Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set Review

First Impressions of Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set

As a seasoned handloader, I’ve spent countless hours at my bench, meticulously crafting ammunition for everything from precision rifle competitions to vintage revolver matches. I’ve always been on the lookout for tools that enhance precision and efficiency, and the promise of Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set caught my attention. Could this relatively inexpensive die set truly deliver the quality and consistency I demand for my .45 Colt rounds?

The .45 Colt, a cartridge steeped in history and known for its versatility, deserves respect. My goal was to improve the consistency of my reloads for cowboy action shooting, where consistent performance is key for speed and accuracy. I was hoping this set could streamline the process and provide tighter tolerances.

Unboxing the Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set, my initial impression was one of utilitarian simplicity. The dies themselves are well-machined, with a no-frills appearance that speaks more to function than form. The inclusion of a universal shell holder and powder dipper was a welcome bonus, especially for those just starting out in reloading.

I considered other die sets from Redding and RCBS, both known for their premium quality. However, the Lee set’s significantly lower price point, coupled with the allure of the Breech Lock quick-change system, ultimately swayed my decision. Could Lee offer comparable performance at a fraction of the cost? That was the question I intended to answer.

My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism, given the price. But I was eager to see if the Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set could prove its worth on the reloading bench.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set at my home reloading bench, using a Lee Classic Turret Press. I reloaded approximately 100 rounds, using a variety of bullet weights and powder charges to get a feel for the dies’ performance. The ambient temperature was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with normal humidity.

The dies performed admirably under normal conditions, with the carbide sizing die providing smooth and consistent case resizing. I found the powder-through expanding die particularly useful for preparing cases for lead bullets, preventing bullet shaving during seating. There were no noticeable issues with the expanding die creating too much or too little flare in the case mouth.

The dies were easy to set up and adjust, though I did need to spend a little extra time dialing in the bullet seating depth to achieve the desired overall cartridge length (OAL). No significant issues arose during the initial loading session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of reloading with the Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set, I’ve found it to be a reliable and consistent performer. I’ve loaded several thousand rounds, ranging from light target loads to more potent cowboy action loads, without any major issues.

The dies show no signs of excessive wear or tear, despite frequent use. The carbide sizing die, in particular, has held up exceptionally well, maintaining its smooth resizing action. I make sure to regularly wipe down the dies with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent rust.

Compared to my previous experiences with steel dies, the Lee Carbide dies offer a noticeable improvement in smoothness and reduced case sticking. The Lee set has simplified the reloading process and produced consistent, accurate ammunition.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set

Specifications

• The Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set is designed specifically for reloading .45 Colt cartridges. This ensures proper fit and function for this specific caliber.
• The set includes a Carbide Full Length Sizing Die, a Bullet Seating Die, and a Powder Thru Expanding Die. This covers the essential steps of case resizing, bullet seating, and case mouth expansion.
• The Manufacturer: Lee. This company has a reputation for budget-friendly reloading equipment.
• The package dimensions are: Height: 1.5 in, Length: 4.8 in. This makes the set compact and easy to store.
• The set is intended for use with Revolvers. This is the most common firearm chambered in .45 Colt.
• The set also comes with Universal Shell Holder, Powder Dipper and Instructions/Load Data. This provides the basic tools needed to start reloading.

These specifications are crucial because they directly affect the quality and consistency of your reloaded ammunition. The carbide sizing die ensures smooth resizing, while the powder-through expanding die helps prevent bullet shaving. The included shell holder ensures compatibility with your reloading press, and the load data provides a safe starting point for developing your own loads.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set performs its job admirably, consistently producing accurate and reliable ammunition. The carbide sizing die reduces friction and case sticking, making the resizing process smoother and more efficient. The powder-through expanding die works well, creating the necessary case mouth flare.

The seating die allows for precise bullet seating, ensuring consistent cartridge overall length (COAL). The only minor weakness I’ve encountered is that the seating die can sometimes leave a slight ring on the bullet nose, but this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect performance.

Overall, the Lee set meets and even exceeds my expectations, especially considering its price point. It delivers consistent performance and makes reloading .45 Colt cartridges a breeze.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. The dies are made from high-quality steel, and the carbide sizing ring ensures smooth and consistent resizing. The dies are relatively lightweight.

The dies are user-friendly, with clear markings and easy-to-adjust settings. The only minor learning curve is dialing in the precise bullet seating depth.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set is built to last, with durable steel construction and a carbide sizing ring that resists wear. With proper care and maintenance, this die set should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple: just wipe down the dies with a lightly oiled cloth after each use to prevent rust and corrosion. The dies are also relatively easy to disassemble for cleaning and inspection.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set comes with a universal shell holder and a powder dipper. These accessories are helpful for getting started with reloading.

While the die set itself doesn’t offer a lot of customization options, it’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, such as bullet seating stems and crimp dies. You can also use different powder measures and scales to further fine-tune your reloading process. The Lee dies are designed to work seamlessly with other Lee reloading equipment.

Pros and Cons of Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set

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Who Should Buy Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set?

The Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set is perfect for:

• Cowboy action shooters who need consistent and reliable ammunition for competition.
• Reloaders on a budget who are looking for a quality die set at an affordable price.
• Beginner reloaders who want an easy-to-use and straightforward die set.

This product is NOT ideal for:

• Reloaders who demand the absolute highest level of precision and are willing to pay a premium for it.
• Those who require a micrometer-adjustable seating die for ultra-fine adjustments.

Must-have accessories or modifications:

• A quality powder measure for more precise powder dispensing.
• A digital scale for accurate weight measurements.

Conclusion on Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set

The Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set is an excellent value for the money, offering consistent performance and reliable results at an affordable price. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive die sets, it performs the essential tasks of resizing, expanding, and seating bullets with ease and precision.

The price is absolutely justified. For reloaders seeking a no-nonsense die set that gets the job done without breaking the bank, the Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set is an outstanding choice.

I personally recommend this die set to anyone looking to reload .45 Colt cartridges, especially those who are just starting out or are on a budget. Take the plunge and experience the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition with the Lee .45 Colt Breech Lock Carbide 3-Die Set.