Stepping into the world of reloading is an exciting move. It’s a craft that blends precision, patience, and a deep understanding of your ammunition. For many, the journey begins with a fundamental choice: selecting your first single stage press. Two names consistently dominate the conversation for budget reloading press options: the Lee Precision 90045 and the RCBS Partner. Both promise a solid foundation for reloading for beginners, but they approach the task with different philosophies.
This isn’t just about picking a tool; it’s about right partner for your initial reloading setup. The decision impacts your workflow, your budget, and ultimately, the reloading accuracy you can achieve. I’ve spent considerable time with both presses, and my honest assessment is that the “better” choice isn’t universal. It depends entirely on your priorities, from immediate cost to long-term aspirations in the hobby.
Head-to-Head: Lee 90045 vs. RCBS Partner Specifications
Before diving into nuances, a direct comparison of their stated features sets the stage. This table outlines the core attributes of each press based on their official product descriptions.
| Feature | Lee Precision 90045 | RCBS Partner Press |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Not Specified | Sturdy Aluminum |
| Design Focus | Reloading Press | Compact, lightweight single-stage press |
| Ideal User | Not Specified | Beginners or reloaders with limited space |
| Primary Use Case | Reloading Press | Small to medium reloading tasks, wide range of calibers |
| Operation | Not Specified | Smooth operation with minimal effort |
| Warranty | Not Specified | RCBS Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Build Quality & Materials: A Tale of Two Philosophies
The physical construction of a press speaks volumes about its intended lifespan and feel. The RCBS Partner is explicitly built with a durable aluminum construction. This achieves a specific goal: a lightweight yet sturdy frame perfect for a portable bench or tight spaces. Honestly speaking, the aluminum frame feels rigid for its size, but it’s a different experience from the cast-iron heft of its bigger brother, the RCBS Rock Chucker.
The Lee 90045, part of the classic Lee Challenger series, doesn’t specify its frame material in the provided data. Historically, it utilizes a cast-iron O-frame design. This traditional design is known for its inherent strength and mass, which can help dampen vibrations during the sizing operation. From my honest perspective, the Lee often feels like a more substantial block of metal on the bench, which some reloaders equate with durability.
A critical area often overlooked is long-term wear parts availability and modification potential. The Lee ecosystem has a massive aftermarket support community, with companies like Inline Fabrication offering mounting and ergonomic upgrades. RCBS parts are typically available directly, backed by their warranty. Considering the warranty process is a smart move; RCBS’s lifetime guarantee is a significant confidence booster for a beginner’s investment.
Ease of Use for the New Reloader
Both presses are champions of simplicity, which is why they’re perennial favorites for reloading for beginners. The RCBS Partner is marketed as being designed for “smooth operation with minimal effort,” and it lives up to that. The leverage is good, and the lightweight frame makes it easy to position on any bench. Its compact nature is a genuine benefit if your workspace is a corner of the garage.
The Lee 90045 operates on a compound linkage system. This mechanical advantage is a key feature, making the press require less physical force to perform tough operations like resizing rifle brass. For someone loading larger volumes or tougher calibers, this is a tangible benefit. However, the setup often involves more user assembly and configuration of systems like its spent primer management.
Here are a few setup considerations for a first reloading press:
- Primer Arm & Catcher: How does the press handle priming? Is there a built-in primer catcher, or do spent primers roll across your bench? This is a huge QOL detail.
- Ram Play: Minimal lateral movement in the ram is crucial for reloading precision. A sloppy ram can affect concentricity.
- Mounting: Both use standard mounting holes, but the press’s footprint and weight affect stability.
If you’re wondering which is better for a first reloading press Lee or RCBS, my honest take is this: the Partner is slightly more “plug-and-play” out of the box, while the Lee offers more mechanical advantage that you’ll appreciate as you tackle more diverse calibers.
Performance: Precision & Consistency Results
At its core, a press must hold a reloading die perfectly square and allow for smooth, consistent strokes. Both units are capable of producing accurate ammunition. The true test of reloading accuracy often comes down to the operator’s technique and the quality of the dies being used, not just the press itself.
However, the press’s rigidity influences consistency. The mass of the Lee’s frame can contribute to a more vibration-free operation during the critical sizing and bullet seating stages. The Partner’s aluminum frame is stiff, but it may transmit more feel from the operation. For most pistol calibers and even standard rifle cartridges, this difference is negligible for the vast majority of reloaders. Speaking honestly, you are unlikely to see a measurable difference in group size on target between ammunition loaded on either press, assuming all other variables are equal.
A common long-tail question is, can you reload rifle cartridges on the Lee 90045 press? Absolutely. Its compound linkage is specifically advantageous for this task, making the resizing of .223 Remington or .308 Winchester cases noticeably easier. The Partner can also handle these calibersit’s designed for a wide rangebut you’ll apply more physical force. For high-volume rifle loading, the Lee’s leverage is a clear benefit.
Value Analysis: Is the RCBS Partner Worth the Extra Money?
This is the pivotal question for many. The Lee 90045 typically sits at a lower price point, embodying the concept of a budget reloading press. You are buying a highly functional, mechanical tool. The RCBS Partner commands a premium, and you’re paying for several key things:
- The RCBS Lifetime Warranty: This is a huge value. It’s a guarantee that the company stands behind their product for the long haul.
- Refined Finish & Feel: RCBS products generally have a polished, commercial finish that feels premium.
- Brand Reputation & Resale: The RCBS name carries weight and can aid in resale value down the line.
When conducting a press comparison, you must weigh immediate savings against long-term security. If you view reloading as a lifelong hobby, the RCBS warranty is compelling. If you’re testing the waters and need to minimize initial investment for a complete reloading kit, the Lee is incredibly tough to beat. To be completely honest, you can’t go wrong with either from a pure performance standpoint for starting out.
Final Verdict & Recommendation Based on Use Case
So, which press deserves a spot on your bench? The answer isn’t singular. It’s a matter of matching the tool to the shooter’s specific situation.
Choose the Lee Precision 90045 If:
Your primary concern is minimizing upfront cost. You want maximum mechanical advantage for resizing rifle cartridges. You don’t mind a more utilitarian finish and are comfortable with potentially configuring some aspects of the system yourself. You’re intrigued by a vast aftermarket for modifications.
Choose the RCBS Partner Press If:
You value a comprehensive lifetime warranty and the peace of mind it brings. You need a compact, lightweight press for a small or temporary workspace. You prefer a product that feels refined and requires minimal fuss to start using. The question of is the RCBS Partner worth the extra money over the Lee is answered with a “yes” if warranty and out-of-box polish are top priorities.
For a specific task like Lee Precision 90045 vs RCBS Partner for 9mm reloading, both are more than capable. The 9mm is a straightforward cartridge to reload. The Partner’s smooth operation is a joy for pistol calibers, while the Lee’s speed and leverage can be nice for larger batches.
Ultimately, the best reloading press is the one you’ll use consistently. Both the Lee 90045 and the RCBS Partner are exemplary gateways into the craft. They teach the fundamentals of single stage press operation without overwhelming complexity. I honestly believe that success in reloading hinges more on the shooter’s patience and attention to detail than on the brand name stamped on the frame. For more detailed insights into the RCBS lineup, our review of the Rock Chucker vs Partner dives deeper. Remember, this is just one Honest Opinion from a fellow enthusiast. Your journey should start with clear goals, a good manual from an official source like Hornady, and the press that best aligns with your budget and bench.