Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 Review

How I Used the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 and What I Found

For anyone deeply involved in the meticulous world of reloading, especially those with a penchant for classic calibers like the .22 Hornet, attention to detail is paramount. This is where a seemingly simple piece of equipment like the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 can make a surprising difference. It’s a dedicated shell holder, designed specifically to cradle the .22 Hornet case during critical reloading and priming stages. Manufactured by Lee, a name synonymous with accessible and reliable reloading tools, this shell holder promises a firm grip and precise alignment, which are non-negotiable when working with small cartridges.

My journey to this particular shell holder wasn’t born from a sudden desire for a new gadget, but rather a recurring frustration. I found myself wrestling with inconsistent primer seating, and occasional case slippage when priming .22 Hornet rounds on my bench. This caliber, while a favorite for its accuracy and effectiveness in varmint hunting, demands a bit more finesse due to its rimmed case design. I’d experimented with generic shell holders, but none seemed to offer the perfect, snug fit required for the delicate task of primer insertion. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 stood out because of its specificity – a holder for the .22 Hornet, implying it was designed with that case’s unique dimensions in mind.

Unboxing the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 was, admittedly, an understated affair. It’s a simple, utilitarian piece of machined metal, not designed for aesthetic accolades. The initial impression was one of solid construction, typical of Lee products. It possessed a reassuring weight, suggesting it wouldn’t flex or deform under the pressures of reloading. The machining appeared clean, with no rough edges or burrs that could potentially mar a brass case. It felt precisely what it was: a tool built for a specific, robust purpose, devoid of unnecessary frills.

Before settling on this Lee offering, I’d briefly considered looking at shell holders from other established reloading brands, or even attempting to modify a more general-purpose holder. However, the cost-benefit analysis quickly steered me toward a dedicated solution. The risk of damaging cases or compromising primer seating with a less-than-ideal fit seemed far greater than the modest investment in a purpose-built holder. My initial feeling upon holding it was one of quiet confidence. It felt right, like it was exactly what my .22 Hornet reloading process had been missing.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 to the Test

My testing grounds were primarily my well-equipped reloading bench at home, a space where precision and consistency are constantly sought. I utilized the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 exclusively with my Lee Auto Prime and Auto Prime II priming tools, ensuring a controlled environment that mirrored its intended use. The .22 Hornet cases I worked with were of various origins – some factory new, others once-fired brass, and a few that had seen multiple reloads, to see if the holder performed consistently across different surface conditions.

During my initial runs, I focused on the feel of the case seating into the holder and the subsequent primer seating process. The fit was noticeably snug, a welcome change from the slight wobble I’d experienced previously. This firm grip translated directly into a much more consistent primer seating depth. I experienced far fewer high or low primers, which can lead to ignition issues or even dangerous pressure spikes. The holder performed admirably through several loading sessions, encountering only the usual dust that accumulates on a bench but no significant exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures that would be relevant to its function.

Ease of use was exceptionally high from the outset. There was no learning curve; the shell holder simply slots into the priming tool, and the case fits into the holder. It’s designed for one purpose and executes it flawlessly. A pleasant surprise was how the holder seemed to center the case perfectly within the priming mechanism, something I hadn’t fully appreciated as a variable until it was consistently achieved. The only minor “quirk,” if you could call it that, was remembering to ensure the correct caliber holder was selected for the task at hand, a basic but crucial step in any reloading operation.

Extended use has only solidified my appreciation for this dedicated shell holder. After weeks of regular use, processing multiple batches of .22 Hornet ammunition, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 shows absolutely no signs of wear. The machined surfaces remain clean, and the fit remains as precise as day one. Durability is clearly not an issue here; it’s a solid piece of steel designed to withstand the repetitive nature of reloading. Maintenance is practically non-existent, a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth is all that’s ever needed. Compared to the generic holders I’ve used in the past, this one’s dedicated design and superior fit offer a clear advantage in terms of consistency and reliability, making it a worthwhile upgrade over less specialized options.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 is a single, purpose-built shell holder. Its core specification revolves around its compatibility, designed explicitly to grip the rim and body of a .22 Hornet cartridge case securely. This ensures a firm fit within compatible priming tools, such as the Lee Auto Prime and Auto Prime II, during reloading operations. The material is robust steel, a hallmark of Lee’s commitment to durable reloading components.

