Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 Review

The Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 in Action: First Look

The Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 is a specialized piece of equipment for reloading enthusiasts, designed to streamline the process of sizing and lubricating cast bullets. As an experienced gear specialist, I’m always on the lookout for tools that promise efficiency without compromising quality, and this kit from Lee caught my eye. The primary draw is its claim of being one of the fastest and easiest ways to handle this crucial reloading step.

My need for such a kit arose from an increasing volume of cast bullet reloading for a .50 caliber rifle. The manual sizing and lubricating process, while effective, was becoming a significant bottleneck in my production. I needed a method that could keep pace with my shooting habits without demanding an excessive amount of manual labor.

Upon unboxing, the Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 presented itself as a robust, no-nonsense assembly. The primary components, the sizing die and the lubricant reservoir, felt solid, made from what appears to be durable metal. The overall impression is one of functional simplicity; this isn’t a piece of equipment designed to impress with aesthetics, but rather with its intended purpose. I briefly considered a universal sizing die with a separate lubrication system, but the integrated nature of this Lee kit seemed more promising for efficiency. My initial reaction was one of pragmatic satisfaction, anticipating a reduction in my workload.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 to the Test

My testing grounds for the Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 were firmly rooted in my reloading workshop. I integrated it into my existing reloading press setup, which features standard 7/8 x 14 threads, as specified. The goal was to process a batch of approximately 200 cast bullets intended for .510 caliber rifle cartridges.

During the initial setup and first few runs, I noted the kit’s straightforward operation. Bullets are inserted nose-first into the die, and with a pull of the press handle, they are sized, lubricated, and have gas checks seated. The process was surprisingly quick, significantly reducing the time per bullet compared to my previous method. I did encounter a minor learning curve in consistently feeding the bullets without them tilting, but this was quickly overcome with practice.

After several weeks of use, processing hundreds of bullets for various loads, the Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 has held up remarkably well. The sizing die shows no signs of wear on its internal diameter, and the lubrication system consistently applies a uniform coat of lube. I found the cleaning process to be straightforward; a quick wipe-down of the die and reservoir after each session prevents lube build-up. Compared to some other sizing dies I’ve used that required significant force or manual application of lube, this integrated kit offers superior ease of use and consistency.

First Use Experience

I set up the Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 on my workbench in the reloading room. My primary objective was to assess its ability to quickly size and lubricate cast bullets for a .50 caliber hunting rifle. This involved mounting the die into my reloading press and preparing a batch of raw cast bullets.

The initial performance was impressive. The mechanism for seating gas checks was particularly noteworthy, as it’s an often fiddly step that this kit automates. I did notice that ensuring the bullet was perfectly seated before actuating the press was key to a clean pass through the die. Any slight misalignment could lead to a less-than-perfectly sized bullet.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of a few months, I’ve used this sizing kit to prepare over a thousand bullets. The Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 has proven to be a reliable workhorse. Despite repeated cycles of pressing, there’s been no degradation in the sizing diameter or the lubrication effectiveness.

Maintenance has been minimal. A simple wipe-down with a clean cloth after each reloading session is all that’s generally needed. Occasionally, a bit of solvent is useful to remove stubborn lube residue. I haven’t experienced any leaks from the lube reservoir, which is a testament to its build quality.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510

The Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 is designed with specific functionality in mind, and its features directly contribute to its performance.

Specifications

• Sizing Diameter: The kit features a .510 caliber sizing die. This precise diameter is crucial for ensuring consistent bullet fit in the barrel, impacting accuracy and pressure.
• Threading: It utilizes the standard 7/8 x 14 threads, making it compatible with the vast majority of reloading presses on the market. This universal threading ensures easy integration into most existing setups without the need for special adapters.
• Operation: The design allows bullets to be pushed through nose first, eliminating the need for specialized nose punches. This simplifies the feeding process and reduces the risk of damaging the bullet nose.
• Gas Check Seating: The kit automatically seats and crimps gas checks in place. This integrated function is a significant time-saver, as it combines two steps into one action.
• Bullet Capture: Sized and lubricated bullets are captured in a special container. This feature keeps the processed bullets organized and clean, ready for the next stage of reloading.
• Lubricant Type: The kit is designed for use with liquid Alox bullet lube, though it’s important to note that the lube itself is not included with the kit. Users will need to purchase a compatible lubricant separately.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 is to size and lubricate cast bullets efficiently. In this regard, it performs admirably. The sizing is consistent, resulting in uniform bullet diameters ideal for reloading. The automatic gas check seating is a standout feature, saving considerable time and effort.

The primary strength of this kit is its integrated approach. Combining sizing, lubrication, and gas check seating into a single press stroke significantly speeds up the bullet preparation process. This makes it an excellent choice for reloaders who process large quantities of cast bullets.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 is purely functional. The die body and reservoir are constructed from sturdy metal, giving it a durable feel. There are no extraneous parts, contributing to its straightforward operation.

Ergonomically, it’s designed to be used with a reloading press, so direct hand comfort isn’t a primary concern. The simplicity of feeding bullets nose-first and actuating the press lever makes it easy to operate once you get into a rhythm. The clear markings and straightforward assembly contribute to its user-friendliness.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, the durability of this kit appears to be excellent. The internal sizing surface shows no signs of wear, and the mechanisms for gas check seating remain precise. It’s built to withstand the forces involved in reloading presses and regular use.

Maintenance is minimal and straightforward. Keeping the sizing die clean and the reservoir filled with lubricant are the main tasks. This makes it a low-maintenance tool for busy reloaders.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 is a self-contained unit. It comes with the sizing die, lube reservoir, and a collection container for sized bullets. The only “accessory” required for operation is the lubricant itself, which must be purchased separately.

There are no significant customization options for the kit itself. Its strength lies in its fixed configuration, designed for a specific caliber (.510) and process. While Lee does offer sizing dies in various calibers, this particular kit is optimized for its stated size.

Pros and Cons of Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510

Who Should Buy Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510?

The Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 is ideally suited for cast bullet reloaders who process moderate to high volumes of ammunition for .510 caliber firearms. If you frequently load for rifles or handguns chambered in .50 caliber and use cast bullets, this kit will be a significant workflow improvement. It’s perfect for those looking to save time and effort in their reloading process, especially if they find manual lubrication and gas check installation to be a bottleneck.

Anyone reloading for calibers other than .510 should look elsewhere, as this kit is caliber-specific. Similarly, if you are new to reloading and don’t yet own a reloading press, this kit would not be a suitable starting point. For those who primarily use jacketed bullets or are transitioning away from cast bullets, the utility of this specific kit would be limited. As for essential accessories, ensuring you have a good supply of Lee Liquid Alox or a comparable liquid bullet lubricant is paramount to get the most out of this setup.

Conclusion on Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510

The Lee 90188 Kit Lube And Size Kit 510 is a highly effective tool for any reloader focused on cast bullets for .510 caliber firearms. It delivers on its promise of simplifying and speeding up the sizing and lubrication process, with the automatic gas check seating being a particularly valuable feature. The durable construction and straightforward operation make it a reliable addition to any reloading bench.

Considering its price point and the significant time savings it offers, the value proposition is strong, especially for those who process a substantial number of bullets. While the need to purchase lubricant separately is a minor inconvenience, it doesn’t detract from the overall quality and performance. I would wholeheartedly recommend this kit to any reloader who fits the specific use case it’s designed for, as it genuinely streamlines a critical part of the casting and loading process.