Let’s Dive into Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long
The Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long promises to streamline the reloading process for 9mm Luger ammunition, specifically designed for bullets within a certain diameter and length. This kit aims to increase reloading speed and consistency, a boon for high-volume shooters and reloaders. Lee Precision, known for its affordable and innovative reloading equipment, offers this kit as a way to enhance their Pro 1000 and Load Master progressive presses, although it can be adapted for use with other presses.
My reloading bench had become a bottleneck, particularly when cranking out large batches of 9mm for practice. Hand-placing each bullet was tedious, time-consuming, and inconsistent, leading me to search for a reliable bullet feeding solution. After researching several options, the Lee kit stood out due to its attractive price point and the brand’s reputation for delivering functional, if not always aesthetically refined, reloading tools.
The kit arrived in typical Lee packaging: functional and straightforward. Initial inspection revealed a collection of plastic parts, seemingly robust enough for the task, but lacking the refined feel of higher-end metallic alternatives. The build quality appeared adequate, with no immediately obvious defects, though I anticipated a bit of tinkering to get everything dialed in just right, as is often the case with Lee products.
Compared to other bullet feeders I considered, such as those from Hornady or Dillon Precision, the Lee kit was significantly more budget-friendly. While the Dillon and Hornady options boast smoother operation and all-metal construction, their higher cost couldn’t be justified for my current reloading volume. The Lee kit presented a compromise – affordability in exchange for potentially more hands-on setup and maintenance.
My initial reaction was a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. I was eager to speed up my reloading process, but wary of the potential for finicky adjustments and malfunctions, which I’d experienced with some other Lee products in the past. However, the potential time savings and increased consistency were enough to pique my interest and dive into installation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long to the Test
First Use Experience
My first attempt at using the Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long was at my home reloading bench, where I typically load all my ammunition. I was loading 124-grain RN 9mm bullets for an upcoming USPSA match, aiming to churn out a few hundred rounds efficiently. The kit was mounted on my Lee Load Master press, which I already had set up for 9mm.
Under dry conditions, the kit functioned intermittently at first. The bullets occasionally hung up in the feed tube, requiring manual intervention to keep the flow consistent. It took some time to adjust the feed rate and bullet orientation to minimize these hiccups, but eventually, I found a sweet spot.
The ease of use was moderate; the instructions were relatively clear, but the kit required a fair amount of tweaking to achieve reliable operation. The bullet alignment was the most critical factor, as even slight misalignments could cause the system to jam. After about an hour of adjustments, I achieved a consistent rhythm.
Initially, I was frustrated by the frequent jams and the need for constant monitoring. However, after fine-tuning the setup, the kit started to perform as intended, dramatically increasing my reloading speed. The initial setup time was a hurdle, but the long-term benefits seemed promising.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long has proven to be a valuable, albeit imperfect, addition to my reloading setup. While it doesn’t eliminate all manual intervention, it significantly reduces the amount of time spent hand-placing bullets. Regular cleaning is key to maintaining consistent performance.
The durability has been surprisingly good for a predominantly plastic kit. There are no cracks or breakages, but the plastic feed tube shows some wear from constant bullet movement. I anticipate replacing it eventually, but it has held up well so far.
Maintenance involves periodically cleaning the feed tube and bullet alignment components with a dry cloth to remove powder residue and bullet lube. A quick wipe-down after each reloading session keeps the kit functioning smoothly. It’s less about deep cleaning and more about preventing buildup that can cause malfunctions.
Compared to my previous experience of hand-placing each bullet, the Lee kit is a significant improvement in terms of speed and efficiency. While it doesn’t match the seamless operation of more expensive bullet feeders, it offers a considerable boost in productivity for a fraction of the cost. It definitely outperforms the frustration of single-loading hundreds of rounds.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lee Precision. A well-known manufacturer of reloading equipment, known for its affordable and innovative products.
- Caliber: 9mm Luger. This kit is specifically designed for 9mm Luger ammunition.
