Lee 90889 Bullet Feed Kit Feed Die & Fingers One Kit 40 Cal - .44 Cal Up to .65 Long

Master High-Volume Pistol Reloading: The Lee Universal Bullet Feed Die Kit for .40-.44 Calibers

For serious reloaders, competitive shooters, or anyone aiming to significantly boost their ammunition production, efficiency isn't just a goal—it's a necessity. Manual bullet seating on a progressive press can be a bottleneck, leading to slower output, increased fatigue, and even potential safety concerns as hands repeatedly interact with moving parts. This is precisely the challenge the Lee Universal Pistol Bullet Feed Die Kit, specifically for .40 Cal to .44 Cal bullets up to .65 inches long, is engineered to solve.

Imagine transforming your progressive reloading press from a semi-automated system into a true ammunition factory. This specialized kit brings a new level of automation to your bench, ensuring a consistent, hands-free bullet presentation for every cartridge. No more fumbling for bullets, no more repetitive hand movements; just smooth, continuous operation that dramatically increases your rounds per hour (RPH).

Why Automate Your Bullet Feeding? The Core Benefits

The transition from manual bullet placement to an automated system with a solution like the Lee 90889 Kit offers a multitude of advantages that go beyond simple speed. It's about optimizing your entire reloading workflow, enhancing safety, and producing more consistent ammunition with less effort.

• Unprecedented Speed and Efficiency: This is the most immediate and impactful benefit. By eliminating the need to manually pick up and place each bullet, you can maintain a constant rhythm on your progressive press. Reloaders often report an increase of 50% or more in their RPH, easily reaching hundreds of rounds per hour. For instance, a reloader typically making 300 rounds per hour might easily achieve 450-600 RPH with this kit installed. This efficiency is critical for those who shoot frequently or engage in high-volume competitions.
• Enhanced Safety: Keeping your fingers away from the moving shellplate and dies is paramount. The Lee bullet feed system ensures your hands are clear of the press's operational zone, significantly reducing the risk of pinching or injury during high-speed reloading sessions. This peace of mind allows you to focus solely on the quality of your output.
• Reduced Fatigue and Strain: The repetitive motion of picking up bullets, orienting them, and placing them on the case mouth can lead to hand and wrist fatigue over long sessions. Automating this step drastically reduces physical strain, allowing you to reload for longer periods comfortably and efficiently. This is a game-changer for those marathon reloading sessions before a major match or extended range trip.
• Consistent Bullet Orientation and Seating: The precision-engineered feed die and fingers ensure that each bullet is consistently oriented and presented correctly to the case. This leads to more uniform bullet seating depths, contributing to greater overall ammunition consistency and potentially improved accuracy at the range.
• Streamlined Workflow: By automating bullet feeding, your hands are freed up to perform other crucial tasks, such as monitoring powder levels, checking primers, or simply operating the press handle more smoothly. This creates a more fluid and less interrupted reloading process.

Deep Dive into the Lee 90889 Universal Pistol Bullet Feed Die Kit

This kit is not just a simple accessory; it's a precision-engineered component designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing progressive reloading setup.

The Universal Bullet Feed Die

At the heart of the system is the universal bullet feed die. Unlike caliber-specific dies for bullet feeding, Lee's innovative universal design means this single die body can accommodate a wide range of pistol calibers simply by changing out the internal fingers. This particular kit is supplied with the fingers required for .40 to .44 caliber bullets.

How it works:

1. Gravity-Fed System: Bullets are loaded into a feeder tube (often connected to a bullet feeder collator or filled manually).
2. Indexing: As the press ram rises, the bullet feed die indexes, allowing a single bullet to drop into position.
3. Bullet Presentation: As the ram lowers, the die body guides the bullet precisely onto the mouth of the waiting case.
4. Hands-Free Operation: This entire process is automated with the movement of your press, eliminating the need for manual intervention at the bullet seating stage.

The die is robustly constructed from steel, ensuring longevity and reliable performance even after thousands of cycles. Its design minimizes potential for bullet jams or misfeeds, providing a smooth operational flow.

Caliber-Specific Fingers: The Key to Versatility

While the die body is universal, the included "fingers" are what make this kit specific to the .40 Cal to .44 Cal range. These precisely machined components are designed to cradle and guide bullets of these specific diameters and shapes.

• Optimal Fit: The fingers are engineered to securely hold bullets like .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .44 Special, and .44 Magnum, ensuring they are presented to the case mouth in the correct orientation.
• Bullet Length Accommodation: This kit is specified for bullets up to .65 inches long. This covers most common projectile types within the .40 to .44 caliber range, including various lead, jacketed, and plated bullets. It's crucial to verify your specific bullet length falls within this parameter for optimal performance.
• Easy Installation: Swapping out fingers for different calibers (if you were to purchase other finger sets) is straightforward, typically requiring just a few simple steps, allowing for quick caliber changes on your progressive press.

