Stepping into the world of reloading can feel like a puzzle. You have pieces like presses and dies, but how do they fit together for your needs? Two standout pieces from Lee Precision often create this exact scenario: the 92139 40th Anniversary Pack and the 90932 Cast Aluminum Turret Press. They serve different primary functions, yet their roles overlap in a reloader’s workflow.
This isn’t about which is universally better. It’s about matching the right tool to your goals. Are you chasing ultimate reloading precision on a classic single-stage, or do you need the streamlined workflow of a turret system? Let’s break down these two popular options feature by feature.
Head-to-Head: Press vs. Die Set
First, a crucial distinction. The Lee Precision 92139 is primarily a reloading die set packaged with a classic “O” frame single-stage press. The Lee 90932 is a dedicated 4-hole turret press. One is a precision-focused kit, the other a speed-oriented tool. This fundamental difference shapes every comparison.
| Feature | Lee Precision 92139 40th Anniversary Pack | Lee Precision 90932 Turret Press |
|---|---|---|
| Core Product | Challenger Press + Breech Lock 3-Die Set | Cast Aluminum 4-Hole Turret Press |
| Key Mechanism | “O” Frame Single-Stage with Breech Lock Quick Change | Auto Index Turret with Quick-Change Turret |
| Primary Strength | Strength, hand clearance, die-setting consistency | Sequential processing speed, minimized handling |
| Included Dies | Yes (e.g., 223 Remington 3-Die Set) | No (Press only) |
| Operation Style | One operation per handle pull | Multiple operations per cartridge per cycle |
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Detailed Feature Breakdown
Lee Precision 92139 40th Anniversary Pack
This package is built around the renowned Challenger press. Its “O” frame design is noted for exceptional rigidity, which directly translates to consistent case resizing and bullet seating. The 4″ opening is a genuine benefit, providing maximum hand clearance for easier cartridge handling. The included Breech Lock system is a game-changer; you preset your dies in their bushings and change them with a literal twist of the wrist, eliminating re-adjustment. The ergonomic lever and improved priming position reduce fatigue. Honestly speaking, for a beginner focused on learning each step meticulously, this package offers a fantastic foundation of reloading precision.
Lee Precision 90932 Turret Press
The 90932 is all about efficient workflow. Its Auto Index feature automatically rotates the turret to the next station with each stroke of the handle. You can perform multiple operationslike sizing, priming, charging, and seatingon a single cartridge without removing it from the Shell Plate. This drastically reduces handling time compared to a single-stage. The cast aluminum construction keeps it lightweight. My honest take is that its core value is procedural speed and convenience for a reloader who has moved past the initial learning phase and wants to produce usable ammunition more efficiently.
Performance Comparison: Precision, Speed & Setup
Performance splits cleanly along the lines of intent.
Precision & Feel: The 92139’s solid “O” frame inherently offers a more rigid, direct feel during operations like case resizing. There’s less flex, which can contribute to more consistent results, especially with bottleneck rifle cartridges. The 90932, while effective, may have a slightly different feel due to its auto-indexing mechanism and turret rotation. For absolute benchrest-level consistency, the single-stage has a theoretical edge.
Speed & Workflow: This is the turret’s domain. The Quick-Change Turret system means you can have multiple calibers pre-set on separate turrets. Switching calibers is faster than on a single-stage, even with a Breech Lock. The auto-indexing streamlines the process for a single caliber. If volume is a priority, the 90932 wins.
Setup & Learning Curve: The 92139 package is arguably more beginner-friendly. It comes with dies and the simple, repeatable process of a single-stage teaches the fundamentals clearly. Setting up the 90932’s Priming System and ensuring proper auto-index timing requires a bit more initial tinkering. Resources like an authority guide on press setup can be invaluable here.
Addressing Common Questions & Concerns
Many wonder, is the Lee 40th anniversary die set worth it? From my honest perspective, if you need a press and dies for a specific caliber, it’s excellent value. You get Lee’s convenient Breech Lock dies and a proven press. It’s a complete starter kit for one cartridge.
Search queries about Lee 90932 turret press problems and solutions often point to setup nuances. The auto-index mechanism can sometimes need adjustment for perfect alignment, and the Priming System requires a specific feel to operate smoothly. These aren’t deal-breakers but are part of the learning process. Long-term, the cast aluminum construction is durable for its design purpose, though it may exhibit more vibration than a cast-iron single-stage. Maintenance involves keeping the index mechanism clean and lightly lubricated.
For the best die set for beginner reloader on a budget, the one included in the 92139 pack is a strong contender. The Breech Lock feature alone saves future frustration.
Value Analysis: Price vs. What You Actually Get
| Consideration | Lee 92139 40th Anniversary | Lee 90932 Turret |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Outlay | Higher (includes press + dies) | Lower (press only) |
| Cost to Get Reloading | Add components (powder, primers, bullets, shell holder) | Add dies, powder measure, Shell Plate, components |
| Long-Term Value | Excellent single-stage that will always be useful | Efficiency gain for volume shooting |
| Warranty & Support | Lee Precision is known for strong customer support and a lifetime warranty on their presses and dies. This is a significant factor often overlooked in value comparisons. | |
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Honestly speaking, the 92139 offers more immediate utility. You unbox a functional reloading station for one caliber. The 90932 requires additional purchases before you can make a single round. However, its value is realized over time and across multiple calibers due to the efficient turret system.
Final Verdict: Which Reloader Are You?
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It’s about your reloading personality.
Choose the Lee Precision 92139 40th Anniversary Pack if:
You are a beginner wanting to learn fundamentals correctly. You prioritize consistency over speed for rifle calibers. You only load one or two calibers in moderate volumes. You appreciate the robust feel and simplicity of a classic single-stage press. It remains a vital tool for tasks like bullet pulling and full-length sizing, even if you upgrade later.
Choose the Lee Precision 90932 Turret Press if:
You understand the basic reloading steps and want to speed up pistol or high-volume rifle loading. You load multiple calibers and value quick changeovers. Your focus is on producing quality plinking or practice ammunition efficiently. You’re comfortable with a slightly more complex initial setup to gain long-term workflow benefits.
My honest assessment is that many successful reloaders end up with both types of presses. They use a single-stage like the Challenger for precision rifle rounds and a turret for pistol rounds. For a deeper dive into single-stage precision, that comparison is worth your time.
Regarding how to set up Lee 90932 turret press with anniversary dies, it’s straightforward. The Carbide Sizing Die from the anniversary set would go in station one. You would need to add a powder measure (like the Auto-Disk Powder Measure) in a later station and a dedicated seating die. The Breech Lock bushings make installing the dies simple.
Before making any decision, consult the manufacturer’s official source for manuals and specs. Also, consider checking resources from other industry leaders like Hornady and RCBS to understand different approaches to the same goal. For those looking to enhance any press, aftermarket support from companies like Inline Fabrication can be transformative.
In the end, the best choice aligns with your shooting habits, patience for process, and budget. Both are capable tools from a company that has focused on value-driven reloading equipment for decades. Your Honest Opinion on what matters mostmeticulous single-stage precision or efficient turret workflowwill point you in the right direction. I honestly believe that starting with the right tool for your mindset makes the reloading journey far more enjoyable and successful.