Introduction
Reloading ammunition is a rewarding hobby for many shooting enthusiasts, offering a pathway to significant cost savings, enhanced accuracy, and complete control over the performance of your firearms. It’s a skill that combines precision, attention to detail, and a passion for shooting. One of the most popular and accessible reloading presses available on the market today is the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press. This article will provide a detailed review of the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press, exploring its features, advantages, disadvantages, and helping you determine if it’s the right choice for your reloading needs.
The world of reloading offers a unique opportunity for shooters. Instead of relying solely on factory-loaded ammunition, reloaders can create their own cartridges, tailoring them to their specific firearms and shooting preferences. This process involves disassembling spent cartridges, replacing the primer, adding the correct amount of propellant, and seating a new bullet into the casing. The process demands the use of specific tools, the central element of which is the reloading press.
The benefits of reloading are numerous. Firstly, it can significantly reduce the cost of ammunition, especially with the rising prices of factory loads. Secondly, it allows for greater control over the ammunition’s accuracy. Reloaders can experiment with different bullet weights, powders, and seating depths to optimize their loads for specific guns. Thirdly, reloading fosters a deeper understanding of the mechanics of firearms and ammunition. Finally, it’s a satisfying and engaging hobby in its own right.
At the heart of any reloading setup is the reloading press. This essential tool provides the leverage necessary to perform critical reloading operations like resizing cases, seating bullets, and seating primers. Numerous reloading presses are available, each designed to fulfill specific needs and suit various reloading styles. The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is a particularly well-regarded option, designed to introduce new reloaders to the craft.
This article’s purpose is to conduct a thorough review of the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press. We will examine its features, explore its advantages and disadvantages, discuss its setup and use, and compare it to other reloading presses. This review aims to give you a comprehensive understanding of the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press and help you decide if this reloading press is suitable for you.
Examining its Build and Capabilities
The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is a single-stage reloading press, a type that is generally considered ideal for beginners and reloaders who prioritize precision over speed. Single-stage presses perform one reloading operation at a time, requiring the reloader to move the case from one die to another for each step in the process.
The most immediately noticeable feature of the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is the use of the Breech Lock bushing system. This unique design element is a key factor behind the press’s popularity. The Breech Lock system allows for rapid die changes. Instead of having to screw dies in and out, the reloader simply twists a small lever to install and remove dies, making the process far quicker and easier. The press comes with several Breech Lock bushings so you can have different dies adjusted and ready to go. Furthermore, this system facilitates precise die adjustments, which are crucial for achieving consistent and accurate results.
The press is constructed from durable cast iron, providing the strength and rigidity needed for reloading operations. This robust construction ensures the press can withstand the forces involved in resizing cases and seating bullets for years to come. The cast iron frame also contributes to the press’s stability, minimizing flex and promoting precise alignment.
The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is also designed with user comfort in mind. Its ergonomic handle and overall design aim to minimize strain during extended reloading sessions. The handle is shaped and positioned to provide optimal leverage, making the process easier to operate.
The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press includes a built-in priming system, offering the functionality of seating primers directly on the press. While convenient, some reloaders find the primer seating system in this particular model to be less precise than separate priming tools. This aspect is addressed in greater detail in the disadvantages section of this review.
The press uses a universal shell holder that accepts a wide array of cartridge sizes. This adaptability makes the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press versatile, allowing it to be used with various calibers. It should be noted that the reloader will still need to use a caliber-specific die set (sizing, seating, and crimping) as well as a shell holder, which the press uses to hold the cartridge case.
The Upsides and Downsides
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of this popular reloading press.
The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press boasts many upsides. Its ease of use makes it an ideal choice for beginners. The simple, straightforward design and the clear instructions provided by Lee Precision make the initial learning curve gentle. The process of reloading involves many steps, and the design of this press helps make those steps clear and less intimidating.
Speed and efficiency are two strong points for this press. The Breech Lock bushing system allows for remarkably quick die changes. For reloaders who load multiple calibers or load in small batches, the ability to switch between dies rapidly is a significant time-saver.
This press is also relatively cost-effective, especially when compared to more advanced reloading presses. It provides excellent value for the money, making it an accessible option for those just starting in the world of reloading or those on a tighter budget.
As mentioned before, the durable cast iron construction ensures the press is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press can provide years of reliable service.
