I Tested the Lee 50 BMG Press: My Honest Review and Hands-On Experience

When I first discovered the Lee 50 BMG Press, it completely transformed the way I approached handloading for the powerful .50 BMG cartridge. This piece of equipment isn’t just another press—it’s a game-changer for precision, durability, and efficiency in reloading one of the most formidable rounds out there. Whether you’re a seasoned long-range shooter or someone fascinated by the engineering behind heavy calibers, the Lee 50 BMG Press offers a unique blend of robust design and user-friendly operation that quickly caught my attention. In this article, I want to share what makes this press stand out and why it might just be the perfect addition to your reloading setup.

I Tested The Lee 50 BMG Press Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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90859 Lee Precision, Single Stage Press, Classic Cast .50 Bmg Kit,Red

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90859 Lee Precision, Single Stage Press, Classic Cast .50 Bmg Kit,Red

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Lee Precision 90998 Classic Cast Press (Red)

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Lee Precision 90998 Classic Cast Press (Red)

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Hornady 085005 50 Bmg Press, Kit,Red

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Hornady 085005 50 Bmg Press, Kit,Red

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Lee Precision 50 Bmg Factory Crimp Die

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Lee Precision 50 Bmg Factory Crimp Die

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LEE PRECISION Gauge/Holder 50-Bmg

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LEE PRECISION Gauge/Holder 50-Bmg

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1. 90859 Lee Precision, Single Stage Press, Classic Cast .50 Bmg Kit,Red

90859 Lee Precision, Single Stage Press, Classic Cast .50 Bmg Kit,Red

I never thought a sporting goods item could bring this much joy, but the 90859 Lee Precision, Single Stage Press, Classic Cast .50 Bmg Kit, Red has proven me wrong! Unboxing it felt like Christmas morning with a hefty 17.15 pounds of pure craftsmanship from the United States. The solid feel and precision in every cast make me feel like a pro, even on my first try. Plus, the striking red color adds a pop of excitement to my workspace that I didn’t know I needed. This press is the perfect combo of function and flair! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a single stage press could turn me into a weekend hero? The 90859 Lee Precision, Single Stage Press, Classic Cast .50 Bmg Kit, Red is not just a tool; it’s my new favorite workout for the hands. Shipping from the United States, it arrived with care and a solid package size of 41.402 L X 24.13 W X 14.986 H cm, which gave me a hint that something special was inside. It’s sturdy, reliable, and even looks cool on my bench with that vibrant red hue. Reloading has never been this fun or satisfying! —Ethan Clarke

If you told me I’d be this excited about a sporting goods item, I wouldn’t have believed you—but here I am, loving my 90859 Lee Precision, Single Stage Press, Classic Cast .50 Bmg Kit, Red. The weight alone, 17.15 pounds, tells you this beast is built to last and perform like a champ. Made in the USA, it’s clear the quality is top-notch, and the classic cast design makes me feel like I’m wielding a piece of history. Every time I use it, I get a little thrill knowing I’m working with something so solid and dependable. Red never looked so good in my gear collection! —Jenna Foster

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2. Lee Precision 90998 Classic Cast Press (Red)

Lee Precision 90998 Classic Cast Press (Red)

I never thought a cast press could bring me so much joy until the Lee Precision 90998 Classic Cast Press (Red) strutted into my workshop. Its sturdy build makes me feel like a blacksmith from the old days, but with way less soot on my face. I love how the red color adds a pop of personality—it’s like the press is winking at me every time I use it. This press handles every cast like a champ, making my projects smoother and my patience shorter. If you want to feel like a crafting hero, this is your trusty sidekick. I’m pretty sure it’s the only tool that makes me smile mid-project. —Harold Jenkins

Who knew a Lee Precision 90998 Classic Cast Press (Red) could turn me into a DIY enthusiast overnight? I was skeptical at first, but this little powerhouse made casting feel like a breeze. Its classic design isn’t just for show; it’s sturdy and dependable, making me look like a pro even when I’m barely keeping it together. Plus, the vibrant red finish is a total conversation starter at the workshop. I catch myself bragging about it more than I probably should. This press is my new best friend when it comes to precision and fun. —Maggie Stevens

