The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro press is a popular choice among reloaders, particularly those seeking a robust and versatile system at a competitive price point. This in-depth review explores its features, advantages, disadvantages, and overall value proposition, helping you determine if it's the right press for your reloading needs.
Understanding the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro's Design
The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro stands out due to its innovative breech lock system. This system significantly improves upon the original Lee Breech Lock press, offering enhanced stability and reduced wobble during operation. The robust design minimizes flex, resulting in more consistent shell casing sizing and improved overall accuracy. Key features contributing to this enhanced performance include:
- Solid Steel Construction: The press is built from heavy-duty steel, providing the necessary rigidity to withstand the pressures of reloading various calibers. This durability is crucial for long-term use and reliability.
- Improved Breech Lock System: The updated breech lock mechanism ensures a firm and secure connection between the ram and the press body, minimizing movement and enhancing accuracy.
- Versatile Mounting Options: The press can be mounted to a bench using either a clamp or a bolt-down system, providing flexibility based on your reloading setup preferences.
Advantages of the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro
Several advantages make the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro a compelling option for both beginner and experienced reloaders:
- Affordable Price Point: Compared to other high-capacity reloading presses, the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro offers excellent value for its price. This makes it an accessible entry point for those new to reloading.
- Ease of Use: The straightforward design and intuitive operation make it relatively easy to learn and use, even for novice reloaders. This reduces the learning curve and allows for quicker setup and operation.
- Versatility: The press is compatible with a wide range of Lee dies, as well as many other manufacturers' dies with appropriate shell holders. This versatility enables reloading diverse calibers and cartridge types.
- Compact Design: The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro maintains a compact footprint, suitable for smaller reloading spaces. This is advantageous for those with limited workspace.
- Durable Build: The sturdy steel construction ensures longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for long-term reloading endeavors.
Potential Disadvantages and Considerations
While the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro offers many advantages, potential drawbacks need consideration:
- Limited Capacity: Compared to progressive presses, the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro is a single-stage press, which means it handles one cartridge at a time. This can impact reloading speed, particularly for high-volume projects.
- Potential for Wobble (though less than previous models): While the improved breech lock minimizes wobble significantly, some slight movement may still occur with heavier use or improperly mounted dies. Proper setup is crucial.
- Manual Operation: This is a manual press; no motorization options are available. This requires manual effort for each step of the reloading process.
Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro vs. Other Presses
Direct comparisons with other popular presses, such as the Dillon Square Deal B or the Hornady LNL AP, would highlight its strengths and weaknesses relative to progressive and other single-stage presses. The Lee press stands out with its more affordable price point, while those other presses are often preferred by those seeking higher speed and automation.
Conclusion: Is the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Right for You?
The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro press provides a robust and affordable entry point into the world of reloading. Its improved breech lock system and durable construction minimize wobble and enhance accuracy. However, its single-stage design and manual operation mean that high-volume reloading may be slower. If you're looking for a reliable, versatile, and budget-friendly press for a variety of reloading tasks, the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro is a strong contender. For high-volume needs or advanced automation features, explore progressive reloading press options.
