Let’s Dive into Lee 90896 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal Up To .65 Long
The Lee 90896 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal Up To .65 Long promises to be a game-changer for reloaders working with larger pistol calibers. From the Lee brand, known for its innovative and affordable reloading equipment, this kit aims to speed up the bullet seating process, making reloading sessions more efficient. This kit caters specifically to reloaders working with .40 to .44 caliber bullets up to .65 inches in length, offering a streamlined process for a specific range of common pistol cartridges.
My reloading bench was becoming a bottleneck, particularly when cranking out .40 S&W rounds for weekly range visits. I needed a way to speed up the bullet seating process without sacrificing consistency. Several friends suggested bullet feeders, and after researching various options, the Lee 90896 stood out for its price point and caliber compatibility.
Unboxing the kit revealed a collection of well-organized parts. The materials felt robust enough for the task, though undeniably more utilitarian than premium brands. Initial impressions were positive; the design seemed straightforward and functional, promising ease of setup.
Compared to the RCBS Bullet Feeder and the Hornady Bullet Feeder, the Lee 90896 is significantly more budget-friendly. While those higher-end options boast a more refined build, the Lee kit’s value proposition was hard to ignore. I chose the Lee 90896 for its compatibility with my existing Lee progressive press and its promised ease of use.
Excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism defined my first impressions. Could this relatively inexpensive kit genuinely streamline my reloading process? Only time and testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90896 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal Up To .65 Long to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lee 90896 in my reloading room, focusing on .40 S&W rounds for an upcoming IPSC match. The room is climate-controlled, so environmental factors weren’t a significant concern during the initial setup. The setup was moderately easy, taking about an hour, and required careful attention to the instructions.
The performance was initially a bit finicky. Bullet feeding was inconsistent, requiring some adjustments to the feed rate and bullet alignment. After some trial and error, I managed to get it running smoothly, but the initial setup phase was a bit frustrating.
The first-time use revealed some minor issues. The bullet alignment could be sensitive, and certain bullet profiles seemed to feed more reliably than others. There was a learning curve in understanding the optimal settings for different bullet types.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and thousands of rounds, the Lee 90896 has proven to be a worthwhile addition to my reloading bench, despite its initial quirks. The kit significantly sped up my .40 S&W reloading process, allowing me to produce ammunition much faster than before. The increased speed has made high volume reloading sessions more manageable.
The kit shows some minor wear and tear, particularly on the plastic components. However, considering the volume of rounds I’ve processed, the durability seems adequate. Regular cleaning and lubrication of moving parts have been key to maintaining consistent performance.
Maintenance involves occasional cleaning of powder residue and lubricating the moving parts. Disassembly for cleaning is relatively straightforward. Compared to hand-seating each bullet, the Lee 90896 has significantly outperformed my previous method, boosting efficiency and reducing fatigue during long reloading sessions.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90896 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal Up To .65 Long
Specifications
- The Lee 90896 Bullet Feed Kit is designed for bullet diameters between .40 and .44 caliber. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of popular pistol cartridges.
- It can handle bullet lengths up to .65 inches. This caters to various bullet profiles and weights within the specified calibers.
- The kit is designed to work with Lee progressive presses. Seamless integration allows for a smooth and efficient reloading process.
- The primary material is durable polymer, with metal components in critical areas. This balances cost and functionality, providing a robust yet affordable solution.
- The kit’s design automatically feeds bullets into the seating die. This saves time and increases reloading efficiency.
These specifications are critical because they define the range of cartridges the kit can handle. Proper caliber and bullet length compatibility ensures reliable feeding and consistent seating.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 90896 significantly increases reloading speed for compatible calibers. Once properly adjusted, it provides a consistent and reliable bullet feeding process.
Its strengths lie in its affordability and compatibility with Lee presses. However, it requires some fine-tuning for optimal performance, and bullet shape can impact its reliability.
The kit generally meets expectations for a budget-friendly bullet feeder. The time saved outweighs the initial setup challenges.
Design & Ergonomics
The kit is primarily constructed from durable polymer and metal. The combination balances cost and durability.
While functional, the design prioritizes simplicity over premium aesthetics. There’s a moderate learning curve involved in setup and adjustment.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lee 90896 should last for many reloading sessions. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining smooth operation.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring basic tools and cleaning supplies. Replacement parts are readily available from Lee.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 90896 comes as a complete kit, with no additional accessories needed for basic operation. Its integration with Lee progressive presses offers some customization in terms of press setup.
The kit is primarily designed for Lee equipment, so compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited. Adapting it to other presses might require modification and is not officially supported by Lee.
Pros and Cons of Lee 90896 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal Up To .65 Long
Pros
- Affordable price point makes bullet feeding accessible to budget-conscious reloaders.
- Significantly increases reloading speed for compatible calibers, boosting efficiency.
- Direct compatibility with Lee progressive presses ensures easy integration.
- Relatively easy to maintain and repair, extending the lifespan of the kit.
- Reduces fatigue and strain compared to manually seating each bullet.
Cons
- Setup and adjustment can be finicky, requiring some patience and experimentation.
- Bullet feeding can be sensitive to bullet profile, impacting reliability with certain designs.
- The polymer construction feels less robust than higher-end, all-metal options.
Who Should Buy Lee 90896 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal Up To .65 Long?
The Lee 90896 Bullet Feed Kit is perfect for reloaders using Lee progressive presses who need to increase production speed without breaking the bank. It is especially well-suited for those who primarily reload .40 S&W, 10mm, or .44 Magnum rounds and are willing to invest some time in initial setup.
This product may not be ideal for reloaders who demand premium build quality and are unwilling to spend time fine-tuning the system. It’s also not suitable for reloaders working with calibers outside the .40-.44 range or bullet lengths exceeding .65 inches.
A case feeder is a must-have accessory to truly maximize the speed and efficiency gains offered by this bullet feeder. Ensuring proper bullet alignment during setup is also crucial for optimal performance.
Conclusion on Lee 90896 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal Up To .65 Long
The Lee 90896 Bullet Feed Kit One Kit 40 Cal – .44 Cal Up To .65 Long offers a compelling value proposition for reloaders seeking to boost their production speed without significant investment. Despite its plastic construction and initial setup challenges, its compatibility with Lee presses and its ability to dramatically increase reloading efficiency make it a worthwhile addition to any reloading bench.
The price is absolutely justified for the time savings it provides. For high-volume reloaders of .40-.44 caliber pistol rounds, this kit is a no-brainer.
I would personally recommend this kit to any reloader using a Lee progressive press who needs to crank out large quantities of pistol ammunition. Don’t expect perfection straight out of the box, but with some patience and fine-tuning, you’ll be impressed with the results. Upgrade your reloading process today and experience the speed and efficiency of the Lee 90896 Bullet Feed Kit!