Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 Review

Inside the Experience: Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890

In the intricate world of reloading, precision and efficiency are paramount. The Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 is a critical component designed to streamline the process of caliber conversion for Lee’s Bullet Feed Kit. This accessory promises to unlock broader compatibility, allowing reloaders to adapt their existing equipment to a range of popular large pistol calibers without needing an entirely new setup. My journey with this product began with a desire to maximize the utility of my Lee Bullet Feed Kit across a variety of projects, from loading .40 S&W target rounds to .44 Magnum hunting cartridges. It’s the kind of specialized part that, while small, can make a significant difference in workflow and versatility.

The impetus for seeking out this specific caliber conversion kit stemmed directly from a need to diversify my reloading calibers without a proportional increase in my equipment investment. I’d already invested in a Lee Bullet Feed Kit, a device that automates the placement of bullets onto the case mouth during the reloading cycle. However, as my interests expanded to include larger bore handgun cartridges, I found my existing setup was limited to smaller calibers. The prospect of adapting my existing, reliable bullet feeder to handle everything from the common .40 Smith & Wesson to the formidable .44 Magnum was incredibly appealing.

Upon receiving the package, my initial impressions were centered on the typical Lee product aesthetic: functional, no-frills, and utilitarian. The set consists of a plastic feed die and a set of fingers, all housed in a simple plastic blister pack. There’s an immediate sense of Lego-like modularity to it, which, for reloaders, often translates to ease of use and interchangeability. The plastic construction, while perhaps not as robust as machined steel, is perfectly suited for this application, as it’s unlikely to mar delicate bullet noses. The price point, hovering around $27.49, also suggested a pragmatic approach to equipment design—delivering functionality without excessive cost.

Before committing to this Lee kit, I briefly considered alternative bullet feeding systems. However, the Lee system, particularly with its readily available and affordable caliber conversion kits, stood out. Many other automated bullet feeding systems on the market are often integrated into much larger, more expensive progressive presses, or they come as complete units with a significant price tag. The ability to simply swap out a small set of parts to change caliber compatibility on an existing Lee Bullet Feed Kit felt like a smart, cost-effective solution. My excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of experienced skepticism; would these plastic components truly handle the stresses of rapid reloading across multiple calibers, or would they prove to be a weak link?

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first foray with the Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 was at my home reloading bench. The primary goal was to see just how quickly and easily I could swap out the existing components for my established caliber (.45 ACP) and install this new set for .40 S&W. The process was remarkably straightforward. Following the simple instructions, I removed the old feed fingers and die from the bullet feeder assembly, and then inserted the new ones.

The fit was precise, with no noticeable wobble or looseness. I then loaded a batch of .40 S&W cases into my progressive press and began cycling. The bullets were fed reliably onto the case mouths, demonstrating the effectiveness of the new feed fingers and die in accommodating the slightly smaller diameter and different taper of the .40 caliber bullets. I experienced no feeding issues whatsoever during this initial run, which produced about 100 rounds of .40 S&W.

The performance in these controlled bench conditions was excellent. The plastic feed die and fingers handled the consistent motion of the press without any audible strain or visible deformation. There was no dust or moisture to contend with in my workshop environment, so those factors weren’t tested, but the smooth operation suggested they wouldn’t be an immediate concern. The ease of use was a significant plus; the caliber change took less than five minutes, a testament to the user-friendly design of Lee’s reloading accessories. My only initial surprise was how little resistance there was; the parts felt almost delicate, leading me to wonder about their long-term resilience.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the subsequent months, this caliber conversion kit has seen regular use, facilitating reloads for .40 S&W, 10mm, and .44 Magnum. The transition between calibers has become second nature, often taking no more than a minute or two now that I’m familiar with the process. This speed is invaluable when I’m processing brass from different firearms or preparing for various shooting disciplines. I’ve found that by keeping the components clean and free from debris, their performance remains remarkably consistent.

Durability has proven to be better than my initial cautious assessment suggested. Despite thousands of cycles through my Lee progressive press, the plastic feed fingers show no signs of cracking, excessive wear, or significant loss of their intended shape. The feed die also remains perfectly functional. There are minor scuffs from handling, but these are purely cosmetic and do not affect the mechanism’s operation. Crucially, there have been no instances of bullets being dropped, misfed, or jammed due to the feed fingers themselves.

Maintenance is exceptionally simple, usually involving a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth or a soft brush after a reloading session. I haven’t had to perform any deep cleaning or lubrication, as the plastic-on-plastic and plastic-on-metal interfaces don’t require it and can sometimes be hindered by excessive lubrication. Comparing this to older, more complex mechanical bullet feeders I’ve encountered, the simplicity here is a huge advantage. Those premium, all-metal systems sometimes required meticulous cleaning and adjustment, whereas this Lee conversion kit is almost a “set it and forget it” component for each caliber. It reliably performs its intended function without fuss.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890

Specifications

The Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 is a specific caliber conversion kit for the Lee Bullet Feed Kit, designed to accommodate bullets for pistol cartridges ranging from .40 caliber up to .44 caliber. The kit includes a specially molded plastic feed die and a set of corresponding plastic feed fingers. These components are manufactured from a durable, yet flexible, plastic material that is engineered to hold and guide bullets securely without causing damage.

