Let’s Dive into Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487
As a seasoned reloader with over a decade dedicated to crafting consistent and reliable ammunition, I’ve encountered my fair share of brass quirks. One persistent issue, especially when dealing with range brass, is the dreaded “Glock bulge.” Enter the Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487, a deceptively simple solution to a frustrating problem. Lee Precision aims to address this issue with an affordable and easy-to-use kit.
My journey to discover this kit began with a growing frustration. I was noticing an increasing number of reloads failing to chamber fully in my firearms. The cases showed a slight bulge near the base, a common occurrence in brass fired from firearms with less-than-fully-supported chambers, most notably Glocks.
Unboxing the Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 was, admittedly, anticlimactic. It’s a small, unassuming package containing the core components needed for the swaging process. The design is functional, prioritizing simplicity and affordability over aesthetics.
Compared to some of the more elaborate case bulge correction systems on the market, the Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 is significantly less expensive. This cost-effectiveness was a major factor in my decision to give it a try. The kit requires an existing Lee Factory Crimp Die (FCD) in the appropriate caliber, which adds to the overall cost but is a common reloading tool anyway.
My first impression was a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Could something this simple really solve such a common problem? I was eager to put it to the test and see if it lived up to its name.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my reloading bench, where I processed a batch of 9mm brass collected from a local indoor range. Many of these cases exhibited the tell-tale signs of having been fired in a Glock, with a noticeable bulge near the base. The Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 was installed in my reloading press following the instructions.
The process was straightforward. After resizing and depriming the brass, I ran each case through the Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487, using the ram of my press to push the case through the FCD containing the Bulge Buster punch. The effort required was surprisingly minimal, and the cases emerged noticeably straighter. I tested the “bulge-busted” brass in a case gauge and was impressed with the results; most of the cases now chambered perfectly.
However, the first use wasn’t without its minor hiccups. The case ejection system, which uses a small tube to direct processed cases into a collection container, occasionally jammed. This required manual intervention to keep the process flowing smoothly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 to process hundreds of cases, I’ve developed a solid understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The kit continues to perform its primary function admirably: effectively removing bulges from pistol brass. Durability has been good with no parts breakage.
The kit shows no significant signs of wear and tear after extended use. The steel components appear to be well-machined and capable of withstanding the pressures of reloading. The Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 does not require extensive maintenance.
Compared to manually rejecting bulged brass or investing in a more expensive case correction system, the Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 offers a significant improvement in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It has become an indispensable part of my reloading process, allowing me to salvage brass that would otherwise be unusable.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487
Specifications
The Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 is designed to be used in conjunction with a Lee Factory Crimp Die (FCD) of the appropriate caliber. It consists of a push-through punch and a case holder designed to fit into the ram of a reloading press. The kit is available for 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and other common pistol calibers.
The main specification of note is that it requires the use of a Lee Factory Crimp Die. This is necessary to provide the outer support while the punch pushes the case through. This can be a limiting factor for reloaders who use dies from other manufacturers.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 performs its primary function exceptionally well. It effectively removes the bulges that can occur in brass fired from firearms with unsupported chambers. The result is more reliable and consistent ammunition.
The main strength of the kit is its simplicity and affordability. It’s easy to set up and use, even for novice reloaders. The primary weakness is the case ejection system, which can be prone to jamming. The Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 meets expectations, providing a cost-effective solution to a common reloading problem.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 is utilitarian, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. The materials used are durable and well-suited to the demands of reloading. The kit is lightweight and easy to handle.
The Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 is exceptionally user-friendly. The setup is quick and simple, and the process of correcting bulged brass is straightforward. There is no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 is constructed from durable materials and should last for many years with proper care. The kit requires minimal maintenance. A light cleaning with a dry cloth is generally sufficient to keep it in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 does not come with any additional accessories beyond the core components. There are no customization options available. The kit is designed to be used with a Lee Factory Crimp Die, which must be purchased separately. The Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 is only compatible with Lee FCDs.
Pros and Cons of Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487
Pros
- Effectively removes bulges from pistol brass, improving reliability.
- Inexpensive compared to other case correction systems.
- Easy to set up and use, even for novice reloaders.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Allows reloaders to salvage brass that would otherwise be unusable.
Cons
- Requires the purchase of a Lee Factory Crimp Die (FCD) in the appropriate caliber.
- Case ejection system can be prone to jamming.
Who Should Buy Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487?
The Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 is perfect for reloaders who process a lot of range brass, especially if they reload for pistol calibers commonly fired in firearms with unsupported chambers. It’s also a great option for reloaders on a budget who want a cost-effective solution to the problem of bulged brass. Anyone who already owns a Lee Factory Crimp Die in the desired caliber will find this kit to be a particularly valuable addition to their reloading bench.
Reloaders who primarily use new brass or who reload exclusively for firearms with fully supported chambers may not need this product. Those who prefer more elaborate and automated case correction systems may also find the Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 too simplistic for their needs. There are no must-have accessories or modifications for this kit, beyond the required Lee Factory Crimp Die.
Conclusion on Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487
The Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 is a simple yet effective tool that solves a common problem for reloaders. It’s affordable, easy to use, and delivers consistent results. While the case ejection system could be improved, this minor inconvenience is easily outweighed by the benefits of being able to salvage bulged brass.
The price of the Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 is justified, especially considering the cost of replacing unusable brass. It pays for itself quickly by allowing reloaders to extend the life of their brass and produce more reliable ammunition. I would personally recommend the Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 to any reloader who struggles with bulged pistol brass.
If you’re tired of discarding brass due to the dreaded “Glock bulge”, give the Lee Bulge Buster Kit For Bulge-Free Brass 90487 a try. You might be surprised at how much money and frustration it can save you. Add it to your reloading bench today and start turning that once-useless brass into reliable ammunition!