Lee Breech Lock Update Kit Review

The **Lee Breech Lock Update Kit** Review No One Else Gives You

For any serious handloader, the efficiency of their reloading press can be the difference between a productive afternoon and a frustrating one. The Lee Breech Lock Update Kit promises to bring the convenience of quick-change bushings to older, compatible presses, a feature that Lee Precision is renowned for. My own workshop, a chaotic but functional space that sees everything from delicate electronic repairs to the robust demands of metalworking, was experiencing a bottleneck. Switching dies between different calibers or bullet types on my older, green press was becoming a time-consuming chore. I needed a way to streamline this process without investing in an entirely new press, especially when I already had a good collection of Lee’s Breech Lock bushings. After some research, this specific update kit seemed to be the most straightforward solution. It arrived looking like a straightforward, no-nonsense piece of hardware: a substantial-looking adapter, a lock ring eliminator, and a tool. My initial impression was one of pragmatic engineering; it felt solid, and the threaded adapter had a satisfying heft. While I briefly considered more complex adapter systems or even a new press, the affordability and direct compatibility of this kit made it the clear frontrunner. A sense of quiet optimism, the kind you feel when you’ve found a smart, economical fix for an annoying problem, settled in.

Real-World Testing: Putting **Lee Breech Lock Update Kit** to the Test

My testing environment is primarily my home workshop, a space that’s seen its fair share of dust, oil, and occasional solvent exposure. The initial installation of the Lee Breech Lock Update Kit was on my workbench, where I dedicated a portion of a Saturday afternoon to the upgrade. The process itself was fairly intuitive, requiring only basic tools that were thankfully included in the kit.

First Use Experience

I mounted the kit onto my older green Lee press, which had been patiently waiting for this upgrade. The 1 1/2″-12 Breech Lock Adapter threaded on smoothly, and the spline drive lock-ring eliminator felt secure once tightened with the provided lock-ring wrench. My first task was to install a seating die for .308 Winchester, something that previously involved a fair bit of fiddling with lock rings. With the new adapter in place, I simply dropped the Breech Lock bushing in, threaded the die, and rotated it until it clicked into place. The difference was immediately apparent; it was a matter of seconds, not minutes. The entire operation was surprisingly intuitive, with no discernible learning curve beyond understanding the basic twist-and-lock mechanism of the Breech Lock system itself. The only minor surprise was how much more accessible the die changes became, almost making me wonder why I hadn’t done this sooner.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several weeks, I must have switched dies in and out at least twenty times, covering various rifle and pistol calibers. This included loads for .223 Remington, 9mm Luger, and .45 ACP. The kit has held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of premature wear or performance degradation. The adapter remains firmly seated on the press, and the Breech Lock bushings continue to engage with a satisfying, positive lock. I haven’t encountered any stiffness or looseness, which speaks to the quality of the manufacturing. Cleaning is as simple as wiping down the adapter and the press ram with a dry cloth; there are no intricate parts to trap debris. Compared to my previous experience with standard lock rings, which often required significant torque and could sometimes bind, this update is a revelation in terms of usability and speed. The spline drive lock-ring eliminator also means I don’t have to worry about those fiddly, easily lost lock rings anymore, a definite plus for workshop organization.

Breaking Down the Features of **Lee Breech Lock Update Kit**

The Lee Breech Lock Update Kit is a relatively simple, yet remarkably effective, upgrade for compatible reloading presses. Its primary function is to facilitate the use of Lee’s popular Breech Lock quick-change bushings, transforming older presses into more modern, efficient machines.

Specifications

• Adapter Thread Size: The kit features a 1 1/2″-12 Breech Lock Adapter. This specific threading is crucial for ensuring a secure and proper fit onto the press ram. It’s a robust thread pitch that provides excellent stability, preventing any wobble or play when dies are engaged.
• Included Components: The kit comprises three essential parts:
  • The 1 1/2″-12 Breech Lock Adapter itself, which is the core piece that threads onto the press.
  • A Spline Drive Lock-Ring Eliminator: This innovative component replaces the traditional lock ring, simplifying the die-changing process. It’s designed for a precise fit, ensuring the adapter stays securely in place.
  • A Lock-Ring Wrench: A dedicated tool for easily installing and tightening the adapter and eliminator. Its design is ergonomic and provides sufficient leverage.
• Compatibility: This update kit is specifically designed for a select range of presses, including the Hornady 50 BMGD, Dillon BFR 50BMG, and RCBS AmmoMaster 2. This ensures that users with these particular presses can benefit from the Breech Lock system without needing a completely new press.

