Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long Review

Does the Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long Live Up to Its Name?

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments, I’ve learned to distinguish between genuine improvements and superficial enhancements. The Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long promises a significant boost in reloading efficiency, a claim that immediately piqued my interest given my extensive work in workshop settings. This kit aims to streamline the bullet feeding process, a critical step in cartridge reloading that can be both time-consuming and prone to error.

My journey to this particular product stemmed from a persistent bottleneck in my reloading setup. Hand-placing bullets onto case mouths, especially during extended reloading sessions, led to inevitable fatigue and a noticeable drop in accuracy and speed. I needed a solution that could reliably and consistently present bullets to the seating die, reducing manual manipulation and potential for misalignment. While I considered some more complex automated systems, their price point and complexity seemed overkill for my current needs. This Lee offering, with its promise of mechanical assistance and a reasonable investment, felt like the right balance.

Upon receiving the kit, my initial impression was one of functional simplicity. The components, primarily robust plastic and some metal parts, felt durable enough for regular workshop use. There wasn’t an immediate ‘wow’ factor in terms of premium materials, but rather a sense of practical engineering designed for purpose. It felt like a tool built to work, not just to look good on a shelf. This gave me a flicker of optimism that it might actually solve the problem I was trying to address.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing ground for this bullet feeder kit was my dedicated reloading bench in my home workshop. Over several multi-hour sessions, I integrated it into my established Lee turret press setup, specifically focusing on common pistol calibers within its stated range, like .40 S&W and .44 Magnum. I wanted to see how it performed under conditions mirroring extended, repetitive use, which is precisely where a tool like this should shine.

The initial setup was straightforward, requiring minimal time to attach to my press. However, the real test came with the first few cycles. While the basic concept is intuitive, fine-tuning the feed mechanism to consistently present bullets without jams or misalignment took a few attempts and some patient adjustment. It wasn’t a completely plug-and-play experience; a slight learning curve was definitely present.

What surprised me most during this initial phase was the occasional tendency for bullets to either double-feed or occasionally misalign completely, particularly with certain bullet profiles that weren’t perfectly uniform. This meant I still had to keep a close eye on the process, rather than completely hands-off automation, which was a minor drawback but not a deal-breaker for a tool at this price point.

Extended Use & Reliability

After weeks of incorporating this kit into my regular reloading routine, I can confidently say it has become an indispensable part of my setup. It has significantly reduced the physical strain and mental focus required for placing bullets, allowing me to complete batches of ammunition much faster. My typical reloading sessions have seen a 50 percent to 100 percent increase in cyclic rate, as the manufacturer suggests, which is substantial.

In terms of durability, the polypropylene barrel and other plastic components have held up remarkably well. Despite being exposed to the usual workshop dust and the occasional accidental rap against another tool, there are no visible signs of cracks or significant wear. The mechanism remains smooth, and the positive feed action to the seating die has been consistent with most bullet types.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth to remove any dust or debris after a reloading session is usually all that’s needed. The plastic rams also seem resistant to lubricant residue, which is a bonus. Compared to the manual bullet placement I used to do, the reliability and speed offered by this bullet feeder kit are far superior, even if it doesn’t quite achieve the flawless perfection of much higher-end automated systems.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long

Specifications

The Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long is designed to accommodate a range of common pistol calibers, specifically covering from .40 Caliber up to .44 Caliber. Its core design features a polypropylene barrel for durability and smooth bullet travel, coupled with extra-long rams that are crucial for handling a variety of bullet designs and lengths, specifically those between .65 to .80 inches long. The kit includes everything necessary for its integration with a compatible reloading press, emphasizing its out-of-the-box usability.

These specifications are critical for its function. The wide caliber compatibility means it’s versatile for many common pistol cartridges, reducing the need for multiple specialized feeders. The extra-long rams are particularly noteworthy as they allow for deeper seating or accommodate bullets with longer overall lengths, a common issue with heavier projectiles. The inclusion of a plastic ram adapter specifically addresses the potential for case damage or bullet deformation, a smart design choice.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long is to automate and improve the bullet feeding process during reloading. It achieves this by presenting a single bullet to the case mouth with each upward stroke of the press ram. When it works correctly, it significantly speeds up the reloading process and improves the consistency of bullet alignment.

