Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem Review

Let’s Talk About Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem

For those of us deeply entrenched in the world of shooting sports and self-reliance, the ability to control ammunition supply and tailor loads to specific needs is paramount. That’s where reloading comes in, and the Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem aims to be a gateway into progressive reloading, offering a complete setup for .223 Remington at an accessible price point. Lee has a reputation for providing value, and this kit promises just that, but does it deliver on its promise of ease-of-use and reliability?

My journey to the Lee 91551 Pro 4000 was born out of necessity. I wanted to develop custom .223 loads for my AR-15, optimized for both accuracy and specific hunting scenarios, and the dwindling ammunition availability in recent years made reloading a practical solution.

Upon unboxing the Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem, my initial impression was one of organized efficiency. The components were neatly packed, and the inclusion of everything needed to start reloading – dies, shell plate, powder measure, primer feed – was certainly appealing. Compared to a single-stage press setup I’ve used in the past, this promised a significant increase in reloading speed.

There were other progressive presses on the market, like the Dillon Precision XL750 or the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, but their higher price tags pushed me towards the Lee Pro 4000. The Lee seemed like a more budget-friendly entry point into the world of progressive reloading.

My initial reaction was a blend of excitement and cautious optimism. Could this relatively inexpensive kit truly deliver the performance and reliability I needed? Time, and a whole lot of .223 brass, would tell.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem to the Test

First Use Experience

My first foray with the Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem took place in my well-lit and organized reloading room, a space I meticulously maintain. I was eager to churn out some .223 rounds.

The first few hours were a learning curve. Priming was finicky, and getting the case feeder to cooperate took some patience. However, once I found the sweet spot and got into a rhythm, the process became smoother, and the output began to increase noticeably compared to single-stage reloading.

There were a few hiccups along the way. The primer feed occasionally failed to seat primers correctly, and the case feeder needed constant adjustments to prevent jams. Despite these minor annoyances, the initial experience was promising, hinting at the potential of the press for high-volume reloading.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee 91551 Pro 4000 has proven to be a capable, though not flawless, workhorse. The press itself has held up well, with no major signs of wear and tear, despite processing thousands of .223 cases.

However, the plastic components, particularly in the case feeder and primer feed, remain a source of concern regarding long-term durability. Regular cleaning and lubrication are crucial to keep the press running smoothly. I’ve found that a quick wipe-down after each reloading session and a more thorough cleaning every few hundred rounds is essential.

Compared to my previous single-stage setup, the Lee Pro 4000 offers a significant increase in speed and efficiency. It allows me to produce a much larger volume of ammunition in a shorter amount of time, which is invaluable when preparing for a high-volume shooting event or stocking up for hunting season. However, the increased speed comes with a slight trade-off in precision, requiring constant attention to ensure consistent powder charges and proper bullet seating.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem

Specifications

The Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem is specifically designed for reloading .223 Remington ammunition. The kit includes a Lee 3-die set (full length sizing die, rifle charging die, and bullet seat/crimp die).

• Caliber: .223 Remington. This ensures optimized performance for this specific cartridge.
• Shell Plate: Designed for .223 Remington. It’s important for proper case alignment and smooth cycling.
• Universal Case Feeder: Automates case feeding. This greatly increases reloading speed.
• Auto-Drum Powder Measure: Delivers consistent powder charges. Consistent powder charges are critical for accuracy.
• Safety Prime: Automates primer feeding. This increases safety and efficiency.
• Breech Lock Quick Change System: Allows for quick die changes. It allows for efficient caliber conversions.
• Through Ram Primer Disposal: Collects spent primers. This keeps the reloading area clean.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem excels at producing .223 Remington ammunition quickly and efficiently. The progressive design allows for multiple operations to be performed simultaneously, significantly increasing output compared to a single-stage press.

While the press is capable of producing accurate and reliable ammunition, it requires careful setup and attention to detail. The primer feed can be finicky, and the powder measure may require adjustment to achieve consistent charges. However, with proper technique and regular maintenance, the Lee Pro 4000 can deliver excellent results.

One of the strengths of the Lee Pro 4000 is its affordability. It offers a relatively inexpensive entry point into the world of progressive reloading. However, the plastic components and occasional glitches in the priming system are areas that could benefit from improvement.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem features a relatively compact and lightweight design, making it suitable for reloading benches with limited space. The press is constructed from a combination of steel and polymer components, offering a balance of durability and affordability.

The press is relatively user-friendly, although it does require some initial setup and adjustment. The learning curve is manageable for experienced reloaders. However, beginners may need to consult the instructions and watch online tutorials to fully understand the operation of the press.

The Lee Pro 4000 is generally comfortable to use, thanks to its ergonomic wood grip roller handle. However, the primer feed can be somewhat cumbersome.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem is reasonably durable for its price point, but it is not as robust as some of the more expensive progressive presses on the market. The steel components are sturdy and should last for many years with proper care.

However, the plastic components, particularly in the case feeder and primer feed, are more prone to wear and tear and may eventually need to be replaced. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to keep the press running smoothly and prevent malfunctions.

The press is relatively easy to disassemble and clean, and replacement parts are readily available from Lee and other retailers.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem comes with everything needed to start reloading .223 Remington ammunition, including the dies, shell plate, powder measure, and primer feed. However, there are a few additional accessories that can enhance the performance and functionality of the press.

• Lee Precision Case Collator: Simplifies case feeding. It greatly improves reloading speed.
• Lee Bullet Feeder: Automates bullet seating. This increases production volume.
• Aftermarket Powder Measures: Provides more precise powder dispensing. Consistent powder dispensing is essential for accuracy.

The Lee Pro 4000 is compatible with standard 7/8-14 threaded dies, allowing users to utilize dies from other manufacturers if desired.

Pros and Cons of Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem

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Who Should Buy Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem?

The Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem is perfect for budget-conscious reloaders who are looking to increase their production volume of .223 Remington ammunition. It’s also suitable for those who are new to progressive reloading and want an affordable way to learn the ropes.

This kit is also a good choice for shooters who frequently shoot .223 and want to save money by reloading their own ammunition.

Those who prioritize absolute precision and flawless reliability may want to consider a more expensive progressive press. Also, individuals who reload a wide variety of calibers may find the Lee Pro 4000 somewhat limiting, as it requires dedicated shell plates for each cartridge.

Must-have accessories include a case collator to simplify case feeding and an aftermarket powder measure for more precise powder dispensing.

Conclusion on Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem

The Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem offers a compelling value proposition for reloaders seeking an affordable entry into progressive reloading. While it may not be as refined or robust as some of the more expensive presses on the market, it delivers a significant increase in speed and efficiency compared to single-stage reloading.

The price is justified. It provides a complete setup for .223 Remington at a fraction of the cost of competing systems.

I would personally recommend the Lee Pro 4000 to reloaders who are on a budget and are willing to invest the time and effort to learn its quirks and optimize its performance. With proper setup and maintenance, this press can be a valuable tool for producing high-quality .223 Remington ammunition.

If you’re ready to take control of your ammunition supply and unlock the benefits of progressive reloading, the Lee 91551 Pro 4000 Press Kit 223 Rem is a solid starting point. Just be prepared to roll up your sleeves and embrace the learning curve!