These specifications are critical because the material and shape of the feed fingers and die dictate their ability to correctly orient and feed bullets of varying diameters and profiles. The plastic construction is chosen for its non-marring properties, ensuring that even soft-lead bullets are presented to the case mouth without damage. This plastic material is also lightweight and cost-effective, aligning with Lee’s philosophy of making reloading accessible. The calibers it covers (.40 through .44) are significant as this range encompasses many popular handgun rounds, such as .40 S&W, 10mm, .41 Magnum, and .44 Magnum, thus providing broad utility for many reloaders.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 is to reliably feed bullets from the feeder mechanism onto the case mouth of cartridges sized within its specified range. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The feed fingers are precisely shaped to cradle the bullet base and stem, guiding it downwards into the case mouth with remarkable consistency. When properly installed and calibrated on the press, the bullet feeding success rate is extremely high, often approaching 100% for standard bullet profiles.

Its greatest strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness for the calibers it’s designed for. It consistently places bullets, significantly speeding up the reloading process and reducing hand fatigue associated with manually placing each bullet. The main weakness, if one can call it that, is its limited caliber range. While it covers a good spectrum from .40 to .44, it is not a universal solution and would require a separate kit for smaller calibers like 9mm or larger ones. Considering its price and intended function, it absolutely meets and often exceeds expectations for what such a small, relatively inexpensive component can achieve in enhancing reloading efficiency.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Lee conversion kit is a testament to functional simplicity. The feed die is a cylindrical component with a precise internal shape, while the feed fingers are delicately sculpted plastic pieces that engage with the bullet. The plastic material used feels sturdy enough for its purpose but also has enough flex to absorb minor impacts or variations in bullet seating. The overall feel is lightweight and almost delicate, which might initially raise concerns about robustness.

Ergonomically, the components are designed for easy installation and removal. There are no fiddly screws or complex mechanisms involved; they simply slot into place. The smooth contours of the fingers are designed to handle bullets without scratching or deforming them, which is a crucial aspect of bullet presentation in reloading. The lack of sharp edges and the comfortable, albeit minimal, interaction required by the user contribute to a positive ergonomic experience. The visual cues of the plastic are straightforward and functional, offering no aesthetic flair but clear indicators of its intended use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 is designed for repeated use within the context of reloading cycles. While plastic components may not have the lifespan of machined steel, the durability of this kit has been impressive. With thousands of rounds processed, the plastic shows minimal signs of wear, such as light scuffing, but no structural degradation. This suggests a good lifespan for typical reloading volumes.

Maintenance is exceptionally straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a soft cloth or a gentle brushing to remove powder residue or lubricant is usually all that’s required. There are no intricate parts to clean, and no special lubricants are recommended or necessary, which simplifies upkeep considerably. Potential failure points might include the delicate tips of the feed fingers if handled roughly or if they are dropped onto a hard surface, but within the confines of a reloading press, such damage is unlikely. The durability of the plastic under consistent, controlled pressure is its key advantage here.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 is itself an accessory, designed to customize the caliber compatibility of the Lee Bullet Feed Kit. It does not come with additional accessories in the traditional sense. However, its primary function is to allow the user to customize their existing Lee Bullet Feed Kit for different bullet diameters and lengths within the .40 to .44 caliber range.

The kit is specifically designed to work with the Lee Bullet Feed Kit, and is not intended for use with other brands’ bullet feeders. Its customization aspect is internal to the Lee system, offering a modular approach to caliber adaptation. This calibers-specific design means that if you need to feed 9mm bullets, for example, you would need to purchase a separate, appropriately sized kit. The value lies in its specialized nature, allowing for precise feeding of the intended bullet types without the complexity or cost of a universal system.

Pros and Cons of Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890

Who Should Buy Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890?

This kit is an absolute must-have for anyone who already owns a Lee Bullet Feed Kit and reloads a variety of pistol calibers within the .40 to .44 range. It’s ideal for home reloaders who frequently switch between cartridges like .40 S&W, 10mm, .41 Magnum, and .44 Magnum for different firearms or shooting purposes. Reloaders looking to expand their caliber repertoire without a significant capital investment in duplicate feeding equipment will find immense value here.

Conversely, those who only reload a single caliber or primarily focus on smaller pistol calibers like 9mm or .38 Special would not need this specific kit. Users who have not invested in the Lee Bullet Feed Kit system should consider the entire setup, rather than just this conversion. For optimal use, ensure you have the base Lee Bullet Feed Kit; it’s the essential foundation upon which this caliber conversion kit builds. While not strictly necessary, keeping a small brush handy for quick cleaning will ensure continued smooth operation.

Conclusion on Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890

The Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 is a prime example of Lee Precision’s philosophy: deliver practical, effective solutions at an accessible price point. It flawlessly extends the utility of the Lee Bullet Feed Kit, allowing for seamless caliber changes across a broad spectrum of common large-bore pistol cartridges. The ease of installation, reliable performance, and surprising durability of the plastic components make it an indispensable tool for any reloader equipped with the base feeder.

The value proposition is undeniable; for less than $30, you significantly broaden the capabilities of your existing reloading equipment, saving considerable money compared to buying entirely new feeding mechanisms. I wholeheartedly recommend this kit to any reloader who fits the described use case. If you’re invested in the Lee Bullet Feed Kit and dabble in .40 or .44 caliber handguns, this conversion is not just a good buy, it’s an essential upgrade that streamlines your reloading bench and puts more rounds downrange with greater ease.