What this specific design means for the user is straightforward: precision and consistency. By perfectly matching the dimensions of the .22 Hornet case, it eliminates the slop or looseness that can occur with universal or multi-caliber shell holders. This focused design directly impacts the quality of your loaded ammunition, particularly in the critical stage of primer insertion, leading to more reliable ignition and consistent chambering. Compared to a generic holder that might only loosely fit the .22 Hornet, this dedicated unit provides a level of confidence that’s hard to quantify but deeply appreciated by experienced reloaders.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 is to hold a .22 Hornet case steady while a primer is seated. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. Its dedicated fit means the case is held firmly, preventing any movement that could lead to an improperly seated primer. This shell holder directly contributes to a higher success rate in achieving consistent primer depths, which is crucial for safe and accurate reloading.

The main strength of this shell holder is its absolute focus on its intended caliber. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do, without fuss or complication. There are no discernible weaknesses in its core function. It meets, and arguably exceeds, expectations for a component of this nature, especially considering its modest price point. It simply provides a solid, reliable interface between the case and the priming tool.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 is purely functional. It’s a machined steel component, shaped to precisely accept the rimmed .22 Hornet case. There’s no ergonomic consideration in the sense of a grip or comfort feature, as it’s not handled directly during the primary operation; rather, it’s held within the priming tool. Its finish is utilitarian, typically a blued or unfinished steel, with clean machining that ensures a good fit for the brass.

Usability is dictated by its perfect fit. The case slides in smoothly, and the holder itself mates securely with the Auto Prime mechanism. There’s no learning curve; if you can load a case into a shell holder, you can use this one. Practical design details include the clear machining that ensures the case sits correctly, and the robust material that promises longevity.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its solid steel construction and simple design, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 is built for a lifetime of use in a reloading environment. Under normal reloading conditions, it’s highly unlikely to wear out. The primary concern would be corrosion if stored improperly in a damp environment, but typical care prevents this. Maintenance is virtually nil; a simple wipe-down is sufficient.

There are no obvious failure points. Its durability means it will likely outlast many other components on a reloading bench. The potential for damage would come from external forces, such as dropping it on a hard floor repeatedly, which might cause minor cosmetic damage but wouldn’t affect its function.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 comes as a single unit and is not designed for customization. Its purpose is to be a specific fit for the .22 Hornet case. It does not come with any additional accessories, nor does it have interchangeable parts. Compatibility is specific to Lee’s Auto Prime and Auto Prime II systems, ensuring it works seamlessly with those priming tools.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020?

This shell holder is an absolute must-have for any reloader who frequently loads ammunition for the .22 Hornet caliber using a Lee Auto Prime or Auto Prime II. If you’ve ever experienced frustration with inconsistent primer seating or case wobble while priming this specific caliber, then this is the solution you need. It’s ideal for the home reloader who values precision and wants to ensure the highest quality and safety in their ammunition.

Conversely, if you only reload a handful of .22 Hornet rounds infrequently, or if you use a priming tool that employs a different type of universal shell holder system, you might not see the immediate benefit. Those who prioritize a universal approach might opt for a different system, but they would likely sacrifice the perfect fit this dedicated holder provides. I’d recommend pairing it with a good set of Lee dies and a quality scale for the most consistent results.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90020 is a prime example of how a seemingly small, inexpensive component can have a significant positive impact on a larger process. For reloaders dedicated to the .22 Hornet, this shell holder offers a level of precision and reliability that generic alternatives simply cannot match. Its robust construction and perfect fit contribute directly to safer, more consistent, and ultimately, better-performing ammunition.

At its price point, the value proposition is outstanding. You’re investing in a tool that eliminates a common point of frustration and enhances the overall quality of your reloading efforts. I wholeheartedly recommend this shell holder to anyone serious about reloading the .22 Hornet. It’s a small piece of gear that delivers big on its promise, making it an essential addition to the reloading bench for this classic cartridge.