presses and caters to small primers. Its primary function is to automate the primer delivery to the shellholder, enhancing safety and efficiency. The product features a CAD designed flipping surface within its primer tray, engineered to instantly right any primer that isn’t perfectly aligned.

This design is crucial because it ensures that each primer is presented correctly to the shellholder, minimizing the chance of seating issues or primer deformation. The quick primer size change capability is another significant specification, allowing users to switch between small and large primers in mere seconds without needing specialized tools. This adaptability makes it a versatile accessory for reloaders who work with a variety of calibers that utilize different primer sizes.

Performance & Functionality

The core job of the Lee Classic Turret Press Small Safety Primer Feeder is to deliver primers reliably and safely to the shellholder. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The CAD designed flipping surface is not just marketing hype; it genuinely works to ensure primers are consistently seated right-side up.

This consistent presentation translates directly into smoother priming operations and fewer potential seating errors. The speed at which primers are fed is also a significant advantage. It keeps pace with even rapid reloading cycles, preventing bottlenecks in the overall process.

The primary strength of this feeder is its unwavering reliability and the significant reduction in direct primer handling. Its weakness, if one could call it that, is its specific fitment to Lee presses, meaning it’s not a universal solution. However, for users within that ecosystem, its functionality is hard to fault.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Classic Turret Press Small Safety Primer Feeder is a testament to practical engineering. Constructed from what appears to be a durable, high-impact plastic, it feels substantial enough to withstand the rigors of a reloading bench. The attachment mechanism is simple yet secure, integrating seamlessly with the Lee Classic Turret Press’s frame.

Ergonomically, it’s designed for ease of use. The primer tray is easily accessible for filling, and the trigger mechanism for dispensing a primer is positioned comfortably under the reloader’s finger. This thoughtful placement reduces hand strain during repetitive tasks.

The satisfying click upon dispensing a primer is a small but appreciated ergonomic detail. It provides positive feedback, assuring the user that the system is operating as intended without requiring constant visual checks. The overall feel is one of a tool that is both functional and user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a key consideration for any reloading tool, and this Lee primer feeder appears built to last. The plastic construction is resilient, and the moving parts, particularly the primer flipping mechanism and the trigger, are designed for frequent use. I anticipate this feeder will remain a reliable component for many years of reloading.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple, which is always a bonus. The feeder can be easily detached for a more thorough cleaning if needed, though most debris can be cleared with a quick brush or compressed air. There are no complex parts that require special tools or intricate procedures to maintain.

Potential failure points are minimal, primarily revolving around the plastic trigger or internal feeding components. However, given the quality of the materials and the simplicity of the design, these are unlikely to be issues under normal operating conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90995 is, in essence, a specialized accessory itself, designed to enhance the functionality of the Lee Classic Turret Press. It doesn’t typically come with a wide array of additional accessories. Its customization lies primarily in its ability to quickly switch between primer sizes, a feature that adds significant versatility without requiring separate attachments.

While there are no user-replaceable parts in the traditional sense, its compatibility with the Lee Classic Turret Press means that any upgrades or modifications to the press itself would indirectly benefit the primer feeder’s integration. For reloaders who work with both small and large primers, the ease of switching primer size within this feeder is its most significant “customization” feature, eliminating the need for separate primer feeding systems.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90995

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90995?

This primer feeder is an absolute must-have for any reloader who owns a Lee Classic Turret Press and values efficiency, safety, and consistency. It’s ideal for those who reload a variety of calibers that utilize different primer sizes, as the quick-change feature is a real time-saver. Hobbyists who reload in moderate to large batches will particularly appreciate the streamlined process it offers.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals who do not own a compatible Lee press or who prioritize ultra-high capacity primer feeding systems above all else. If your reloading routine involves extremely high-volume production runs where refilling the tray becomes a significant interruption, you might consider a larger-capacity aftermarket option. For most home reloaders, however, this Lee feeder strikes an excellent balance between performance and practicality.

I would recommend having a small tray or container nearby to quickly refill the primer feeder when it runs low, rather than having to stop and fetch the primer box. This small habit can further enhance the workflow, ensuring continuous operation during longer reloading sessions.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90995

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90995 is a standout accessory that significantly enhances the reloading experience on a Lee Classic Turret Press. Its ingenious design, particularly the CAD designed flipping surface, ensures consistent and safe primer presentation, while the quick primer size change capability adds remarkable versatility. For its modest price point, the performance and reliability it offers are exceptional, making it a truly valuable addition to any reloader’s bench.

The value proposition here is very strong; it delivers premium features and functionality at an accessible price. It effectively solves common frustrations associated with manual primer handling, making the entire priming process smoother, safer, and ultimately, more enjoyable. I wholeheartedly recommend this primer feeder to anyone equipped with a compatible Lee press who seeks to refine their reloading workflow. It’s a small component that makes a big difference, turning a sometimes tedious task into a precise and satisfying part of the reloading cycle.