Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251

The Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 offers reloaders a convenient way to swap presses quickly and efficiently. This system, manufactured by Lee, promises to save space and add rigidity to your reloading bench. The core of the system is a steel base block that is designed to fit all current Lee metallic presses, which is attached to a bench plate.

My reloading bench was perpetually cluttered, with presses bolted down and taking up valuable real estate. I needed a modular solution that would allow me to quickly change between my single-stage press for precision rifle rounds and my progressive press for high-volume pistol ammunition. I was also tired of the flex in my somewhat flimsy workbench when applying significant force during resizing.

Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the robust construction of the steel components. The powder coating looks durable and should resist wear and tear well. The included hardware seems adequate, although I always appreciate having extra bolts and washers on hand. My initial thought was positive; the system appears to be a significant upgrade from bolting presses directly to the bench.

I considered the Hornady Lock-N-Load system and the RCBS Quick Change Stand, but ultimately chose the Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 for its lower price point and compatibility with my existing Lee presses. The reviews also mentioned that the new metal plate was more rigid than the old wood block design. I was cautiously optimistic about the system’s ability to solve my bench clutter and flex issues.

The Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 initially seemed like a promising solution to my reloading bench woes. The rugged construction and potential for space-saving were immediately appealing.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 on my primary reloading bench in my garage. I was setting up to load some .223 Remington rounds for an upcoming range trip. The installation was straightforward, thanks to the included hardware, and I quickly had my Lee Classic Cast single-stage press mounted on the plate.

Using the press with the Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 felt more secure than when it was bolted directly to the bench. The wider steel plate distributed the load effectively. Initially, the system performed well and seemed to offer a noticeable improvement in stability.

However, I did notice that the screws holding the press to the metal plate needed tightening after about 50 rounds. This prompted some concern about the system working itself loose over time, as mentioned in some user feedback.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, I’ve developed a more nuanced perspective on the Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251. The convenience of quickly swapping presses is undeniable, and the space-saving aspect is a definite plus.

The powder coating has held up well, showing no signs of chipping or scratching. However, the screws continue to loosen over time, even after applying Loctite. While the system hasn’t completely failed, the need for constant monitoring and tightening is a significant drawback.

Compared to my previous setup, the Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 offers a slight improvement in rigidity, but the loose screws negate some of those benefits. I’m considering modifying the system with larger diameter bolts or a different locking mechanism to address this persistent issue.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251

Specifications

• Material: The Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 is constructed from thick, powder-coated steel. This provides significant durability and resistance to corrosion.
• Compatibility: The system is designed to fit all current Lee metallic presses. This makes it a versatile option for reloaders who own multiple Lee presses.
• Base Block: Includes one steel base block. This is what the Lee press bolts to, and it interfaces with the bench plate.
• Mounting: Designed for quick press removal without unbolting from the bench. The included elevator bolt hardware is used for securing the plate to the bench.
• Load Distribution: The wide steel plate distributes the load. This adds rigidity to even lighter bench tops.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the system’s overall stability and ease of use. The steel construction ensures that the system can withstand the forces generated during reloading.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 functions as intended, allowing for quick press changes and space-saving on the bench. Its main purpose is to provide a modular system.

However, the consistent loosening of the screws significantly impacts its performance and reliability. This necessitates regular maintenance and monitoring.

The system meets the basic expectations of a quick-change press mounting system, but the issue with the screws prevents it from exceeding those expectations. A more robust locking mechanism would greatly improve its functionality.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 is a simple, functional design. The powder-coated steel plate is aesthetically pleasing and appears durable.

The system is relatively user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The installation process is straightforward, and swapping presses is quick and easy.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 is constructed from durable materials and should last for many years. The steel construction is inherently strong and resistant to wear.

However, the loose screws require frequent maintenance. This detracts from the overall convenience of the system.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 includes the necessary hardware for mounting the plate to the bench and the press to the plate. No additional accessories are included.

While there are no direct customization options offered by Lee, users could potentially modify the system with larger diameter bolts or a different locking mechanism. Compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited due to the specific design of the base block and mounting plate.

Pros and Cons of Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251?

The Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 is perfect for reloaders who own multiple Lee presses and want a convenient way to swap them quickly. It is also a good option for those with limited bench space.

Reloaders who demand absolute stability and are unwilling to perform regular maintenance should skip this product. Those who prefer a “set it and forget it” solution may find the loose screw issue frustrating.

A must-have modification would be to replace the included screws with larger diameter bolts and locking nuts. Also, consider a more robust locking mechanism to prevent the plate from loosening over time.

Conclusion on Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251

The Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 offers a compelling value proposition for reloaders seeking a quick and efficient way to manage their bench space. The ability to quickly swap presses and the added rigidity are definite advantages.

The price is certainly justified, considering the convenience and space-saving benefits. However, the persistent issue with the screws loosening is a significant drawback.

I would recommend the Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 with reservations. If you are willing to perform regular maintenance and potentially modify the system, it can be a useful addition to your reloading setup. Consider purchasing this product, but be prepared to invest some time and effort into addressing the loose screw issue.