First Impressions of Lee Very Ltd Production Pacesetter 3-Die Set
For years, I’ve been handloading ammunition, always chasing that perfect combination of accuracy and consistency. When Lee announced a limited production Lee Very Ltd Production Pacesetter 3-Die Set for the .280 Ackley Improved, I knew I had to get my hands on it. The .280 Ackley Improved is a fantastic cartridge, known for its flat trajectory and impressive downrange energy, and Lee’s reputation for affordable, reliable dies made this set particularly appealing.
My need was simple: to create custom ammunition tailored to my specific rifle, maximizing its performance. I wanted to explore the potential of the .280 Ackley Improved and achieve tighter groupings than factory ammunition could provide.
The packaging was typical Lee: functional and no-frills. Inside, the dies were well-protected, coated in oil to prevent corrosion. The inclusion of a universal shell holder and a powder dipper was a welcome bonus, making this a complete starting point for reloading the .280 Ackley Improved.
Compared to my Redding and RCBS die sets, the Lee set felt lighter, but no less sturdy. I chose this set primarily for the Lee name and the unique availability for the 280 Ackley Improved caliber. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the dies looked well-made, and I was eager to put them to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Very Ltd Production Pacesetter 3-Die Set to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my home reloading bench, followed by range sessions at my local gun club. I loaded a variety of bullet weights and powder charges to find the sweet spot for my rifle. The first few rounds went smoothly.
The sizing die required a bit of extra force, but that’s not uncommon with full-length sizing dies. Everything else functioned as expected. After the first range trip, I noticed consistent velocities and promising accuracy.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lee Very Ltd Production Pacesetter 3-Die Set has proven to be a reliable tool. I’ve loaded hundreds of rounds with this set. There’s been no noticeable wear and tear on the dies.
Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a solvent and a light coat of oil keeps them in good condition. It outperforms my expectations for a die set in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Very Ltd Production Pacesetter 3-Die Set
Specifications
The Lee Very Ltd Production Pacesetter 3-Die Set includes three essential dies: a full-length sizing die, an easy-adjust dead length bullet seating die, and a factory crimp die. It also includes a universal shell holder, a powder dipper, and instructions/load data. These dies are specifically designed for the original .280 Ackley Improved cartridge.
Notably, the full-length sizing die has a .014 inch longer head space than the SAAMI specification. Cases sized in this die may not fit rifles chambered for the SAAMI .280 Ackley Improved. Lee explicitly states that this die should not be used for sizing cases for rifles chambered to the SAAMI standard. This is a critical specification to understand before purchasing.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Very Ltd Production Pacesetter 3-Die Set performs its core function effectively. The sizing die resizes cases to the correct dimensions (with the aforementioned caveat about headspace). The bullet seating die allows for precise bullet placement, and the factory crimp die provides a consistent crimp for improved accuracy and consistent ignition.
The easy-adjust dead length bullet seating die is a standout feature, allowing for fine-tuning of seating depth without the need for specialized tools. The clear instructions and included load data make it easy for even novice reloaders to get started. However, the headspace issue is significant and requires careful consideration.
Design & Ergonomics
The dies are constructed from high-quality steel. They’re designed for use with standard reloading presses. The easy-adjust bullet seating die is particularly well-designed. Its adjustment mechanism is smooth and precise.
There’s a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with the .280 Ackley Improved. The dies themselves are relatively user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Very Ltd Production Pacesetter 3-Die Set is built to last. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining optimal performance. The dies should provide years of reliable service with proper care.
The simple design makes maintenance straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Very Ltd Production Pacesetter 3-Die Set comes with a universal shell holder and a powder dipper. The shell holder is compatible with most reloading presses. The dies themselves are compatible with various bullet seating stems and crimping collars, allowing for customization.
While no specific accessories are required, a quality reloading press, powder measure, and scale are essential for safe and accurate reloading.
Pros and Cons of Lee Very Ltd Production Pacesetter 3-Die Set
Pros
- Affordable price point: Significantly cheaper than comparable die sets from other manufacturers.
- Easy-adjust dead length bullet seating die: Allows for precise bullet seating depth adjustments.
- Factory crimp die: Provides a consistent crimp for improved accuracy.
- Includes universal shell holder and powder dipper: A complete starting point for reloading.
- Lee‘s reputation for quality and value: A trusted brand in the reloading community.
Cons
- .014″ longer headspace: Cases sized with this die may not fit SAAMI spec chambers.
- Limited production: May be difficult to find.
Who Should Buy Lee Very Ltd Production Pacesetter 3-Die Set?
This die set is perfect for reloaders who:
- Own a .280 Ackley Improved rifle with a chamber that accommodates the longer headspace produced by this die set.
- Are looking for an affordable and reliable die set.
- Value the easy-adjust dead length bullet seating die for precise bullet placement.
Who should skip this product?
- Those who own a .280 Ackley Improved rifle chambered to SAAMI specifications.
- Those who require the absolute highest level of precision and are willing to pay a premium.
A must-have accessory is a chamber gauge to verify that your reloaded ammunition will fit your rifle’s chamber.
Conclusion on Lee Very Ltd Production Pacesetter 3-Die Set
The Lee Very Ltd Production Pacesetter 3-Die Set for the .280 Ackley Improved is a mixed bag. It offers excellent value for the price and boasts some innovative features. Most notably the Easy Adjust Dead Length Bullet Seating Die.
However, the critical caveat regarding the longer headspace means this die set is not suitable for all .280 Ackley Improved rifles. The value is good considering the low price of $59.99.
If you understand the headspace limitation and your rifle is compatible, then I would recommend it. Be sure to confirm the compatibility. Proceed with caution!