Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667 Review

Full Disclosure: Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667

For any reloader who spends significant time at their press, the quest for efficiency is a constant companion. The monotonous task of manually orienting and feeding brass cases into the shell plate can be a real time sink, especially during high-volume reloading sessions. This is precisely the problem that the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667, also known as the Lee Case Collator Feeder, aims to solve. It’s a seemingly simple accessory designed to integrate seamlessly with Lee’s Pro 1000 and Loadmaster presses, promising to streamline the entire reloading workflow.

My own journey to this particular piece of equipment was born out of sheer frustration with the manual feeding process. I found myself spending more time fiddling with individual cases than actually operating the press, which defeated the purpose of a progressive loader. I’d previously looked at more complex, automated case feeders, but the price tag often put them out of reach for my home setup. The allure of a low-cost, effective solution like the Lee Case Collator Feeder was undeniable, and the user feedback I’d encountered suggested it might just be the answer I was looking for.

Upon arrival, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667 presented itself as a straightforward, functional piece of molded plastic. There were no complex mechanisms or delicate electronics, which immediately put me at ease. Its unassuming design, typical of many Lee Precision products, conveyed a sense of practical utility rather than high-end aesthetics. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; could something so simple truly make such a significant difference in my reloading routine?

While I had considered other brands that offered similar case feeding solutions, their higher cost and often bulkier designs steered me back to this modest Lee offering. The simplicity and the promise of easy integration with my existing Lee press were the deciding factors. Frankly, the price point made it an almost irresistible impulse buy, a low-risk experiment to see if I could finally banish the tedium of manual case feeding. My excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism, but the potential reward – increased productivity and less finger fatigue – was certainly enticing.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667 took place at my reloading bench, a familiar environment filled with spent brass and the scent of case lube. The setup process was incredibly intuitive; I simply placed the collator over the designated area of my Pro 1000 press, and it sat snugly in place. Loading it with about 100 cases of 9mm Luger ammunition was as simple as pouring them in and giving it a gentle shake.

In its first real use, I was immediately impressed by how quickly the cases oriented themselves and dropped into the feeder tubes. The process felt remarkably smooth and effortless. I found that while it worked best when nearly full, even adding 50-75 more cases after the initial drop kept the tubes consistently supplied. A gentle shake every so often was usually all it took to keep things flowing.

The only minor quirk I encountered was the occasional instance of a case dropping upside down. However, this happened infrequently enough not to be a significant impediment, easily rectified with a quick visual check as I cycled the press. This simple plastic device genuinely seemed to work as advertised, noticeably improving the speed and flow of my reloading session. It wasn’t a revolutionary technological leap, but a practical, effective enhancement to an existing process.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds processed, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667 has proven its worth. It has become an indispensable part of my reloading setup, significantly reducing the time spent manually feeding cases. The unit has held up remarkably well, with no visible signs of wear or degradation despite repeated use and the occasional jolt.

Durability has been excellent; the plastic construction feels robust enough for its intended purpose, and I haven’t encountered any cracks, deformation, or stiffness. Maintenance is practically non-existent, which is a huge plus. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep it clean, and storage is as simple as setting it aside.

Compared to my previous method of hand-feeding, this case collator is a night-and-day difference. It’s a far cry from more complex, expensive automated feeders, but for the price and for typical home reloading needs, it performs exceptionally well. It bridges the gap between tedious manual feeding and cost-prohibitive automation, offering a practical and reliable solution for the average reloader.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667 is a testament to functional design, prioritizing simplicity and effectiveness. The core component is its plastic construction, a material chosen for its lightweight properties and cost-effectiveness, which is crucial for keeping the overall price down. Its design is universal in application, meaning it’s intended to adapt to various Lee reloading presses that utilize case feeder tubes, making it a versatile accessory.

The quantity of one refers to a single collator unit, which is typically all a reloader needs for their press setup. As a Case Collator Feeder, its primary function is to accept a bulk quantity of brass cases and efficiently feed them into the press’s existing case feeder tubes. This “one size fits most” approach to caliber compatibility is a key selling point for Lee products.

The fact that it is listed as New means you are receiving a fresh, unblemished unit ready for immediate use. While the description doesn’t specify exact dimensions or capacities in milliliters or grams, its open-top design easily accommodates a substantial handful of cases – upwards of 100, as user feedback suggests for common pistol calibers. This ample capacity means fewer interruptions for refills during a reloading session.

