Let’s Talk About Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only
The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only is Lee’s answer to the demand for an affordable, yet capable, progressive reloading press. It promises a blend of speed and precision usually associated with more expensive systems, offering reloaders the chance to produce ammunition efficiently without breaking the bank.
My journey to this press began with a problem familiar to many handloading enthusiasts: time. Single-stage presses, while accurate, simply couldn’t keep up with my increasing volume of shooting, especially with diverse calibers. I needed a progressive press that could handle everything from pistol rounds to rifle cartridges without a complex setup process.
The initial unboxing experience was surprisingly positive. The press felt solid, even without the heft of some competitors, and the modular design hinted at a user-friendly experience. It wasn’t love at first sight, but a strong sense of cautious optimism.
Compared to the Dillon Precision RL550C and the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only stood out due to its price point. While the Dillon and Hornady presses are legendary for their reliability and features, their upfront cost was significantly higher. The Lee press seemed to offer a more accessible entry point into progressive reloading.
My first impression was one of intrigued curiosity. I wasn’t blown away by any single aspect, but the combination of features, price, and modular design left me eager to see what it could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my reloading bench, dedicated to crafting rounds for my AR-15 and various pistols. I primarily focused on reloading 9mm and .223 ammunition to assess its speed and consistency.
The press performed admirably, even when exposed to the fine powder residue that’s almost inevitable in a reloading environment. The “no adjustment” claim regarding cartridge changeover proved mostly true; swapping shell plates and dies was surprisingly quick. After the initial die setup, the breech lock system made caliber changes a breeze.
The only initial issue was getting used to the auto case placer. It took a little practice to smoothly feed cases without occasional jams.
Extended Use & Reliability
After months of consistent use, the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only continues to impress. The press has consistently churned out thousands of rounds, showing no signs of significant wear.
The durability is surprisingly good for a press in this price range. While the frame isn’t as beefy as some higher-end models, it’s held up well to the stresses of reloading, displaying no flex or deformation. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential, but the press is relatively easy to maintain.
Compared to my previous single-stage press, the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only is a game-changer. I’m reloading 3-4 times faster and with more consistency, the only real slowdown is the manual bullet seating process.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lee. This well-known brand offers affordable reloading equipment.
- Additional Features: Compound Leverage, Single Stage. This allows for easier use in reloading processes.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only excels at rapidly producing ammunition once properly set up. Its progressive design significantly reduces reloading time compared to single-stage presses.
The strengths include the breech lock system, which allows for quick die changes, and the auto case placer, which streamlines the reloading process. A slight weakness is the primer feed system, which can be finicky with certain primer brands.
The press largely meets expectations for its price point. It provides a significant speed boost and consistent results for high-volume reloading.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is commendable for the price, utilizing a mix of steel and aluminum components. The press is relatively lightweight compared to some competitors, but the compound leverage system means it doesn’t require excessive force to operate.
The ergonomic wood grip roller handle significantly enhances comfort during extended reloading sessions. The press is relatively user-friendly, especially with Lee’s detailed instructions, although some practice is required to master the auto case placer.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only is designed for longevity with proper care. The steel components are resistant to wear, and the simple design minimizes potential failure points.
Maintenance involves regular cleaning to remove powder residue and lubrication of moving parts, a process that is straightforward and requires minimal tools. Through ram primer disposal with a convenient built-in primer disposal tube makes for an easy cleanup.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only includes four breech lock bushings for quick die changes and both large and small priming arms. Shell plates are sold separately, allowing for caliber-specific customization.
The press is compatible with a variety of aftermarket accessories, including bullet feeders and case collators, which can further automate the reloading process. The Breech Lock system ensures it is compatible with a large number of dies.
Pros and Cons of Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only
Pros
- Affordable Price: Offers a progressive reloading experience at a fraction of the cost of other brands.
- Breech Lock System: Enables rapid die changes, saving significant time when reloading multiple calibers.
- Auto Case Placer: Automates case feeding, increasing reloading speed and efficiency.
- Modular Design: Allows for gradual automation, letting users add accessories as needed.
- Ease of Use: Requires minimal adjustments, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced reloaders.
Cons
- Primer Feed System: Can be finicky with certain primer brands.
- Shell Plate (Sold Separately): The added cost of necessary shell plates increases the overall price.
Who Should Buy Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only?
- Perfect for: High-volume reloaders looking to increase efficiency without a huge investment, reloaders that use multiple calibers and want to avoid lengthy die setup times, and beginner progressive reloaders wanting to learn the process.
- Who should skip this product? Those seeking ultimate precision and rock-solid reliability regardless of price, or those reloading only a few rounds at a time.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? A caliber-specific shell plate is mandatory, and a bullet feeder can further enhance automation.
Conclusion on Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only
The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only offers an impressive blend of affordability, speed, and versatility. It’s not the most refined progressive press on the market, but it delivers excellent value for its price.
The price is definitely justified, considering the time saved and the consistent results achieved. Compared to premium single-stage presses the cost difference is minimal, with a significant performance boost to production.
I would absolutely recommend the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press Only to anyone looking to step into the world of progressive reloading without emptying their wallet. If you value efficiency and versatility, this press is a worthwhile investment. Now, get out there and start cranking out some ammo!