These specifications are important because they dictate the functionality and compatibility of the kit. The 1 1/2″-12 thread ensures it will fit the intended presses, and the inclusion of the lock-ring eliminator and wrench means everything needed for the upgrade is provided. This direct compatibility eliminates the guesswork and frustration often associated with aftermarket modifications.

Performance & Functionality

The core job of the Lee Breech Lock Update Kit is to make die changes faster and more convenient. In this regard, it excels. The system allows for incredibly rapid swaps between dies, turning a process that could take a minute or more into a matter of seconds. This is achieved through the simple twist-and-lock mechanism of the Breech Lock bushings.

• Strengths: The most significant strength is the dramatic increase in efficiency for die changes. It makes reloading sessions far more productive, especially when working with multiple calibers or processes. The simplicity of the design is another major plus; it’s easy to understand and use. The elimination of traditional lock rings is a welcome feature, reducing complexity and the potential for lost parts.
• Weaknesses: The primary limitation is its compatibility. This kit is not a universal solution; it only works with specific press models listed. For users outside this range, it’s unfortunately not an option. Additionally, while the kit itself is robust, the overall effectiveness is still dependent on the quality and design of the press it’s installed on and the Breech Lock bushings themselves.

Overall, the kit meets and often exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, especially considering its affordable price point. It delivers on its promise of modernizing older presses.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Breech Lock Update Kit is utilitarian and functional, which is precisely what you expect from Lee Precision. The adapter is made from what feels like a sturdy, machined steel, giving it a substantial and durable feel. There are no superfluous aesthetic elements; it’s all about practical application.

The ergonomics are excellent for its intended use. Once installed, the adapter becomes a natural extension of the press ram. The spline drive lock-ring eliminator is easy to grip and turn with the included wrench. The Breech Lock bushings themselves, which this adapter facilitates, are designed to be easily manipulated by hand, with a slightly knurled outer edge for grip. The simplicity of the design means there’s virtually no learning curve, making it accessible even for those new to reloading. The overall finish is a no-nonsense matte, suggesting it’s built to withstand the rigors of a workshop environment.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a strong suit for this kit. Given the materials and the simplicity of its design, it’s built to last. I anticipate this update kit will remain functional for the lifetime of the press it’s installed on.

• Longevity: The machined steel construction of the adapter and the robust nature of the eliminator suggest it can handle the stresses of regular reloading without issue. There are no small springs or delicate mechanisms that are prone to failure.
• Maintenance: Maintenance is virtually non-existent. A quick wipe down with a cloth to remove any dust or grime is all that’s generally required. I would advise against using harsh solvents directly on the threaded areas, though typical press cleaning fluids should not pose a problem.
• Potential Concerns: The only potential concern might be cross-threading during installation if care is not taken, but this is a risk with any threaded component. The provided wrench makes proper alignment easier, mitigating this risk significantly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Breech Lock Update Kit is an accessory itself, designed to enable customization of your reloading press. The primary “accessory” it enables is the Lee Breech Lock Bushing system.

• Included: The kit itself comes with the adapter, the lock-ring eliminator, and the specialized lock-ring wrench. These are the essential components for the upgrade.
• Enabled Customization: The true customization comes from the Breech Lock bushings themselves. These are sold separately by Lee and are available in various sizes and configurations to fit different dies and press types. The update kit essentially unlocks the ability to use these bushings on presses that didn’t originally support them. This allows for rapid swapping of dies without needing to readjust them each time, saving significant time and ensuring consistency.
• Compatibility: The update kit is designed for compatibility with Lee’s established Breech Lock bushing system, meaning it works seamlessly with all standard Lee Breech Lock bushings and dies. While other manufacturers might have similar quick-change systems, this kit is specifically tailored for the Lee ecosystem.

1. Pros and Cons of **Lee Breech Lock Update Kit**