Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898 Review

The Story of My Time with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898

For any serious reloader, consistency and efficiency are paramount. Over the years, I’ve found that small, seemingly minor upgrades can have a surprisingly significant impact on the reloading process, especially when dealing with high-volume calibers. That’s precisely why I found myself drawn to the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898, a bullet feed kit specifically designed for the ubiquitous .45 caliber. This particular kit promised to automate a crucial step in my reloading workflow, which is exactly the kind of innovation that keeps me engaged with this hobby.

My journey to this specific bullet feeder wasn’t a direct one. I’ve always prided myself on precision and attention to detail in my reloads, and for a long time, that meant meticulously placing each bullet by hand. While this approach ensures accuracy, it’s undeniably time-consuming, especially when preparing ammunition for a day at the range or for competition. I had previously experimented with a generic case feeder and a different brand of bullet dispenser, but neither quite hit the mark for ease of use and reliability in the .45 ACP caliber. When I saw Lee’s offering, which is known for its practical and often ingeniously simple reloading tools, I knew it was worth investigating. The prospect of a more streamlined process, particularly for one of my most frequently reloaded calibers, was incredibly appealing.

Upon receiving the package, my initial impression was one of characteristic Lee Precision straightforwardness. The kit arrived in a simple, no-frills box, containing the core components for the bullet feeder. There was a distinct lack of extraneous packaging, which I appreciate as it suggests the focus is on the functionality of the tool itself rather than elaborate presentation. The main die body felt substantial, as did the feeding finger. The plastic components, common in many reloading tools, felt robust enough for their intended purpose.

Before committing to the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898, I had considered a few other options. There were more automated systems, often requiring significant press modifications or substantial investment. However, for a dedicated .45 ACP setup, these often felt like overkill, and some had a reputation for being finicky with the wider range of bullet profiles common in this caliber. Lee’s reputation for creating effective, affordable solutions for common reloading challenges made their offering the most compelling choice for this specific application. It promised a targeted improvement without necessitating a complete overhaul of my existing setup.

My first impression was a mixture of anticipation and a healthy dose of skepticism. Could this simple-looking kit truly streamline my reloading process as effectively as advertised? The components were all there, and the instructions, as is typical with Lee products, were clear and concise. There was a tangible sense of getting down to business, of readying a tool that was designed for a specific, practical purpose. I was cautiously optimistic that this would be the upgrade I was looking for.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the bullet feed kit took place at my dedicated reloading bench, specifically on my trusty Lee Load-Master progressive press. The installation was incredibly straightforward, slotting right into the turret in place of a standard die. This ease of integration was a significant plus, as I didn’t have to recalibrate or adjust other parts of my press setup. Loading the first few bullets into the feed finger was intuitive; the mechanism is designed to hold one bullet at a time, ready for the press stroke.

The first few cycles were a learning experience. I had to get a feel for the precise moment the press ram actuated the feeding mechanism. Initially, I was a bit hesitant, which led to a couple of instances where a bullet wasn’t fully seated into the die before the ram began its upward travel. This resulted in a slightly misaligned feed, but importantly, not a jam or damage to the bullet. After about twenty cycles, I found a rhythm, and the process became noticeably smoother and faster than manually placing each projectile.

In terms of environmental conditions, my reloading area is a controlled environment, so I didn’t subject it to extreme dust or moisture. However, the components, particularly the metal parts of the die, felt solid and well-finished, giving me confidence in their longevity. The plastic feeding finger showed no immediate signs of stress or wear after those initial test runs. It became clear that this piece of equipment was designed for repetitive, mechanical action, and it seemed to handle it with aplomb.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, primarily reloading .45 ACP for target shooting and general plinking, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898 has become an indispensable part of my reloading setup. I’ve probably loaded several hundred rounds with it during this period, and it continues to perform reliably. The key has been understanding the bullet seating depth and press stroke timing, which is a minor learning curve that pays dividends in speed and consistency.

Durability has been excellent. The die itself shows no signs of wear, and the feeding finger, while plastic, has proven remarkably resilient. I haven’t experienced any cracks, stiffness, or performance drops. If anything, the mechanism seems to operate even more smoothly as it’s broken in. The real beauty of this kit is its simplicity; fewer moving parts mean fewer potential points of failure.

Maintenance is practically non-existent. A quick wipe down with a dry cloth after a reloading session is all that’s needed. Occasionally, I’ll give the feed finger and the internal mechanism a very light coat of a dry lubricant, but this is more out of habit than necessity. Compared to some more complex feeding systems I’ve seen or used, this Lee offering is a dream to maintain. It certainly outperforms budget, less robust feeders I’ve encountered, and offers a significant improvement in efficiency over manual bullet placement without the complexity of higher-end automated systems.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898 is a specialized tool designed for a singular purpose: to automate the presentation of bullets to the seating die on a progressive reloading press. The primary component is a precisely machined bullet feed die that screws into a standard 7/8″-14 thread reloading press turret. This die is calibrated for a specific bullet diameter and a range of lengths within that diameter, which in this case is for .45 Caliber.

The kit also includes a corresponding feed finger, which is the part that actually grabs and presents the bullet. This finger is designed to be actuated by the upward movement of the press ram, aligning the bullet perfectly with the case mouth at the correct point in the stroke. The quantity included is One Kit, meaning you get the die and the appropriate finger for the specified caliber.

