Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only Review

Is the Hype Real? Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only Reviewed

For anyone serious about reloading, the quest for efficiency and repeatability is a constant pursuit. As a gear specialist with over a decade immersed in everything from dusty workshops to precise lab environments, I’ve seen my share of tools promising to streamline processes. The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only emerged on my radar when I was looking to upgrade from a solid but time-consuming single-stage setup for pistol ammunition. I needed something that could handle higher volume without sacrificing the accuracy I’ve come to expect. My previous press, while reliable, required constant die adjustments and manual priming for every single round, a process that became a bottleneck for my increasing shooting habits. While exploring options, I briefly considered higher-end progressive presses but balked at the steep price tags and complex setups. This Lee press, however, promised a progressive-like experience at a fraction of the cost, with a modular approach that appealed to my desire for adaptability. Upon unboxing, the initial impression was one of robust, no-nonsense engineering – it felt solid, hinting at a design built for longevity.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only to the Test

My testing primarily took place on my dedicated reloading bench, a space that sees everything from delicate instrument calibration to heavy-duty fabrication. The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only was mounted securely, and my initial setup involved fitting dies into the Breech Lock bushings. This part of the process, while requiring initial setup, was straightforward. I loaded several hundred rounds of 9mm and .45 ACP ammunition over a couple of weeks.

First Use Experience

The first session with the press was an exercise in understanding its unique automation. The exclusive auto case placer was the star of the show, reliably positioning each case as the ram cycled. This feature alone drastically cut down on manual intervention. Cycling through the press, I noticed the compound leverage system made each stroke feel smooth and consistent, even with full cases. The ergonomic wood grip roller handle was a welcome comfort, especially during longer reloading sessions, reducing hand fatigue significantly compared to my old press’s steel handle.

The cartridge changeover was indeed as quick as advertised. Swapping out the shell plate and re-orienting the Breech Lock bushings for different caliber dies took mere seconds, a stark contrast to the often fiddly nature of traditional die changes. One minor quirk I encountered was ensuring consistent primer seating across different brass types, though this was more about fine-tuning my technique with the primer system than a fault of the press itself. The through ram primer disposal worked effectively, channeling spent primers into the included tube without mess.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several hundred rounds and multiple caliber changes, the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear on the critical components, and the action remains as smooth as it was on day one. I found the modular construction particularly useful; I could set it up for a near-fully progressive operation or revert to a more manual single-stage feel if I was working with a new or particularly tricky cartridge.

Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe-down with a cloth to remove any brass shavings and a light application of lubricant on the ram guides are all that’s needed. Unlike some presses that accumulate powder residue or debris in intricate mechanisms, the design of this Lee press makes cleaning straightforward. It consistently performs without hiccup, delivering accurate and reliably formed ammunition batch after batch. Compared to the premium single-stage presses I’ve used, this offers a significant step up in speed without the overwhelming complexity of some full-blown automatics.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only

This press is designed with user accessibility and efficiency at its core, offering a blend of features that cater to both novice and experienced reloaders.

Specifications

The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only is a single-stage press at its heart, but with a clever design that allows for progressive-like functionality. It boasts compound leverage, which amplifies the force applied to the ram, making resizing and seating operations feel effortless. The press incorporates Breech Lock quick change capabilities in all four turret positions, meaning dies can be pre-adjusted in their bushings and swapped out in seconds with just a twist.

The exclusive auto case placer is a standout feature, ensuring each cartridge is correctly positioned for each operation of the ram cycle without manual intervention. This automation significantly speeds up the reloading process. It also features through ram primer disposal, which funnels spent primers conveniently into a built-in tube, simplifying cleanup. The press comes supplied with four Breech Lock bushings, providing ample capacity for common die sets. It also includes both large and small priming arms to accommodate various primer sizes.

