Lee 90070 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 12 Ga Metal Review

Breaking Down My Lee 90070 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 12 Ga Metal Experience

My reloading bench has seen its fair share of Lee Precision products over the years, and with good reason: they often offer a solid, no-frills approach to essential reloading tools. When I found myself needing to adapt my trusty Lee Load-All II to handle more than just 12-gauge shells, the Lee 90070 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 12 Ga Metal immediately came to mind. This kit promises to transform the Load-All II into a versatile tool capable of reloading 16-gauge and 20-gauge shotgun shells, a capability that significantly broadens its utility.

The impetus for this purchase was quite practical. I had a surplus of once-fired 16-gauge hulls and a strong desire to start reloading them economically. My existing Load-All II was perfect for my 12-gauge needs, but buying an entirely new press for just one other gauge felt like an unnecessary expense. The prospect of a simple conversion kit offered an appealing middle ground, allowing me to leverage existing equipment.

Upon receiving the kit, my first impression was one of straightforward engineering. The pieces felt substantial, crafted from what is indeed a durable metal, promising longevity. There was no unnecessary flash or embellishment, just the functional components designed to do a specific job. I had briefly considered buying a different brand’s single-stage press specifically for smaller gauges, but the cost and the added complexity of learning a new machine steered me back towards the Lee solution. My initial reaction was one of quiet satisfaction, a feeling that a simple, affordable solution was now within reach.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90070 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 12 Ga Metal to the Test

First Use Experience

I conducted the initial testing of this conversion kit in my dedicated reloading workshop. The primary goal was to see how seamlessly the Load-All II could be adapted for 16-gauge shells. The kit’s instructions were clear and concise, which made the process of swapping out the existing components for the new ones remarkably simple.

The actual conversion process took less than ten minutes. I carefully removed the 12-gauge specific parts, installed the new sizer die, shellholder, and wad guide for the 16-gauge. The fit of each piece was precise, and there was no wobbling or looseness. My first batch of reloaded 16-gauge shells came off the press with an ease that was genuinely surprising, and I encountered no issues during this initial trial.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months, this conversion kit has proven its worth, allowing me to reload hundreds of 16-gauge shells. I’ve also used it to reload 20-gauge shells, and the process for both gauges has been consistently smooth. There have been no signs of premature wear or tear on any of the metal components, even with repeated cycling of the press.

Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after each reloading session is usually sufficient. Occasionally, a light application of a rust inhibitor prevents any chance of corrosion, especially in my sometimes humid workshop environment. Compared to my earlier experiences with older, less robust conversion kits from other manufacturers, this Lee kit stands out for its unyielding reliability and durability. It doesn’t feel like a temporary fix, but rather a permanent upgrade to the Load-All II.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90070 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 12 Ga Metal

Specifications

The Lee 90070 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 12 Ga Metal is designed to adapt the Lee Load-All II shotshell reloader to process 16-gauge and 20-gauge hulls. This kit replaces the 12-gauge specific components with equivalents for the desired smaller gauges. It is constructed from highly durable metal, ensuring a long service life.

Included in the kit are a steel sizer die, a shellholder, and a wad guide specifically machined for 16 and 20 gauge shells. The kit also provides comprehensive instructions and load data, making the conversion process accessible even for novice reloaders. The “Metal” in its name is not an exaggeration; the parts feel robust and built to withstand the pressures and stresses of reloading.

The significance of these specifications lies in their direct impact on the reloading process. The precision-machined sizer die ensures that fired hulls are properly resized for consistent performance, while the correct shellholder and wad guide guarantee proper seating of components. This attention to detail is crucial for producing safe and reliable ammunition, and the kit’s metal construction means these components won’t deform or wear out quickly under repeated use.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this conversion kit is to enable the Lee Load-All II to reliably reload smaller gauge shotgun shells, and it excels at this task. The switch between gauges is straightforward, and once converted, the reloading process is as smooth and consistent as one would expect from the Load-All II.

