Two single-stage presses from Lee Precision consistently top the list for new reloaders. The Breech Lock Challenger Press and the Anniversary Challenger Kit II represent two distinct paths into the hobby. One is a focused tool, the other a comprehensive starting point. Deciding between them requires a clear look at what you’re really buying.
Honest OpinionThis isn’t about finding a “best” press in a vacuum. It’s about matching the right tool to your specific situation, budget, and goals. From my honest perspective, the core question is whether you value a streamlined, upgrade-ready press or a complete, out-of-the-box kit. Let’s break down this Lee Precision showdown.
Head-to-Head: Core Features & Specifications
At first glance, these two products share the Lee Precision name and a reputation for value. The differences, however, become apparent when you examine their core construction and intended use. Honestly speaking, one is built around a specific, time-saving system, while the other is designed to get you started with one purchase.
Heres a direct comparison of their fundamental attributes based on their actual specifications.
| Feature | Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Press | Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger Kit II |
|---|---|---|
| Press Frame & Core Unit | Features an all-steel linkage with an adjustable length lever. The press itself is noted for its durability and long-lasting construction. | Includes the core Challenger press, which shares a similar robust frame design known for consistent operation. |
| Key Differentiating System | Centers on the Breech Lock Quick-Change System. Includes one quick-change bushing. | Focus is on kit completeness. The press uses standard lock rings, not the Breech Lock system. |
| Primary Inclusions | The press and one Breech Lock bushing. It is a focused reloading press. | A full suite of tools: Lee Safety Scale, powder funnel, and chamfer tool. |
| Manufacturing Origin | United States | Information not specified in provided features. |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Detailed Comparison: Key Differences Explained
The table outlines the basics, but the real-world implications are what matter. My honest take is that your choice hinges on two philosophies: investing in a system or acquiring a complete starter set.
The Breech Lock System: A Workflow Game-Changer
The Lee Precision Breech Lock press is defined by its namesake feature. The Breech Lock Quick-Change System allows you to pre-set your dies in individual bushings. Switching between diessay, from resizing to bullet seatingbecomes a matter of a simple quarter-turn. You remove one bushing and insert another in seconds.
This is a massive quality-of-life improvement. If you plan to reload multiple calibers or simply hate the fiddly process of readjusting dies every session, this system pays dividends. The included all-steel linkage and adjustable lever speak to a focus on durable, user-centric mechanics. Its a press built for a streamlined process.
The Kit II: The All-in-One Box Solution
The Anniversary Challenger Kit II takes the opposite approach. It asks: what does a brand-new reloader absolutely need to start? The answer is in the box. You get the reliable Challenger press, but the value is in the accessories.
- The Lee Safety Scale: Described as “very sensitive,” this mechanical beam scale is critical for safe powder measurement. Its inclusion is non-negotiable for beginners.
- Powder Funnel & Chamfer Tool: The “power funnel” aids in clean powder transfer, while the chamfer tool preps case mouths for bullet seating. These are essential, often-overlooked pieces.
In my honest opinion, the Kit II eliminates the “what else do I need?” paralysis. It provides a functional, if basic, ecosystem. The trade-off is the lack of the quick-change die system, meaning you’ll be using standard lock rings and spending more time on die setup and changes.
Value & Pricing Analysis: Which Offers More?
This is where intent becomes crystal clear. Speaking honestly, you cannot compare the sticker price alone. You must compare the total cost of a functional, safe reloading bench.
The Breech Lock press is a superior component. It’s the heart of a system you build around it. To start reloading, you must separately acquire a scale, dies, a priming tool, case prep tools, and a reloading manual. This path offers higher initial customization (you can choose a premium digital scale, for instance) but requires more research and a larger upfront investment to get going.
The Challenger Kit II is a superior package. Its value proposition is immediate functionality. For one price, you get a press, a scale, and fundamental case prep tools. You’ll still need dies, a priming system, and a manual, but the major ancillary items are covered. Its the epitome of “best press for beginners” in a kit form because it reduces complexity.
For a deeper dive into how the Kit II stacks up against other Lee options, our precision reloading kit comparison provides additional context.
Covering the Details Others Miss
Many reviews stop at the features in the box. A true Honest Opinion requires looking further. Two critical areas are long-term durability and support.
Lee Precision has a well-known lifetime warranty on their presses, a huge point in favor of both models. User reports over many years consistently praise the longevity of the Challenger frame’s Compound Linkage. The all-steel construction isn’t just marketing; it translates to a press that can last decades of casual use. Specific caliber suitability is broad for a single-stage press; both handle all standard pistol and rifle cartridges with ease, though the solid frame is particularly appreciated for tougher rifle resizing operations.
It’s also worth noting that the reloading landscape includes other great brands. For comprehensive technical data and reloading philosophies, always consult an official source like Hornady or the authority guide from RCBS for best practices.
Final Verdict: Right Press for Your Needs
So, which wins in the battle of Lee Breech Lock vs Challenger Kit II for beginners? The answer is frustratingly perfect: it depends entirely on you.
Choose the Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Press if:
- You value workflow speed and hate fiddling with die adjustments.
- You plan to reload multiple calibers regularly.
- You prefer to hand-pick your accessories (scale, case prep tools) and don’t mind a higher total initial cost.
- You view your reloading setup as a long-term investment in a system.
Choose the Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger Kit II if:
- You are a true beginner and want the simplest, most complete entry point.
- Your budget is tight and you need the most value from a single purchase.
- You don’t mind the slower process of changing dies with lock rings.
- You want to ensure you have the absolute essentials for safe reloading from day one.
I honestly believe the difference between Lee Breech Lock and Challenger press is a paradigm difference. The Breech Lock is for the reloader who knows they’ll stick with the hobby and wants to optimize their time. The Kit II is for the newcomer who needs verification they have everything required to start safely.
For those still weighing a different Lee model, our analysis of the precision single stage press options might provide further clarity.
My honest assessment is this: you can’t make a bad choice here. Both are exceptional values that have introduced countless shooters to reloading. The Breech Lock offers a smarter workflow. The Kit II offers immediate, tangible convenience. Identify your priority, and the right press for your bench becomes obvious.