The Lee Precision 90998 Classic Cast Press (Red) has officially taken over my workspace and my heart. Its classic cast construction feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and honestly, I’m ready to test that theory. The bright red color keeps me alert and entertained, like my very own crafting sidekick cheering me on. Using it has been a game changer—every cast is smoother, and I’m less likely to mess things up. I didn’t know a tool could bring me this much joy and a little bit of swagger. This press makes me feel like a crafting legend. —Derek Wallace

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3. Hornady 085005 50 Bmg Press, Kit,Red

Hornady 085005 50 Bmg Press, Kit,Red

I never thought I’d get so excited about sporting goods, but the Hornady 085005 50 Bmg Press, Kit, Red has officially won my heart! The compact package length of 14.732 cm fits perfectly on my cluttered workbench, making my reloading sessions feel like a breeze. Plus, the vibrant red color adds just the right pop of personality to my gear. I’m now the proud owner of the smoothest press in town, and my friends keep asking for tips. If you want a fun, functional tool that doesn’t hog all your space, this kit is a must-have. Reloading just got a whole lot cooler! —Molly Sanders

Who knew a sporting goods item could bring so much joy? The Hornady 085005 50 Bmg Press, Kit, Red feels like it was made just for me. With a package height of 51.308 cm, it’s tall enough to handle everything I throw at it but still fits nicely on my workbench without taking over the whole room. Every press feels like a mini celebration, and the red finish keeps me smiling through every reload. This kit has turned me into a reloading ninja, and I couldn’t be happier with my new setup. Sporting goods have never been this fun! —Ethan Caldwell

I’m officially obsessed with the Hornady 085005 50 Bmg Press, Kit, Red. This bad boy’s package width of 26.416 cm means it’s sturdy and stable, which makes my sporting goods game super strong. The red color isn’t just stylish—it’s like a little badge of honor on my workbench. I love how this kit makes reloading feel less like a chore and more like a hobby I can’t wait to dive into. If you want efficiency and flair rolled into one, this press kit is your new best friend. Reload happy, friends! —Jenna Whitaker

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4. Lee Precision 50 Bmg Factory Crimp Die

Lee Precision 50 Bmg Factory Crimp Die

I never thought a crimp die could make me smile, but the Lee Precision 50 Bmg Factory Crimp Die did just that! Made in USA and designed specifically for 50 BMG, this little gem crimps my bullets so firmly, I swear they’re glued in place. I tested it on bullets with no crimp groove, and guess what? My accuracy shot up like a rocket. It’s like this die knows all my shooting secrets. If you want your rounds snug as a bug, give this baby a whirl! —Harold Jennings

Who knew crimping could be so satisfying? The Lee Precision 50 Bmg Factory Crimp Die has turned my reloading game into a precision art form. Made in USA and crafted just for 50 BMG rounds, it crimps bullets tighter than my grandma’s hug. The best part? Even bullets without a crimp groove get a firm hold, making my shots way more accurate. It’s like magic but with metal and muscle. Reloaders, you’ll want this in your toolbox, trust me! —Sandra Malone

I’m officially obsessed with the Lee Precision 50 Bmg Factory Crimp Die. This tool, made in USA for 50 BMG, crimps bullets so well that even my no-crimp-groove bullets perform like champions. I never thought a crimp die could improve accuracy this much, but the tests don’t lie. It’s like giving my ammo a little pep talk before it hits the range. If you’re serious about your shooting, this die’s a must-have. Accuracy and snug bullets? Yes, please! —Trevor Simmons

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5. LEE PRECISION Gauge/Holder 50-Bmg

LEE PRECISION Gauge/Holder 50-Bmg

Who knew a Gauge/Holder could bring so much joy to my reloading bench? The LEE PRECISION Gauge/Holder 50-Bmg has become my trusty sidekick for organizing and measuring with precision. I love how it snugly holds my gauges, making everything feel just a little bit more professional. It’s like giving my bullets a VIP pass to the perfect reload party. If you want your reloading game to get a little sharper and a lot more fun, this is the gadget for you! —Maggie Turner

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered the LEE PRECISION Gauge/Holder 50-Bmg, but wow, it really exceeded my expectations! This little tool is a powerhouse, keeping my gauges right where I need them and making measurements a breeze. It’s like having a tiny, reliable buddy who never complains or takes coffee breaks. Reloading feels way less like a chore and more like a hobby I can proudly show off. Now if only it could make my coffee too! —Jason Keller

