Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushing Review

First Impressions of Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushing

The Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushing promises to streamline the reloading process. From Lee, a well-known name in reloading, these bushings aim for quick die changes and consistent setups.

I’ve been reloading for over a decade, and the constant swapping and readjusting of dies can be a real time sink. The promise of a “set it and forget it” system is incredibly appealing, especially when batch-processing hundreds of rounds. I was eager to try these out and see if they could actually live up to the hype of faster, more precise die changes.

The four-pack of bushings arrived in simple, no-frills packaging. Right away, I noticed the vibrant, multi-colored anodizing, which is a smart move for quick identification. The splined drive surface looked like it would provide a good grip, and the overall construction felt solid, though not overly heavy-duty.

I’ve used similar quick-change bushing systems from other manufacturers, like Hornady’s Lock-N-Load. While Hornady’s system is well-established, I always felt the locking mechanism could be more secure. I was hoping the Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushing‘s clamp screw design would offer a tighter, more consistent hold.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The color-coding and easy-grip spline design immediately stood out as user-friendly improvements. I was eager to get them installed and see if they truly delivered on their promise of faster and more accurate die changes.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushing to the Test

First Use Experience

My primary testing ground was my home reloading bench, where I load for everything from .223 Remington to .45 ACP. I used the Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushing for a batch of 9mm rounds, switching between sizing, expanding, and seating dies. The initial setup was straightforward; simply insert the die into the bushing, adjust to the desired depth, and tighten the clamp screw.

Under normal conditions, the bushings performed reasonably well. Die changes were noticeably faster than using traditional lock rings. The color-coding system made it easy to grab the correct die without having to squint at labels.

However, I encountered some issues when dealing with heavier resizing operations. Specifically, with my .223 full-length resizing die, there was a slight amount of slippage, even with the clamp screw tightened firmly. This caused inconsistencies in the shoulder setback, which is unacceptable for accurate reloading.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the bushings held up reasonably well in terms of durability. There were no signs of cracking or deformation, even with repeated tightening and loosening of the clamp screws. The anodized finish also proved to be fairly scratch-resistant.

However, my initial concerns about the clamp screw’s holding power were confirmed over time. With dies that require significant force (e.g., resizing rifle brass or crimping), the bushings would occasionally shift, leading to inconsistent results. Regular tightening of the clamp screw was a necessity.

Maintaining the bushings was simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth was usually sufficient. However, the splined surface could accumulate small amounts of grime, requiring occasional scrubbing with a brush.

Compared to my previous experience with standard lock rings and even Hornady’s Lock-N-Load system, the Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushing offered a slight improvement in speed. The lack of rock-solid holding power for high-force operations was a notable drawback, though.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushing

Specifications

The Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushing specifications are as follows:

• Manufacturer: Lee.
• Quantity: 4 bushings per pack.
• Length: 5.05 inches.
• Color: Multi (anodized colors for easy identification).
• Dimensions: 1.35 X 3.70 X 5.05 inches.

These specifications are important because they define the bushing’s compatibility with standard reloading dies and presses. The multi-colored anodizing is a particularly useful feature for quickly identifying dies. The given length is important in ensuring the bushings will fit correctly within your press, particularly presses with limited space.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushing is to facilitate fast and repeatable die changes. It does achieve this to some extent, especially for low-force operations like bullet seating. However, its performance suffers when dealing with high-force operations due to slippage.

Strengths: Quick die changes, color-coded identification, and easy installation. Weaknesses: Insufficient holding power for high-force operations, requiring frequent readjustment. It meets the expectation of rapid die changes but fails to provide consistent results under heavy loads.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushing features a split-collar design with a clamp screw. This design allows for easy installation and removal of dies. The splined drive surface provides a good grip for tightening and loosening the bushing.

The build quality is adequate; the bushings are made from aluminum with an anodized finish. The weight is negligible. The ergonomic design is user-friendly, requiring minimal learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushing appears to be reasonably durable for its intended purpose. The aluminum construction is strong enough to withstand normal use.

Maintenance is straightforward; regular cleaning with a cloth is usually sufficient. However, the bushing may require replacement over time if the clamp screw threads become worn.

Accessories and Customization Options

The product includes four Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushings. No other accessories are included.

There are no specific customization options available for the bushings themselves. However, they are compatible with any standard 7/8″-14 threaded reloading dies.
The use of the Lee lock ring wrench is an option for easing use.

Pros and Cons of Lee Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushing