Let’s Dive into Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester
The Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester is a complete, compact, and affordable solution for reloading .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) ammunition. Marketed as the “first-ever complete reloading kit,” it provides a straightforward entry point for novice reloaders, a space-saving option for experienced handloaders, and a dependable backup system for those seeking simplicity. It has garnered a reputation for offering a cost-effective gateway into the reloading world without sacrificing essential functionality.
My interest in the Lee Loader stemmed from a desire to achieve greater control over my .308 Winchester ammunition. Factory ammunition, while consistent, rarely offers the tailored performance necessary for precision shooting or specific hunting scenarios. The promise of crafting custom loads, optimized for my rifle and intended purpose, pushed me towards exploring handloading. Several friends suggested trying this product to decide if reloading was something I would actually enjoy.
Upon opening the Lee Loader kit, I was immediately struck by its simplicity and portability. The kit’s components, consisting of a bullet seating die, decapping chamber, resizing die, priming chamber, powder dipper, and instructions, felt robust despite their compact size. The absence of a bulky reloading press was a refreshing departure from conventional setups. Its unassuming nature inspired confidence.
While considering this purchase, I also evaluated the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme and the Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Kit. The Lee Loader’s significantly lower price point and reliance on manual operation made it more appealing. The RCBS and Hornady options provide a broader range of functions, but are more expensive. I wanted a simple introduction to reloading and the Lee Loader filled this gap.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Lee Loader’s simplicity was appealing, but I was unsure if it could deliver the consistency and accuracy I needed for quality ammunition. I was eager to see if its compact design and manual operation could produce handloads comparable to factory ammunition.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester at my home reloading bench. My primary goal was to produce a batch of .308 Winchester rounds for accuracy testing at the range. The kit performed reasonably well, but required a more deliberate approach.
Reloading with the Lee Loader is a hands-on process. Each step—decapping, resizing, priming, powder charging, and bullet seating—requires careful attention and manual effort. The resizing process demands significant force, especially with once-fired military brass.
The Lee Loader took a little bit of time to get used to. The resizing process was by far the most difficult part. After a few rounds, I started to get the hang of it and was able to produce a good quality round.
After the first use, the only issue I encountered was the need for a sturdy work surface and a good mallet. The process demanded more physical effort than anticipated, highlighting the importance of a stable setup. The manual operation required careful attention to detail and precise execution of each step.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester has proven to be a reliable, albeit slow, method for producing .308 Winchester ammunition. The kit shows minimal signs of wear, a testament to its robust construction. It has reloaded approximately 200 rounds.
The Lee Loader has held up surprisingly well. The steel dies show no signs of damage or deformation, despite the repetitive hammering involved in resizing. The powder dipper remains accurate, consistently dispensing the intended powder charge.
The Lee Loader is relatively easy to clean and maintain. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each reloading session is sufficient to remove powder residue and prevent corrosion. Applying a light coat of oil to the dies keeps them functioning smoothly.
Compared to my previous experience with a progressive reloading press, the Lee Loader is significantly slower and requires more physical effort. However, it offers a greater sense of control and a deeper understanding of the reloading process. The Lee Loader allows a more meticulous approach to reloading, which leads to a better understanding of the process.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester
Specifications
The Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester is specifically designed for reloading .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) ammunition. This caliber is widely used in hunting rifles, military rifles, and precision target rifles. It’s a common caliber.
The kit includes a bullet seating die, decapping chamber, resizing die, priming chamber, a powder dipper, and instructions. It’s important to note that it doesn’t include a priming tool, mallet, or powder scale, which must be purchased separately. These are the tools you will need to purchase separately.
- Caliber: .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO)
- Construction: Steel dies and chambers with a polymer powder dipper.
- Operation: Manual, requiring a mallet or similar tool for operation.
- Features: Includes all essential dies for reloading .308 Winchester ammunition.
These specifications are critical to the Lee Loader’s performance. The steel dies ensure consistent resizing and bullet seating. The manual operation provides direct control over each step. The included powder dipper offers a convenient, albeit less precise, method for measuring powder charges.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester performs its intended function of reloading .308 Winchester ammunition effectively, though slowly. Accuracy is dependent on the reloader’s consistency and attention to detail. You will need to be precise.
The Lee Loader’s strengths lie in its simplicity, portability, and affordability. Its weaknesses include its slow reloading speed, the physical effort required for resizing, and the lack of precise powder measurement. These are just some of the trade-offs for a more affordable product.
The Lee Loader meets expectations as an introductory reloading kit. It provides a basic but functional reloading setup at a fraction of the cost of a conventional reloading press. However, it falls short of expectations in terms of speed and convenience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester is designed for simplicity and portability. The components are compact and lightweight, making the kit easy to store and transport. The design prioritizes function over aesthetics.
The Lee Loader is relatively user-friendly, but it requires a learning curve. Novice reloaders may need to consult additional resources to fully understand the reloading process and ensure safe practices. However, the learning curve is pretty minimal.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester is built to last. The steel dies and chambers are durable and resistant to wear. With proper care and maintenance, the kit should provide years of reliable service.
The Lee Loader is easy to maintain and repair. The components can be cleaned with common solvents and lubricated with gun oil. Replacement parts are readily available from Lee Precision.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester does not come with a wide range of accessories or customization options. The kit is designed to be a self-contained reloading solution. It’s meant to be simple.
While the Lee Loader itself offers limited customization, reloaders can use different bullets, powders, and primers to tailor their .308 Winchester ammunition to specific needs. Aftermarket powder measures can be used for more precise powder charging.
Pros and Cons of Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester
Pros
- Affordable entry point into reloading.
- Compact and portable design.
- Complete kit with all essential dies.
- Durable construction for long-lasting use.
- Provides a hands-on learning experience for novice reloaders.
Cons
- Slow reloading speed compared to conventional presses.
- Requires significant physical effort, especially for resizing.
- Powder dipper is less precise than a powder scale.
Who Should Buy Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester?
The Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester is perfect for novice reloaders seeking an affordable and straightforward entry point into handloading. It’s also ideal for experienced reloaders who need a portable and reliable backup system. It might also be a good gift.
This product is not recommended for high-volume reloaders or those seeking maximum precision. A conventional reloading press offers greater speed, convenience, and accuracy for those applications. If you’re looking for a faster way to reload, look at the RCBS or Hornady options.
Must-have accessories include a quality mallet, a reliable powder scale, and a case-lubricating pad. These tools will significantly improve the reloading experience and ensure safe, consistent ammunition. Eye and ear protection are also recommended!
Conclusion on Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester
The Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester is a valuable tool for anyone interested in reloading .308 Winchester ammunition without breaking the bank. It offers a simple, affordable, and portable solution for producing custom handloads. It does require some time.
The Lee Loader provides an excellent value proposition for beginners. The significantly lower price point makes it an accessible entry into the world of reloading. It’s a cheap way to get into reloading.
I would personally recommend the Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester to anyone curious about reloading or seeking a dependable backup system. It’s a good starting point.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get started in reloading and are willing to invest the time and effort required, the Lee 90245 Lee Loader Rifle Kit 308 Winchester is an excellent choice. Embrace the hands-on approach and craft your own custom .308 Winchester ammunition today!