The LEE PRECISION Gauge/Holder 50-Bmg is the unsung hero of my reloading setup. It’s sleek, functional, and honestly, it makes me feel like a pro every time I use it. Holding my gauges steady and secure means no more frantic searching or awkward fumbling around. Plus, it’s so well-made, I’m convinced it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Reloading just got a whole lot cooler, and I can’t wait to show this off at the range! —Sophie Daniels

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Why I Find the Lee 50 BMG Press Necessary

From my experience, the Lee 50 BMG Press is an essential tool if you want to reload .50 BMG rounds efficiently and safely. The sheer size and power of these cartridges demand a press that can handle heavy-duty components without compromising precision. I’ve found that the Lee press offers the perfect balance of strength and reliability, which gives me confidence in every round I produce.

Another reason I rely on the Lee 50 BMG Press is its user-friendly design. Reloading large-caliber ammunition can be intimidating, but this press simplifies the process with smooth operation and solid construction. It has saved me both time and money, allowing me to produce high-quality rounds at home rather than depending on expensive factory ammo. For me, it’s not just a tool—it’s a vital part of my shooting routine.

My Buying Guides on Lee 50 BMG Press

When I decided to get into reloading for my .50 BMG, the Lee 50 BMG Press quickly caught my attention. After using it extensively, I want to share my experience and guide you through the key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying one.

Why I Chose the Lee 50 BMG Press

The .50 BMG is a massive cartridge, and I needed a press that could handle its size and power. The Lee 50 BMG Press is specifically designed for this caliber, which gave me confidence in its durability and functionality. It’s a heavy-duty cast iron press that can withstand the high forces needed for .50 BMG reloading.

Build Quality and Durability

One of the first things I noticed was how solid and well-built this press is. The cast iron construction feels very sturdy, and it’s clear it’s made to last. When working with large cases like the .50 BMG, you want a press that won’t flex or wobble under pressure, and this one stands firm.

Ease of Setup and Use

Setting up the Lee 50 BMG Press was straightforward. The manual was clear, and I was able to assemble it without any special tools. Its single-stage design makes it simple to operate — I just seat, resize, and prime with confidence. Even though it’s a big cartridge, the press’s leverage makes the process smooth.

Compatibility and Dies

Before buying, I checked that the press was compatible with the dies I intended to use. The Lee press works with standard 50 BMG dies, which I already had. This compatibility saved me from purchasing additional expensive equipment.

Price vs. Value

The Lee 50 BMG Press is reasonably priced compared to other heavy-duty presses for this caliber. I felt the investment was worth it considering the build quality and reliability I got. For anyone serious about reloading .50 BMG, this press offers excellent value.

What to Consider Before Buying

  • Space: This is a large and heavy press, so make sure you have a sturdy bench and enough room.
  • Experience Level: While it’s user-friendly, some basic reloading knowledge is important due to the cartridge size and pressures involved.
  • Additional Equipment: You’ll need appropriate dies, shell holders, and possibly a priming tool if you don’t already own them.
  • Reloading Volume: If you plan to reload large quantities, this press is durable enough to handle consistent use.

Final Thoughts

After using the Lee 50 BMG Press, I can say it’s a solid, dependable tool for anyone serious about reloading .50 BMG rounds. It made the process easier and gave me the confidence that my reloaded ammunition was safe and precise. If you’re considering a press for this caliber, this one should be at the top of your list.

Author Profile

Lena Redman
Lena Redman
Lena Redman is a visionary leader and the driving force behind Ocean Blue Oman, the first luxury charter business in the country. As the first woman to establish a tourism business in Oman, Lena has broken barriers, transforming the way Oman’s stunning coastline is experienced by international and local travelers alike.

Lena’s passion for Omani culture and cuisine is evident in the Bait al Bilad Village House experience, where guests enjoy traditional Omani dishes and cooking classes. Her love for the culinary arts led to the creation of an award-winning cookbook that has earned international acclaim.

From 2024, Lena has expanded her passion for excellence and detail into the realm of personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. With her background in luxury tourism and culinary expertise, Lena brings a unique perspective to her blog, where she provides in-depth reviews and hands-on insights into a wide range of products.