Let’s Dive into Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit
The Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit promises a streamlined approach to reloading .44 Special cartridges. This kit, manufactured by Lee, aims to provide reloaders with a comprehensive setup for efficient and economical ammunition production. It includes the Lee Load Master progressive press, dies, shell holder, and priming components, suggesting a complete solution for those looking to control their ammunition supply.
My journey towards this kit began with a simple need: to reduce the cost of shooting my beloved .44 Special revolvers. Factory ammunition prices were climbing, and I was spending too much money to feed my hobby. The promise of reloading offered a way to create custom loads tailored to my specific needs and reduce my overall shooting expenses.
The kit arrived in a sturdy cardboard box, well-protected with foam inserts. Upon opening it, I was immediately impressed by the apparent robustness of the Load Master press. The cast iron frame felt substantial and ready for work, giving me initial confidence in its long-term durability.
Compared to other reloading setups I considered, like the Dillon Precision RL550C or the RCBS Pro Chucker 5, the Lee kit offered a significant price advantage. While the others have a reputation for smoother operation and easier caliber changes, the Lee promised similar progressive reloading capabilities at a much lower entry cost. Ultimately, the price point and the complete package offered swayed my decision.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The sheer number of parts and the complexity of a progressive press were initially daunting, but the prospect of churning out custom .44 Special rounds efficiently was exciting. I was eager to dive in and see if the Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit could live up to its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit took place in my well-ventilated garage, a space dedicated to my reloading and gunsmithing hobbies. I methodically followed the instructions, a somewhat convoluted process that involved setting up the press, dies, and primer system. After a couple of hours of tinkering and adjusting, I was finally ready to start producing rounds.
The press performed reasonably well, but it required constant monitoring and tweaking. Primer seating depth was inconsistent at first, and I experienced occasional powder spillage due to improper case alignment. The progressive nature of the press allowed for relatively fast reloading once dialed in, but it definitely demanded my full attention.
The biggest issue I encountered was the primer feeding system, which occasionally jammed, requiring me to stop and clear the obstruction. Also, the powder measure needed very frequent verification to ensure it was dropping consistent charges. It wasn’t a flawless process, but with patience, I managed to produce a few hundred usable rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit has proven to be a capable but somewhat temperamental tool. The press continues to churn out .44 Special rounds, but it still requires a good deal of monitoring and occasional adjustments. While I’ve definitely improved my reloading speed and consistency, it’s not quite the smooth, effortless process I had initially envisioned.
Durability-wise, the cast iron frame shows no signs of wear and tear, but the smaller plastic components, particularly those associated with the primer feeding system, seem less robust. I’ve already had to replace a few of these parts, highlighting a potential weak point in the design. Consistent lubrication helps avoid issues, but I’ve had to order spare parts in advance in preparation for future issues.
Maintenance involves regular cleaning of the powder measure, primer tray, and shell plate. The press itself is relatively easy to wipe down, but the intricate primer feeding system can be challenging to disassemble and clean thoroughly. Compared to my single-stage press, this one requires significantly more frequent and thorough cleaning.
Compared to my previous reloading experiences with a single-stage press, the Lee Load Master definitely offers increased speed and efficiency, but it comes at the cost of increased complexity and a greater potential for malfunctions. While it outperforms the single stage in terms of volume, it disappoints in terms of reliability and ease of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit
Specifications
The Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit is designed specifically for reloading .44 Special cartridges. The kit features a Lee Load Master progressive press, constructed with a cast iron frame for strength and durability. It includes a Lee Load Master Universal Shell Holder, designed to securely hold .44 Special cases during the reloading process.
The kit comes with Lee Load Master Reloading Dies specifically for the .44 Special, including a sizing die, a powder-through expanding die, and a bullet seating die. The five-station design allows for simultaneous operations, such as sizing, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, and crimping. The kit also includes instructions and load data, providing guidance for creating safe and effective .44 Special loads.
