RCBS Partner vs Lee 90685: Which Reloading Press to Buy?

Two single-stage presses often find themselves at the top of a beginner’s shortlist. The RCBS Partner and the Lee Precision 90685, often called the Lee Challenger Breech Lock, represent two distinct philosophies in entry-level reloading. One prioritizes a compact, lightweight footprint, while the other is built around a specific, user-friendly feature set. This head-to-head comparison cuts through the noise to give you the clear, actionable insights you need for your reloading bench.

My honest assessment is that both are capable tools, but they cater to slightly different users right from the start. We’ll break down their construction, performance for tasks like case sizing and bullet seating, and overall value. By the end, you’ll know exactly which press aligns with your goals for reloading precision and workflow.

Head-to-Head: Key Specifications at a Glance

Before we dive into the details, a side-by-side look establishes the fundamental differences. This table outlines the core attributes of each single stage press based on their official specifications.

Build Quality & Durability: Aluminum vs. Cast Iron

The construction philosophy is the most striking difference. The RCBS Partner uses a sturdy aluminum frame. This makes it notably lightweight and easy to manage, a genuine benefit if you’re mounting it to a portable bench or have space constraints. It’s built for reliable, low-volume tasks.

The Lee 90685, in contrast, is built around a cast iron frame. Honestly speaking, this material choice traditionally associates with mass, rigidity, and a perception of long-term durability that can withstand years of resizing force. The O-frame design on both presses provides solid support, but the heavier cast iron of the Lee may offer a more vibration-dampening feel during operation, a subtle but appreciated factor during long sessions.

Long-Term Wear Considerations

From my honest perspective, the aluminum vs. cast iron debate often centers on perceived longevity. Aluminum is plenty strong for the job, but cast iron has a legendary reputation in the workshop. For the long-term durability of a Lee Challenger press vs an RCBS Partner, the cast iron likely has an edge in resisting wear on the frame itself over decades. However, the RCBS lifetime warranty is a significant counterpoint, showing the company’s confidence in their product’s lifespan.

Performance: Precision, Feel, and Operation

How do they actually perform on the bench? Both are single-stage presses, meaning they excel at one operation at a time, fostering meticulous attention to detail for enhanced reloading precision.

Leverage and Smoothness

The Lee’s handle is positioned at the bottom center, which typically works with its compound linkage to provide good mechanical advantage. This press leverage makes tasks like full-length rifle case sizing feel smoother. The RCBS Partner is also designed for smooth operation with minimal effort, but the specific linkage design isn’t detailed. In my honest opinion, the Lee’s setup might feel slightly less strenuous during the toughest sizing operations, but both are absolutely suitable for standard calibers.

The Breech Lock Advantage

This is a major functional differentiator. The Lee Challenger Breech Lock system uses a threaded bushing that stays in the press. You pre-screw your dies into separate adapters. Changing dies becomes a simple quarter-turn. For a workflow involving frequent switches between sizing, decapping, and bullet seating dies, this feature saves genuine time and hassle. The RCBS Partner uses a standard 7/8″-14 threaded hole, requiring you to screw and unscrew dies directly each time.

A Note on Die Compatibility

A common question is: can you use RCBS dies in a Lee Challenger press? Absolutely. All standard 7/8″-14 threaded dies are interchangeable. The Lee breech lock adapter simply accepts any standard die. This interoperability is a key strength of the reloading ecosystem, as confirmed by any authority guide on the subject.

Ease of Use & Feature Breakdown

For a beginner, the setup and daily workflow are crucial. Heres how they stack up on key usability points.

• Setup & Mounting: The lightweight RCBS Partner is easier to position and bolt down. The heavier Lee requires a more robust bench but is less likely to shift.
• Die Changes: Lee’s breech lock system wins decisively for speed and convenience. It’s a feature you’ll appreciate every session.
• Spent Primer Management: This is a critical missing detail in the provided specs. Many modern presses include a spent primer chute or cup system for clean disposal. You’ll need to consult the product manuals or reviews to see how each model handles this messy but essential part of primer seating and decapping operations. It’s a factor that significantly impacts bench cleanliness.
• Noise and Vibration: The Lee’s cast iron mass likely absorbs more sound and shock from the sizing process, leading to a quieter, more solid feel. The aluminum Partner may transmit slightly more vibration.

Value Proposition: Price vs. What You Actually Get

This is where your personal priorities dictate the “best budget reloading press.” The Lee often holds an initial cost advantage. For that price, you get a heavy cast iron frame and the brilliant breech lock system. That’s tremendous value focused on the reloading process itself.

The RCBS Partner might carry a slight premium, but you’re investing in a compact, lightweight design backed by a legendary lifetime warranty. Its value is in space-saving flexibility and unparalleled warranty security. Speaking honestly, you’re not paying for bells and whistles; you’re paying for RCBS’s reputation for standing behind their tools forever.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which Press?

So, which is better for a beginner: RCBS Partner or Lee Challenger? My honest take is that it’s not about one being universally better, but about which solves your specific problems.

Choose the Lee Precision 90685 Challenger Breech Lock if:

• Your bench is permanently fixed and can handle the weight.
• You value fast die changes above all else.
• You prefer the heft and traditional feel of cast iron.
• Your budget is tight, and you want the most featured press for the money.
• You plan on loading a variety of calibers in a single session.

Choose the RCBS Partner Press if:

• Your space is limited, or you use a portable/lightweight reloading bench.
• A no-questions-asked lifetime warranty gives you peace of mind.
• You prioritize a compact, easy-to-store tool.
• You primarily perform low-volume, batch-style reloading where die change speed is less critical.
• The RCBS brand reputation and potential for smoother customer service are important factors for you.

For dedicated precision rifle reloading, both can produce excellent ammunition. The inherent rigidity of the single-stage design is the key factor. However, the Lee’s breech lock system allows for incredibly consistent die re-seating, which can benefit precision. For deeper dives into high-accuracy setups, our comparisons on the Rock Chucker Supreme offer more precision loading insights.

The Bottom Line for Your Bench

You can’t make a bad choice here. The Lee Challenger is the feature-packed workhorse, ideal for a dedicated home bench. The RCBS Partner is the compact, warranty-backed solution for the reloader with spatial or portability needs. I honestly believe that visualizing your specific reloading setup is more important than any minor spec difference. Consider your bench, your workflow, and which tool’s strengths align with them.

Always remember to consult multiple official sources for load data and safety procedures. Whether you choose the innovative Lee or the dependable RCBS, you’re starting a rewarding journey into crafting your own ammunition. For more unfiltered takes on gear, the team at Honest Opinion is always digging into the details to help you decide.