Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies Review

Let’s Talk About Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies

The Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies promise to bring a new level of precision to your 6.5 Grendel reloading endeavors. As someone who’s been hand-loading for over a decade, I’m always on the lookout for tools that enhance accuracy and consistency, and these dies certainly piqued my interest with their included factory crimp die and claims of improved slug alignment.

I was looking to tighten my groups at 300-500 yards. Factory ammo just wasn’t cutting it. I wanted more control over the load and its consistency. Upon unboxing, the Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies felt robust, though perhaps a tad bulky compared to some of my other die sets from RCBS. The steel construction immediately inspires confidence, but the non-carbide nature was a slight drawback right out of the gate.

Compared to my existing RCBS and Hornady die sets, the Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies stood out due to the inclusion of the factory crimp die. While my Hornady set offers great adjustability, and the RCBS dies are known for their durability, the promise of consistent crimps from the Lee set was a major selling point. I was excited to see if the factory crimp die could really improve consistency and reduce velocity variations.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies looked well-made and complete. However, the size and the need for case lube gave me pause. Still, I was eager to get them on my reloading press and see what they could do.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies at my home reloading bench, focusing on producing consistent and accurate rounds for my AR-15 chambered in 6.5 Grendel. I wanted to evaluate their performance under controlled conditions. The conditions were typical for my garage: ambient temperature, with adequate lighting.

The Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies performed adequately. Lube was absolutely essential for the sizing die. The seating die worked fine, but I found the crimp die required some careful adjustment to avoid over-crimping.

The learning curve wasn’t steep, but it wasn’t seamless either. Getting the factory crimp die dialed in took some experimenting with different seating depths and crimp pressures. The universal shell holder worked well. But it took time to find the sweet spot where the rounds were properly crimped without distorting the bullet or case.

The initial surprise came from the sizing die’s resistance without proper case lube. Also, the crimp die was more sensitive to adjustment than I had anticipated.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use and hundreds of rounds reloaded, the Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies have held up reasonably well. There’s no noticeable wear or damage to the dies themselves. However, the need for constant case lubing during the sizing process remains a chore.

The dies are durable, but the non-carbide construction demands consistent lubrication. Without it, you risk stuck cases and increased wear. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only standard solvents and a brush.

Compared to my carbide RCBS dies, the Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies require more attention and effort due to the need for case lube. The factory crimp die provides a consistent crimp, but it’s a double-edged sword. If not set correctly, it can negatively impact accuracy.

Breaking Down the Features of Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies

Specifications

• Caliber: 6.5mm Grendel. This is the defining specification that makes these dies suitable for reloading 6.5 Grendel cartridges.
• Quantity: 3 dies (full-length sizing die, bullet seating die, factory crimp die). This offers a complete set for reloading the cartridge from start to finish.
• Included Accessories: Universal shell holder, copy of latest 6.5 Grendel reloading data, and instructions. The shell holder is crucial for holding the case during the reloading process, and the reloading data is very helpful for starting loads.
• Gun Type: Rifle. This confirms that the dies are designed for reloading rifle cartridges, specifically the 6.5 Grendel.
• Width: 5 in, Height: 2 in, Length: 7 in. These dimensions are helpful for storage and organization on your reloading bench.
• Weight: 2 lb. Knowing the weight is useful if you plan to transport or store the dies frequently.
• Important note: These are not carbide dies and require case lubrication. This means an extra step in the reloading process.

Performance & Functionality

The Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies generally perform their intended functions. They size cases, seat bullets, and apply a factory crimp.

The strengths lie in the factory crimp die, which can create a very uniform crimp when properly adjusted. The weaknesses include the need for case lube and the sensitivity of the crimp die. The Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies meet expectations but require more user input and adjustment than some premium die sets.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid. The dies are made from steel and feel durable.

The design is functional, but the size can be a bit cumbersome. The universal shell holder is a nice touch. There’s a slight learning curve with the crimp die, but the instructions are helpful.

Durability & Maintenance

The Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies should last a long time with proper care. Keep them clean and lubricated, and they should provide many years of service.

Maintenance is simple. Standard gun cleaning solvents and brushes work well for cleaning the dies.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies come with a universal shell holder and a copy of 6.5 Grendel reloading data. There aren’t many customization options for the dies themselves.

However, you can use different bullet seating stems for various bullet profiles. The dies are compatible with most standard reloading presses.

Pros and Cons of Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies

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Who Should Buy Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies?

The Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies are perfect for reloaders on a budget who want to improve the consistency of their 6.5 Grendel ammunition. They are also great for those who are new to reloading and want a complete set of dies to get started.

Those who prefer carbide dies and want to avoid the hassle of case lubrication should skip this product. Additionally, competitive shooters who require the most precise adjustments may find these dies lacking compared to more expensive options.

A case lube kit is a must-have accessory for these dies. A good reloading manual is also essential for safe and accurate reloading.

Conclusion on Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies

The Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies are a solid choice for reloaders seeking to produce accurate and consistent 6.5 Grendel ammunition without breaking the bank. The factory crimp die is a standout feature, but the need for case lubrication and the sensitivity of the crimp die require careful attention.

At $83.99, the price is justified for a complete die set that includes a factory crimp die. The value proposition is strong for those willing to invest the time to learn the dies’ nuances.

I would personally recommend the Alexander Arms Lee 6.5 Grendel Reloading Dies to reloaders who are new to the 6.5 Grendel or those on a tight budget. Just remember to invest in some good case lube and take the time to dial in that crimp die! Now get out there and start reloading!