Let’s Talk About Lee X-press Shellholder #7
The Lee X-press Shellholder #7 might seem like a small, insignificant piece of reloading equipment, but trust me, after a decade spent neck-deep in the world of reloading, I’ve learned that even the smallest components can make or break the entire process. This seemingly simple shellholder, manufactured by Lee, promises a quick and easy way to seat cases, and that’s a promise worth exploring for any serious reloader. It is steel, which will (hopefully) add to the long lasting reliability.
For years, I’d been using standard shellholders with my progressive press. My main issue was the constant fumbling with shellholders, especially when dealing with high-volume reloading sessions for competitive shooting. I was searching for anything to help improve my efficiency.
When I first unboxed the Lee X-press Shellholder #7, I was immediately drawn to its simplicity. The all-steel construction felt robust, and the design hinted at the ease of use it promised. It was noticeably different from my existing shellholders.
I considered other options from RCBS and Hornady, but Lee‘s reputation for affordable quality and the unique X-Press design ultimately swayed my decision. I was hoping it would be a nice alternative to my old shellholders.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. It looked durable and functional, but I reserved judgment until I could put it through its paces on my reloading bench. I was really hoping the promises of speed and ease would hold up under pressure.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee X-press Shellholder #7 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Lee X-press Shellholder #7 was at my home reloading bench, where I was prepping .308 Winchester cases for an upcoming precision rifle match. This involved seating primers, charging with powder, and seating bullets. I wanted to see how the Lee X-press Shellholder #7 worked with all the steps of reloading.
I tested it across a few hours. I loaded around 200 rounds. The process was far easier than the regular shellholder system, particularly when dealing with the repetitive motions of case insertion and removal.
The initial learning curve was minimal, and I quickly got accustomed to the “fold-out” mechanism for case removal. There was a small adjustment period to learn the correct amount of force to apply to seat the cases properly, but nothing major.
I was initially surprised by how much time I saved just in the seating process. This might not sound like a lot, but it really adds up over hundreds or thousands of rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Lee X-press Shellholder #7 across multiple reloading sessions, I can confidently say it’s a worthwhile addition to my setup. There were no signs of wear and tear after the months.
The steel construction has proven durable, with no bending or deformation despite consistent use. I really wasn’t sure how the steel was going to hold up in the long run.
Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a cloth to remove any powder residue is all it takes. The shellholder has remained consistent in its performance.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard shellholders, the Lee X-press Shellholder #7 significantly speeds up the reloading process. It reduces hand fatigue, and delivers what it promises.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee X-press Shellholder #7
Specifications
The Lee X-press Shellholder #7 is specifically designed for cartridges utilizing a #7 shellholder. It is manufactured by Lee. The shellholder is constructed from steel.
This simple specification means that the Lee X-press Shellholder #7 is compatible with a specific range of cartridges, including some popular rounds. Knowing the size of your shellholder is crucial to prevent problems when reloading.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee X-press Shellholder #7 performs its primary function exceptionally well: securely holding cases during the reloading process while allowing for quick and easy insertion and removal. It performs reliably. The performance meets my expectations.
Its greatest strength lies in its speed and ease of use, although it isn’t perfect and can only hold specific rounds. Cases are easily handled.
It meets and exceeds expectations. It delivers what it promises.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Lee X-press Shellholder #7 is robust, thanks to its all-steel construction. It is light, but it doesn’t need to be heavy.
The design is user-friendly, requiring minimal adjustment to get started. There’s practically no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Lee X-press Shellholder #7 suggests a long lifespan with proper care. It is easy to maintain.
Cleaning involves simply wiping away any powder residue. The longevity of this product is one of its biggest assets.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee X-press Shellholder #7 doesn’t come with accessories, as it is a standalone product designed to integrate with existing reloading presses. It doesn’t really need to be customized.
It is compatible with any reloading press that accepts standard shellholders. This allows seamless integration into existing reloading setups.
Pros and Cons of Lee X-press Shellholder #7
Pros
- Increased Reloading Speed: The X-Press design allows for significantly faster case insertion and removal compared to standard shellholders, reducing overall reloading time.
- Reduced Hand Fatigue: The ergonomic design and easy case handling minimize hand fatigue during long reloading sessions, making high-volume reloading more comfortable.
- Durable Steel Construction: The all-steel construction ensures long-lasting durability and resistance to wear and tear, providing reliable performance for years to come.
- Easy to Maintain: Simple cleaning with a cloth removes powder residue, keeping the shellholder in optimal condition with minimal effort.
- Affordable Price: At $4.99, the Lee X-press Shellholder #7 offers excellent value for its performance and durability, making it an accessible upgrade for reloaders of all levels.
Cons
- The shellholder only supports a limited number of rounds.
- The fold-out mechanism may require some initial adjustment.
Who Should Buy Lee X-press Shellholder #7?
The Lee X-press Shellholder #7 is perfect for high-volume reloaders, competitive shooters, and anyone looking to streamline their reloading process. If you value efficiency and want to reduce hand fatigue during long sessions, this shellholder is an excellent choice.
Anyone that does not reload rounds using the correct shellholder size should skip this product. If you only reload a few rounds per session, the benefit isn’t as large.
A quality reloading press is a must-have accessory for optimal use of the Lee X-press Shellholder #7. A well organized reloading bench will also help maximize the shellholder’s benefits.
Conclusion on Lee X-press Shellholder #7
In summary, the Lee X-press Shellholder #7 is a valuable addition to any reloader’s toolkit, offering increased speed, reduced fatigue, and reliable performance at an affordable price. For such a cheap piece of gear, it does its job well.
The price is definitely justified. At less than $5, it offers significant improvements in efficiency and comfort.
I would absolutely recommend it to any reloader seeking to optimize their workflow. It truly makes a difference.
If you’re tired of fumbling with standard shellholders and want to speed up your reloading process, the Lee X-press Shellholder #7 is a worthwhile investment. Grab yours today and experience the difference it makes!