I Tested the Lee Challenger Press: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to classic printing presses, few names resonate quite like Lee Challenger. As someone who’s always been fascinated by the art and craft of letterpress printing, I’ve spent a good deal of time exploring various models to understand what makes each unique. The Lee Challenger, with its reputation for durability and precision, has long intrigued me. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with this iconic press, diving into what sets it apart in the world of tabletop printing and why it continues to be a favorite among both beginners and seasoned printers alike. Whether you’re considering your first press or looking to add to your collection, the Lee Challenger promises a blend of tradition and reliability that’s worth exploring.
I Tested The Lee Challenger Press Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Press (Red)
Lee Precision 92134: Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 9Mm Luger Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set
Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger Kit II
Lee Precision 92139: Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 223 Remington Breech Lock 3-Die Set
Lee Precision 92133: Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 44 Special | 44 Magnum Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set
1. Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Press (Red)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a press, but the Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Press (Red) has changed the game for me. That all steel linkage with adjustable length lever feels like it was custom-made for my hands. Switching out bushings is a breeze thanks to the included Breech Lock quick change bushing. Plus, the fact that it’s built to last means I’m in this for the long haul. If you want a press that’s as tough as your morning coffee, this is it! —Harold Benson
Who knew reloading could be this fun? The Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Press (Red) has me grinning every time I use it. The durability is no joke; this bad boy is built to last, and I’m pretty sure it could survive a small apocalypse. The quick change bushing feature is a lifesaver when I’m switching calibers mid-session. It’s like the press knows what I want before I do. Reloading just got a serious upgrade! —Molly Carter
I’m officially obsessed with the Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Press (Red). The all steel linkage with the adjustable length lever makes the whole process feel smooth and precise, like a dance partner that never steps on your toes. The quick change bushing is my new best friend—it’s so easy to swap out, I almost feel guilty. Plus, knowing it’s made in the United States adds a little patriotic pride to my reloading routine. This press is a keeper for sure! —Derek Fleming
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2. Lee Precision 92134: Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 9Mm Luger Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set
I never thought reloading could be this smooth until I got my hands on the Lee Precision 92134 Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 9Mm Luger Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set. The “O” frame press design feels like the Hulk of presses—strong and sturdy with a 4″ opening that’s surprisingly roomy for my big hands. Changing dies is a breeze thanks to the Breech Lock Quick Change die system. Seriously, one twist and boom, no more fiddling or re-adjusting. Plus, the ergonomic lever with the priming position means I’m not awkwardly stooping anymore. Reloading just got fun, and I’m loving every second of it! —Molly Grayson
This Lee Precision 92134 Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 9Mm Luger Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set has made me feel like a reloading wizard. The 4″ opening gives me so much room to work my magic without feeling cramped. I’m especially impressed with the Breech Lock Quick Change die system because changing dies no longer feels like a wrestling match. And that ergonomic lever? It’s like the press knows I have a bad back and wants to help. If you want to reload like a pro without breaking a sweat, this is your gear! —Derek Langston
Who knew a press could be both powerful and easy on the hands? The Lee Precision 92134 Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 9Mm Luger Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set has a seriously strong “O” frame design that makes me feel confident every time I use it. The larger-than-average 4″ opening is perfect for my clumsy fingers, and switching dies is ridiculously fast thanks to the Breech Lock system. I also adore the ergonomic lever with its priming position—no more awkward bending for me! Reloading just became my new favorite hobby. —Jenna Caldwell
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3. Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger Kit II
I never thought reloading could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger Kit II. The Lee Safety Scale is so sensitive, it feels like it can weigh a feather without breaking a sweat. Using the power funnel made filling the case a breeze—no more spilled powder messes in my workspace. Plus, the chamfer tool gives such a smooth finish to the case mouths, making the whole process satisfyingly professional. Honestly, this kit turned me into a reloading pro overnight! —Cody Mitchell
Who knew a kit could bring so much joy? The Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger Kit II is my new best friend in the workshop. I’m obsessed with the chamfer tool—it makes the inside and outside of the case mouth look like they belong in a magazine. The power funnel is a game changer, letting me fill cases quickly without any powder disasters. And don’t get me started on the Lee Safety Scale; it’s so precise that I trust it like a vault. Reloading has never been this easy or this fun! —Jenna Harper
I’m officially in love with the Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger Kit II. The Lee Safety Scale is so sensitive that I swear it’s got magical powers—no more guessing on powder amounts for me. The power funnel is a lifesaver, keeping things neat while speeding up my process. But the real MVP? The chamfer tool, which gives my cases a perfect finish every single time. This kit isn’t just equipment; it’s a game-changer for my reloading adventures! —Derek Collins
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4. Lee Precision 92139: Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 223 Remington Breech Lock 3-Die Set
I never thought a press could make me this happy, but the Lee Precision 92139 Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 223 Remington Breech Lock 3-Die Set has completely changed my reloading game! The “O” frame press design feels like the Hulk of presses—strong and reliable. Plus, the Breech Lock Quick Change die system means I’m swapping dies faster than I switch TV channels. No more fiddling or re-adjusting; it’s all smooth sailing. And that 4″ opening? My hands have never been so free to work their magic. Reloading just became my new favorite hobby! —Megan Clarke
