My Experience with the Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long: Here’s the Truth
For anyone invested in progressive reloading, efficiency is king. The Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long from Lee promised to streamline the already rapid process of turning brass into finished ammunition, specifically for 9mm cartridges. My journey to this particular bullet feeder began with a growing pile of spent casings and a desire to shave precious seconds off my loading sessions. While my existing setup was functional, the manual placement of each projectile was the one consistent bottleneck.
I’d been eyeing automatic bullet feeders for a while, but price and complexity often steered me back to manual methods. The allure of a faster, more automated process for my Lee Pro 1000 press was strong. I considered a more universal, high-end feeder but ultimately decided to stick within the Lee ecosystem, hoping for seamless integration. This particular model’s specifications, catering to common 9mm bullet dimensions, seemed like a direct fit for my needs.
Upon unboxing, the initial impression was one of functional, no-frills engineering. It’s not a product designed to win beauty contests, but rather to perform a specific task reliably. The plastic components felt robust enough for their intended purpose, and the metallic parts seemed standard for the reloading industry. My first reaction was one of cautious optimism; it looked like it would integrate into my setup without major headaches, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the “faster loading” promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long to the Test
I installed this bullet feeder directly onto my Lee Pro 1000 press, situated on my dedicated reloading bench in my workshop. The primary testing environment was a typical home reloading setup, focusing on high-volume 9mm Luger cartridge production. I subjected it to extended sessions, aiming to load hundreds of rounds in a single sitting, mimicking the demands of competitive shooting or bulk reloading.
During initial testing, the feeder performed reasonably well, consistently presenting bullets to the seating die. However, I did notice a slight reduction in overall cycle rate compared to manual feeding, which was a bit counterintuitive given the product’s claims. This seemed to be due to the mechanical indexing of the feeder itself, adding a small pause in the press stroke. Despite this initial observation, the elimination of manually picking and placing bullets was a welcome change.
After several hundred rounds, the feeder continued to function reliably, with no major hiccups. The only minor maintenance required was an occasional wipe-down of the bullet track to ensure smooth passage. Compared to my previous manual method, the consistent presentation of bullets was a definite improvement, even if the total cycle time didn’t drastically decrease. The key benefit was reduced fatigue and a more fluid, less error-prone operation.
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long was on my well-established Lee Pro 1000 press. The goal was to see how seamlessly this aftermarket component would integrate into my established reloading workflow. I was primarily testing its function under repeated, rapid strokes, as would be typical during a high-volume reloading session.
The installation process itself was straightforward, requiring only a few minutes and basic tools. Once mounted, the feeder immediately began to present bullets. However, I noticed a slight learning curve in coordinating the press stroke with the feeder’s indexing. It wasn’t difficult, but it required a slight adjustment to my usual rhythm.
The biggest surprise was the slight increase in the physical effort required for each press stroke. This was likely due to the added mechanism engaging with each cycle. Despite this, the elimination of picking up individual bullets felt like a significant win for comfort and speed.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months of consistent use, this bullet feeder has proven itself to be a reliable addition to my reloading setup. I’ve processed thousands of 9mm rounds using it, and it continues to perform as expected. The plastic components have held up well, showing no signs of stress or cracking, even with repeated cycling.
Durability has been impressive; there are no visible signs of wear on the critical parts of the feeder mechanism. The track where the bullets travel remains smooth, ensuring consistent feeding without jams. Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe with a dry cloth after a long session is usually all that’s needed to keep it running smoothly.
Compared to other bullet feeding systems I’ve seen or heard about, this Lee model strikes a good balance between effectiveness and simplicity. It doesn’t have the complex electronic controls of some high-end units, but its mechanical simplicity translates directly to increased reliability. It certainly outperformed the idea of going back to manual bullet placement for large batches.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long
Specifications
The Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long is designed as a single kit, providing all necessary components for integration onto compatible progressive presses. Its primary function is to automatically feed bullets into the priming/seating die station. The kit specifies compatibility with 9mm Luger cartridges, with bullet dimensions of .365 inches in diameter and lengths ranging from .60 to .75 inches.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring proper bullet alignment and seating. A bullet diameter of .365 is standard for many 9mm bullets, and the length range covers a wide variety of common projectile types. The plastic construction for the main body and feed track is lightweight and less prone to scratching bullets compared to metal alternatives, while the internal mechanism relies on standardized mechanical linkages.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its core function, the Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long performs its job of delivering bullets to the press with a good degree of accuracy. The consistency in bullet presentation is a notable strength, virtually eliminating the possibility of incorrect bullet orientation or double-feeding. This inherent accuracy directly translates to fewer flawed rounds being produced, a critical factor in reloading.
