Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285 Review

This is What Happened When I Used the Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285

My quest for streamlined bullet preparation led me to the Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285. This specialized kit promises to simplify the often tedious process of lubricating and sizing cast bullets, a critical step for reloaders aiming for accuracy and consistent performance. For years, I’d managed with separate lubing and sizing dies, a system that, while functional, was far from efficient. The lure of a single, integrated solution was compelling, especially for someone who values precision and speed in their reloading bench operations.

The catalyst for seeking this particular kit was a growing volume of cast bullet reloading. As my output increased, the time spent on post-casting processes became a bottleneck. I needed a way to process bullets faster without sacrificing the quality of the lube application or the precise sizing required for optimal chambering and feeding. The Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285 presented itself as a potential game-changer, offering an all-in-one approach that seemed too good to pass up.

Upon unboxing, the kit presented a sturdy, functional appearance. The die body felt substantial, a hallmark of Lee Precision’s commitment to robust, no-nonsense tooling. The included bottle of Liquid Alox lube had a familiar scent, a testament to its long-standing presence in the reloading community. It lacked the flashy aesthetics of some premium brands, but for a reloading tool, its utilitarian design felt reassuringly practical. I had briefly considered some automated sizing machines, but their cost and complexity were overkill for my needs.

My initial impression was one of quiet anticipation. This wasn’t a high-tech gadget; it was a piece of well-designed reloading equipment, and I was eager to see if it lived up to its promise of simplifying a core reloading task.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285 took place on my dedicated reloading bench. I fitted the sizing die into my press, ensuring it was properly seated and aligned. The process of feeding pre-cast, unlubed bullets nose-first into the die was straightforward, and the inherent design meant no specialized tools were needed to guide them.

The die performed admirably under repeated use, consistently lubricating and sizing each bullet as it passed through. Even after processing several hundred bullets in a single session, its performance remained steady, with no noticeable degradation in lubrication or sizing accuracy. The ease of operation was a significant improvement over my previous multi-step method; it felt intuitive from the first bullet.

One minor surprise was the slight resistance encountered when pushing particularly rough-cast bullets through. However, this was easily overcome by a firmer, steady press, and it didn’t impede the overall speed of the operation. The captured bullets dropped cleanly into the collection container, ready for the next stage of handloading.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, processing thousands of .285 caliber cast bullets, this sizing kit has become an indispensable part of my reloading setup. It has held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of wear that would affect its functionality. The die body remains clean, and the sizing punch still operates smoothly without any binding.

Durability has been excellent; despite the occasional accidental bump against other equipment on the bench, there are no cracks or significant scuffs. The lubrication system within the die remains effective, and I haven’t experienced any issues with lube build-up or clogging. Maintenance is remarkably simple: a quick wipe-down with a cloth after a heavy session and occasional cleaning with a degreaser is all it takes to keep it in top condition.

Compared to my older, separate lubing and sizing dies, this integrated Lee kit is significantly faster and less messy. While some premium sizing systems might offer micro-adjustments, this kit strikes an excellent balance between performance and value, outperforming basic, single-function dies easily.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285

Specifications

The Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285 is engineered for efficiency. Its core component is a sizing die with 7/8 x 14 threads, making it compatible with virtually any standard reloading press on the market. This threading is a universal standard, ensuring broad compatibility without the need for special adapters. The kit includes a 4 oz. bottle of Lee Liquid Alox bullet lube, a proven and effective lubricant that has been a staple for cast bullet shooters for decades.

The design inherently pushes bullets through the sizing die nose first, eliminating the need for separate nose punches, a common requirement in some older sizing systems. This feature significantly streamlines the process and reduces the number of small parts that can be misplaced. The die automatically seats and crimps gas checks, if used, and captures the finished, sized, and lubed bullets in a special container that comes with the kit. This container is designed to catch the bullets cleanly, preventing them from scattering.

This integrated approach means fewer steps and less handling of bullets, which is crucial for maintaining their integrity and for speed. The automatic gas check seating is a particularly useful addition for those who employ gas-checked bullets, further consolidating the process.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, the Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285 performs exceptionally well. It consistently sizes bullets to the specified .285 diameter, ensuring uniformity essential for accurate reloading. The integrated lubrication system effectively coats the bullet, providing sufficient protection against leading in the firearm barrel. I have found that the Lee Liquid Alox, when applied through this system, provides a good, even coating that lasts through the firing process.

The main strength of this kit lies in its efficiency and simplicity. It takes a multi-step process and condenses it into a single operation, saving considerable time and effort at the reloading bench. Its primary weakness, if one can call it that, is that it’s designed for a specific caliber (.285 in this case). While this ensures optimal performance for that caliber, it means you’ll need separate kits for other bullet diameters. It definitively meets and often exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, especially considering its competitive price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this lube and size kit is a testament to Lee Precision’s philosophy of practical functionality over aesthetics. The die body is robust, made from durable metal that feels solid and well-machined. Its standard 7/8 x 14 threading ensures a secure fit in any press, and the overall build quality inspires confidence in its longevity.

Ergonomically, the die is designed to be used with a reloading press, meaning direct hand contact is minimal during the sizing and lubing process itself. The included container for collected bullets is a thoughtful touch, making it easy to gather the finished product without them rolling away. The simple, nose-first feeding mechanism is intuitive and requires no complex adjustments, making it user-friendly even for those new to bullet sizing. The overall feel is that of a tool built for work, not for show, which is exactly what I look for in my reloading equipment.

Durability & Maintenance

From my experience, the Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285 is built for the long haul. Given its solid metal construction and the lack of intricate moving parts within the die itself (beyond the sizing punch and lube delivery mechanism), it’s highly durable. I anticipate it will last for many thousands of bullets with minimal fuss.

Maintenance is refreshingly straightforward. After a long session, a quick wipe-down of the die exterior and the collection container is usually sufficient. If any lube residue builds up internally, a simple flush with a suitable solvent, followed by a light re-application of Alox or a similar lubricant to the sizing punch, restores it to optimal performance. There are no easily breakable components, and the design inherently resists the kind of wear and tear that can plague more complex mechanisms.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285 comes with a 4 oz. bottle of Lee Liquid Alox bullet lube, which is essential for its operation. The kit also includes the special container for collecting the sized and lubed bullets. While the kit itself isn’t designed for extensive customization, the core components – the sizing die and lube system – are precisely engineered for the .285 caliber.

The true “accessory” here is the reloading press itself, as the die threads into it. Beyond that, the primary user-customization comes in the form of choosing whether or not to use gas checks, which the die is designed to handle. For those who cast their own bullets, the primary customization is the alloy composition and the heat treatment of the bullets before they are run through this kit.

Pros and Cons of Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285

Who Should Buy Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285?

This lube and size kit is an ideal acquisition for reloafers who frequently cast and load .285 caliber bullets. It is particularly well-suited for individuals who value efficiency and wish to streamline their reloading process without a massive investment. If you’re tired of the mess and time involved in separate lubing and sizing steps, this kit will be a significant improvement.

Anyone looking for a cost-effective way to improve their cast bullet reloading workflow should seriously consider this Lee product. It is perfect for both experienced reloaders looking to upgrade their equipment and for those newer to cast bullet reloading who want a simple, effective system.

Those who require ultra-high-speed, automated bullet processing might find this manual-feed kit a limitation. Similarly, if you primarily use advanced, high-temperature bullet lubricants that aren’t compatible with the Liquid Alox system, this kit might not be the best fit, though it can be adapted with modifications. For standard cast bullet reloading needs, however, it is excellent.

Conclusion on Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285

The Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285 is a stellar example of Lee Precision’s commitment to providing effective, no-nonsense reloading tools. It brilliantly consolidates two essential steps – lubricating and sizing – into a single, efficient operation that significantly speeds up the reloading process. The robust build quality, intuitive design, and impressive functionality make it a standout product, especially considering its accessible price point.

For anyone regularly reloading .285 caliber cast bullets, this kit offers exceptional value. It streamlines workflow, reduces mess, and delivers consistent, reliable results. I can wholeheartedly recommend the Lee 90171 New Lube & Size Kit .285 to any reloader looking to enhance their efficiency and improve the quality of their cast bullet preparations. It’s a tool that proves that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective.