Lee 90045 vs RCBS Partner Press: Which Should You Buy?
By Amis Thains Updated 5 min read
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On this page (7 sections)
You are looking at two very different single-stage presses and need to know which one belongs on your bench. This page tells you exactly how the Lee 90045 and the RCBS Partner differ in build, leverage, and long-term value so you stop guessing.
In short: The Lee 90045 wins for most readers because its cast-iron frame and compound linkage make reloading faster and less tiring. The RCBS Partner is the better choice if you have very limited space or want a press you can move easily around the house.
Quick picks
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Its heavy frame and compound link reduce the effort needed to resize rifle brass.
The compact aluminum footprint fits in places where the cast-iron Lee will not.
The differences at a glance
The two presses have the same job, but their design philosophies are opposite. One is built to stay on the bench; the other is built to be picked up and moved. The other half of this decision is history of rcbs reloading presses.
| Feature | Lee 90045 | RCBS Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Cast Iron | Aluminum |
| Linkage System | Compound | Standard |
| Weight | Heavy | Lightweight |
| Warranty | Limited | Lifetime |
| Best Use Case | High volume / Rifle reloading | Portability / Small space |
The table gives you the quick summary, but the real difference in how they feel is found in the next sections.
Pro tip: Check the footprint of your bench before you buy; the Lee is significantly wider and deeper than the RCBS Partner.
The Lee 90045 is the direct match for the 'better overall' pick because of its frame material and leverage.
- Reloading Press
Build quality and long-term durability
The RCBS Partner uses an aluminum frame specifically to keep its weight down. It is rigid for a single-stage press, but it lacks the sheer mass of a cast-iron block. This makes it easier to carry but less stable if the bench is soft.
The Lee 90045 uses a cast-iron base. This material is much denser and helps the press stay exactly where you put it. The added mass is a major benefit because it absorbs the vibrations you feel when you are resizing a case, especially at high volume.
If you are concerned about the press lasting a long time, both are reliable tools. However, the Lee is part of a long-running line with a wide aftermarket support network for parts and upgrades, which can be helpful if you plan to stay in the hobby for years.
Winner: Lee 90045. It is built to stay on a bench for many years with less risk of shifting or moving under load. For the detail, see our notes on rcbs reloading equipment reviewed.
Pro tip: If you are moving the press frequently between different workstations, the RCBS Partner's lighter weight is a genuine advantage.
The advantage of compound linkage
The Lee 90045 uses a compound linkage system. This gives the ram more force at the bottom of the stroke, which makes it much easier to resize tough rifle brass. You will notice this most when loading calibers like .308 Winchester or .223 Remington.
The RCBS Partner uses a standard straight-link system. It is perfectly capable of reloading rifle cartridges, but you will feel more resistance as you close the lever. For someone who is new to the hobby, this extra force can be tiring over a long session.
For a beginner who wants to load both pistols and rifles, the Lee’s mechanical advantage saves your arm as you complete hundreds of rounds. It effectively turns a two-handed effort into a much more manageable task.
Winner: Lee 90045. It makes the physical work of the hobby significantly easier and allows you to work on stiffer rifle dies without straining your shoulders.
Ease of use and first impressions
The RCBS Partner is designed to be ‘plug-and-play.’ It is smaller, lighter, and very easy to set up in a corner of a garage or a small desk. For many first-time reloaders, the simplicity of its footprint is a huge plus. If that sounds like your bench, read up on our notes on classic turret press next.
The Lee 90045 requires a bit more space on your bench because of its frame. However, the operation feels very smooth and the lever is well-balanced. One thing to note is that the Lee system often involves more initial setup to get your primer management and die alignment just right.
If you are strictly loading pistol cartridges in small batches, the RCBS Partner is just as easy to use and takes up much less room. You can literally set it up on a sturdy table that could not support the Lee.
Winner: RCBS Partner. It is easier to integrate into a very small workspace and has a slightly lower learning curve for absolute beginners.
Pro tip: No matter which press you choose, always make sure the table or bench is rigid; a wobbly base can hurt your reloading accuracy.
The RCBS Partner is the natural choice for anyone whose main priority is keeping the reloading station compact.
- RCBS Partner Press: Compact, lightweight single-stage press ideal for beginners or
- Durable Aluminum Construction: Features a sturdy aluminum frame, ensuring long-lasting
Which should you buy?
Choosing between these two comes down to how much space you have and what you plan to load. The Lee 90045 is the better tool for the long term, while the RCBS Partner is the better tool for a very specific, space-saving situation.
- If you plan to load rifle cartridges regularly: Choose the Lee 90045. The compound link makes it much less tiring and allows for more consistent results over long sessions.
- If you have a very small bench: Choose the RCBS Partner. Its lightweight frame and small footprint are its best features, and it will fit where the Lee cannot.
- If you are unsure if you will keep the hobby: The RCBS Partner’s smaller footprint is a lower-risk start that is easier to store or move.
Most people who stay in the hobby and move up to the next level eventually end up on a Lee press for the long term because of its versatility. We go through find the Best for Your Bench step by step in its own article.
The bottom line
The Lee 90045 is the better choice for most reloaders because its cast-iron frame and compound linkage provide more leverage and stability. The RCBS Partner is the only one you should pick if you have a very small workspace. Your next step is to check which of these two fits your bench and then buy your dies to start reloading.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lee 90045 better for rifle reloading?
Yes, it is generally better for rifles. The compound linkage in the Lee makes it much easier to resize the larger cases of rifle cartridges compared to the standard linkage on the RCBS Partner. This is especially true for calibers like .308 and .223.
Does the RCBS Partner have a lifetime warranty?
RCBS is known for offering strong warranty support on their products. It is a major reason people choose the Partner over a more basic budget press, giving you peace of mind that the manufacturer stands behind the tool for a long time.
Which press is better for a small apartment?
The RCBS Partner is the better fit for a small apartment because of its lightweight aluminum frame and compact footprint. It is much easier to store or move to a different location when you are not actively reloading.
What is the main difference in how they feel to use?
The Lee 90045 feels like a substantial piece of workshop equipment because of its heavy base and compound link. The RCBS Partner feels much lighter and more portable, which some users find easier to handle if they have less strength.