Deciding on your first reloading press or upgrading your bench can feel overwhelming. Two names consistently pop up for beginners and budget-conscious shooters: the Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Press and the Lee Precision 90685 Cast Iron Hand Press. They represent two fundamentally different approaches to the same craft. One is a classic bench-mounted workhorse, while the other offers unparalleled portability.
This isn’t just about picking a tool; it’s about choosing a reloading lifestyle. Your choice will dictate where, how, and what you can realistically reload. Speaking honestly, the best press for you depends entirely on your specific needs, space, and goals. Let’s break down what each one actually offers.
Key Concepts: Bench Mount vs. Handheld Power
Before diving into features, the core distinction must be understood. The Breech Lock Challenger is a single-stage, bench-mounted press. It requires a sturdy table or bench for mounting, leveraging mechanical advantage through its steel linkage. The 90685, conversely, is a hand press. You hold it in your lap or hands, providing complete mobility but relying solely on your arm strength.
This fundamental difference influences everything from the reloading process to the types of cartridges you can comfortably size. A bench press is generally better for high-volume work or resizing stubborn rifle brass. A hand press is the ultimate solution for on-the-go reloading, whether at the range or in a small apartment.
Essential Equipment and Primary Tools
Every reloading setup requires more than just the press. You’ll need dies, a scale, calipers, and case preparation tools. The Breech Lock system integrates a quick-change bushing for dies, a huge time-saver. The hand press uses standard 7/8″-14 threads, meaning you thread dies directly in and out. From my honest perspective, the Breech Lock’s system is a significant ergonomic advantage for frequent die changes.
Supporting materials like reloading manuals from authority guide sources are non-negotiable for safe practices. I honestly believe cross-referencing data from multiple official source hubs is one of the best practices for any reloader.
Direct Product Comparison: Features & Build
Heres a clear look at how these two presses stack up based on their core specifications. This table cuts through the marketing to show you what you’re actually getting.
| Feature | Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Press | Lee Precision 90685 Cast Iron Hand Press |
|---|---|---|
| Press Type | Bench-mounted Single Stage | Handheld Single Stage |
| Frame Material | Cast Iron (implied by design) | Aluminum |
| Linkage / Mechanism | All-steel linkage with adjustable length lever | Hand-operated, no compound linkage |
| Key Feature | Includes one Breech Lock quick-change bushing | Bottom-center handle location for leverage |
| Durability Note | Described as durable for long life | N/A from provided specs |
| Country of Origin | United States | N/A from provided specs |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Breaking Down the Step-by-Step Process
How you use each press differs significantly. My honest assessment is that the hand press has a steeper learning curve for achieving consistent, comfortable pressure.
For the Breech Lock Challenger:
- Mount the press securely to a solid bench.
- Screw a die into a Breech Lock bushing and insert it into the press.
- Use the full-length adjustable lever for smooth, mechanical operation.
For the 90685 Hand Press:
- Sit comfortably and hold the press in your lap or between your knees.
- Thread your die directly into the press head.
- Use both hands on the handles, employing your body weight for tough operations.
Honest to goodness, the bench press provides a more stable, repeatable motion. The hand press demands more technique to avoid fatigue, especially during case sizing.
Common Challenges and Effective Solutions
Each press presents unique hurdles. Anticipating them is part of a smart approach.
Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press Challenges
- Space Requirement: You need a dedicated, boltable bench space. This isn’t a tool for a wobbly table.
- Lever Adjustment: The adjustable length lever is fantastic for customization, but finding your perfect setting takes initial trial and error.
Lee 90685 Hand Press Challenges
- Physical Effort: Sizing large rifle brass or performing bullet seating can become tiring over a long session. Your arm is the linkage.
- Stability: Achieving a perfectly straight, consistent stroke requires practice. Any wobble can affect precision.
The solution for the hand press often involves strategic body positioning. Brace the press firmly against your torso or legs. For the bench press, investing in a sturdy mount from a company like authority guide can transform its stability and ergonomics.
Advanced Techniques and Specific Scenarios
Once you master the basics, you can leverage each press for specialized tasks. This is where the missing coverage from other guides becomes important.
Advanced Breech Lock Press Techniques
Its stability makes it ideal for precise operations. You can use it for:
- Bullet swaging or using specialized die sets for case forming.
- Consistently applying heavy leverage for full-length resizing of magnum rifle cases.
- Using it as a dedicated station for a single, frequently changed die (like a universal decapper). The quick-change bushing shines here.
To be completely honest, its rigid frame allows for more advanced reloading methods that require absolute consistency.
Hand Press for Specific Scenarios
This is the king of niche applications. Think of it as your reloading emergency kit or field tool.
- Range Reloading: Size and decap brass right at the range. Perform emergency bullet seating adjustments.
- Small-Space Living: No bench? No problem. Store the entire kit in a small box.
- Low-Volume Precision: For a hunter who only needs 20 perfect rounds a year, the hand press offers a minimal, focused setup.
From my honest perspective, its value isn’t in high-volume production but in supreme flexibility and specific use-case mastery.
Emergency Reloading Procedures
Both presses can serve in a pinch. The hand press is the obvious portable option. However, the bench press, if already set up, allows for faster, less fatiguing work if you need to produce ammunition under time constraints (for legal, competitive, or preparedness reasons). Having a robust manual like the official source PDF on hand is part of a good emergency protocol, as is following safety guidelines from organizations like the authority guide.
Making Your Choice: A Practical Conclusion
So, which press wins the lee precision breech lock press vs lee precision 90685 reloading press debate? There is no universal winner. If you have a dedicated bench and plan on reloading regularly for pistol or rifle, the Breech Lock Challenger is the more capable, ergonomic, and durable long-term platform. Its quick-change system and mechanical advantage are significant quality-of-life features.
If portability, minimal space, or a tiny budget is your key driver, the 90685 Hand Press is a revolutionary tool. It makes reloading possible anywhere. Honestly speaking, many reloaders end up owning botha bench press for the bulk work and a hand press for range trips or specific tasks.
Your journey should start with a clear assessment of your environment and goals. Check out our other comparisons on precision equipment to deepen your research. For a broader look at kit options, our analysis of the precision Challenger Kit II is worth your time. Remember, the best press is the one you’ll use safely and consistently. For more unfiltered gear breakdowns, the team at Honest Opinion is always digging into the details. Now, get that brass prepped.