Its versatility makes this reloading press suitable for reloading a large variety of calibers. This is a considerable benefit for reloaders who enjoy shooting a broad range of firearms. The universal shell holder design further enhances this flexibility.
Now, let’s examine the potential drawbacks. As a single-stage press, the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press isn’t designed for high-volume reloading. Each reloading step must be performed individually, which means that for large batches of ammunition, the process will take more time compared to progressive presses.
Some users have reported issues with the priming system. It can be less precise than dedicated priming tools, potentially leading to inconsistent primer seating.
While the press is a capable piece of machinery, it doesn’t come with many extras. The reloader may need to invest in optional accessories, such as a better priming system, to maximize performance and convenience.
Setting Up and Using the Press
The initial setup of the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is a relatively straightforward process. The press usually comes partly assembled, and the remaining assembly steps are simple to follow. The owner’s manual clearly illustrates the steps involved.
The unboxing will usually include the press itself, the handle, a few breech lock bushings, and potentially some basic tools. Carefully review all parts and components as detailed in the user manual, and then use the illustrated instructions for assembly. Make sure to properly mount the press to a sturdy reloading bench, a necessary step for safe and effective operation.
Installing and adjusting the reloading dies is an effortless process with the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press, thanks to the Breech Lock bushing system. The reloader pre-adjusts the dies in the bushings. Then, the reloader simply inserts a die-bushing assembly into the press and secures it with a twist.
Reloading with the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press typically involves the following steps:
Sizing/Decapping: The spent case is placed in the shell holder, and the sizing die is used to resize the case and remove the old primer.
Priming: A new primer is seated into the primer pocket. The built-in priming system can be used, or a separate priming tool can be used.
Charging the case with powder: The case is removed from the press and charged with the correct amount of powder using a powder measure.
Seating the bullet: The bullet is then seated in the case using the seating die.
Crimping (if necessary): A crimping die is used to crimp the case mouth around the bullet, if necessary, to ensure proper bullet hold.
Final Inspection: The finished cartridge is inspected for any defects, such as incorrect powder charges, improper bullet seating, or other issues.
Care should be taken to follow the reloading manual and the manufacturer’s guidelines. Always double-check powder charges. Reloading involves dealing with a small amount of explosive force, so a safe reloading environment is essential.
Optional Add-ons for Improved Results
While the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press can function very well on its own, there are accessories that can be added to increase functionality.
Lee offers its Safety Prime system, which is an upgrade to the priming system. The Safety Prime is a separate primer-feeding system that can provide more consistent and reliable priming than the integrated system.
The Lee Breech Lock Quick Change Bushing is another accessory. This item allows for a more secure and repeatable die adjustment, reducing the chance of a die coming loose or losing adjustment during a reloading session.
Lee Precision also offers a variety of other accessories, such as case trimmers, powder measures, and bullet seating tools, that can further enhance the reloading process. The reloader should choose what accessories he needs.
Comparing with Other Options
The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is a single-stage reloading press, which should be compared with other single-stage presses. Some notable competitors include models from RCBS, Redding, and Hornady. The Lee press, however, consistently stands out for its affordability and easy-to-use design.
For reloaders seeking higher volume, a progressive press that automates many of the reloading steps can be preferred. But it’s important to note that these presses are typically more expensive and require a more complex learning curve.
Feedback from Users
Across multiple online platforms, the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is generally regarded very highly. Many users praise its ease of use, making it an ideal choice for beginners. Many reviewers mention the value, given the price. The Breech Lock system frequently receives positive feedback for its quick die changes.
However, some users have mentioned that the included priming system can be a bit less reliable compared to separate priming tools. Some also mention that some upgrades can improve the process.
Conclusion
The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get started in the world of reloading. Its easy-to-use design, coupled with its affordability and Breech Lock system, make it a compelling option for beginners and reloaders who are on a budget. The durability of cast iron construction ensures that the press will provide many years of reliable service.
The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is best suited for reloaders who prioritize precision and accuracy, rather than high-volume reloading. Reloaders who load a variety of calibers will also appreciate the press’s versatility.
For shooters, it is a great option for its value and performance.
The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press can be purchased from a variety of online retailers, as well as at local gun stores. Research and compare prices.
Safety First
Reloading ammunition involves potentially dangerous processes. It’s extremely important to always adhere to safety guidelines and consult with an experienced reloader. Always wear safety glasses when reloading and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never exceed recommended powder charges.
