Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90959
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90959, specifically the Collet Neck Sizing Rifle Die for .308 caliber, promises precision and consistency in reloading. Lee claims this die allows for bullets to be seated closer to the rifling, improving accuracy. It aims to provide a tight bullet fit with minimal run-out by squeezing case necks against a mandrel.
I was initially drawn to the Lee Collet Neck Sizing Die because I’ve been chasing that last bit of accuracy out of my .308 hunting rifle. My goal is to create more consistent ammunition. I wanted a method to reduce bullet run-out and improve seating depth consistency without having to invest in a full custom die set.
Unboxing the die, I was immediately struck by the robust construction. While it lacks the polished finish of some higher-end dies, the steel felt solid and well-machined. The die has a utilitarian look and feel. It definitely looks like it’s designed to get the job done, rather than win a beauty contest.
Compared to a standard full-length sizing die from RCBS and a neck-sizing die from Redding, the Lee Collet Neck Sizing Die operates on a different principle. The RCBS resizes the entire case, the Redding uses bushings for sizing, and the Lee uses a collet that clamps down on the neck. I chose the Lee die because I was intrigued by the collet design and its promise of minimal run-out.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The design seemed clever. I hoped its simplicity translated into consistent performance. I was definitely eager to see if it lived up to the accuracy claims that I’d read online.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90959 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90959 at my home reloading bench. I paired it with my Lee Classic Cast single-stage press. I used a batch of previously fired .308 cases that had been cleaned and prepped.
The first few cases took a bit of fiddling to get the hang of the die. Once I understood the process, it was straightforward and surprisingly quick. The collet neck sizing process seemed to work well, producing consistent neck tension on the bullets.
I did encounter one minor issue: the die required a bit more force than I initially expected to operate. It was more than I’d been used to when full-length sizing cases. However, this was easily overcome once I adjusted my technique. I didn’t notice any surprising changes, but I did observe how the brass was minimally worked compared to the other sizing methods I have used.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Lee Collet Neck Sizing Die has proven to be a reliable tool in my reloading process. It consistently produces cases with minimal run-out. This ultimately translates into tighter groupings on the range.
The die has held up well with no signs of wear and tear. I apply a light coat of case lube every few uses. This prevents sticking and ensures smooth operation.
Compared to my previous experience with full-length sizing, the Lee die definitely requires less case trimming due to less brass stretching. It has significantly outperformed my expectations in terms of consistency and accuracy. I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in group sizes at 100 yards with my .308 rifle since using this die.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90959
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lee.
- Additional Features: Collet Neck Sizing Rifle Die.
- Gun Type: Rifle.
- Projectile Caliber: .308 Caliber.
- The Lee Collet Neck Sizing Die is specifically designed to size only the neck of the cartridge case, preserving the fire-formed shape of the case body. This is crucial for improving accuracy in hand-loaded ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90959 performs its job exceptionally well by providing consistent neck tension and minimizing bullet run-out. This leads to improved accuracy and reduced case trimming.
The die’s main strength is its ability to produce consistent and accurate ammunition with minimal effort. The biggest weakness is that it only sizes the neck; full-length resizing may still be necessary for cases used in semi-automatic rifles. I’d say that the overall performance exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Collet Neck Sizing Die features a simple, robust design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The die is made from high-quality steel and is built to withstand years of use.
While it may lack the polished finish of some premium dies, it’s easy to use and requires minimal setup. There is definitely a learning curve, but after a few cases, the user will understand the process and can repeat the loading procedure with ease.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90959 is built to last. With proper care, this die should provide many years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward. Simply apply a light coat of case lube occasionally and clean the die periodically to remove any accumulated debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Collet Neck Sizing Die comes as a standalone die. There are no additional accessories included.
While there are no specific customization options for the die itself, it is compatible with any standard reloading press that accepts 7/8″-14 threaded dies. You may need a shell holder for the specific cartridge you are reloading. You can also use a variety of bullet seating dies to complete the reloading process.
Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90959
Pros
- Provides excellent neck tension for improved accuracy.
- Minimizes bullet run-out.
- Reduces case trimming.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Affordable price.
Cons
- Doesn’t full-length resize the case (not suitable for all firearms).
- May require more force to operate than other dies.
Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90959?
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90959 is perfect for precision-oriented reloaders looking to improve the accuracy of their hand-loaded ammunition. It is well-suited for bolt-action rifle shooters who want to extend the life of their brass and achieve consistent neck tension.
This product may not be ideal for reloaders who primarily shoot semi-automatic rifles. Full-length resizing is typically necessary for reliable feeding and extraction in these types of firearms.
A must-have accessory when using the Lee Collet Neck Sizing Die is a quality bullet seating die. A concentricity gauge is also recommended to measure bullet run-out and ensure optimal accuracy.
Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90959
Overall, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90959 is an excellent tool for reloaders seeking to improve the accuracy of their .308 caliber ammunition. Its simple design, consistent performance, and affordable price make it a great value.
The price is definitely justified, as it offers a significant improvement in accuracy compared to standard resizing methods. I would highly recommend this die to anyone looking to take their reloading to the next level.
If you’re serious about accuracy and want to get the most out of your .308 rifle, the Lee Collet Neck Sizing Die is a must-have. Invest in this die and start creating more accurate and consistent ammunition today!