Unlock Your Shooting Potential: The Lee Load Master .45 Colt Reloading Pistol Kit

Are you a passionate shooter of the iconic .45 Colt cartridge, perhaps for classic revolvers, modern lever actions, or competitive endeavors like Cowboy Action Shooting? Do you find yourself facing the ever-increasing costs of factory ammunition, or struggling to find specific loads optimized for your firearms? Perhaps you're a discerning marksman striving for unparalleled accuracy and consistency that only meticulously crafted handloads can provide. If any of these resonate with you, the Lee 90946 Load Master .45 Colt Reloading Pistol Kit is precisely the solution you've been seeking.

This comprehensive kit from Lee Precision isn't just a collection of tools; it's an investment in your shooting future, offering a pathway to significant cost savings, superior ammunition quality, and an engaging hobby that deepens your understanding of firearms and ballistics. It addresses the common frustrations of ammunition scarcity and fluctuating prices by empowering you to produce your own high-quality .45 Colt rounds, tailored to your exact specifications.

Why Choose to Reload Your .45 Colt Ammunition?

Many shooters ponder whether reloading is worth the effort. For the .45 Colt enthusiast, the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why:

• Substantial Cost Savings: Factory .45 Colt ammunition, especially premium loads, can be expensive. Reloading allows you to reuse spent brass, which is often the most costly component of a cartridge. Over time, these savings accumulate dramatically, allowing you to shoot more for less.
• Unrivaled Customization and Accuracy: Factory ammunition is mass-produced to general specifications. When you handload, you gain the ability to fine-tune every aspect of your cartridge: bullet type and weight, powder charge, primer choice, and overall length. This precision allows you to develop "match-grade" ammunition perfectly optimized for your specific firearm, leading to superior accuracy and performance on the range or in the field.
• Consistent Performance: By controlling the variables, you ensure consistent primer seating, powder charges, and bullet seating depth. This consistency translates directly into predictable ballistic performance shot after shot.
• Availability: In times of ammunition shortages, having the ability to produce your own supply is invaluable. You're no longer reliant on retail stock.
• Deeper Understanding: Reloading teaches you intricate details about cartridge mechanics, ballistics, and the safe handling of firearms components. It's a rewarding extension of the shooting sport itself.

The Lee Load Master: Your Gateway to High-Volume .45 Colt Reloading

The Lee Load Master is renowned among reloaders for its robust design, user-friendly operation, and exceptional value. As a progressive reloading press, it stands out by performing multiple operations with a single pull of the handle, drastically increasing your output compared to single-stage or turret presses. This makes it an ideal choice for the .45 Colt shooter who demands consistent, high-volume production without sacrificing quality.

The Lee 90946 Load Master .45 Colt Reloading Pistol Kit is more than just the press; it’s a complete system designed to get you started immediately with everything you need to begin manufacturing your own .45 Colt cartridges.

What’s Included in Your .45 Colt Reloading Arsenal?

This meticulously assembled kit bundles essential components to ensure a seamless and efficient reloading experience:

• Lee Load Master Progressive Press: The heart of the kit, this five-station press allows for a fully automated reloading process when equipped with additional feeders. Its sturdy cast iron base and solid steel linkage ensure durability and consistent operation. The progressive nature means that with each pull of the handle, a finished round is produced while another moves into position, leading to remarkable efficiency.
• Carbide Pistol Die Set (.45 Colt): This three-die set is specifically designed for .45 Colt cartridges and features carbide rings, eliminating the need for case lubrication. This simplifies the process, saves time, and reduces mess. The set typically includes a sizing die, a powder through expanding die (which allows for powder charging while expanding the case mouth), and a bullet seating and crimping die.
• Auto-Drum Powder Measure: Precision is paramount in reloading, especially when it comes to powder charges. The included Auto-Drum Powder Measure provides consistent and accurate powder drops, crucial for safety and performance. Its unique design minimizes powder bridging and ensures smooth operation.
• Large and Small Primer Feeder: Safe and efficient priming is critical. This kit includes both large and small primer feeders, ensuring you can handle a variety of .45 Colt brass, as some variations may use small primers. The feeders automatically orient and feed primers directly into the press, eliminating the need for manual handling, which greatly speeds up the process and enhances safety.
• Case Feeder: The automatic case feeder significantly boosts production rates by automatically orienting and feeding cases onto the shell plate. This frees your hands to focus on placing bullets, allowing for a much smoother and faster workflow.
• Universal Shell Plate: Specifically matched for the .45 Colt, this shell plate securely holds the cases as they cycle through the various stations of the press, ensuring perfect alignment for each operation.
• Bullet Feeder Dies: For even greater automation and speed, the kit comes with bullet feeder dies, further streamlining the process by automatically feeding bullets into position, ready for seating.
• Load Master Instruction Manual: A comprehensive guide to setting up and operating your press, ensuring you have all the information needed for safe and effective reloading.

