Two tools sit on the bench of many reloaders, each serving a fundamentally different purpose. The Lee Precision 90045 Reloading Press is a foundational machine for forming brass and seating bullets, while the WISHSOM RS-1500 Digital Reloading Scale is a modern instrument for measuring powder. They aren’t direct competitors, but comparing them reveals critical insights for building a functional and accurate reloading bench setup. My honest assessment is that ir distinct roles is the first step toward precision reloading.
This comparison isn’t about which one wins. Honestly speaking, you need both a press and a scale to reload safely. It’s about dissecting their value, performance, and which tool might be the smarter initial investment for different shooters. We’ll examine their features, accuracy, and overall place in your workflow to give you a clear, actionable perspective.
Head-to-Head Product Overview
At first glance, these products couldn’t be more different. One is a hefty piece of cast-iron machinery; the other is a pocket-sized digital device. This fundamental difference in purpose is the core of our analysis. To be completely honest, a beginner might look at these and wonder where to even start. Let’s break down their basic identities.
| Features | Lee Precision 90045 Reloading Press | WISHSOM RS-1500 Digital Reloading Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Resizing brass, seating bullets, performing all reloading press operations | Measuring powder charge weight, weighing bullets, small components |
| Key Design | Cast iron O-frame design with compound leverage | Compact, portable with stainless steel platform and backlit LCD |
| Core Measurement | N/A (Mechanical force application) | 1500 grains capacity with 0.1 grain resolution |
| Power Source | Manual operation | 2 AAA batteries with auto shut-off |
| Included Accessories | Press only | Metal pan, 50g calibration weight, flip cover |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Key Features & Performance Deep Dive
Diving deeper, each product’s design philosophy dictates its performance. The Lee press is about brute strength and mechanical advantage, while the WISHSOM scale is about digital precision and convenience. From my honest perspective, evaluating them requires shifting mental gears entirely.
Lee Precision 90045: The Mechanical Workhorse
The Lee 90045 is a classic single stage press. Its cast iron O-frame design provides immense rigidity, a non-negotiable for consistent ammunition. The compound leverage system is the star, making even the toughest rifle case resizing operations manageable. This is the tool where you’ll feel the brass being formed.
- Build & Durability: The solid cast iron construction promises long-term durability. It’s a simple, no-frills tool designed to last for decades with minimal maintenance.
- Operation: It’s purely mechanical. There are no electronics, batteries, or calibration routines. You provide the force, and the press provides the mechanical advantage.
- Integration: This press is the centerpiece of a reloading bench setup. It requires mounting and is compatible with standard 7/8″-14 dies from any major manufacturer, making it a versatile foundation.
WISHSOM RS-1500: The Digital Measurer
The WISHSOM scale is a modern take on a critical reloading step. Its claim to fame is a high grain capacity of 1500 grains (100 grams) with a fine 0.1-grain resolution. For checking charge weight, this is more than sufficient for virtually all small-arms reloading.
- Precision Features: The auto-zero function (Tare) is crucial. It lets you zero out the weight of your powder pan instantly, a must for efficient workflow. The included 50g calibration weight addresses the critical need for reloading scale calibration.
- Portability & Design: Its compact size is a double-edged sword. It saves precious bench space but can be susceptible to vibrations. The backlit LCD is a nice touch for low-light conditions.
- Utility: Beyond powder, it can weigh bullets, check case weights, or even serve as a small jewelry scale. The auto shut-off conserves battery life but can be disruptive during long sessions.
Accuracy & Consistency Analysis
This is where the comparison gets fascinating. Accuracy means something entirely different for each tool. For the press, it’s about mechanical alignment and repeatability. For the scale, it’s about digital sensor stability and precision. Speaking honestly, both are critical, but only one has a quantifiable metric.
The WISHSOM’s stated 0.1-grain resolution is a key spec for powder measure consistency. In practice, achieving that level of charge weight consistency depends heavily on your bench’s stability. Drafts, vibrations, or uneven surfaces will affect readings. The provided calibration weight is essential for verifying its accuracy over time, a step many beginners overlook. Is it the best scale available? For its price point, it’s a compelling contender that forces you to focus on proper bench technique.
The Lee press’s “accuracy” is in its frame rigidity and linkage play (or lack thereof). A flexing press introduces variance in how much a case is resized or a bullet is seated. The robust O-frame design minimizes this, promoting consistency from one cartridge to the next. However, the final precision of your loaded round also depends on the quality of your dieslike those from official source Hornady or RCBSand your own technique. The press enables precision; it doesn’t create it alone.
Value Proposition & Target User
Who wins the battle of value for money? Honestly speaking, it’s not a fair fight because they solve different problems. The real question is: which tool delivers more value for you at your current stage?
For the Absolute Beginner
If you’re just starting out in reloading for beginners, my honest take is that the scale might be the more prudent first purchase. Why? You can use it to verify charges from a borrowed press or a kit’s powder measure. It teaches the critical importance of exact weight measurement before you ever touch a primer. The long-term durability question for the scale is less critical than learning safe habits. understanding scale operation is a foundational skill, well-documented in resources like the Lyman authority guide.
For the Shooter Building a Bench
If you’re committed to building a permanent setup, the Lee 90045 press is an undeniable value. It’s the anchor of your operation. While you might upgrade scales later, a solid single-stage press like this or the rcbs Rock Chucker can last a lifetime. The often ignoredwarranty and availability of replacement partsfavor Lee Precision. They have a longstanding reputation for support and readily available parts, which is a huge plus for long-term ownership.
Final Verdict & Recommendations
So, which is better Lee 90045 or WISHSOM RS-1500 for beginners? I honestly believe there’s no single answer. They are complementary tools, not alternatives. You will eventually need both a reliable press and a trustworthy scale to produce safe, accurate ammunition.
For your purchase decision, consider this path:
- Start with Knowledge: Before buying anything, invest time in learning. Resources from the authority guide at BASC or the official source RCBS hub are invaluable.
- Prioritize Safety & Measurement: If funds are limited, a good scale like the WISHSOM RS-1500 teaches the most critical safety component: precise powder measurement. You can practice weighing without a press.
- Build on a Solid Foundation: When ready, the Lee 90045 is a fantastic first press. Its simplicity, strength, and compatibility make it a cornerstone. Pair it with a sturdy mount from a company like Inline Fabrication to maximize its potential.
- Consider the Ecosystem: Is the WISHSOM RS-1500 scale compatible with Lee Precision presses? Absolutely. They work together perfectly. The scale measures the powder that the press will eventually use. The mobile app integration noted for WISHSOM in our analysis could be a future convenience feature for data logging.
In the end, this accuracy comparison Lee press vs WISHSOM digital scale highlights a symbiotic relationship. The press provides the force and form; the scale provides the critical measurement. Skipping or cheaping out on either compromises the entire endeavor. For a deeper dive into all things reloading, from tools to techniques, the team at Honest Opinion is always researching and testing to bring you unbiased insights. Build your bench wisely, one quality tool at a time.