Ideal Use Cases and Who Benefits Most

The Lee 90889 Bullet Feed Kit is a valuable upgrade for a diverse group of reloaders. Consider if you fall into any of these categories:

• High-Volume Pistol Reloaders: If you're consistently loading hundreds or even thousands of rounds of pistol ammunition each month for training, competition, or simply extensive range time, this kit is an absolute game-changer for your productivity.
• Competitive Shooters: Participants in disciplines like USPSA, IDPA, or 3-Gun burn through vast quantities of ammunition. Maximizing your reloading output with an automated system like this means more time practicing and less time spent on the bench.
• Reloaders Seeking Efficiency: Even if you're not a competitor, but you value your time and want to make the most of your reloading sessions, automating the bullet feeding step will significantly reduce the time spent producing your ammunition.
• Anyone Using a Lee Progressive Press: This kit is designed for seamless integration with Lee Precision's popular progressive presses, including the Lee Pro 1000, Load-Master, and Auto Breech Lock Pro. It's built to work perfectly within their ecosystem.
• Those Prioritizing Safety: Keeping hands away from moving machinery is always a priority. This kit provides a tangible safety improvement by automating a manual step.

Addressing Common Questions Reloaders Ask:

• "How can I significantly increase my reloading output?" The primary answer is through automation, and the Lee 90889 Bullet Feed Kit is one of the most effective ways to automate the bullet seating stage, freeing up your hands and accelerating your RPH.
• "What equipment do I need for automatic pistol bullet feeding?" You'll need a progressive reloading press (like a Lee Pro 1000, Load-Master, or Auto Breech Lock Pro), this specific bullet feed die kit (Lee 90889), and often a bullet feeder (like the Lee Bullet Feeder or a universal collator) to supply bullets to the tube.
• "Is automated bullet feeding safe?" Yes, indeed. By eliminating the need for manual bullet placement on the case, automatic bullet feeders enhance safety by keeping your fingers away from the moving shell plate and sizing/seating dies, reducing the risk of injury.
• "Will this work with my .40 S&W or .44 Magnum bullets?" Absolutely. This specific kit is designed for bullets ranging from .40 caliber up to .44 caliber, covering popular cartridges like .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .44 Special, and .44 Magnum, provided your bullets are no longer than .65 inches.
• "Is it difficult to set up or change calibers?" Lee Precision products are known for their user-friendliness. Installation of the bullet feed die is straightforward, typically screwing into a standard die station on your progressive press. Changing out the internal fingers for different caliber ranges (if you had other finger sets) is also designed to be quick and easy.

Lee Precision: A Legacy of Innovation and Value

Lee Precision has long been a cornerstone of the reloading community, celebrated for its commitment to innovative, high-quality, and affordable reloading equipment. The Lee Universal Pistol Bullet Feed Die Kit exemplifies this philosophy. Every component, from the robust die body to the precisely formed fingers, reflects Lee's dedication to helping reloaders achieve their goals more efficiently and safely.

When you invest in Lee products, you're not just buying a tool; you're gaining access to decades of engineering expertise focused on making the reloading process accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from beginners to seasoned veterans. Their reputation for durable, reliable gear makes them a trusted choice for serious reloaders worldwide.

This essential reloading accessory, the Lee 90889 Bullet Feed Kit, is available at DEGuns. As a reputable supplier of shooting and reloading equipment, DEGuns provides a reliable source for all your ammunition production needs, ensuring you receive genuine Lee Precision products backed by excellent service.

Mastering Your Reloading Process: Installation and Maintenance Tips

Integrating the Lee Universal Pistol Bullet Feed Die Kit into your setup is designed to be straightforward. The die screws into a standard 7/8-14 threaded die station on your progressive press, typically placed at a station where the case mouth is flared (often after sizing and priming, but before powder drop in some setups).

• Proper Setup: Ensure the bullet feed die is adjusted correctly so that it reliably picks and places bullets without deforming them or causing jams. This often involves careful adjustment of the die body height and sometimes a visual check of bullet presentation.
• Cleanliness is Key: Like all reloading equipment, keeping the bullet feed die and fingers clean from powder residue, bullet lube, and other debris is crucial for consistent operation. A quick wipe-down after each session can prevent buildup.
• Bullet Compatibility: While the kit is rated for .40-.44 calibers up to .65" long, some unusually shaped bullets (e.g., extremely truncated cone designs or very pointed bullets) might require minor adjustments or experimentation to feed optimally. Round nose and flat point designs typically feed flawlessly.

By incorporating the Lee Universal Pistol Bullet Feed Die Kit (Lee part number 90889) into your reloading routine, you are making a significant upgrade to your production capabilities. This is more than just a convenience; it's an investment in efficiency, consistency, and a safer, more enjoyable reloading experience.

Product Specifications & Compatibility