Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890

As an avid reloader with over a decade of experience, I’m always on the lookout for tools that streamline my process. The Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 caught my eye because of its promise to convert my existing Lee Bullet Feed Kit for use with a wider range of calibers. This seemed like a cost-effective way to expand my reloading capabilities without buying a completely new system.

My reloading setup was primarily focused on 9mm and .223, but I recently acquired a .40 S&W pistol and wanted to reload for it. Setting up a dedicated bullet feeding system seemed excessive for what would be relatively low-volume reloading, so this caliber conversion kit seemed like the perfect solution. I was hoping for a seamless transition, saving me both time and money.

Unboxing the Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890, my initial impression was that the parts were simple and straightforward. The plastic feed fingers felt reasonably sturdy, and the feed die itself appeared well-machined. I had hoped for a more robust feel, perhaps with some metal components, but I understood that Lee often prioritizes affordability.

I considered a couple of other options, including purchasing a separate bullet feeder specifically for .40 S&W. However, these were significantly more expensive. I also looked at making my own feed fingers, but decided against it due to the time and precision required. The Lee conversion kit seemed like the best balance of cost and convenience.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic about the Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890. I was hoping it would live up to its claims of easy caliber conversion. I was also slightly concerned about the plastic construction of the feed fingers, wondering if they would be durable enough for long-term use.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 was at my reloading bench, where I typically reload my ammunition. I was working with .40 S&W projectiles, and I wanted to see how well the converted bullet feeder would handle them. The initial setup was a little fiddly, requiring some adjustments to the die height and feed finger positioning.

The performance was surprisingly good once I got everything dialed in. The feeder consistently dispensed bullets into the case mouth without issue, even with the slightly shorter projectiles of .40 S&W compared to the .45 ACP it was originally designed for. There were a couple of jams initially, but these were easily cleared with a slight adjustment to the bullet feed rate.

The one surprise was how sensitive the system was to bullet shape. Round nose and truncated cone bullets fed flawlessly, but some of my hollow points with a more aggressive ogive occasionally hung up in the feed fingers. This wasn’t a major issue, but it did require a bit more attention.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 for my .40 S&W reloading, it has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear on the plastic feed fingers. The die itself remains in good condition.

I’ve loaded several thousand rounds with the conversion kit, and I’ve experienced no catastrophic failures or malfunctions. Routine cleaning involves simply wiping down the feed fingers and die with a dry cloth to remove any powder residue. The system is easy to disassemble and reassemble for more thorough cleaning if needed.

Compared to my previous experiences with manually placing each bullet, the Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 has significantly increased my reloading speed and efficiency. It doesn’t outperform a dedicated high-end bullet feeder, but for the price, it’s a fantastic upgrade. It is especially helpful for high volume reloading sessions.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890

Specifications

The Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 is designed to convert a Lee Bullet Feed Kit (sold separately) to accommodate bullets ranging from .40 caliber to .44 caliber. The kit consists of a replacement feed die and a set of plastic feed fingers specifically sized for this bullet diameter range. The feed fingers are made from a durable polymer.

The kit is designed for use with progressive reloading presses, automating the bullet seating process. The stated quantity is one kit, including the feed die and feed fingers. The Lee part number is 90890.

These specifications are important because they dictate the compatibility of the conversion kit with different reloading setups. The caliber range ensures that the kit will work with a variety of popular cartridges, including .40 S&W, 10mm, .41 Magnum, and .44 Magnum. The material of the feed fingers determines their durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 performs its job admirably, effectively automating the bullet feeding process once properly adjusted. It increases reloading speed and reduces fatigue during long reloading sessions. The system is generally reliable, with minimal jams or malfunctions when using appropriately shaped bullets.

A key strength is its affordability compared to dedicated bullet feeders. A weakness is its sensitivity to bullet shape, requiring some experimentation to find the optimal setup. Ultimately, it meets and slightly exceeds expectations for a product in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate, considering the use of plastic components. The weight is negligible, having little impact on the overall feel of the reloading press. It’s relatively user-friendly, requiring some initial setup but becoming intuitive after a few reloading sessions.

There is a slight learning curve to get the die height and feed finger tension properly adjusted, but Lee provides clear instructions. The plastic construction, while lightweight, feels somewhat less robust than metal alternatives.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. The plastic feed fingers are the most likely point of failure, but they appear to be reasonably durable. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove powder residue.

Replacement feed fingers are readily available from Lee and other retailers if needed. The die itself is made from a durable material that should withstand years of use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 does not come with any additional accessories beyond the feed die and feed fingers. It is compatible with the standard Lee Bullet Feed Kit, which includes a bullet collator and feed tube. There are no readily available customization options for this specific conversion kit.

It is worth noting that you might need to adjust the bullet collator slightly to optimize it for smaller diameter bullets if you are converting from a larger caliber. Experimentation is often required to achieve optimal performance.

Pros and Cons of Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890

Who Should Buy Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890?

The Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 is perfect for reloaders who already own a Lee Bullet Feed Kit and want to expand their reloading capabilities to include .40 to .44 caliber cartridges. It’s also suitable for those who reload moderate volumes of ammunition and want a cost-effective way to automate the bullet feeding process.

Those who should skip this product include reloaders who are looking for a high-end, dedicated bullet feeder with maximum reliability and precision. Additionally, reloaders who do not already own a Lee Bullet Feed Kit will need to purchase one separately, which increases the overall cost.

A must-have accessory is a good quality bullet sizing die to ensure consistent bullet diameters, which can improve feeding reliability. Experimentation with different bullet shapes and weights is also recommended to find the optimal combination for your specific reloading setup.

Conclusion on Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890

The Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 is a solid and affordable option for reloaders looking to expand the caliber range of their existing Lee Bullet Feed Kit. While it may not be the most robust or feature-rich bullet feeder on the market, it offers excellent value for the price. The plastic construction is a slight concern, but it has proven to be durable enough for moderate reloading volumes.

The price is definitely justified, given the increased efficiency and reduced fatigue it provides. I would personally recommend it to reloaders who are looking for a cost-effective way to automate the bullet feeding process and who are willing to spend a little time experimenting with different bullet shapes.

If you’re tired of manually placing each bullet and want to speed up your reloading, give the Lee Feed Fingers & Feed Die For 40 Caliber Through 44 Caliber 90890 a try. You might be surprised at how much time and effort it can save you.