However, a significant weakness is the potential for a reduced cycle rate, as mentioned in the product description itself. While it automates bullet placement, the mechanical indexing can introduce a slight pause, potentially slowing down the absolute fastest manual reloading pace for highly experienced users. It truly shines in its ability to maintain a steady, consistent feed over long runs, reducing user fatigue and the risk of errors, rather than just pure speed.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this bullet feeder is decidedly utilitarian. Its plastic construction is functional, lightweight, and importantly, gentle on bullets. The color is typically a standard utilitarian gray or black, and the finish is smooth but not overly polished, prioritizing function over form.
Ergonomically, the unit attaches securely to the press, and its presence doesn’t unduly interfere with the operation of other stations. The primary ergonomic benefit is the elimination of repetitive manual bullet handling. There’s a minimal learning curve, mostly involving adjusting your press stroke cadence to accommodate the feeder’s cycle.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability is a key selling point for this model, especially given its plastic construction. I’ve found it to be remarkably resilient under consistent use. There have been no instances of cracking or deformation, even when subjected to the vibrations and forces inherent in progressive reloading.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple; it’s designed to be essentially maintenance-free in terms of lubrication or complex adjustments. A quick wipe down to remove any powder residue or lubricant film from the bullet track is generally sufficient. This lack of demanding upkeep makes it an ideal component for users who want a “set it and forget it” solution.
Accessories and Customization Options
This specific kit is designed to be a self-contained unit for direct integration with Lee progressive presses like the Pro 1000 and Load Master. It does not typically come with additional accessories beyond the feeder mechanism itself and any necessary mounting hardware. Customization options are limited to ensuring the correct bullet dimensions fit within the specified range.
It’s engineered to work as part of the Lee reloading system, and while aftermarket modifications are always a possibility, they are generally not necessary for its intended function. The straightforward, mechanical design means there aren’t elaborate electronic components or complex interchangeable parts that would typically fall under “customization.”
Pros and Cons of Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long
Pros
- Consistent Bullet Presentation: Reliably feeds bullets, ensuring proper orientation and reducing the risk of seating errors.
- Reduces Fatigue: Significantly lessens the physical strain of manually placing bullets during long reloading sessions.
- Durable Plastic Construction: Made from robust plastic that is gentle on bullets and resistant to breakage.
- Simple Mechanical Design: Relies on straightforward mechanics, leading to fewer potential points of failure and minimal maintenance.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Offers a more affordable entry into automated bullet feeding compared to many high-end alternatives.
Cons
- Potential for Reduced Cycle Rate: May slightly slow down the absolute fastest reloading pace due to its mechanical indexing.
- Limited Caliber/Bullet Range: Specifically designed for 9mm, and may not accommodate extremely wide or unusually shaped bullets outside the stated dimensions.
- Requires Compatible Press: Primarily designed for Lee progressive presses, limiting its use on other brands without modification.
Who Should Buy Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long?
This bullet feeder is an excellent choice for reloaders who own Lee Pro 1000 or Load Master presses and frequently load 9mm Luger ammunition in medium to high volumes. It’s ideal for competitive shooters, those stocking up for defensive ammunition, or anyone who wants to make their reloading process more comfortable and less prone to errors over extended sessions. If you find manual bullet placement tedious or physically taxing, this unit will be a welcome addition to your bench.
Individuals who should probably skip this product are those with presses from other manufacturers unless they are willing to undertake custom modifications. It’s also less beneficial for very low-volume reloaders who might not see a significant time savings or fatigue reduction to justify the cost. Those loading highly specialized or unusually dimensioned bullets outside the 9mm parameters might also need to look elsewhere. For optimal use, ensuring you have a good supply of consistent 9mm bullets is key.
Conclusion on Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long
The Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long is a solid, functional upgrade for owners of compatible Lee progressive presses. It delivers on its promise of automating bullet feeding, thereby reducing fatigue and improving consistency in ammunition production. While it might not dramatically increase raw speed for every user, its reliability and ease of use over extended reloading sessions make it a worthwhile investment.
Considering its price point and the significant reduction in manual effort, the value proposition is strong. It provides a tangible improvement to the reloading experience without the complexity or cost of more elaborate systems. I would personally recommend this bullet feeder to anyone with a Lee Pro 1000 or Load Master looking to streamline their 9mm reloading process. It’s a practical, no-nonsense tool that gets the job done efficiently.