The Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press is a popular choice for reloaders, especially beginners. Its simple design, affordability, and surprisingly robust build quality make it a strong contender in the reloading press market. This in-depth review will explore its features, capabilities, pros, cons, and overall value. We'll also compare it to other presses and offer advice on whether it's the right choice for you.
Understanding the Lee Challenger Press
The Lee Challenger's design centers around its breech lock system. This innovative system allows for quick and easy die changes, significantly speeding up the reloading process compared to traditional presses. The robust cast iron frame provides a stable platform, minimizing wobble and ensuring accurate reloading. While a single-stage press, meaning you perform one operation at a time (sizing, powder charging, bullet seating, etc.), its efficiency is enhanced by the breech lock system.
Key Features of the Lee Challenger
- Breech Lock Cam System: This is the heart of the Challenger. It uses a cam system to securely lock dies in place, allowing for rapid changes. No more fiddling with lock rings!
- Cast Iron Construction: The sturdy cast iron frame resists flex and wobble, crucial for precise reloading. This contributes to the press's longevity.
- Adjustable Ram: Allows for fine-tuning the press's operation, optimizing its performance with various dies and cartridges.
- Affordable Price: Compared to progressive presses or other single-stage presses with comparable features, the Lee Challenger offers exceptional value for money.
- Versatile: While a single-stage press, the Challenger can handle a wide variety of cartridge cases and reloading tasks.
- Simple Operation: Its straightforward design makes it easy to learn, ideal for beginners.
How the Breech Lock System Works
The breech lock system is the Challenger's standout feature. Instead of traditional lock rings, dies are secured using a cam system that clamps them firmly into the press. This makes changing dies significantly faster and easier, a significant advantage for reloaders working with multiple calibers or performing different reloading operations.
| Feature | Lee Challenger | Competitor X (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Single Stage | Single Stage |
| Frame Material | Cast Iron | Steel |
| Die System | Breech Lock Cam System | Traditional Lock Rings |
| Price Point | Budget-Friendly | Mid-Range to High-End |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Moderate |
| Durability | Excellent for its price point | Superior, often heavier-duty construction |
Lee Challenger vs. Other Single-Stage Presses
Choosing a reloading press depends on individual needs and budget. The Lee Challenger excels in its price-to-performance ratio. However, more expensive presses often offer features like stronger frames or more refined mechanisms. Here's a comparison table to illustrate:
(Note: Competitor X is a placeholder; specific models can be substituted for a more detailed comparison.)
Common Uses and Applications
The Lee Challenger is versatile. Here are its common uses:
- Sizing Cases: Resizing brass to the correct dimensions is critical for safe and reliable ammunition. The Challenger handles this flawlessly.
- Deburring and Chamfering: These tasks ensure consistent case preparation for optimal performance.
- Powder Charging: Carefully measure and dispense powder using a powder measure attached to the press.
- Bullet Seating: The Challenger securely seats bullets to the correct depth for consistent accuracy.
- Crimping: Crimping seals the case mouth, ensuring secure bullet retention.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Affordability: A significant advantage for beginners or those on a budget.
- Ease of Use: The simple design makes it incredibly easy to learn and operate.
- Breech Lock System: This is a game-changer for speed and efficiency in die changes.
- Durable Construction: The cast iron frame provides good stability and longevity.
Disadvantages:
- Single-Stage Operation: Slower than progressive presses for high-volume reloading.
- Potentially More Effort: Compared to some other presses, you might find you need to use more physical strength for certain operations.
- Limited Accessories: The range of directly compatible accessories might be less extensive than for some other brands.
Is the Lee Challenger Right for You?
The Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press is an excellent entry-level press and a solid choice for hobbyist reloaders. Its affordability, ease of use, and efficient breech lock system make it a strong contender. However, if you plan on reloading large volumes of ammunition, a progressive press might be more efficient. If budget is a primary concern, the Challenger offers exceptional value.
Remember: Always consult reloading manuals and prioritize safety when reloading ammunition.
Conclusion
The Lee Challenger offers a compelling blend of affordability, ease of use, and solid performance. Its breech lock system makes it a joy to use, even for those new to reloading. While it might not be the ultimate press for high-volume production, it's a great option for beginners and hobbyists looking for a reliable and efficient reloading experience. The investment in the Lee Challenger is likely to pay off many times over in terms of cost savings and the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition.