Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga Review

The Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga and What It Taught Me

As someone who’s spent over a decade wrestling with gear in everything from dusty workshops to sterile labs and the unpredictable outdoors, I’ve developed a healthy skepticism for anything promising to simplify complex processes. The Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga landed on my bench with that familiar glint of potential utility. My usual shotshell reloading setup was geared for 12 gauge, and a recent acquisition of a lovely 20 gauge scattergun left me in a bind: either buy a whole new press or find a way to adapt. This kit, from a manufacturer known for accessible reloading tools, presented itself as the pragmatic solution.

First impressions of this conversion kit were, honestly, mixed but leaning positive. The components felt solid, primarily metal as expected from Lee Precision. There was a slight heft to the die carrier that suggested durability, though some of the smaller plastic parts, like the wad guide, felt a bit less robust. I briefly considered a full-sized 20-gauge press from another manufacturer, but the cost was significantly higher, and frankly, I didn’t want another bulky press taking up valuable bench space. This Lee kit offered a more streamlined, cost-effective approach. My initial reaction was a quiet sense of satisfaction; it felt like a smart, economical fix to a specific problem.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for this conversion kit were my dedicated reloading bench in the workshop. The goal was simple: convert my existing Lee Load-All II press from 12 gauge to 20 gauge, and then load a batch of test shells. The process was remarkably straightforward; the instructions provided were clear and concise, detailing the component swaps.

The kit includes a steel sizer die carrier, a new shellholder, and a wad guide specific to the 20 gauge. Swapping out the entire die carrier unit eliminated any need for fine-tuning or complex adjustments, which was a significant relief. I experienced no immediate issues or surprises; the components fit precisely as they should. The entire conversion process, from unboxing the kit to having the press ready for 20 gauge shells, took less than ten minutes.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the following months, I’ve used the Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga extensively. I’ve loaded hundreds of rounds of various 20 gauge loads, from light field loads to heavier hunting rounds. The conversion has held up remarkably well, with no discernible wear and tear on the metal components. The sizer die remains true, and the shellholder continues to seat primers reliably.

Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a silicone cloth after a reloading session is all that’s needed. The kit hasn’t required any disassembly or recalibration since the initial setup. Compared to my previous experience with adapting other reloading tools, this kit’s plug-and-play nature makes it exceptionally reliable. It simply works, allowing me to switch between gauges with confidence and minimal interruption to my reloading workflow.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga

Specifications

The Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga is designed to transform a Lee Load-All II press, originally configured for 12 or 16 gauge, into a dedicated 20 gauge shotshell loader. The core of the kit is a new steel sizer die carrier, which integrates directly into the press mechanism. It also includes a specific shellholder designed to accommodate the 20 gauge hull diameter and a plastic wad guide that ensures proper seating of wads. The primary benefit of this kit is its ability to facilitate a quick and easy gauge change, eliminating the need for extensive adjustments.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the reloading process. The steel sizer die carrier ensures that spent hulls are resized correctly for proper function in your shotgun, while the specific shellholder guarantees a stable platform for priming and seating components. The wad guide is vital for consistent crimps, directly affecting shot-to-shot consistency. This attention to detail in the components is what allows for a relatively seamless transition between gauges.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this kit is to enable accurate and reliable 20 gauge shotshell loading on a Lee Load-All II press. It performs this task admirably. The sizer die does an excellent job of resizing spent hulls, ensuring they chamber and eject properly in a firearm. Priming is consistent, and the crimp finished on the shells is uniform, which is critical for proper functioning.

The main strength of this conversion kit is its simplicity and effectiveness. By providing a pre-assembled die carrier unit, it removes much of the guesswork and potential for error that can come with piecemeal conversions. Its main weakness, if one can call it that, is its complete dependence on owning a compatible Lee Load-All II press. Without that base unit, the kit itself is unusable. Overall, it meets and often exceeds expectations for what such an accessory should do.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga is fundamentally about function over form. The steel sizer die carrier is robust and well-machined, fitting snugly into the Load-All II press. The included shellholder is a simple, precisely formed piece of metal designed for a specific purpose. The plastic wad guide is less impressive aesthetically but does its job effectively without requiring any complex manipulation.

Ergonomically, the kit benefits from the already well-established design of the Load-All II press. Once installed, operating the press with the 20 gauge conversion feels natural and intuitive. There’s no real learning curve beyond understanding which gauge components are installed. The markings on the press itself, which typically indicate primer indexing and charge bar positions, remain relevant, making the transition seamless.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga is, for the most part, excellent. The critical component, the steel sizer die carrier, is built to last and shows no signs of wear even after heavy use. The shellholder is also a solid piece of metal. The only component that might eventually show wear is the plastic wad guide, though it’s a relatively inexpensive part to replace if it ever became an issue.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent beyond basic cleaning of the press itself. Keeping the die carrier and shellholder clean will ensure their longevity and prevent any potential issues with grit or powder residue affecting operation. There are no obvious failure points to worry about; the kit is designed to be a permanent fixture once installed for 20 gauge use, or easily swapped back for other gauges.

Accessories and Customization Options

This kit itself is essentially an accessory designed to customize an existing Lee Load-All II press. It doesn’t come with additional accessories in the traditional sense. However, the main “customization” is the ability to switch between gauges. If you plan on reloading multiple shotshell calibers with the Load-All II, you would need separate conversion kits for each.

There are no further customization options for the kit itself; it is what it is: a set of parts for a specific gauge conversion. The quality of the final loaded shotshells will, of course, depend on the other components you use, such as primers, powder, wads, and shot, all of which are critical to a successful load.

Pros and Cons of Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga

Who Should Buy Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga?

This Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga is an absolute must-have for anyone who already owns a Lee Load-All II shotshell reloading press and wants to start reloading for 20 gauge. It’s perfect for the budget-conscious reloader who wants to expand their capabilities without breaking the bank. If you’re a trap, skeet, or sporting clays shooter who uses 20 gauge and wants to save money on ammunition, this kit is a practical choice.

Anyone looking for a standalone reloading press should look elsewhere; this is strictly an upgrade or conversion component. Those who are incredibly demanding about the absolute highest quality materials for every single component might find the plastic wad guide a minor point of contention, but for practical reloading, it’s perfectly adequate. For those reloading 12 gauge and then deciding to add 20 gauge, this kit, along with the appropriate primers, powder, and components for that gauge, is the logical next step.

Conclusion on Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga

The Lee 90072 Shotgun Conversion Kit For 20 Ga is a testament to efficient design and practical engineering from Lee Precision. It delivers exactly what it promises: a straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective way to adapt your existing Lee Load-All II press for 20 gauge shotshell reloading. The steel sizer die carrier is the standout component, ensuring that the core function of resizing hulls is handled with the same quality you’d expect from a dedicated press. For the price, the value proposition is undeniable; it unlocks a new caliber of reloading without the hefty investment of a new machine.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this kit to any Lee Load-All II owner looking to venture into 20 gauge reloading. It simplifies the process, maintains reloading consistency, and significantly extends the versatility of your existing press. If you’re on the fence about getting into 20 gauge loads, this kit makes the decision incredibly easy.