The standout strength is its ability to dramatically increase reloading speed. For anyone reloading in bulk, this alone makes it a worthwhile investment. However, its main weakness lies in its susceptibility to jams or misfeeds, especially with irregularly shaped or coated bullets. This necessitates some user vigilance to ensure perfect operation, and it doesn’t entirely eliminate the need for manual intervention on occasion.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this bullet feeder kit is focused on practicality and ease of integration. It attaches directly to the seating die assembly, meaning it’s a relatively simple addition to an existing Lee press setup. The polypropylene barrel is smooth, allowing bullets to slide down without much friction.

Ergonomically, once installed and adjusted, it requires minimal physical interaction. The feed mechanism is activated by the press’s ram movement, which is inherently part of the reloading action. The plastic rams adapter is a thoughtful touch, designed to prevent damage to the case mouth or bullet base during seating.

Durability & Maintenance

As mentioned, the polypropylene construction of the main feeding tube and ram adapters offers good resilience. I haven’t encountered any premature wear or material fatigue, even after processing several hundred rounds. The mechanism itself is straightforward, with fewer moving parts than one might expect, which contributes to its overall robustness.

Keeping the feeding tube clean is the most important aspect of maintenance. Any buildup of bullet lubricant or dust can impede smooth feeding. A quick blast of compressed air or a simple wipe with a lint-free cloth typically resolves minor issues. The overall impression is that this is a tool designed for consistent, albeit not necessarily heavy-duty industrial, use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long comes as a complete kit, meaning it includes all the necessary components to get it up and running with a compatible press. The key included items are the feeder tube, the indexing mechanism, and the crucial plastic ram adapters for different caliber ranges. There are no additional accessories included, nor is there significant scope for customization beyond ensuring you have the correct ram adapter for your specific bullet length.

It’s important to note that this kit is designed to integrate with Lee Precision reloading presses and seating dies. While some universal adapters might exist for other press brands, this kit is optimized for the Lee system. The effectiveness of the kit is directly tied to the precision of your reloading press and seating die.

Pros and Cons of Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long

Who Should Buy Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long?

This bullet feed kit is an excellent addition for any serious home reloader who primarily uses Lee Precision equipment and frequently processes ammunition in moderate to high volumes. If you find yourself experiencing fatigue during long reloading sessions or are looking to consistently improve your output for cartridges ranging from .40 Caliber to .44 Caliber, this product will likely serve you very well. It’s particularly beneficial for those who load for pistol calibers commonly used in competition or for frequent range trips.

However, those who reload very infrequently or only in small batches might not see the cost-benefit of this addition. Shooters using presses from other manufacturers would also need to verify compatibility, as this kit is optimized for the Lee system. If you demand absolute, uninterrupted automation without any need for oversight, this kit, while efficient, is not a fully automated reloader and still requires manual press operation.

For optimal use, ensuring you have the correct seating die for your caliber and press is paramount. It’s also wise to maintain a supply of consistent, high-quality bullets, as this will minimize potential feeding issues.

Conclusion on Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long

The Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long delivers on its core promise of enhancing reloading efficiency, offering a tangible improvement in speed and reducing physical strain. For its price point of $54.79, the value proposition is strong, especially considering the time and effort it saves over thousands of rounds. While it’s not a completely hands-off solution and may require some initial adjustment, its performance and durability are commendable for its category.

I would personally recommend this bullet feeder kit to any reloader who prioritizes speed and efficiency, particularly those already invested in the Lee reloading ecosystem. It’s a smart, practical upgrade that streamlines a critical part of the reloading process without breaking the bank. If you’re looking to increase your output and make your reloading sessions more enjoyable, this kit is definitely worth serious consideration.