You’re looking at two fundamentally different tools for the handloading bench. One measures the weight of your powder charge, the other applies the force to assemble the cartridge. Comparing the WISHSOM RS-1500 digital reloading scale to the Lee Precision 90685 single stage press isn’t about which is better overall, but about ir distinct roles in achieving ballistic consistency. Each is a critical piece of the puzzle for different reasons.
This comparison will break down where each product excels, where they might fall short for your specific needs, and how they fit into a beginner’s setup versus a seasoned reloader’s workflow. We’ll cover accuracy, build quality, and the real-world experience of using them, all to help you make an informed decision for your reloading equipment.
Head-to-Head Product Overview
At their core, these tools serve separate but equally vital functions. The WISHSOM RS-1500 is a precision measurement instrument, while the Lee Precision 90685 is a mechanical workhorse. You can’t seat a bullet with a scale, and you can’t verify a powder charge with a press. They are complementary, not competitive.
| Feature | WISHSOM RS-1500 Digital Scale | Lee Precision 90685 Reloading Press |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Weighing powder charges, bullets, cases | Resizing, depriming, bullet seating, crimping |
| Key Spec | 1500gn capacity, 0.1gn granularity | Single stage press with bottom-center handle |
| Build Material | Stainless steel platform, plastic housing | Aluminum frame, cast iron working parts |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
From my honest perspective, this fundamental difference dictates everything. Your press choice, like the Lee 90685, dictates the physical process of reloading. Your scale choice, like the WISHSOM, dictates the chemical consistency of your load. Both are non-negotiable for safe, accurate handloading.
Where They Fit in Your Workflow
Think of your reloading process as an assembly line. The Lee press is your station for all mechanical operations: resizing fired brass, priming new cases, and seating bullets. The WISHSOM scale is your quality control checkpoint, ensuring every powder charge is exactly where it needs to be before it goes into a case. For a deeper dive into how a press like this compares to other tools, our analysis of precision equipment is a great resource.
Accuracy & Performance Deep Dive
This is where the rubber meets the road. For reloading, accuracy isn’t a luxury; it’s the entire point.
WISHSOM RS-1500: Measuring the Immeasurable
The WISHSOM boasts a 0.1 grain resolution. Honestly speaking, that’s a critical threshold for rifle reloading, especially for precision rifle applications where a 0.1gn variance can impact point of impact at long range. The included 50g calibration weight is a major plus for maintaining long-term accuracy. You can’t trust a scale you can’t calibrate.
- Granularity: 0.1 grains (0.01 grams) is the advertised resolution.
- Repeatability: This is the true test. Does it return the same weight for the same charge every time? The stainless steel platform and design aim for consistent results.
- Auto shut-off conserves battery but can be annoying during long sessions.
- The tare function is essential for using different pans or containers.
A common question is: is the WISHSOM RS-1500 accurate enough for rifle reloading? My honest take is that its 0.1gn resolution meets the basic requirement for most recreational and hunting rifle loads. However, for extreme long-range or competitive benchrest shooting where 0.02gn resolution is prized, you’d look at scales with higher precision or even Auto-Trickler compatibility, a missing entity in many budget-scale discussions.
Lee Precision 90685: The Feel of Consistency
Accuracy for a press is different. It’s about mechanical repeatability. The Lee 90685, as a single stage press, excels here. Each operation is performed individually, with a full stroke of the handle. This methodical process minimizes variables compared to a progressive press. The bottom-center handle location provides a direct, linear feel for operations like bullet seating, giving you tactile feedback.
Its cast iron construction and compound leverage ensure that enough force is applied consistently for resizing brass, which directly affects case life and headspace. Speaking honestly, the press itself doesn’t have a “measurement” for accuracy; it provides the consistent mechanical action that allows your dies and your technique to produce accurate ammunition.
Build Quality & Durability
Will these tools last on a busy bench?
The WISHSOM RS-1500 is built for precision, not necessarily for being knocked around. The stainless steel weighing platform is durable, and the flip cover protects the display. Its compact, lightweight design (3.84 oz) makes it portable, but that also means it’s less of a solid, bench-anchored unit like some heavier competitors from RCBS or Hornady. It’s battery-powered, which adds to portability but means you’re reliant on battery life.
