Let’s Dive into Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658
Reloading ammunition can be a tedious process, especially when dealing with progressive presses like the Lee Pro 1000. The Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 promises to automate a significant portion of this task, specifically case feeding, thereby increasing reloading speed and reducing user fatigue. It’s an accessory designed to make high-volume reloading more efficient.
My journey into reloading started as a way to save money and tailor ammunition to my specific needs, particularly for my precision rifles. I was looking for ways to improve my reloading efficiency without sacrificing quality. The promise of automated case feeding caught my attention.
Upon unboxing, the Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 presents itself as a robust, albeit primarily plastic, unit. Its design is functional, aimed at reliably delivering cases to the shell plate. The build quality appears to be adequate for the task, although the plastic construction does raise questions about long-term durability under heavy use.
Compared to other case feeders, like those offered by Dillon Precision or Hornady, the Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 stands out due to its lower price point. I opted for the Lee feeder because I was already using a Lee Pro 1000 press and appreciated Lee’s reputation for value. I was hopeful that it would provide a similar level of functionality as its more expensive counterparts.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and slight apprehension. The idea of automating case feeding was appealing, but I was wary of potential issues with reliability and the relatively simple design. Time would tell if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 primarily at my home reloading bench, where I typically load ammunition for both pistol and rifle calibers. The initial setup was straightforward, following the instructions provided by Lee. I was loading .45 ACP rounds during this first session.
During my first reloading session, the case feeder performed reasonably well, feeding cases smoothly for about 75% of the time. The remaining 25% involved occasional jams or cases being fed upside down. I quickly learned the importance of keeping the case collator properly filled and oriented to minimize these issues.
The Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 did require some getting used to. I found myself constantly monitoring the case feed and making minor adjustments. However, once I found the sweet spot, the speed increase compared to manual case feeding was noticeable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 has held up reasonably well, although the plastic components do show some minor wear. It is important to note that I am not a commercial reloader, and my usage is limited to a few hours per week. The case collator has become essential for keeping the feeder running smoothly.
Durability-wise, the plastic tubes have proven to be surprisingly resilient, showing only minor scratches and no cracks. I have been careful not to overload them or subject them to excessive force. The motor has also continued to function reliably without any noticeable degradation in performance.
Maintenance is relatively simple, involving occasional cleaning of the case collator and dusting of the feeder mechanism. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth is usually sufficient to keep it running smoothly. This is far easier than dealing with more complex machines.
In comparison to my previous manual case feeding method, the Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 offers a significant improvement in speed and convenience. While it’s not perfect, the time savings and reduced physical strain make it a worthwhile addition to my reloading setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658
Specifications
The Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 is designed to automatically feed cases into the Lee Pro 1000 progressive press. It accepts large pistol calibers such as .41 Remington Magnum, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .44 Special. The unit is constructed primarily of high-strength polymer.
Caliber Compatibility: Specifically designed for large pistol calibers, offering a dedicated solution for these common rounds. This is important because the case head diameter needs to be within a certain range to feed reliably.
Construction Material: The use of polymer helps keep the cost down, making automated case feeding more accessible. The strength of the polymer is adequate for most reloading tasks, but it may not be as durable as a metal alternative.
Case Collator: The optional case collator is a key component for efficient operation. It organizes cases and ensures they are fed into the tubes correctly.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 performs its primary task of feeding cases reasonably well, albeit with occasional hiccups. It significantly increases the speed of reloading compared to manual case feeding. The added collator is critical for avoiding jams.
The main strength of the Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 is its affordability. It provides a budget-friendly way to automate case feeding. A notable weakness is the occasional case jams and the need for constant monitoring.
Overall, the Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 meets expectations for its price point. It offers a noticeable improvement in reloading speed and convenience but requires some user intervention and adjustment.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 is functional and straightforward. It is primarily designed for ease of use. The weight is minimal due to the polymer construction.
The feeder is relatively user-friendly, although it does require some initial setup and adjustment to achieve optimal performance. There is a learning curve involved in understanding how to properly load the case collator.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 is adequate for most reloading enthusiasts. The polymer construction is likely to be the limiting factor in its lifespan. Regular cleaning and proper storage will help extend its life.
Maintenance is simple, primarily involving occasional cleaning and dusting. Replacement parts are readily available from Lee, which helps to address potential issues.
Accessories and Customization Options
The primary accessory for the Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 is the case collator. Extra case feeder tubes can also be purchased for quick caliber changes. The feeder is designed specifically for use with the Lee Pro 1000 press.
The Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 may be compatible with some aftermarket case collators or feeder tubes, but this is not officially supported by Lee. Modifying the feeder may void the warranty.
Pros and Cons of Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658
Pros
- Affordable automated case feeding solution.
- Noticeably increases reloading speed compared to manual feeding.
- Easy to set up and maintain.
- Compatible with popular large pistol calibers (.41 Rem Mag, .38 Special, .357 Mag, .44 Special).
- Optional case collator greatly improves reliability.
Cons
- Primarily plastic construction raises concerns about long-term durability.
- Occasional case jams and upside-down feeds require user intervention.
- Requires the optional case collator for optimal performance.
Who Should Buy Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658?
The Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 is perfect for reloading enthusiasts who want to increase their reloading speed without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for those who reload large pistol calibers in significant quantities. It is also well-suited for home reloaders seeking to minimize physical strain.
Those who require absolute reliability and precision in their reloading process might want to consider a more expensive case feeder. Commercial reloaders or those loading thousands of rounds per week may also find the plastic construction to be a limiting factor.
A must-have accessory is the Lee case collator, which significantly improves the reliability and efficiency of the case feeder. Also, having extra case feeder tubes for each caliber you load will make caliber changes much easier.
Conclusion on Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658
The Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 offers a compelling value proposition for reloaders seeking to automate their case feeding process on a budget. While it’s not without its quirks, the increase in reloading speed and convenience is undeniable. The price is certainly justified.
I would personally recommend the Lee Pro 1000 Case Feeder 90658 to anyone who is using a Lee Pro 1000 press and wants to load more ammunition in less time. Just be sure to factor in the cost of the case collator. It’s a worthwhile addition to any reloading bench!