Lee X-press Shellholder #14 Review

Let’s Talk About Lee X-press Shellholder #14

The Lee X-press Shellholder #14 is a seemingly simple, yet essential component for any reloader using the Lee APP Reloading Press or Deluxe APP Reloading Press. It is specifically designed to securely hold cases like the .44-40 Winchester and .45 Long Colt during the reloading process. This small piece of steel facilitates precise and consistent reloading, ultimately impacting the accuracy and reliability of your ammunition.

My foray into reloading the .45 Long Colt began as a quest for both accuracy and cost savings. Factory ammunition, especially in these calibers, can be prohibitively expensive, driving me to find a more economical solution that would also allow me to tailor my rounds to specific shooting needs. The need for a reliable shellholder was paramount to this goal, and the Lee X-press Shellholder #14 seemed like a logical starting point due to the reputation of Lee products.

Upon receiving the shellholder, I was immediately struck by its solid, no-frills design. The steel construction felt robust, promising durability and longevity. It was a small piece, but clearly designed with a specific purpose in mind.

I was also considering shellholders from RCBS and Hornady, but ultimately chose the Lee X-press Shellholder #14 due to Lee’s generally lower price point and compatibility with my existing Lee reloading equipment. The other options, while potentially offering more bells and whistles, didn’t seem to offer significant functional advantages for my needs.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. Shellholders are not the most glamorous reloading components, but they are undeniably crucial. My hope was that the Lee X-press Shellholder #14 would provide consistent and reliable performance, making the reloading process smoother and more efficient.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee X-press Shellholder #14 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first testing ground for the Lee X-press Shellholder #14 was my home reloading bench, preparing .45 Long Colt rounds for a weekend cowboy action shooting competition. I tested the shellholder in conjunction with my Lee APP press. I experienced no issues with the shellholder engaging with the press or the cartridge during the first use.

Conditions in my reloading room are typically dry and temperate, but I made a point to simulate less ideal scenarios by deliberately introducing small amounts of oil and grit to the shellholder and press. Even under these conditions, the Lee X-press Shellholder #14 continued to perform without issue. The simplicity of the design makes it less susceptible to malfunctions caused by contaminants.

The Lee X-press Shellholder #14 was surprisingly intuitive to use. Its design is self-explanatory and requires no real “getting used to.” Cartridges snapped securely into place, and the shellholder seated perfectly in my APP press.

There were no immediate issues or surprises after the first use. It performed as expected, holding the .45 Long Colt case securely during priming, powder charging, and bullet seating. The process was smooth and efficient.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent reloading, the Lee X-press Shellholder #14 has held up remarkably well. It has processed hundreds of rounds without any signs of significant wear or malfunction. The finish still looks like new.

Despite repeated use, there are no visible signs of wear and tear beyond some very minor surface scratches. The steel construction appears to be highly durable, resisting deformation or damage from the forces applied during reloading.

Maintenance is incredibly simple. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth is usually sufficient to remove any residue or debris. I occasionally apply a small amount of dry lubricant to ensure smooth operation.

Compared to my previous experience with universal shellholders that often struggled with consistent case alignment, the Lee X-press Shellholder #14 is a vast improvement. It consistently holds cases securely and accurately, leading to more uniform and reliable ammunition.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee X-press Shellholder #14

Specifications

• The Lee X-press Shellholder #14 is specifically designed for use with the Lee APP Reloading Press and Deluxe APP Reloading Press. This ensures proper fit and function within the press system.
• It is designed to accommodate the .44-40 Winchester and .45 Long Colt cartridges, as well as similar case dimensions. This specialized fit ensures optimal case support during reloading.
• The shellholder is crafted from steel, providing excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear. The steel construction guarantees the shellholder will withstand the stresses of repeated use.
• It is designated as “#14” for easy identification and compatibility within the Lee shellholder system. This standardized numbering system simplifies the process of selecting the correct shellholder for a given cartridge.

These specifications are critical to the performance of the shellholder. The steel construction ensures durability and longevity, while the precise dimensions ensure accurate and consistent case alignment during the reloading process. This results in more reliable and accurate ammunition.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee X-press Shellholder #14 performs its job flawlessly, securely holding .45 Long Colt cases during each step of the reloading process. It allows for smooth and consistent priming, powder charging, and bullet seating.

Its strengths lie in its simplicity, durability, and precise fit. The only improvement would be offering a coated version to further reduce friction.

The Lee X-press Shellholder #14 meets my expectations and delivers consistent and reliable performance. It is a crucial component in my reloading process.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee X-press Shellholder #14 features a simple, functional design built for durability and ease of use. The steel construction provides a solid feel and inspires confidence.

It’s incredibly user-friendly with no learning curve involved. Simply snap the case into the holder and mount it in the press.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its steel construction, the Lee X-press Shellholder #14 is likely to last for many years with proper care. It’s a part that should probably last a lifetime.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe down after use is generally all that’s required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee X-press Shellholder #14 does not come with any accessories, nor does it offer customization options. Its function is very simple.

It is, however, compatible with the entire range of Lee APP press accessories. This allows for streamlining the entire reloading process with appropriate supporting tools.

Pros and Cons of Lee X-press Shellholder #14

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Who Should Buy Lee X-press Shellholder #14?

The Lee X-press Shellholder #14 is perfect for reloaders who load .44-40 and .45 Long Colt ammunition and who use a Lee APP Reloading Press or Deluxe APP Reloading Press. It is also suitable for beginners and experienced reloaders alike.

Anyone who reloads a variety of calibers or who does not use a Lee APP press should skip this product.

A must-have is a reliable reloading press to pair it with. A good set of dies for the .45 Long Colt caliber is essential as well.

Conclusion on Lee X-press Shellholder #14

The Lee X-press Shellholder #14 is a simple, yet highly effective tool for reloading .44-40 and .45 Long Colt ammunition. Its durable construction, precise fit, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced reloaders.

At just $6.19, the price is absolutely justified. It is a small investment that can significantly improve the consistency and reliability of your reloads.

I would definitely recommend the Lee X-press Shellholder #14 to anyone looking to reload .44-40 and .45 Long Colt ammunition using the Lee APP press. It’s a simple but well-executed product. Get yours today and experience the difference!