The Lee Load Master Reloading Die’s caliber is .44 Special, naturally. The weight of the entire kit is approximately 25 pounds, reflecting the solid construction of the press. These specifications are critical because they dictate the type of ammunition you can produce and the overall efficiency of the reloading process.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit performs its primary function of reloading .44 Special cartridges reasonably well, once properly set up. The progressive design allows for faster production rates compared to single-stage presses. However, the system requires constant monitoring and adjustment to maintain consistent ammunition quality.
The press’s strengths lie in its speed and potential for high-volume reloading. Its main weaknesses are its somewhat finicky operation and occasional primer feeding issues. While the press can produce accurate and reliable ammunition, it requires a patient and attentive reloader.
The kit generally meets expectations for a budget-friendly progressive press, but it falls short in terms of ease of use and reliability. It’s a capable tool for experienced reloaders willing to invest the time and effort required to master its operation.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit features a robust cast iron frame, providing a solid and stable platform for reloading. The press is designed with a five-station shell plate, allowing for multiple operations to be performed simultaneously. The design incorporates a lever-action system that provides adequate leverage for resizing and seating bullets.
The build quality is generally good, with the cast iron frame exhibiting no noticeable flaws. The weight of the press contributes to its stability, minimizing vibrations during operation. Ergonomically, the press is reasonably comfortable to use, but the lever action can become fatiguing during extended reloading sessions.
The Lee Load Master has a moderate learning curve, requiring new users to carefully study the instructions and practice the setup process. Once mastered, the press becomes more intuitive, but occasional adjustments are still required.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit is built to last, thanks to its sturdy cast iron frame. With proper care and maintenance, the press should provide many years of reliable service. However, the smaller plastic components, particularly those in the primer feeding system, may require occasional replacement.
Maintenance involves regular cleaning and lubrication of the moving parts, as well as occasional disassembly and cleaning of the primer and powder systems. Replacement parts are readily available from Lee and other suppliers, making repairs relatively straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit comes with a Lee Load Master Universal Shell Holder, designed specifically for .44 Special cartridges. It also includes Lee Load Master Reloading Dies for .44 Special, as well as priming components.
Customization options are somewhat limited, but reloaders can replace the standard dies with carbide dies for smoother resizing. The press is compatible with most standard reloading components, such as powder measures and bullet feeders.
Pros and Cons of Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit
Pros
- Progressive design allows for faster reloading speeds.
- Cast iron frame provides a stable and durable platform.
- Complete kit includes dies, shell holder, and priming components.
- Affordable price compared to other progressive presses.
- Compatible with standard reloading components and accessories.
Cons
- Primer feeding system can be finicky and prone to jamming.
- Requires frequent monitoring and adjustment for consistent ammunition quality.
- Plastic components may be less durable than metal parts.
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
Who Should Buy Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit?
The Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit is perfect for experienced reloaders who want to produce .44 Special ammunition in high volumes and are comfortable with troubleshooting and adjusting the press as needed. It is also suitable for reloaders on a budget who are willing to invest the time and effort required to master the Lee Load Master.
This product is not recommended for beginners or those who prioritize ease of use and reliability over speed and affordability. Reloaders who demand flawless performance and minimal maintenance should consider a higher-end progressive press.
Must-have accessories include a quality digital scale for verifying powder charges, a case tumbler for cleaning brass, and a bullet puller for disassembling incorrectly loaded rounds.
Conclusion on Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit
The Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit is a capable but somewhat temperamental progressive press for reloading .44 Special ammunition. It offers a significant speed advantage over single-stage presses, but it requires constant monitoring and adjustment to maintain consistent ammunition quality.
The value proposition is decent, considering the kit’s affordable price and comprehensive set of components. However, reloaders should be prepared to invest the time and effort required to master the press’s operation and address its occasional quirks.
I would cautiously recommend this kit to experienced reloaders on a budget who are comfortable with tinkering and troubleshooting. Beginners and those who demand flawless performance should consider other options. Ultimately, the Lee 90943 Load Master 44 Special Reloading Pistol Kit is a tool that rewards patience and perseverance with a steady supply of custom .44 Special ammunition.