Performance & Functionality

The core job of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667 is to take a pile of loose brass and get it into the feeder tubes of your press without you having to manually pick and place each one. In this regard, it excels. The plastic construction is surprisingly effective at allowing cases to slide and orient themselves with a bit of gentle agitation.

It does its main job remarkably well, significantly increasing the speed at which cases enter the feeder tubes. The primary strength is its simplicity and effectiveness; it just works. A minor weakness, as noted by some users, is the occasional upside-down case, but this is a rare occurrence that doesn’t impede the overall flow substantially.

Considering its very modest price point, the performance of this case collator exceeds expectations. It transforms a tedious manual step into a quick, almost automatic process. It doesn’t claim to be a high-tech marvel, but for what it is – a smart plastic funnel – it delivers on its promise of improved efficiency and productivity for reloaders.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667 is purely utilitarian, focusing on function over form. The molded plastic is smooth to the touch, with no sharp edges, making it safe and easy to handle. Its ergonomic appeal lies in its simplicity; there are no complex controls or grips to master.

You simply pour cases in and shake. The wide opening at the top and the tapered design leading to the feeder tube slots make it incredibly intuitive to use. There’s virtually no learning curve involved; you can pick it up and start using it immediately.

Practical design details include the way it interfaces with the existing case feeder system of compatible presses. It sits securely, preventing accidental dislodging during operation. While it doesn’t have intricate markings or specialized grip surfaces, its open-top design is its greatest ergonomic feature, allowing for easy case insertion and visual confirmation of filling.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its plastic construction, the long-term durability of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667 is tied to its inherent toughness. For its intended purpose – holding and orienting brass cases – it is robust. Under normal use in a reloading environment, it is unlikely to suffer significant wear and tear.

It is very easy to maintain; a simple rinse under water or a wipe with a damp cloth is sufficient to remove any dust or residue. There are no moving parts to lubricate or adjust, and no components that require replacement unless it’s physically broken.

Potential failure points are minimal. The most likely scenario for damage would be dropping it from a significant height onto a hard surface, which could potentially cause a crack. However, due to its low cost, such an event wouldn’t be a major financial setback, and a replacement would be easily acquired.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667 is designed as a singular component and typically does not come with additional accessories. Its primary function is to integrate with the case feeder tubes already present on Lee Pro 1000 and Loadmaster presses. Therefore, there are no real customization options for the collator itself.

It is not a platform that accepts interchangeable parts or attachments in the way that some more complex reloading tools might. Its universal caliber applicability is its main “feature” without requiring modifications. If a reloader needs feeders for different calibers, they would typically purchase the appropriate feeder tubes for their press rather than modifying this collator. The value lies in its straightforward, unadorned functionality.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667?

This case collator is an absolute must-have for any reloader who owns a Lee Pro 1000 or Loadmaster press. It’s particularly beneficial for those who reload in significant volume or who experience hand fatigue from manually feeding cases. If you find yourself wishing your reloading process was just a little bit faster and less tedious, this accessory is for you.

Anyone looking for a complex, high-capacity automated feeder for a wide array of rifle and pistol calibers should look elsewhere; this product is specific to Lee’s integrated systems. Similarly, if you don’t own a compatible Lee press, this item would be of no use. For those with the right press, the only “must-have” accessory is simply a good supply of clean brass to feed into it.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667 is a prime example of how a small, inexpensive accessory can make a disproportionately large positive impact on a repetitive task. For reloaders using compatible Lee presses, this case collator feeder is a game-changer, transforming the often-monotonous process of orienting brass into a swift, almost effortless action. Its plastic construction belies its effectiveness and durability, proving that robust functionality doesn’t always require advanced materials or complex engineering.

The value proposition here is phenomenal. For a mere fraction of the cost of a fully automated case feeder, you gain a significant boost in reloading speed and a substantial reduction in physical strain. While not perfect – the occasional upside-down case is a minor quirk – its overall performance and ease of use far outweigh this small imperfection.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90667 to any owner of a Lee Pro 1000 or Loadmaster press. If you’re looking to streamline your reloading, reduce strain, and get more rounds through your press in less time, this simple, affordable tool is an absolute no-brainer. It’s one of those “why didn’t I buy this sooner?” accessories that quickly becomes indispensable.