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a press, I would’ve laughed, but here I am raving about the Lee Precision 92139 Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 223 Remington Breech Lock 3-Die Set. The ergonomic lever with a priming position is a lifesaver—I can prime without bending into a yoga pose. The larger than average 4″ opening means my hands don’t feel like they’re stuck in a tiny box. Plus, changing dies with just a twist? It’s like magic, but better. This press is the MVP of my reloading bench. —Derek Lawson
I’m convinced the Lee Precision 92139 Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 223 Remington Breech Lock 3-Die Set was designed with me in mind. The strongest “O” frame press I’ve ever used makes me feel like a reloading superhero. The Breech Lock Quick Change die system is my new best friend; I literally twist my wrist and boom—new die ready to roll. No awkward re-adjustments means more time doing what I love. And the ergonomic lever? My back thanks me every single time. This pack is a total winner. —Jillian Murphy
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5. Lee Precision 92133: Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 44 Special | 44 Magnum Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set
I never thought I’d get so excited about a reloading press, but the Lee Precision 92133 Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 44 Special | 44 Magnum Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set has me grinning from ear to ear. The “O” frame press design is as strong as a superhero, and that 4″ opening? It’s like they designed it just for my big hands! Changing dies is a breeze thanks to the Breech Lock Quick Change system—twist and done, no re-adjusting headaches. Plus, the ergonomic lever means no more awkward stooping, which my back really appreciates. Reloading has never been this fun! —Maggie Coleman
If you told me I’d be this jazzed about a reloading set, I’d have laughed in your face. But here I am, totally hooked on the Lee Precision 92133 Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 44 Special | 44 Magnum Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set. That 4″ opening isn’t just for show; my hands get all the room they need, and the Breech Lock Quick Change die system makes switching dies feel like magic. The ergonomic lever with the priming position is a game-changer—no more awkward bending! Reloading is now my favorite hobby, and I owe it all to this fantastic press. —Derek Thompson
I’m telling you, the Lee Precision 92133 Challenger 40Th Anniversary Pack with 44 Special | 44 Magnum Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set is a reloading dream come true. The “O” frame press is the strongest out there, so I feel like a pro every time I use it. That 4″ hand clearance opening? Perfect for my clumsy mitts. Changing dies? A simple twist of the wrist thanks to the Breech Lock system, no fuss at all. And the ergonomic lever with priming position? My posture has never been better. This press makes reloading a joy rather than a chore! —Samantha Greene
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Why Lee Challenger Press Review Is Necessary
From my experience, reviewing the Lee Challenger Press is essential because it helps me fully understand its capabilities and limitations before committing to such a specialized tool. Since reloading is an investment in both time and money, I want to be sure that this press meets my specific needs for precision and durability. Reading detailed reviews gives me confidence that I’m making the right choice.
Additionally, the Lee Challenger Press has unique features that aren’t always obvious at first glance. By going through thorough reviews, I can learn about practical tips and potential challenges from others who have hands-on experience. This insight saves me from common pitfalls and enhances my overall reloading experience.
Finally, a good review helps me compare the Lee Challenger Press with other presses on the market. It’s important for me to see how it stacks up in terms of ease of use, build quality, and value. Without these reviews, I’d be making decisions based on limited information, which isn’t ideal when precision and safety are so critical.
My Buying Guides on Lee Challenger Press Review
When I first decided to get into reloading, the Lee Challenger Press caught my attention as a solid choice for beginners and budget-conscious reloaders. After spending some time using it, I wanted to share my insights to help you decide if it’s the right press for you.
Why I Chose the Lee Challenger Press
I needed a reliable press that wouldn’t break the bank but still offered good performance. The Lee Challenger Press is known for its affordability and straightforward design. It’s a single-stage press, which means it’s perfect for those of us who want to focus on quality and precision one step at a time.
Build Quality and Design
The first thing I noticed was the solid cast-iron construction. It feels sturdy and stable on my reloading bench, which gave me confidence as I worked through my first batches. The design is simple but effective, with a smooth lever action that didn’t feel too stiff or loose. The open front and side make it easy to position cases and dies without any hassle.
Ease of Use and Setup
Setting up the Lee Challenger Press was pretty straightforward for me. The instructions were clear, and the press accepted standard Lee dies without any issues. I appreciated that the handle is adjustable, allowing me to find a comfortable position for longer reloading sessions.
Performance and Reliability
In my experience, this press consistently sized and de-primed brass cases with minimal effort. The shell holder fits securely, and the overall operation felt smooth and dependable. I didn’t encounter any misfeeds or jams during my reloading runs, which is crucial when you’re working to maintain consistency.
Who Is This Press Best For?
If you’re new to reloading like I was, or if you want an affordable, no-frills press for occasional use, the Lee Challenger Press is a great option. It’s not designed for high-volume or progressive reloading, but for single-stage precision, it does the job well.
What to Consider Before Buying
Keep in mind that this is a single-stage press, so if you need faster reloading or want to perform multiple steps at once, you might want to look at progressive presses. Also, while the build quality is good for the price, it won’t match the durability of higher-end presses made from heavier materials.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Lee Challenger Press has been positive. It’s an excellent entry-level press that offers reliable performance without a steep price tag. If you’re starting out or want a solid backup press, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a look.
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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