• Sizing: The included sizer die effectively reduces the diameter of fired hulls, preparing them for reuse. I’ve found that fired 16-gauge hulls sized with this die chamber and extract flawlessly in my own firearms.
• Wad Seating: The wad guide ensures that wads are seated correctly and consistently, which is vital for maintaining proper crimp integrity and shot cup alignment. I experienced no issues with misaligned or improperly seated wads.
• Crimp Quality: The final crimp is consistently good, producing shells that look and function like factory-produced ammunition. This is a testament to the accuracy of the components and the robust design of the Load-All II press itself.

The kit meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose. It transforms a single-gauge machine into a multi-gauge workhorse without sacrificing the quality of the reloaded ammunition.

Design & Ergonomics

The design philosophy behind the Lee 90070 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 12 Ga Metal is purely functional, and it’s executed flawlessly. The metal components have a utilitarian finish, free from unnecessary adornments, and they feel solid and dependable. The pieces are designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing Lee Load-All II press, making the transition between gauges incredibly easy.

• Material Choice: The use of durable metal for all critical components is a significant advantage. This ensures that the parts will not break, crack, or deform under the stresses of repeated use.
• Fit and Finish: The tight tolerances of the dies and shellholders mean that components fit snugly without excessive play. This precision is key to producing accurate and reliable ammunition.
• Ease of Installation: The ergonomic design of the components, coupled with clear instructions, makes installation a breeze. No special tools beyond what’s typically found in a reloading kit are required.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from high-quality metal, the durability of this conversion kit is expected to be excellent. These parts are designed for repeated, heavy-duty use in a reloading environment. I have experienced zero degradation in performance or appearance after numerous reloading sessions for both 16-gauge and 20-gauge shells.

Cleaning is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a lint-free cloth after use is usually sufficient to remove any residual powder or lubricant. For longer-term storage, a light application of a rust inhibitor can provide an extra layer of protection, though the inherent quality of the metal makes this largely a precautionary measure. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points, and I don’t anticipate any under normal operating conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

This kit is not about customization in the traditional sense; it’s about conversion. It doesn’t offer interchangeable parts for fine-tuning within a gauge. Instead, its purpose is to allow the Load-All II to accept different gauge shells.

The kit itself is a set of essential components that work together to achieve this gauge conversion. It doesn’t come with additional accessories like extra primers or wads, as those are consumables typically purchased separately by the reloader. The primary “accessory” it provides is the ability to utilize the existing Load-All II press for multiple shotgun gauges, a significant value addition in itself.

Pros and Cons of Lee 90070 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 12 Ga Metal

Who Should Buy Lee 90070 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 12 Ga Metal?

This conversion kit is an absolute must-have for any reloader who already owns a Lee Load-All II and wishes to expand their reloading capabilities to include 16-gauge or 20-gauge shotgun shells. If you find yourself with a stash of once-fired hulls in these smaller gauges, or if you simply want the economic advantage of reloading them, this kit is ideal. It is perfectly suited for the home reloader looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to diversify their ammunition production.

Anyone who is expecting a complete, standalone reloading press should look elsewhere. This kit is an accessory designed to enhance existing Lee Load-All II equipment. While it significantly improves the versatility of the Load-All II, it doesn’t offer additional customization for powder measures or primer seating beyond what the base press provides. For optimal results, ensure you have a good supply of the correct primers, powders, wads, and hulls for the gauges you intend to reload.

Conclusion on Lee 90070 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 12 Ga Metal

The Lee 90070 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 12 Ga Metal is a prime example of Lee Precision’s commitment to providing practical, affordable solutions for reloaders. It delivers exactly what it promises: a straightforward and robust method to adapt the popular Load-All II for 16 and 20 gauge shotgun shells. The durable metal construction, precise machining, and ease of installation make it an exceptional value for the price.

Considering that it allows a single press to handle multiple shotgun gauges effectively, the value proposition is outstanding. If you are a Lee Load-All II owner looking to reload 16 or 20 gauge shells without investing in entirely new equipment, I wholeheartedly recommend this conversion kit. It’s a smart, functional upgrade that pays dividends in both cost savings and reloading flexibility.