Let’s Dive into Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special
The Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special offers reloaders a portable and affordable way to produce accurate ammunition. This kit is designed specifically for the .38 Special cartridge, and promises consistent results in a compact package.
My journey to this kit started when I needed a reloading setup that I could use anywhere, even without a dedicated reloading bench. I wanted something more precise than a simple mallet loader, but without the footprint (or cost) of a full-size bench press.
Unboxing the Lee kit, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The hand press is surprisingly robust for its size, and the included components seem well-made. It feels solid in hand.
I considered the RCBS Handheld Reloading Kit and the Frankford Arsenal Hand Deprimer before settling on the Lee. I chose the Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special due to its breech lock system allowing quick die changes, and its specific focus on .38 Special, which I reload frequently.
My first impression was positive; I was eager to see if it could live up to its promise of portability and accuracy. I was excited to test its performance and see how it compared to my usual bench-mounted setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special at my local shooting range. I set up a small table and reloaded .38 Special rounds right there on the spot. It was liberating to not be confined to my garage reloading bench.
The weather was mild, but the range was dusty. The press performed admirably, though I made sure to keep the moving parts clean. It was easy to use right out of the box.
There were no significant issues during the first use, but I did notice the handle could be a bit tiring after a couple of hours of continuous reloading. I realized that proper leverage and technique were essential for efficient use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special has held up remarkably well. I’ve used it to reload hundreds of rounds of .38 Special. It shows no signs of loosening or wear in critical areas.
The finish has some minor scuffs, but the press itself remains solid and functional. I keep it clean and lightly oiled. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down after each use is usually sufficient.
Compared to my bench-mounted press, the Lee hand press requires more physical effort, but it’s much more portable. The accuracy is comparable, especially when loading for plinking or practice rounds.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special
Specifications
The Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special is specifically designed for reloading .38 Special cartridges. The kit includes the Lee Breech Lock Hand Press, a universal priming arm, and quick-change die bushings. It does not include dies; these must be purchased separately.
The hand press is made from a combination of steel and aluminum. The aluminum keeps the weight down for portability, while the steel provides strength in critical areas. It weighs approximately 3 pounds, making it easy to transport.
The breech lock system allows for quick die changes with a simple twist. This significantly speeds up the reloading process compared to presses that require dies to be screwed in and out each time. The included universal priming arm accepts both large and small primers.
These specifications are important because they determine the press’s suitability for reloading .38 Special in a portable setting. The focus on .38 Special ensures optimized performance for that cartridge. The breech lock system saves time and effort, and the priming arm adds convenience.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special performs its job admirably for its intended purpose. It consistently produces accurate and reliable .38 Special ammunition. It’s particularly well-suited for reloaders who need a portable or space-saving solution.
Its strength lies in its portability and ease of use. The breech lock system makes die changes fast and simple. The handle can become tiring during extended use, and it requires more physical effort than a bench-mounted press.
It meets my expectations for a portable reloading solution. It doesn’t replace my bench press for high-volume reloading, but it’s perfect for reloading at the range or when space is limited.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special is good for its price point. The materials used are sturdy enough for consistent reloading, though they lack the refined feel of more expensive presses. The hand press is relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry.
The ergonomics are decent. The handle is long enough to provide adequate leverage, but it could benefit from a more comfortable grip. There’s a slight learning curve to using the press efficiently, but most users will quickly become comfortable with it.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special should last for many years of reloading. The steel components are durable, and the aluminum parts are unlikely to fail under normal use. Regular cleaning and lubrication will prolong its lifespan.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down after each use and occasional lubrication of the moving parts are all that’s required. Replacement parts are readily available from Lee if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special comes with a universal priming arm and quick-change die bushings. Dies are not included and must be purchased separately. The press is compatible with standard 7/8″-14 threaded reloading dies from Lee and other manufacturers.
There aren’t many customization options for the hand press itself. The main customization is the choice of reloading dies and components for .38 Special. It’s compatible with a wide range of die sets.
Pros and Cons of Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special
Pros
- Portable and lightweight, making it ideal for reloading at the range or in limited spaces.
- Affordable, offering a cost-effective entry into reloading .38 Special.
- Breech Lock System allows for quick and easy die changes.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance with proper care.
- Simple to use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced reloaders.
Cons
- Handle can be tiring during extended use.
- Dies are not included and must be purchased separately.
Who Should Buy Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special?
The Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special is perfect for reloaders who need a portable and affordable solution for .38 Special. It’s also ideal for those with limited space who can’t accommodate a full-size reloading bench. It’s a great option for casual shooters who want to reload their own ammunition without a large investment.
This product is not ideal for high-volume reloaders who need to produce large quantities of ammunition quickly. It’s also not the best choice for reloaders working with multiple calibers due to its .38 Special focus.
A must-have accessory is a quality set of .38 Special reloading dies. A hand priming tool can also improve the speed and consistency of the priming process.
Conclusion on Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special
The Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special offers a compelling value proposition for .38 Special reloaders. It delivers a portable, affordable, and functional reloading solution.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. It fills a niche between simple hand tools and expensive bench-mounted presses.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a portable or space-saving reloading option for .38 Special. If you’re ready to start reloading your own ammunition, the Lee 92115 Breech Lock Hand Press Kit 38 Special is an excellent place to begin. Get yours today and experience the satisfaction of creating your own custom .38 Special rounds!