The Lee Precision 90685 is famously robust. The aluminum frame is lightweight yet strong, and the cast iron working components are virtually indestructible under normal reloading forces. Lee’s design philosophy often prioritizes functional durability over aesthetic frills. This press will likely outlast its owner with minimal maintenance. When considering an upgrade path, many reloaders start with a solid single stage like this before moving to a turret or progressive press, keeping the Lee for dedicated tasks like bullet swaging or precision rifle loading.
Ease of Use & Setup
Getting started quickly matters, especially for those exploring reloading for beginners.
Getting the WISHSOM Scale Ready
Setup is straightforward. Insert two AAA batteries, place it on a level surface, and use the included weight for calibration. The backlit LCD is clear, and the buttons for tare and unit conversion are simple. A key part of the process is knowing how to calibrate a digital reloading scale properly, which this model facilitates. Its small size is a double-edged sword; it saves space but can feel less stable than larger, AC-powered bench scales.
Setting Up the Lee 90685 Press
This requires more initial work. You need to mount it securely to a sturdy bench or, ingeniously, use it as a handheld “Hand Press” (though the model number suggests it’s the press only). You’ll need to install your chosen diesa sizing die, a seating die, etc. The process of adjusting these dies for proper operation is where the learning curve lies. You’ll also need separate tools for priming and case mouth flaring if your dies don’t incorporate those features. This leads to the common question: what accessories do I need for a Lee Precision press? At a minimum, you’ll need dies, a primer tool, case lube, and a reloading manual from an official source like Hornady or Lyman.
Final Verdict & Best Use Cases
So, which one should you buy? The answer, honestly, is that you probably need both for a complete reloading setup. But let’s break down their ideal scenarios.
Who is the WISHSOM RS-1500 For?
This scale is an excellent choice for:
- Beginners on a budget: It offers the critical 0.1gn resolution at an accessible price point, making it a strong contender for the best budget reloading scale.
- Space-constrained reloaders: Its tiny footprint is perfect for small benches.
- Reloaders who double-check charges: Even if you use a powder thrower, using this scale to verify every 5th or 10th charge is a smart safety practice.
- Those needing portability: It’s easy to take to the range for setup verification.
Its limitations? It lacks features like Bluetooth data logging for tracking charge weights over a session, which some higher-end scales offer. It’s a pure, simple measurement tool.
Who is the Lee Precision 90685 For?
This press is a legendary workhorse ideal for:
- New reloaders learning the craft: The single stage process forces you to focus on one step at a time, building fundamental skills. It’s the heart of many starter kits.
- Precision rifle shooters: The controlled, deliberate operation is perfect for match-grade ammunition where each case is meticulously prepped.
- Low-volume reloaders: If you’re loading 50 rifle rounds a month for hunting, the speed of a progressive press isn’t necessary.
- Experienced reloaders needing a dedicated tool: Many keep a single stage for specific tasks like bullet pulling, military crimp removal, or using a universal decapping die.
When considering a Lee Precision 90685 vs other single stage presses, its value and durability are its strongest arguments. For a broader look at how Lee presses compare within the ecosystem, our piece on precision turret systems offers useful context.
The Synergy on Your Bench
Imagine this workflow: You resize and deprime a batch of brass on the Lee press. You trim, chamfer, and clean them (case prep). You return to the Lee to prime the cases. Then, you use the WISHSOM scale to meticulously weigh each powder charge before funneling it into a case. Finally, you go back to the Lee to seat the bullet. It’s a rhythmic, focused process.
My honest assessment is that you cannot safely reload without both a reliable scale and a reliable press. The WISHSOM RS-1500 provides the quantitative assurance for your powder measure’s output. The Lee 90685 provides the qualitative, mechanical action to assemble components with consistency. One tells you the “what,” the other enables the “how.”
Before purchasing any equipment, always consult multiple reloading manuals from authorities like the RCBS hub or the authority guide from BASC for safe practices. And for maximizing your bench ergonomics, companies like Inline Fabrication offer fantastic upgrades.
In the end, building accurate ammunition is about control and verification. The Lee press gives you control over the mechanical process. The WISHSOM scale gives you verification of the chemical component. Starting with this combination teaches you the discipline of handloading. As you grow, you might upgrade to a scale with finer resolution or a press with more stations, but the core principles you learn with these tools are timeless. That’s the Honest Opinion from this corner of the reloading world.