Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807 Review

Meet the Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807: First Thoughts

Reloading ammunition can be a deeply rewarding pursuit, a blend of precision, patience, and practicality. For many, the quest for greater efficiency on the reloading bench is as important as the pursuit of accuracy downrange. This is where the Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807 enters the picture, promising to streamline one of the most repetitive aspects of cartridge creation. As an equipment specialist who has spent over a decade wrestling with, refining, and relying upon all sorts of gear, I’m always on the lookout for tools that genuinely shave time and frustration off a process. This particular kit caught my eye as a potential game-changer for those using compatible Lee progressive presses.

My personal journey with reloading began out of a desire for cost savings and a deeper understanding of my ammunition. Early on, I found myself spending a considerable amount of time manually placing each bullet onto the case mouth, a tedious step that felt like a bottleneck in an otherwise enjoyable process. I’d seen automated bullet feeders on higher-end machines, but they always seemed prohibitively expensive. When I came across this specific Lee offering, it presented a more accessible solution to a common reloading pain point.

Unboxing the Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807 revealed a collection of durable-looking plastic components and a set of metal fingers. The initial impression was one of functional simplicity. There are no complex electronics or intricate mechanisms to decipher, which, in my experience, often translates to greater reliability and easier maintenance. The plastic construction, while perhaps not as overtly premium as machined aluminum, felt robust enough for its intended purpose. I had considered a universal bullet feeder, but the direct integration offered by this Lee product with my Load Master press was a significant draw, promising a cleaner setup. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; could this seemingly simple kit truly deliver on its promise of increased reloading speed and convenience?

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807 to the Test

First Use Experience

I integrated the Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807 into my existing Lee Load Master progressive press setup. My primary testing environment was my dedicated home workshop, a space where consistency and efficiency are paramount for churning out rounds for range practice and load development. The initial installation was straightforward, requiring just a few minutes to swap out the existing powder funnel and seating die components. The instructions, though brief, were clear enough to guide the process.

During the first few hundred rounds, I was a bit tentative, double-checking each stage to ensure the bullet feeder was consistently dropping bullets correctly onto the case mouths. It quickly became apparent that the system worked best when the bullets were oriented correctly in the feed tube. A slight jiggle or tap was sometimes needed to ensure smooth feeding, especially with certain bullet shapes. However, the overall experience was a marked improvement over manual feeding, freeing up my hand to manage the indexing and priming processes more fluidly.

The only minor surprise was how much faster I could cycle the press once I gained confidence in the bullet feeder’s reliability. I found myself naturally speeding up my cadence, which initially led to a few slightly misaligned bullets. This wasn’t a fault of the feeder itself, but rather a natural consequence of my own learning curve adjusting to the new workflow. It highlighted the importance of maintaining a steady, deliberate pace, even when the automation lulls you into thinking you can rush.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several thousand rounds processed through the Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807, its value has become undeniable. It has consistently fed bullets onto case mouths with impressive regularity, significantly reducing the time spent on this particular task. The plastic construction has held up remarkably well; I haven’t observed any cracks or significant wear, even after countless cycles. The feeding fingers, while plastic, have shown no signs of fatigue or deformation, gripping and dropping bullets with the same accuracy as day one.

Maintenance has been minimal, primarily involving a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth to remove any brass dust or lubricant residue. Occasionally, I’ll run a small brush through the feed tube to ensure no debris hinders bullet flow. Compared to the tedious manual method, this kit has made longer reloading sessions far less fatiguing. While premium bullet feeders might offer finer adjustments or metallic construction, this Lee offering provides robust functionality at a fraction of the cost. It has genuinely transformed the efficiency of my reloading process, making it a staple on my Load Master press.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807

Specifications

The Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807 is designed to convert compatible Lee progressive presses, specifically the Load Master Progressive press and Lee Pro 1000, to automate bullet feeding. It is engineered to work with a broad range of calibers, specifically covering .30 and .32 up to .60 LN (Long Nose) bullet profiles. This means it can accommodate a vast array of common rifle and pistol rounds.

The kit is primarily constructed from durable plastic, a choice that contributes to its affordability and lightness. The set includes a specialized feed die and a set of precisely shaped plastic fingers. These fingers are crucial for gripping and releasing the bullets into the case mouth at the correct station on the press. Its black color is standard for Lee’s plastic components, offering a consistent aesthetic with their other accessories.

The 10 ml capacity mentioned in some contexts might refer to an older iteration or a misunderstanding, as this kit’s primary function is bullet feeding, not liquid dispensing. The key specification here is its universal fit for specific Lee progressive presses and its ability to handle a wide spectrum of bullet lengths and designs. This broad compatibility is a significant selling point, allowing re-loaders to adapt their existing press for increased automation across various calibers by simply switching out the die and fingers.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807 is to reliably pick up a bullet from its feed tube and place it onto the case mouth as the press cycles. In this primary duty, it performs admirably, especially considering its plastic construction and accessible price point. For common bullet types like FMJs and lead round noses, it consistently drops them correctly, allowing for a near-continuous reloading process. The automation it brings significantly speeds up the repetitive task of placing bullets, transforming the flow of a progressive press.

Its main strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It eliminates the need for the operator to manually place each bullet, freeing up a hand and reducing mental load. However, its performance can be somewhat dependent on bullet uniformity. Bullets with very irregular bases or significantly different profiles might occasionally require a gentle tap to seat properly in the feed tube, leading to a minor interruption. It doesn’t offer the fine-tuning or extreme precision of much more expensive, pneumatically or electronically controlled bullet feeders found on high-end machines, but for its intended use and price, its functionality is more than adequate.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807 is a testament to functional, no-nonsense engineering. The durable plastic components are molded with precision, ensuring that the feed die and fingers interact correctly with the press mechanism. The plastic fingers are designed with just the right amount of flex and grip to hold a bullet securely without damaging it, then release it smoothly into the case mouth.

Ergonomically, its greatest benefit is the elimination of the manual bullet placement step. This not only speeds up the process but also reduces the physical strain and repetitive motion associated with hours of reloading. The feed tube, which is typically a standard-sized piece of plastic tubing, allows for a substantial number of bullets to be loaded at once, minimizing interruptions. While the plastic construction might feel less “premium” than metal alternatives, it’s lightweight, easy to clean, and less prone to scratching or damaging components. The black color blends seamlessly with other Lee reloading accessories.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, the Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807 has proven to be surprisingly robust for a plastic component. After processing thousands of rounds, the plastic fingers show minimal signs of wear. The feed tube remains clear, and the die itself is free from cracks or deformation. This suggests that with reasonable care, this bullet feeder should last for many years of regular use.

Maintenance is exceptionally straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth or a soft brush is usually all that’s needed to keep the feed tube free of debris. Periodically, I’ll inspect the plastic fingers for any accumulated residue, which is easily removed. Unlike some mechanical feeders that might require lubrication or adjustment, this simple design is largely maintenance-free. The most important thing to watch out for is ensuring no stray primers or debris get into the feed tube, which could potentially jam the mechanism, though this is easy to prevent with diligent reloading practices.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807 is essentially a self-contained unit, and as such, it doesn’t typically come with a wide array of accessories. Its main “customization” comes in the form of the interchangeable dies and fingers designed for different bullet lengths and calibers within its specified range. While the kit as sold might come with one set of fingers suitable for a common bullet profile, Lee offers these components separately, allowing users to tailor the system to their specific reloading needs.

For example, if you reload a variety of cartridges with vastly different bullet lengths, you might purchase additional sets of feed fingers. This modularity is its key strength, allowing for adaptability without needing an entirely new feeder system. Beyond these specific Lee components, there aren’t really other “accessories” in the traditional sense. The system is designed to integrate directly into the Lee Load Master or Pro 1000 press. The ability to swap dies means you can easily switch between different bullet types or calibers without a major overhaul, making it a highly practical investment for diverse reloading projects.

Pros and Cons of Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807

Who Should Buy Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807?

The Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807 is an absolute must-have for any reloader who owns a Lee Load Master Progressive press or Lee Pro 1000. If you find yourself spending a considerable amount of time on the reloading bench and are looking for a way to shave precious minutes off each cartridge, this kit is for you. It’s particularly beneficial for those who reload common rifle calibers in the .30 to .32 range, or pistol calibers that fit the .30 to .60 LN profile. It’s ideal for volume reloaders who want to increase their output without a significant investment in a brand-new press.

However, if you are not using one of the compatible Lee presses, this kit will be useless. Furthermore, if you reload extremely niche bullet types with highly irregular profiles, or if you demand absolute, flawless precision without any chance of minor user intervention, you might consider a higher-end, more expensive bullet feeder. For those seeking an easy, effective, and budget-friendly upgrade to their existing Lee progressive setup, this feeder is a fantastic choice. A must-have accessory would be a spare set of feed fingers designed for your most commonly reloaded bullet profile, ensuring continuous operation even if one set wears or gets damaged over time.

Conclusion on Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807

The Lee Bullet Feed Kit 40807 delivers on its promise to enhance the reloading experience for users of the Lee Load Master and Pro 1000 presses. It’s a straightforward, robust solution that significantly boosts efficiency by automating the tedious task of bullet placement. For its modest price point of $31.99, the value it provides in terms of time saved and reduced fatigue is exceptional. The durable plastic construction has held up remarkably well in my testing, demonstrating that good design doesn’t always require expensive materials.

While it may not offer the absolute precision of top-tier, multi-hundred-dollar bullet feeders, it is perfectly suited for its intended purpose and offers an outstanding bang for your buck. It streamlines the reloading process, making longer sessions far more productive and less demanding. If you own a compatible Lee progressive press and are looking to speed up your reloading without breaking the bank, I wholeheartedly recommend this kit. It’s a small investment that yields substantial returns in both time and enjoyment of the reloading hobby.