Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90016
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90016, a Nylon Charge Bar Kit with solid brass bushings, promises to streamline the powder charging process for reloaders. Lee, a well-known name in the reloading world, aims to deliver precision and convenience with this kit. It boasts 24 shot and powder bushings, a storage box, and an included charge table with extensive powder data.
I needed a reliable and versatile powder charging solution that could handle various loads for different calibers. I’d been using a single adjustable charge bar, and the constant adjustments and cleaning between loads were becoming tedious and time-consuming. The Lee 90016’s promise of dedicated bushings for different powder charges immediately appealed to me.
Upon unboxing the kit, I was pleased by the organized layout of the bushings in the storage box. The solid brass inserts within the nylon bars felt substantial and precise, inspiring confidence in their ability to deliver consistent charges. The build quality seemed reasonable for the price point, though the nylon material felt slightly less premium than machined aluminum options.
Compared to a Hornady Lock-N-Load powder measure or a Dillon Precision powder system, the Lee 90016 is significantly more budget-friendly, sacrificing some of the speed and automation of those higher-end systems for a more manual, but potentially more precise, approach. I opted for the Lee kit due to its affordability and the potential for greater accuracy when using the correct bushing. Initially, I was excited by the prospect of consistent powder charges and a more efficient reloading process, but also slightly apprehensive about the need to swap bushings frequently.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90016 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90016 was at my home reloading bench, preparing .223 Remington rounds for an upcoming range trip. I was working up a load using Hodgdon Varget powder. The process of selecting the appropriate bushing based on the included charge table and installing it in the charge bar was straightforward and simple.
I tested the Lee 90016 under normal indoor conditions. After setting up my Lee Pro Auto-Disk powder measure with the nylon bar, I threw about 20 test charges, carefully weighing each one to verify accuracy. The initial charges were within +/- 0.1 grain of the target weight, which was encouraging.
The bushing system was easy to use, and the visible size markings on the front of the bushings eliminated any guesswork. However, I did experience a slight “powder bridging” issue with the Varget, requiring a gentle tap on the powder measure to ensure consistent flow.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90016 across multiple reloading sessions, I have a good sense of its long-term performance. The nylon bars and brass inserts have held up well, with no noticeable wear or deformation. Occasional cleaning with a dry brush has been sufficient for maintaining smooth operation.
The bushings continue to deliver consistent powder charges, provided that the powder measure is kept topped off and the system is operated smoothly. The nylon shows no wear so far. The charge weights remain consistent.
Compared to my previous experience with adjustable charge bars, the Lee 90016 offers a significant improvement in terms of consistency and ease of adjustment. I can now switch between different powder loads in a fraction of the time, with greater confidence in the accuracy of each charge.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90016
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lee
- Product Name: Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90016
- Type: Nylon Charge Bar Kit with Solid Brass Bushings
- Material: Nylon with Solid Brass inserts
- Number of Bushings: 24 (shot and powder)
- Additional Features: Includes storage box and charge table with extensive powder data.
- Bullet Weight: Listed as “200 grain”, this is likely a general reference point but is irrelevant as it’s the powder charge that’s being measured and dispensed with this kit.
These specifications are critical for precision reloaders. The variety of bushings allows for fine-tuning powder charges to achieve optimal accuracy and velocity. The included charge table is invaluable for determining the correct bushing for a given powder and desired charge weight.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90016 performs its job admirably, providing a consistent and repeatable method for dispensing powder charges. The bushing system minimizes the potential for variations in powder weight compared to adjustable measures.
The kit’s strength lies in its simplicity and accuracy. A weakness is the manual nature of the bushing changes. It meets expectations for reloaders seeking a budget-friendly and precise powder charging solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price point. The nylon construction is lightweight and durable enough for reloading tasks. The organization provided by the storage box is a plus.
The system is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The visible bushing size markings simplify the process.
Durability & Maintenance
The nylon and brass construction is expected to provide reasonable longevity with proper care. Regular cleaning is simple. It consists of wiping down the components with a dry cloth to remove powder residue.
The kit is designed for easy maintenance and parts replacement if needed. Individual bushings are readily available if one gets damaged or lost.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 90016 comes complete with 24 bushings and a storage box, requiring no additional accessories to get started. It is specifically designed for use with Lee Pro Auto-Disk powder measures and is compatible with other Lee reloading equipment.
While there are no specific customization options for the kit itself, the wide range of available bushings allows for tailoring powder charges to suit different cartridges and bullet weights. There is a plethora of aftermarket reloading equipment available for other brands.
Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90016
Pros
- Affordable Price: Significantly cheaper than electronic powder dispensers or other high-end systems.
- Consistent Powder Charges: The fixed bushing system promotes accurate and repeatable powder dispensing.
- Wide Range of Bushings: The 24 included bushings offer versatility for reloading various cartridges and powder types.
- Easy to Use: The simple design and visible bushing markings make the kit user-friendly, even for beginners.
- Durable Construction: The nylon and brass materials are durable enough for standard reloading tasks.
Cons
- Manual Bushing Changes: Switching between different powder charges requires manually changing the bushings, which can be time-consuming.
- Potential for Powder Bridging: Some powders may exhibit bridging issues, requiring occasional tapping of the powder measure.
Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90016?
- Perfect for: Reloaders on a budget, beginners learning the basics of reloading, and those who value accuracy and consistency over speed.
- Who should skip this product? High-volume reloaders who prioritize speed and automation should consider electronic powder dispensers or progressive reloading presses with automated powder charging systems.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? A good quality powder scale is essential for verifying powder charges and ensuring accuracy.
Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90016
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90016 is a solid choice for reloaders seeking a budget-friendly and accurate powder charging solution. Its simplicity, consistency, and wide range of bushings make it a valuable addition to any reloading bench.
The price is definitely justified considering the accuracy and versatility it provides. The time saved by consistent powder throws far outweighs the occasional inconvenience of manual bushing changes.
I would personally recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90016 to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable powder charging system. Whether you’re a seasoned reloader or just starting out, this kit will help you achieve consistent and accurate powder charges, leading to better-performing ammunition. Upgrade your reloading game today with the Lee 90016!