A notable ergonomic enhancement is the inclusion of an ergonomic wood grip roller handle. This is a comfortable addition that many other manufacturers charge extra for, making extended reloading sessions much more pleasant. For caliber changes and adjustments, the press includes a set of hex wrenches with a built-in storage rack, a practical touch that keeps essential tools organized and readily accessible. The shell plate is a required, sold-separately component, which is crucial to note for initial purchase.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only excels at producing consistent ammunition. The compound leverage system ensures that resizing even stubborn cases is accomplished with minimal effort. The auto case placer is remarkably reliable, positioning each case with precision for every stroke of the ram, a crucial step for maintaining consistency in ammunition.

The Breech Lock system is a game-changer for versatility. The ability to swap pre-adjusted dies in seconds means that switching between different calibers or operations (like sizing and seating) is incredibly fast. This press truly shines in its ability to mimic the speed of a progressive press while retaining the simplicity of a single-stage design. The through ram primer disposal system functions as advertised, keeping the bench clean and reducing the need for constant manual primer cleanup.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only is solid and functional. Constructed from durable metal components, it feels sturdy and capable of handling heavy use. The ergonomic wood grip roller handle is a definite highlight, providing a comfortable and natural grip that significantly reduces hand strain during repetitive operations.

Usability is a strong suit for this press. The auto case placer requires virtually no learning curve, and the Breech Lock system is intuitively designed. While initial die adjustment into the bushings requires a bit of care, subsequent changes are effortless. The integrated tool storage is a thoughtful touch that keeps your workspace tidy.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its robust construction, the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only appears built for longevity. The core components show no signs of weakness even under repeated, heavy use. The compound leverage mechanism is designed to distribute force efficiently, reducing stress on individual parts.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. Regular cleaning of brass shavings and occasional lubrication of the ram are sufficient to keep it running smoothly. Unlike more complex progressive presses with numerous moving parts that can jam or require specialized tools, this Lee press is designed for straightforward care. There are no apparent weak points that would suggest premature failure under normal reloading conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only comes with essential accessories to get you started. It includes four Breech Lock bushings, which are crucial for the quick-change die system. It also provides both large and small priming arms to accommodate different primer sizes. The ergonomic wood grip roller handle is a premium feature that enhances user comfort.

Furthermore, a set of hex wrenches is included for any necessary adjustments, complete with a built-in storage rack that attaches conveniently to the press. It’s important to note that a shell plate is required to use this press and is sold separately, meaning this needs to be factored into your initial purchase. While the press itself is highly functional, users will likely want to purchase caliber-specific shell plates and, of course, their chosen reloading dies to complete their setup.

Pros and Cons of Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only

Who Should Buy Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only?

The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only is an excellent choice for the reloader who wants to increase their output without investing in a full-blown progressive press. It’s ideal for those who frequently switch between different calibers or are looking to streamline their loading process for common handgun cartridges. This press is perfect for the home gunsmith or enthusiast who values efficiency and is comfortable with a hands-on approach to reloading.

Individuals who should consider alternatives are those who absolutely require a fully automated priming system integrated into every stroke, or those who only load a single caliber and have no need for quick die changes. If you are looking for a press that is entirely “set it and forget it” with absolutely no adjustment between operations, a dedicated progressive might be more fitting, though at a significantly higher cost. For those looking to enhance their experience, acquiring a variety of shell plates for different calibers and perhaps a powder measure die would be highly recommended complementary items.

Conclusion on Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only

The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only delivers on its promise of speed and adaptability without a prohibitive price tag. Its blend of compound leverage, Breech Lock convenience, and the remarkably effective auto case placer transforms the reloading experience from a laborious task into a much more efficient and enjoyable one. While the necessity of purchasing a separate shell plate is a minor drawback, the overall value proposition is strong, especially considering the comfortable ergonomic wood grip roller handle and integrated tool storage.

For the reloader who is graduating from a basic single-stage press or looking for a more budget-friendly way to achieve higher throughput, this Lee press is an outstanding option. I would confidently recommend it to anyone seeking to boost their reloading efficiency and enjoy a more streamlined process. It strikes a fantastic balance between performance, ease of use, and affordability, making it a worthwhile addition to any reloading bench.