Let’s Dive into Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long
The Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long promises to streamline the bullet seating process for reloaders using progressive presses. Designed specifically for 9mm rounds within the specified diameter and length parameters, this kit aims to boost reloading speed and consistency. The Lee Precision brand is known for offering affordable reloading solutions, and this bullet feeder is another example of their commitment to accessible reloading technology.
Years of hand-placing bullets onto my progressive press were taking a toll on my efficiency. I was searching for a reliable and cost-effective way to increase my reloading output for 9mm, my most frequently loaded caliber. The Lee bullet feeder system seemed like a perfect solution.
Upon opening the box, I was immediately impressed by the simplicity of the design. The components appeared robust, despite the kit’s budget-friendly price point, and the instructions seemed straightforward. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism – could this simple device truly make a significant difference in my reloading speed?
Compared to the Dillon Precision bullet feeder, which commands a significantly higher price, the Lee system relies on a more mechanical approach. While the Dillon system offers finer adjustments and potentially higher speed, the Lee kit offers a potentially lower barrier to entry for reloaders looking to automate a basic part of the process. I chose the Lee system for its price and simple design over the Hornady bullet feeder due to perceived value and fewer parts.
I was cautiously optimistic. The promise of increased speed was alluring, but I also knew that Lee products sometimes require a bit of tweaking and adjustment to achieve optimal performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long on my Lee Load Master progressive press at my reloading bench, focusing on 9mm rounds for target practice. The initial setup took about an hour, requiring careful adjustment of the feed fingers and bullet seating die. The process was a bit finicky, but the instructions were adequate.
The performance was initially inconsistent. The feeder occasionally misaligned bullets, leading to stoppages and requiring manual intervention. After some adjustments, it began to function more smoothly, though it still required occasional monitoring, but even with the occasional adjustment, was much faster than hand-placing each bullet.
The initial learning curve was moderate. Fine-tuning the bullet seating die depth and the feeder’s alignment was crucial for consistent operation. After a few hours, I felt more comfortable with the system and its quirks.
I was surprised by how sensitive the system was to bullet shape and diameter. Slight variations in bullet dimensions significantly impacted feeding reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long has proven to be a valuable, though not perfect, addition to my reloading setup. The feeder has significantly increased my reloading speed, even with occasional stoppages. It is faster than hand-placing bullets, which is really the metric of success.
The durability has been acceptable. The plastic components show some signs of wear, but nothing that has compromised functionality. Occasional cleaning of the feed fingers and the bullet hopper is necessary to prevent powder buildup and ensure smooth operation.
Maintenance is simple but necessary. Periodically wiping down the components and ensuring proper lubrication of moving parts keeps the system running smoothly. The improvement in speed versus cost of maintenance makes it a win for me.
Compared to my previous experience of manually placing each bullet, the Lee bullet feeder is a significant improvement in terms of speed and efficiency. However, it doesn’t match the flawless reliability of higher-end, more expensive systems.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long
Specifications
The Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long is designed specifically for 9mm Luger cartridges using bullets with a diameter of .365 inches and a length up to .46 inches. This specificity is critical for ensuring proper feeding and alignment. The kit includes the bullet feeder body, a bullet hopper, feed fingers, and necessary mounting hardware for Lee progressive presses.
The “One Kit” designation means it contains all the necessary components for setting up bullet feeding on a compatible press. The caliber specificity is key. Using bullets outside the specified dimensions can lead to malfunctions.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long aims to increase reloading speed by automating the bullet seating process. It does this by dispensing bullets from the hopper, aligning them via the feed fingers, and presenting them to the bullet seating die. When tuned and configured correctly, it does, in fact, increase the speed of reloading significantly.
The primary strength is the increased reloading speed. The weaknesses are occasional misalignment issues and sensitivity to bullet dimensions. While it boosts speed, it isn’t perfect.
For me, it exceeds expectations for the price point, providing a noticeable improvement in efficiency. However, it requires a more hands-on approach than some other systems and may not be for reloaders looking for flawless automation.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long is constructed primarily of durable plastic. While this keeps the cost down, it may not be as robust as metal alternatives. The design is relatively simple, making it easy to understand and maintain.
The system is relatively user-friendly. Setting it up requires patience and some mechanical aptitude. The learning curve is moderate.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long is acceptable for the price. The plastic components are susceptible to wear and tear over time, especially with heavy use. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maximizing its lifespan.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and cleaning supplies. Replacing worn or broken parts is also relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long comes as a complete kit. There is no need for additional accessories for basic functionality. It is primarily designed to work with Lee progressive presses and Lee bullet seating dies.
Customization options are limited but possible. Some users have modified the bullet hopper to increase capacity or used aftermarket feed fingers for improved reliability with specific bullet profiles. These modifications are at your own risk.
Pros and Cons of Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long
Pros
- Significantly increases reloading speed compared to manual bullet placement.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wider range of reloaders.
- Simple design is easy to understand and maintain.
- Compatible with Lee Load Master and Pro 1000 presses.
- Reduces fatigue associated with repetitive manual bullet placement.
Cons
- Requires careful setup and adjustment for optimal performance.
- Sensitive to bullet dimensions and may not work reliably with all 9mm bullets.
Who Should Buy Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long?
Perfect for reloaders who are using a Lee Load Master or Pro 1000 press and are looking for a cost-effective way to increase their reloading speed for 9mm ammunition. Ideal for high-volume shooters who reload frequently. It’s a good fit for those willing to spend time fine-tuning their equipment.
Those who should skip this product are reloaders seeking flawless, hands-off automation, or those using bullets outside the specified diameter and length range. Individuals who reload infrequently may not find the time savings worth the initial setup effort.
A must-have modification would be experimenting with aftermarket feed fingers designed for specific bullet profiles to improve reliability. Ensure you have calipers and a good understanding of your bullet dimensions.
Conclusion on Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long
The Lee 90893 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia Up To .46 Long offers a compelling value proposition for reloaders seeking to boost their 9mm reloading speed on a budget. While it requires some patience and fine-tuning to achieve optimal performance, the increased efficiency is undeniable. The value is there if you’re willing to invest the time.
The price is definitely justified for the increased speed. Just be prepared to troubleshoot occasional issues.
I would personally recommend it to reloaders who understand the limitations and are willing to invest the time in setup and maintenance. It’s a worthwhile upgrade for high-volume reloaders using Lee progressive presses.
Take the plunge, upgrade your reloading setup, and reclaim your time! Just be sure to measure your bullets first.