Lee Upgrade Kit For Xr & Ergo Prime Systems Review

Out of the Box: Lee Upgrade Kit For Xr & Ergo Prime Systems

My quest for a more streamlined primer seating process on my reloading bench led me to the Lee Upgrade Kit For Xr & Ergo Prime Systems. For years, I’ve relied on a mix of Lee’s older primer tools and generic components, but the occasional fumble and the desire for improved consistency finally pushed me to seek out an upgrade. This particular kit promises to enhance Lee’s existing Ergo Prime and Auto Prime XR systems with newer adapter styles and a folding primer tray. First impressions upon unboxing were practical; the components felt like standard, durable Lee plastics, nothing overly fancy but certainly robust enough for their intended purpose. I briefly considered a universal priming tool from another manufacturer, but the familiarity and established performance of Lee’s priming systems, coupled with the low cost of this update, made this kit the clear frontrunner. There was a quiet sense of satisfaction knowing that a small investment could potentially smooth out a repetitive part of my reloading workflow.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Upgrade Kit For Xr & Ergo Prime Systems to the Test

First Use Experience

I immediately put the upgrade kit to work on my reloading bench, integrating it into my routine of prepping brass for both rifle and pistol cartridges. The testing focused on consistency and ease of use across various primer sizes and casing types. I ran through about 200 primers in the first sitting, paying close attention to how the new adapters and tray performed compared to the older versions.

The new tray design was noticeably more convenient to load and manage compared to the original round trays. The adapters seated snugly, and there was no perceptible wobble or looseness. There were no initial issues, and the transition felt remarkably smooth, almost as if the tool had been designed this way from the start.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and well over a thousand primers seated, the Lee Upgrade Kit For Xr & Ergo Prime Systems has proven its worth. It’s become an indispensable part of my reloading setup, consistently performing without a hitch. The plastic components show no signs of stress or cracking, even after being handled numerous times daily during intensive reloading sessions.

Maintenance is practically non-existent; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth is all that’s ever needed. Compared to my older Lee priming trays and adapters, this kit offers a tangible improvement in handling and efficiency. The older parts sometimes felt a bit finicky, but these new adapters and the folding tray simply work, day in and day out.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Upgrade Kit For Xr & Ergo Prime Systems

Specifications

This upgrade kit from Lee primarily consists of new-style Small and Large Adapters and a Folding Primer Tray, designed to be compatible with both the Ergo Prime and Auto Prime XR tools. It’s important to note that this kit will not work with the original Auto Prime tool that utilized round trays. The primary material for all components is Plastic, contributing to a lightweight yet functional design.

The inclusion of distinct small and large adapters ensures proper fitment for different primer sizes, a crucial aspect for reloading versatility. The patent-pending folding primer tray is a key innovation, offering a more compact and manageable solution for storing and feeding primers. This upgrade is a direct answer to the need for enhanced user experience in Lee’s established priming systems.

Performance & Functionality

The main job of this kit is to enhance the functionality of existing Lee priming tools, and it excels at this. The new adapters provide a more secure and precise fit for primers, leading to more consistent seating depth. The folding primer tray, a standout feature, significantly simplifies the loading process and reduces the chance of spilled primers.

Its strengths lie in its straightforward improvement of an already functional tool. The main limitation, as noted, is its incompatibility with older Lee Auto Prime models, which might frustrate users with the original round tray design. For those with the supported tools, however, it meets and exceeds expectations for a minor upgrade.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Upgrade Kit For Xr & Ergo Prime Systems focuses on practical usability and durability within a plastic construction. The adapters are molded with precision, fitting snugly into their respective priming tool sockets. The folding primer tray has a simple yet effective hinge mechanism that feels robust enough for regular use.

Ergonomically, the kit makes the priming process more fluid. The folding tray is easy to handle, and the adapters ensure primers are presented correctly to the seating mechanism. There’s no real learning curve, as the design is intuitive and builds upon the existing operation of the Lee priming tools.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the plastic construction, the expected lifespan of this kit under normal reloading conditions is quite good. These aren’t parts subjected to extreme stress or impact. After extensive use, I haven’t observed any significant wear or degradation, suggesting they are built to last for many thousands of primers.

Maintenance is practically non-existent, which is a significant advantage for any reloading component. A simple wipe-down is sufficient to keep them clean and free of any residue that might build up. There are no obvious weak points that I’ve encountered, and the design seems to avoid common failure modes seen in more complex mechanisms.

Accessories and Customization Options

This kit itself is an accessory, upgrading existing Lee priming systems rather than being a standalone product. It includes the necessary Small and Large Adapters and the Folding Primer Tray. There are no additional accessories included with this specific upgrade.

The primary “customization” comes from the fact that these adapters and tray are designed to work with the Auto Prime XR and Ergo Prime, effectively enhancing their capability. Lee does not offer further customization options for these specific upgrade components themselves. Compatibility is strictly limited to the specified Lee priming tools.

Pros and Cons of Lee Upgrade Kit For Xr & Ergo Prime Systems

Who Should Buy Lee Upgrade Kit For Xr & Ergo Prime Systems?

This upgrade kit is an absolute must-have for anyone who owns a Lee Auto Prime XR or Lee Ergo Prime and is still using the older style primer tray or adapters. Reloaders who frequently work with a variety of cartridge types and primer sizes will appreciate the enhanced fitment offered by the new adapters. If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of spilling primers or fumbling with older tray designs, this kit will be a welcome relief.

However, those who own the original Lee Auto Prime tool with round trays should look elsewhere or consider a different priming system altogether. This kit is specifically designed for the newer models and offers no benefit to owners of older equipment. For those looking to improve their priming process without investing in a completely new tool, this kit is an excellent, targeted solution.

Conclusion on Lee Upgrade Kit For Xr & Ergo Prime Systems

The Lee Upgrade Kit For Xr & Ergo Prime Systems is a prime example of how a small, inexpensive upgrade can make a significant difference in the reloading experience. It addresses common user pain points associated with older priming tray designs and adapter fitment for the Lee Auto Prime XR and Ergo Prime tools. The folding primer tray alone is worth the low cost for the improved handling and reduced risk of primer spills.

For the price of $12.99, you are getting a direct and effective enhancement to your reloading workflow. This kit offers tangible improvements in usability and efficiency for those who own the compatible Lee priming tools. I wholeheartedly recommend this upgrade to anyone looking to streamline their primer seating process and get more consistent results from their existing Lee priming equipment.