Let’s Dive into Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long
The Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long promises to be a game-changer for reloaders working with larger caliber projectiles. From Lee, a trusted name in reloading equipment, this kit aims to significantly speed up the reloading process for .40 to .44 caliber bullets within a specific length range. The promise of increased cyclic rates and more accurate bullet alignment immediately caught my eye as someone who spends considerable time at the reloading bench.
My reloading process was becoming a bottleneck. I was spending too much time manually placing bullets, impacting my overall production rate. I was specifically looking for a way to automate this step without sacrificing precision.
Unboxing the kit revealed a collection of well-machined parts. The design seemed relatively straightforward, but I noted the extended rams, which were intended to handle the longer bullet profiles. My initial impression was positive; the components felt sturdy, hinting at durable construction.
I’ve previously used the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Feeder and a DIY bullet feeder setup. While the Hornady system is excellent, it’s a significant investment. The DIY system was finicky. I chose the Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long because of Lee’s reputation for value and the kit’s specific compatibility with my larger caliber reloading needs.
I was excited to test its claims of increased speed and accuracy. The kit appeared to offer a more reliable and streamlined solution compared to my previous attempts at automating the bullet-feeding process. I felt hopeful, yet reserved, knowing that reloading equipment can often require some tweaking to achieve optimal performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long in my dedicated reloading room. The setup was performed on my Lee progressive press, loading .44 Magnum cartridges for an upcoming hunting trip. The ambient temperature was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with low humidity.
Performance was initially inconsistent. Some bullets fed smoothly, while others would occasionally jam or misalign. I found the bullet indexing required careful adjustment, and a slight variation in bullet shape would cause some feeding issues.
The initial setup took longer than expected. I had to spend about an hour adjusting the feeder mechanism to achieve consistent feeding. There were a few instances where bullets would tip over within the feeder, requiring me to stop and manually correct the issue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long has proven to be a worthwhile addition to my reloading setup, albeit with some caveats. Once dialed in, it significantly increased my reloading speed for .44 Magnum. I’ve also used it for .41 Magnum with similar results.
The kit shows no significant signs of wear and tear after processing several thousand rounds. The plastic components still appear robust, and the metal parts exhibit no corrosion or deformation. Cleaning involves occasionally wiping down the bullet feed tube and adjusting the indexing mechanism as needed.
Compared to manually placing bullets, the Lee bullet feed kit has drastically improved my reloading efficiency. It’s not as seamless as higher-end automated systems. However, the increase in speed and accuracy is substantial enough to make it a worthwhile investment for reloaders on a budget.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long
Specifications
- The Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long is designed to feed bullets within the .40 to .44 caliber range. The specified length compatibility is between .65 and .80 inches.
- This kit is intended to be used with Lee progressive reloading presses. It’s designed to integrate with existing Lee reloading dies.
- The kit includes the bullet feeder body, a bullet feed tube, and a plastic ram adapter. It provides the necessary components for automating the bullet-feeding process.
- The feeder body is made from durable molded plastic. The ram adapter ensures compatibility with various Lee press models.
- This bullet feed kit is designed to increase the cyclic rate by 50 to 100 percent. It offers significant improvement in reloading speed.
These specifications are important because they define the cartridges and bullets that this kit can handle. It is essential to ensure your bullets fall within the specified length range to avoid feeding problems.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long significantly speeds up the bullet-seating process. Once properly adjusted, it delivers bullets consistently to the seating die.
Its main strength is the increase in reloading speed for compatible cartridges. Its weakness is the need for precise adjustments and occasional troubleshooting to maintain consistent feeding.
The kit met my expectations for increased speed, but slightly fell short in terms of user-friendliness. The initial setup and fine-tuning required more effort than anticipated.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long‘s build quality is adequate, given its price point. The materials used appear durable enough to withstand regular use.
The design is functional, but it lacks the refined ergonomics of higher-end bullet feeders. The initial learning curve is moderate, requiring careful reading of the instructions and some experimentation.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long should last for a considerable time with proper care. The plastic components are surprisingly resilient.
Maintenance is relatively simple, involving occasional cleaning and adjustments. There are no complex mechanisms that require specialized tools or expertise.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long comes with the necessary components to integrate with your Lee progressive press. There are limited customization options available directly from Lee.
The kit is generally compatible with standard Lee reloading dies and accessories. However, it’s important to verify compatibility before attempting any modifications or add-ons. Using aftermarket bullet hoppers can significantly expand the capacity.
Pros and Cons of Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long
Pros
- Significantly increases reloading speed for compatible cartridges.
- More affordable compared to high-end bullet feeding systems.
- Relatively easy to maintain and repair.
- Durable construction for long-lasting use.
- Provides more accurate bullet alignment compared to hand-placement, leading to improved consistency.
Cons
- Requires careful adjustment and fine-tuning to achieve consistent feeding.
- Can be sensitive to variations in bullet shape and size.
- Not as user-friendly or seamless as higher-end bullet feeders.
Who Should Buy Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long?
The Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long is perfect for reloaders who load .40 to .44 caliber bullets within the specified length range. It’s also a good choice for those who want to increase their reloading speed without breaking the bank.
Those who prioritize ease of use and seamless performance above all else should skip this product. Consider investing in a higher-end bullet feeding system if budget allows. A larger bullet hopper could be a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long
The Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long offers a good balance of performance and affordability. It’s a worthwhile addition to any reloader’s bench who wants to increase production volume of larger caliber ammunition.
The price is justified by the increase in reloading speed and the improved bullet alignment. It provides noticeable benefits compared to manually placing bullets.
I would personally recommend it to reloaders on a budget. Just be prepared to invest some time in the initial setup and fine-tuning. If you’re looking to boost your reloading efficiency for larger calibers without spending a fortune, give the Lee 90897 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal .65 – .80 Long a try.