You’re looking at two fundamentally different tools for your reloading bench. One shapes brass, the other measures powder. The Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Press and the WISHSOM RS-1500 Digital Reloading Scale serve distinct, non-competing roles in the cartridge assembly process. Yet, for a new reloader planning their initial bench setup, the choice between investing in a solid press or a precise scale first is a real dilemma. This comparison breaks down their core purposes, features, and which piece of equipment might offer the most value for your specific reloading journey.
Honestly speaking, you can’t build accurate ammunition without both a press and a scale. But budget often forces a prioritization. Do you start with the machine that performs the physical work of resizing, priming, and bullet seating, or the instrument that ensures the most critical variablepowder chargeis exact? Let’s get into the details.
Head-to-Head: Core Functions & Purpose
This isn’t a direct apples-to-apples fight. It’s more like comparing a wrench to a micrometer. Each is essential for a complete task, but they operate in entirely different spheres.
The Lee Breech Lock Challenger is a single-stage reloading press. It’s the workhorse. You use it to apply immense force through compound leverage to resize fired brass, seat primers, and press bullets into cases. Its breech lock system allows for quick die changes, a huge time-saver. This is where the physical cartridge is formed.
The WISHSOM RS-1500, on the other hand, is a measurement tool. Its sole job is to deliver precise weight data. It’s used primarily as a powder scale to verify charges thrown by a powder measure or to weigh individual components like bullets and cases. Its claim to fame is a 0.1-grain resolution and features like auto-calibration and a tare function. This is where reloading accuracy is quantified.
Product Categories
They belong to different product categories entirely. The Lee press is a core, mechanical reloading tool. The WISHSOM scale is a digital measuring accessory. You might find the press compared to other presses from brands like RCBS, while the scale is stacked against other digital units. For a holistic view on press types, our comparison of the Lee Precision 90045 dives deeper into precision mechanics.
Detailed Feature Breakdown
Let’s examine what each product brings to your bench based on their stated specifications.
| Feature | Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Press | WISHSOM RS-1500 Digital Reloading Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Single-stage reloading press for resizing, priming, bullet seating | Digital scale for weighing powder, bullets, and small items |
| Key Mechanism | All-steel linkage with adjustable lever; Breech Lock quick-change bushing | Stainless steel platform; backlit LCD display |
| Precision Specification | Mechanical leverage for consistent operation | 1500 grain capacity with 0.1-grain (0.01g) resolution |
| Notable Features | Durable construction; Made in the USA | Includes 50g calibration weight; Tare function; Auto shut-off |
| Power Source | Manual operation | 2 AAA batteries |
| Portability | Bench-mounted, stationary tool | Compact (4.72″ x 2.4″); Lightweight (3.84 oz) |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Compatibility and Support: The Missing Discussion
Many reviews skip over long-term usability. My honest assessment is that compatibility and support are crucial. The Lee press, with its standard 7/8″-14 threads and the Breech Lock system, is highly compatible with dies from Lee, RCBS, Hornady, and others. Its mechanical nature means maintenance is straightforwardoccasional cleaning and lubrication.
The WISHSOM scale’s compatibility is about its function. It works with any powder or component that fits on its pan. However, being a digital device, its support and warranty are vital. calibration process and having a reliable official source for technical data is key. You’re relying on its electronics for safety-critical measurements.
Accuracy, Precision & Real-World Performance
This is the heart of the matter for precision shooting. How does each contribute to reloading accuracy?
The Lee press provides mechanical consistency. Its all-steel linkage and compound leverage ensure that each pull of the handle applies a similar force, leading to uniform case resizing and bullet seating depth. This consistency is a foundation for accuracy. However, it doesn’t measure anything. It relies on your dies and your setup.
The WISHSOM scale provides numerical precision. That 0.1-grain resolution is its entire reason for being. For rifle cartridges where a 0.5-grain variance can impact pressure and velocity, this matters. The included calibration weight and auto-calibration aim for long-term reliability. But a digital scale’s accuracy can be influenced by battery level, nearby vibrations, or electromagnetic interferencefactors a mechanical press never considers.
From my honest perspective, they are interdependent. The most consistent press in the world won’t help if your powder charges are erratic. The most precise scale is useless if your press seats bullets crookedly. They are two halves of the accuracy equation.
Bench Setup and Workflow
Your reloading bench setup evolves around these tools. The Lee press becomes a permanent, bolted-down centerpiece. It’s not moving. The WISHSOM scale, due to its compact size, can be placed wherever you need it, but it requires a stable, vibration-free surface. This often leads to the question: can I use Lee press and WISHSOM scale together? Absolutely. That’s the ideal scenario. One creates, the other verifies. For workflow ideas, looking at how a turret press compares can show different efficiency approaches.
Verdict: Choosing Based on Your Needs
So, which is better for a beginner reloader: the Lee press or the WISHSOM scale? The answer depends on your starting point and goals.
Choose the Lee Precision Breech Lock Press First If:
- You have absolutely no reloading equipment and are starting from zero.
- Your priority is performing the core acts of reloading: resizing, priming, seating.
- You value durable, mechanical simplicity and “Made in the USA” construction.
- You’re willing to use a manual powder measure and dipper set initially, verifying charges with a borrowed or basic scale.
Choose the WISHSOM RS-1500 Digital Scale First If:
- You already own a reloading press but lack a precise scale.
- Your primary immediate goal is verifying powder charges for safety and consistency.
- You need a portable tool for measuring bullets or other small components.
- You’re on an extremely tight budget and plan to load very small batches, weighing each charge manually.
The Cost of Entry and Long-Term Value
Considering reloading setup cost, Lee Precision vs WISHSOM presents an interesting dynamic. The press is a higher initial investment but is a lifetime tool. The scale is a lower-cost entry into precision measurement. Honestly speaking, the scale will likely be upgraded sooner as your needs grow, while a good single-stage press like the Lee can serve forever, even if you add a progressive later.
My honest take is that for a true beginner, the press is the more fundamental purchase. You can’t make a cartridge without one. You can, with great care, start with a less expensive mechanical balance scale. But that’s a trade-off. The ideal path is to budget for both from the start, as they are equally critical for producing safe, accurate ammunition. For comprehensive guides on techniques that use both tools, resources like the authority guide from RCBS are invaluable.
Ultimately, this isn’t a true “vs.” comparison. It’s about role of each tool in your system. The Lee Breech Lock Press is your factory floor. The WISHSOM RS-1500 is your quality control lab. You need both to run a safe and effective operation. Your focus should be on how each fits into your planned workflow and budget. For more unfiltered takes on gear and process, the team at Honest Opinion is always digging into the details. Start with the tool that addresses your biggest current bottleneck, but plan to acquire its partner as soon as possible. Your reloading accuracy depends on it.