Deep Dive into the Load Master's Operational Excellence

The Lee Load Master’s design prioritizes both speed and precision, making it a favorite for high-volume pistol cartridge production. Here’s how it achieves this:

• Five-Station Turret: The five-station turret provides ample space for all necessary operations. For .45 Colt, you typically use three dies (sizing, expanding/powder charging, seating/crimping), leaving two additional stations open for optional components like a powder check die or a separate factory crimp die, allowing for even greater control over your ammunition.
• Fast and Easy Caliber Changes: Swapping between calibers on the Load Master is remarkably straightforward. The entire die turret, pre-set with dies for a specific caliber, can be quickly removed and replaced with another, minimizing downtime and maximizing versatility. This means if you also shoot other calibers like .38 Special, 9mm, or .44 Magnum, investing in additional pre-set turrets allows for rapid switching between projects.
• Through-the-Ram Priming System: The Load Master features a reliable through-the-ram priming system that ensures primers are seated consistently and safely, below the case head, a critical factor for reliable ignition. This system is designed for smooth operation and minimal primer waste.
• Simple Automation: Unlike some more complex progressive presses, the Load Master achieves a high degree of automation with a relatively simple and robust mechanism. This makes it less prone to frustrating adjustments and more accessible for new progressive reloaders. The synergy of the case feeder, primer feeder, and Auto-Drum powder measure creates a near-hands-off experience once set up.

Who Benefits Most from the Lee 90946 Load Master .45 Colt Kit?

This specific kit is an excellent choice for a wide range of shooters:

• Dedicated .45 Colt Enthusiasts: If the .45 Colt is your primary handgun caliber for recreational shooting, hunting, or competitive disciplines like Cowboy Action Shooting, this kit will quickly pay for itself through ammunition savings.
• Volume Shooters: For those who go through hundreds or even thousands of rounds of .45 Colt annually, the progressive nature of the Load Master will be a game-changer, allowing you to produce large batches of ammunition efficiently.
• Beginner Progressive Reloaders: While it’s a progressive press, the Load Master's intuitive design and clear instructions make it an accessible entry point for those stepping up from single-stage or turret presses, or even for motivated beginners starting directly with a progressive setup.
• Accuracy-Focused Shooters: The ability to customize loads and maintain extreme consistency with components like the Auto-Drum powder measure means you can develop highly accurate ammunition optimized for your specific firearms.
• Cost-Conscious Shooters: The initial investment is quickly recouped through the significant reduction in ammunition costs. Imagine shooting twice as much for the same budget!

Understanding the .45 Colt Caliber in the Context of Reloading

The .45 Colt, often mistakenly called .45 Long Colt, boasts a rich history dating back to 1872. It’s known for its powerful knockdown energy and its association with the Old West. Modern .45 Colt ammunition can range from light, cowboy action loads to powerful hunting loads. This versatility makes it particularly rewarding to reload:

• Broad Range of Loads: You can craft everything from mild plinking loads that mimic historic black powder ballistics to robust magnum-level loads (for appropriately strong firearms) perfect for hunting or self-defense.
• Large Case Capacity: The generous case capacity of the .45 Colt allows for a wide variety of powders and bullet weights, offering immense flexibility for load development.
• Availability of Components: Due to its enduring popularity, reloading components for .45 Colt (bullets, primers, powder, brass) are widely available.