- Bullet Diameter: .365″. The kit is optimized for bullets with a diameter of .365 inches.
- Bullet Length: .60″ – .75″. The kit is designed to accommodate bullets within this length range.
- Quantity: One Kit. The package contains one complete bullet feed kit.
- Compatibility: Primarily designed for Lee Pro 1000 and Load Master presses but can be adapted for other presses. This compatibility makes it versatile for various reloading setups.
- Material: Predominantly plastic construction. Plastic keeps the cost down but may affect long-term durability compared to metal alternatives.
These specifications are crucial because they define the precise types of bullets that the kit can handle reliably. Using bullets outside the specified diameter or length range will likely result in feeding issues and malfunctions. The Lee kit’s compatibility with progressive presses allows for high-volume reloading, while the plastic construction balances cost and functionality.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long performs its core function – feeding bullets into the reloading press – with reasonable efficiency, once properly adjusted. Accuracy is indirectly improved through more consistent bullet placement.
The main strength is its ability to significantly increase reloading speed compared to manual bullet placement. However, the weaknesses include the need for frequent adjustments, occasional jams, and sensitivity to bullet shape and size. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly bullet feeding solution but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The kit’s design is functional and straightforward, but not particularly elegant. The plastic construction keeps the weight down and simplifies assembly.
The kit is relatively user-friendly, but there’s a learning curve involved in achieving consistent operation. The adjustments for bullet alignment and feed rate can be finicky and require patience.
Durability & Maintenance
The predominantly plastic construction raises concerns about long-term durability, but so far, the kit has held up reasonably well. Regular maintenance, primarily cleaning, is essential for ensuring consistent performance.
Maintenance is relatively simple, involving wiping down the feed tube and alignment components with a dry cloth. Replacing worn parts, like the feed tube, is likely necessary over time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit includes the necessary components for bullet feeding but doesn’t come with additional accessories. There are no official customization options offered by Lee.
However, some reloaders have modified the kit with homemade accessories, such as improved feed tubes or bullet alignment devices. Compatibility with other brands’ accessories is limited due to the Lee kit’s unique design.
Pros and Cons of Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long
Pros
- Significantly increases reloading speed compared to manual bullet placement.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious reloaders.
- Relatively easy to install and set up, despite requiring some adjustments.
- Compatible with Lee Pro 1000 and Load Master progressive presses.
- Improved consistency in bullet placement can enhance accuracy.
Cons
- Requires frequent adjustments to maintain consistent operation.
- Prone to occasional jams, especially with bullets outside the specified dimensions.
- Predominantly plastic construction raises concerns about long-term durability.
Who Should Buy Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long?
The Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long is perfect for reloaders who are looking to increase their production speed without breaking the bank. Those who reload 9mm in medium to high volumes for practice or competition will find this kit beneficial. It’s also suitable for reloaders who enjoy tinkering with their equipment and don’t mind making occasional adjustments.
Those who should skip this product are reloaders who demand seamless, jam-free operation and are willing to invest in a higher-end bullet feeder. It’s also not ideal for those who load a wide variety of bullet shapes and sizes, as the Lee kit is more sensitive to bullet dimensions.
A must-have modification would be a smoother, more durable feed tube to reduce friction and prevent bullet hang-ups. Also, a more precise bullet alignment device could further improve the kit’s reliability.
Conclusion on Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long
The Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 9mm – .365 Dia .60 -.75 Long offers a budget-friendly solution for increasing reloading speed and consistency. It’s not without its quirks and requires some patience to set up and maintain, but it delivers a significant boost in productivity for the price.
The value proposition is strong for reloaders who prioritize affordability over seamless operation. The kit performs its core function adequately and can be a worthwhile investment for those looking to streamline their 9mm reloading process.
I would personally recommend this kit to reloaders who are comfortable with tinkering and making adjustments. It’s a great entry-level bullet feeding solution that can significantly improve reloading efficiency without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to speed up your 9mm reloading, give the Lee 90895 Bullet Feed Kit a try – just be prepared to put in a little effort to get it running smoothly.