Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit

The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit is more than just a reloading setup; it’s a gateway to self-sufficiency and precision for any shooter. Manufactured by Lee Precision, a company synonymous with accessible reloading, this kit offers a comprehensive solution for those looking to venture into the world of handloading. With its included scale, powder funnel, and priming tools, this kit aims to provide everything a beginner needs to start producing accurate and reliable ammunition.

I’ve been reloading for years, primarily using progressive presses, but I wanted a dedicated single-stage press for developing precise rifle loads. The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Kit seemed to offer an affordable and feature-rich option without compromising quality. My initial impression upon unboxing was positive; the components felt solid, and the press itself had a reassuring weight.

Compared to other entry-level kits, the Lee kit stood out due to its Breech Lock system, which allows for quick die changes without recalibration. I considered the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Kit and the Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Kit, but the Lee kit’s price point and inclusion of the Breech Lock feature ultimately swayed my decision. I was excited to get started and see if the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit would live up to its promise of quality and value.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit at my reloading bench, focusing on loading .223 Remington rounds for my AR-15. The setup was straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions provided by Lee. The Safety Prime system worked flawlessly, and the Lee Safety Scale was surprisingly sensitive for its price, allowing me to measure powder charges with reasonable accuracy.

The press performed admirably in the somewhat controlled environment of my workshop. I was able to produce consistent rounds, even with my initial inexperience using a single-stage press. I was impressed by the smooth operation of the press and the ease with which I could swap dies using the Breech Lock system, though the scale did feel a little lightweight.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit has proven to be a reliable and capable reloading setup. The press itself shows minimal wear and tear, a testament to its cast-iron construction. The powder scale required occasional calibration.

Maintaining the kit is simple; I wipe down the press with a lightly oiled cloth after each reloading session and clean the powder scale as needed. Compared to my progressive press, which requires more frequent and involved cleaning, the Lee Challenger is remarkably low-maintenance. It may not be as fast as my progressive, but for precision rifle loads, the Lee kit has exceeded my expectations for its price point, offering consistent performance and durability.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit

Specifications

• The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press features a cast-iron frame, providing a solid and stable base for reloading operations. The frame’s rigidity ensures consistent performance and minimizes flex, even when resizing larger cases.
• The Breech Lock quick-change die system allows for rapid die changes without the need to readjust die settings. This feature saves time and enhances accuracy by maintaining consistent die positioning.
• The included Lee Safety Scale is a sensitive balance beam scale designed for accurate powder measurement. Its simple design makes it easy to use and calibrate, ensuring precise powder charges.
• The Safety Prime priming system allows for safe and efficient priming of cases directly on the press. This eliminates the need for a separate priming tool and reduces the risk of accidental primer detonation.
• The kit also includes a powder funnel and chamfer tool. This adds convenience to the reloading process.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit performs its primary function – reloading ammunition – with impressive accuracy and reliability. The press provides ample leverage for resizing even tough cases, and the Breech Lock system significantly speeds up the die changing process. The included powder scale, while basic, is accurate enough for most reloading applications, especially when carefully calibrated.

The main strengths of this kit are its affordability, ease of use, and the convenience of the Breech Lock system. One area that could be improved is the sensitivity of the powder scale; a digital scale would offer greater precision. Overall, the kit meets and even exceeds expectations for its price range, providing a solid foundation for anyone starting out in reloading.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press features a simple and functional design. The cast-iron frame provides a stable and durable base, while the ergonomic handle ensures comfortable operation, even during extended reloading sessions. The press is relatively lightweight for its size, making it easy to move and store.

The kit is user-friendly, with clear and concise instructions that make it easy for beginners to get started. There is a slight learning curve associated with setting up the press and using the powder scale, but these are easily overcome with practice. The Breech Lock system is particularly intuitive, allowing for quick and effortless die changes.

Durability & Maintenance

The cast-iron construction of the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press ensures long-term durability and reliability. The press is built to withstand the rigors of frequent use and should last for many years with proper care. The powder scale is made of durable plastic.

Maintaining the kit is straightforward; simply wipe down the press with a lightly oiled cloth after each use and clean the powder scale as needed. The press features a simple design with few moving parts, minimizing the risk of mechanical failure. Overall, the Lee Challenger Kit is a durable and low-maintenance reloading solution.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit includes several essential accessories, such as the Lee Safety Scale, the Safety Prime priming system, a powder funnel, and a chamfer tool. The Breech Lock system is compatible with a wide range of reloading dies from various manufacturers.

The press can be further customized with accessories such as a spent primer collection system and a case conditioning kit. The Breech Lock bushings are available separately, allowing you to quickly swap between different die sets. Lee offers a vast array of reloading dies and accessories, making it easy to tailor the Challenger Kit to your specific needs.

Pros and Cons of Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit

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Who Should Buy Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit?

The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit is perfect for beginner reloaders who want an affordable and comprehensive setup. It is also suitable for experienced reloaders who need a dedicated single-stage press for developing precision loads. This kit is ideal for shooters who prioritize accuracy and consistency over speed and volume.

Those who primarily reload high volumes of ammunition or require the speed of a progressive press should skip this product. If budget is not a concern, consider investing in a more advanced kit with a digital scale and a more robust priming system. A must-have accessory for this kit is a quality set of reloading dies specific to the calibers you intend to reload.

Conclusion on Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit

The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit is an excellent entry-level reloading setup that offers exceptional value for the money. Its affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive feature set make it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced reloaders alike. While the included powder scale could be more precise, the overall performance and durability of the kit are impressive.

The price is definitely justified by the quality and functionality of the components included in the kit. I would personally recommend the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press And Bushings 50th Anniversary Kit to anyone looking to start reloading or needing a reliable single-stage press for precision work. Take the plunge, invest in this kit, and unlock the world of handloading!