Reloading the .45 Colt safely and efficiently is a hallmark of the Load Master kit, providing the tools necessary to manage its specific characteristics, such as its straight wall case and large primer pocket, with ease.

Setting Up and Operating Your Load Master

Getting started with the Lee Load Master is a streamlined process. While the included manual provides detailed instructions, here's a general overview of what to expect:

1. Mounting the Press: Securely mount the Load Master to a sturdy workbench using the provided hardware. A solid mounting surface is crucial for consistent operation.
2. Installing Dies and Turret: Insert the .45 Colt carbide dies into the turret in the correct sequence (sizing, powder through expanding, seating/crimping). Adjust each die according to the manual for proper function.
3. Primer and Case Feeders: Attach and fill the primer feeder with appropriate primers (large pistol for most .45 Colt). Install and fill the case feeder with .45 Colt brass.
4. Powder Measure: Fill the Auto-Drum powder measure with your chosen powder and set it to the desired charge weight using a precise powder scale (sold separately, but essential for safety and accuracy).
5. Initial Cycle and Adjustments: Begin cycling the press with a few cases and make fine adjustments to ensure proper case sizing, belling, powder drop, bullet seating depth, and crimp.
6. Production: Once dialed in, the Load Master will produce completed .45 Colt rounds with each pull of the handle, allowing you to efficiently build your ammunition supply.

Safety First: Always remember that reloading involves propellants and primers, which are volatile. Adhere strictly to established reloading safety guidelines, consult multiple reputable reloading manuals, and verify every powder charge weight with a scale. Never compromise on safety.

Maintaining Your Investment

The Lee Load Master is designed for longevity. Regular cleaning and lubrication of moving parts, as outlined in the instruction manual, will ensure smooth operation and extend the life of your press. Keeping your dies clean and free of residue will also contribute to consistent, high-quality ammunition. With proper care, your Lee Load Master will serve you for many years, supporting countless hours of shooting enjoyment.

Your Path to Reloading Excellence Starts Here

The Lee 90946 Load Master .45 Colt Reloading Pistol Kit represents an exceptional value proposition for any serious .45 Colt shooter. It empowers you to take control of your ammunition supply, save money, and achieve levels of accuracy and consistency unattainable with most factory loads. It's a complete, high-quality progressive reloading system from a trusted name in the industry, designed to provide years of reliable service and endless opportunities for shooting enjoyment.

This comprehensive kit, along with a vast array of reloading components and accessories, is readily available at DEGuns. Experience the satisfaction of crafting your own precision .45 Colt ammunition and elevate your shooting experience to new heights.

Product Specifications and Components Overview

Feature	Description	Detail
Product Model	Lee Load Master .45 Colt Reloading Pistol Kit	Comprehensive kit for progressive pistol ammunition production
UPC	734307909465	Unique Product Code for retail identification
Press Type	Progressive Reloading Press	Automates multiple reloading steps with each handle pull
	Number of Stations	5	Allows for flexible die setup and accessory integration
Included Dies	Lee Carbide Pistol Die Set (.45 Colt)	Sizing, Powder Through Expanding, Bullet Seating & Crimping
Powder Measure	Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure	Ensures consistent and accurate powder dispensing
Priming System	Large & Small Primer Feeder	Automatic feeding for both primer sizes, integrated into press
Case Feeding	Automatic Case Feeder	Speeds up production by automatically orienting and feeding cases
Bullet Feeding	Bullet Feeder Dies	Streamlines bullet placement for faster operation
Shell Plate	Universal Shell Plate for .45 Colt	Securely holds cases during the reloading cycle
Construction	Cast Iron Base, Steel Linkage	Durable and robust for long-term reliability
Ideal For	High-volume .45 Colt reloaders, cost savings, precision handloading	Suitable for beginners and experienced reloaders alike
Availability	Exclusively at DEGuns	Purchase this kit and all related components from DEGuns