Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special Review

Let’s Dive into Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special

Reloading ammunition can be a finicky process, especially when working with pistol cartridges like the .38 Special. The Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special promises to streamline this process by combining case expansion and powder charging into a single step, potentially saving time and improving consistency. Lee reloading equipment has a reputation for affordability and decent quality, making this die an attractive option for budget-conscious reloaders.

As someone who reloads hundreds of rounds of .38 Special every month for both practice and cowboy action shooting, I was looking for a way to speed up my workflow. I was particularly interested in reducing the number of steps involved in case preparation.

The die arrived in Lee’s standard packaging, a simple cardboard box. My initial impression was that it felt solid and well-machined, especially considering the price point. The steel construction gave me confidence that it would withstand the rigors of repeated use.

Compared to using a separate expanding die and powder measure, the Lee 90581 seemed like a potential game-changer. I was also considering a more expensive Dillon Precision setup, but the Lee die’s affordability ultimately swayed me. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special at my home reloading bench, working with a Lee Classic Turret Press. I reloaded approximately 200 rounds of .38 Special using various powders and bullet weights. The process required some initial adjustments to achieve the proper case expansion and powder drop.

Performance was generally good, although I noticed some powder bridging with finer-grained powders. The die worked best with coarser powders like Unique. I found that a slight bell mouth was consistently achieved, which aided in seating the bullets without shaving lead.

The initial setup took about an hour of fiddling to get the powder measure dialed in, but once it was set, the process was relatively smooth. One initial surprise was that the die is sensitive to variations in case length; consistent case trimming is crucial.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special has proven to be a reliable, though not perfect, addition to my reloading setup. It has significantly reduced the number of steps in my reloading process.

Durability has been excellent; there are no signs of wear or damage to the die itself. I clean the die after each reloading session to prevent powder buildup, which is a simple process. Compared to my previous method of separate expanding and powder charging, this die has noticeably sped up my production rate.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special

Specifications

• Caliber: .38 Special. This die is specifically designed for reloading .38 Special cartridges.
• Function: Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die. The die expands the case mouth and allows powder charging simultaneously.
• Manufacturer: Lee. Lee is known for producing affordable and reliable reloading equipment.
• Compatibility: Works with Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure. It can be directly connected to automate the powder charging process.

These specifications are important because they dictate the die’s compatibility and function. The ability to expand the case mouth and charge powder in one step streamlines the reloading process, while compatibility with the Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure allows for further automation.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special performs its job well, expanding the case mouth consistently and allowing for accurate powder charging. The consistency in case expansion is particularly important for achieving good bullet seating and preventing bullet setback.

The main strength is its ability to combine two steps into one, saving time and effort. A weakness is its sensitivity to powder type; finer powders can sometimes bridge in the die. The die definitely meets expectations for its price point, offering a good balance of performance and affordability.

Design & Ergonomics

The die is made from steel, giving it a solid and durable feel. The weight is appropriate for its size, providing stability during use. The design is straightforward and functional, with no unnecessary frills.

The die is relatively user-friendly, although some initial adjustment is required to dial in the proper case expansion and powder drop. A slight learning curve is present, but the benefits outweigh the initial effort.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction suggests that the Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special should last for many years of reloading. Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent powder buildup, but the process is simple and straightforward.

Disassembly for cleaning is easy, requiring only a few simple tools. With proper care, this die should provide a long service life.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special is primarily designed to be used with the Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure. This combination allows for a fully automated powder charging process.

The die is compatible with standard 7/8-14 reloading presses. No other accessories or modifications are typically needed beyond the powder measure.

Pros and Cons of Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special

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Who Should Buy Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special?

Perfect for reloaders who are looking to streamline their .38 Special reloading process without breaking the bank. It is also suitable for those who use a Lee Classic Turret Press and Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure.

This product might not be ideal for reloaders who primarily use very fine-grained powders or who are unwilling to trim their cases consistently. Someone looking for the absolute highest precision and is willing to spend significantly more money may also want to explore other options. Must-have accessories include the Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure and a reliable case trimmer.

Conclusion on Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special

The Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special is a valuable addition to any reloader’s bench, particularly for those working with .38 Special cartridges. It offers a good balance of performance, durability, and affordability. The value proposition is excellent, as it significantly speeds up the reloading process at a fraction of the cost of higher-end alternatives.

I would personally recommend this die to anyone looking to simplify their .38 Special reloading. While it has a few minor drawbacks, the benefits far outweigh the limitations. If you’re ready to save time and improve the consistency of your reloads, give the Lee 90581 Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die .38 Special a try. You won’t be disappointed!