Lee Loader .45-70 Government 90264 Review

Getting My Hands on the Lee Loader for .45-70 Government 90264

The Lee Loader for .45-70 Government 90264 is a classic tool, a single-stage reloading kit that has been around for decades. Marketed by Lee as an affordable and simple way to reload .45-70 cartridges, it promises to be a complete solution in a compact package. It includes everything needed to deprime, size, reprime, charge, and seat bullets.

My interest in the Lee Loader stemmed from a desire to handload .45-70 ammunition without investing in a full-scale reloading press. I wanted a portable, inexpensive option for loading specialized rounds for my 1886 Winchester while at hunting camp. I was also intrigued by the simplicity of the process; I wanted to get back to basics.

Upon opening the package, I was struck by how basic the Lee Loader truly is. The components are simple: a sizing die, a priming chamber, a powder measure, a bullet seating tool, and a few other small parts. The build quality appeared solid for the price, with steel dies and sturdy plastic components.

I had considered a few other options, including a hand press and a more comprehensive reloading kit. However, the portability and incredibly low price of the Lee Loader won me over. I also liked the idea of having a dedicated tool for .45-70 that I could use specifically for crafting unique loads.

My first impression was a mix of excitement and apprehension. I was excited to get started and see if this simple tool could deliver on its promise. At the same time, I was a little nervous about the lack of mechanical advantage and the potential for inconsistencies in my reloads.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Loader for .45-70 Government 90264 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my reloading bench in my garage. I followed the included instructions meticulously, which were surprisingly clear and well-written. I started by depriming some spent .45-70 cases, which required a few firm taps with a mallet.

The sizing process was more demanding, requiring significant force to drive the case into the sizing die. The powder measure, a simple dipper, took some practice to consistently throw accurate charges. Seating the bullets was straightforward.

My initial reloads, using a standard load of black powder and a 405-grain lead bullet, performed well. The rounds fired consistently, and accuracy was comparable to factory ammunition. I did notice a bit of inconsistency in bullet seating depth.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Lee Loader, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for its simplicity and limitations. The tool has held up well, with no signs of wear or damage to the dies or other components. The finish has remained consistent.

Maintaining the Lee Loader is incredibly easy; I just wipe down the dies and other parts with a clean cloth after each use. I have noticed that the powder dipper requires occasional cleaning to prevent static buildup.

Compared to my experience with a progressive reloading press, the Lee Loader is significantly slower and more labor-intensive. However, it offers a unique connection to the reloading process. You feel every step, giving you greater awareness of the quality of each round.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Loader for .45-70 Government 90264

Specifications

• Caliber: .45-70 Government. This indicates the specific cartridge the loader is designed to reload.
• Manufacturer: Lee. A well-known manufacturer of reloading equipment, known for affordability.
• Gun Type: Rifle. This loader is designed for reloading rifle cartridges, specifically the .45-70.
• Additional Features: Lee Loader Rifle Kit. It’s a complete kit, including all the necessary tools for reloading.

These specifications are important because they define the limitations and capabilities of the tool. The .45-70 caliber specification means it’s only useful for that specific cartridge. The “Rifle Kit” designation assures that the tool comes complete and ready to use.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Loader performs its intended function of reloading .45-70 ammunition adequately. Accuracy is achievable with practice, although not on par with a full reloading press. The user must be very consistent throughout each step.

The main strength is its simplicity and affordability. Its weakness is the manual labor required and the potential for inconsistencies. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly, portable reloading solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent for the price. The materials are steel and sturdy plastic.

The design is very basic, and it is reasonably user-friendly. There is a learning curve associated with the manual operation and achieving consistent results.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Lee Loader should last for many years. It is a robust design using good quality materials.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of the dies. There are no complex parts to repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Loader comes with all the necessary components for reloading .45-70 cartridges, including a sizing die, depriming punch, priming tool, powder measure, and bullet seating tool. There are no inherent customization options beyond adjusting powder charge and bullet selection.

It is compatible with standard reloading components, such as primers, powder, and bullets from various manufacturers. It does not support the use of any advanced accessories, such as powder measures or electronic scales.

Pros and Cons of Lee Loader for .45-70 Government 90264

Who Should Buy Lee Loader for .45-70 Government 90264?

The Lee Loader for .45-70 Government 90264 is perfect for the occasional .45-70 shooter who wants to experiment with handloads without investing in a full reloading setup. It’s also ideal for hunters who want to create custom loads for specific hunting situations.

Those who reload in high volumes or require extreme precision should skip this product and invest in a full-size reloading press. The process is slow and requires consistency to yield good results.

A good set of calipers is a must-have accessory to ensure consistent bullet seating depth. A powder trickler can also help achieve more precise powder charges.

Conclusion on Lee Loader for .45-70 Government 90264

The Lee Loader for .45-70 Government 90264 is a surprisingly capable tool for its price and simplicity. It offers an affordable and portable way to reload .45-70 ammunition, but requires patience and consistency to produce accurate results.

The value proposition is excellent for those on a budget or looking for a minimalist reloading solution. It may not be as fast or precise as a full reloading press, but it’s a great way to get started with handloading.

I would personally recommend the Lee Loader to anyone interested in learning the basics of reloading or looking for a portable reloading solution for their .45-70. It’s a classic tool that has stood the test of time, and it’s a great way to connect with the reloading process on a deeper level. Get yours today and start crafting your own custom .45-70 loads!