For those looking to convert to other calibers or different bullet profiles, Lee offers separate feed dies and fingers. This modularity is a key advantage, allowing users to adapt the system without purchasing an entirely new kit. The entire setup is intended for Pistol calibers, and this specific model is tailored for .45 ACP and similar .45-diameter rounds. The materials are a blend of robust, finely machined metal for the die body and a durable polymer for the feeding finger, balancing longevity with smooth operation.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898 is to feed bullets reliably and consistently. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well, especially considering its relatively simple design. Once you establish the correct press stroke and bullet seating depth, the feeder consistently places bullets accurately in the case mouth. This dramatically increases reloading speed, allowing for longer reloading sessions without the fatigue associated with manually placing each projectile.

The main strength of this tool is its efficiency. It transforms a tedious manual step into an automated process, significantly shortening the time between starting a batch of brass and finishing a set of loaded cartridges. Its functionality is also remarkably reliable for its intended purpose, provided the correct bullet profile is used with the matched die and finger.

However, a notable weakness is its specificity. The kit is designed for a range of lengths and diameters within a caliber. While it handles standard .45 ACP bullets (like 230gr FMJ or 200gr SWC) exceptionally well, using very short or unusually shaped bullets might require experimenting with different feed fingers or potentially another die set. It meets expectations for its intended use case but isn’t a universal solution for every .45 bullet out there without potential adjustment.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898 is a testament to Lee Precision‘s philosophy of functional simplicity. The bullet feed die itself is a standard size, fitting seamlessly into most progressive presses. Its machined metal construction gives it a solid, durable feel, suggesting it can withstand the rigors of repeated use.

Ergonomically, the true “feel” comes from the operation of the press rather than the feeder itself. Since the feeder is integrated into the die, you don’t directly manipulate it during the reloading stroke. The feed finger is cleverly designed to be actuated by the press, requiring no additional user input beyond ensuring the bullet is properly seated in the feeder mechanism. The small, often plastic, feed finger is surprisingly precise in its action, guided by the die body.

Practical design details include the clear labeling of the die for its intended caliber, which is a small but appreciated touch. The bullet feeding mechanism relies on gravity and the press stroke, making it inherently simple and intuitive once the basic operation is understood. There’s virtually no learning curve beyond initial setup and a few practice cycles.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, the bullet feed kit appears built to last. The machined metal die body is impervious to the wear and tear typically associated with reloading equipment. The most vulnerable part is the polymer feed finger, and while it’s a wear item, its construction suggests a good lifespan under normal operating conditions.

Maintenance for this product is virtually non-existent. A quick wipe-down is usually sufficient. There are no complex parts to clean or lubricate. If the feed finger were to wear out over a very long period, replacement fingers are readily available from Lee. The design itself is robust, meaning failure points are minimal. It’s a workhorse component that doesn’t require special attention beyond being kept reasonably clean.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898 comes as a complete kit for a specific caliber, including the bullet feed die and the corresponding feed finger. There are no other bundled accessories typically included with this item. However, the key “customization” or rather, adaptability, comes from Lee‘s offering of separate feed dies and fingers for other bullet diameters and lengths.

This means if you decide to reload .38 Special or 9mm with a similar feeding system, you can purchase the appropriate die and finger without needing to buy a whole new feeder setup. This modular approach is a significant benefit for reloaders who work with multiple calibers. For this .45 caliber kit, you are essentially getting the primary functional components needed to get started immediately.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898?

This bullet feed kit is ideal for any reloader who shoots a significant volume of .45 ACP or other .45 caliber handguns and uses a progressive reloading press. If you spend a lot of time at the range or are looking to prepare large batches of ammunition efficiently, this tool is a game-changer. It’s particularly suited for those who value speed and consistency in their reloading process without wanting to invest in overly complex or expensive automated systems.

Those who primarily reload for .45 caliber and want to reduce their manual input during the bullet seating stage will find this kit immensely beneficial. It’s perfect for the home reloader who is looking to optimize their workflow and make the reloading process more enjoyable and less labor-intensive.

However, if you reload a very wide variety of calibers, you will need to invest in multiple die sets, which could become costly. Users who reload only small batches of .45 caliber or are just starting with a single-stage press might find the added complexity and cost less justifiable. While not strictly necessary, a small funnel or a way to keep bullets organized nearby can make the reloading process even smoother.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90898 is a highly effective and well-priced solution for any reloader looking to streamline the .45 caliber ammunition production process. It delivers on its promise of increased speed and efficiency with a robust, simple design that integrates seamlessly into most progressive presses. While it requires a bit of initial adjustment and is caliber-specific, these minor considerations are heavily outweighed by the substantial gains in reloading throughput and the overall reduction in manual effort.

For the modest price of this kit, the value proposition is outstanding. It transforms a repetitive manual task into an automated step, saving significant time and reducing fatigue during extended reloading sessions. I would personally highly recommend this bullet feed kit to anyone who frequently reloads .45 ACP and is looking for a practical, reliable, and cost-effective upgrade to their reloading setup. It’s a component that quickly becomes an essential part of the reloading bench for any serious .45 caliber enthusiast.