Let’s Dive into Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778
The Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 offer reloaders a chance to work with a classic cartridge. These dies are from Lee, a name synonymous with value and innovation in the reloading world. Lee’s decision to offer dies for less common cartridges makes this product a welcome sight for those of us who enjoy breathing new life into older rifles.
My journey to these dies started with a family heirloom: a beautiful, but rarely shot, Winchester Model 1894 chambered in 25-35. Factory ammunition is both expensive and hard to find, and I wanted to actually use this rifle without breaking the bank. Reloading seemed like the only viable option, and finding dies was the first hurdle.
Upon receiving the Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778, I immediately noticed the simplicity of the set. The packaging is basic, but the dies themselves felt solid and well-made. The inclusion of a shellholder is a nice touch, saving me the extra step of figuring out which one I needed to purchase separately.
Compared to my RCBS dies for .308 Winchester, these Lee dies felt lighter, but just as precise. I also considered Redding dies, known for their premium quality, but the cost difference was significant, especially for a cartridge I wouldn’t be reloading in massive quantities. The Lee set offered the best balance of price and functionality.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to start reloading this classic cartridge, but also a little apprehensive about working with something less common than my usual rounds. The Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 seemed like a good starting point, but the real test would be in their performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 was at my reloading bench in my garage. The temperature was a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and I had all my usual equipment laid out. I used Lee‘s reloading manual and followed the suggested starting loads.
I primarily tested the dies with new Starline brass and a few different bullet weights. The sizing die worked smoothly, and the expander die flared the case mouths just enough to seat the bullets without crushing the brass. The seating die allowed for precise bullet seating depth adjustments.
Everything went smoothly during the reloading process. The dies performed their functions without any hiccups. I did notice that the Lee dies don’t include a factory crimp die, which would’ve been a welcome addition, but this is consistent with their “limited production” line.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of reloading sessions, the Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 have held up remarkably well. I’ve reloaded hundreds of rounds with them, and they still function as smoothly as they did on day one. There are no signs of excessive wear and tear.
The dies are made from hardened steel and show no signs of rust or corrosion, even after handling them with slightly oily hands. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a clean cloth is all that’s needed. I also occasionally use a dedicated die cleaner to remove any stubborn residue.
Compared to some of the older, less precise dies I’ve used in the past, the Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 are a significant improvement. They provide consistent results and make reloading the 25-35 Winchester a much more enjoyable process. The absence of a factory crimp die is still a minor drawback, but easily overcome with a separate purchase if desired.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778
Specifications
The Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 are specifically designed for reloading the .25-35 Winchester cartridge. They are manufactured by Lee Precision, a well-known and respected name in the reloading industry. The set includes a sizing die, an expander die, a bullet seating die, and a shellholder.
- Caliber: .25-35 Winchester – This specifies the exact cartridge the dies are designed for.
- Manufacturer: Lee – A trusted brand known for affordable and reliable reloading equipment.
- Additional Features: Pacesetter Rifle Dies w/Shell Holder – This indicates the die type and inclusion of a shell holder.
- Gun Type: Rifle – Specifies the intended use of the reloaded ammunition.
These specifications are critical for ensuring proper and safe reloading practices. Using the correct dies for the specific cartridge is paramount to prevent damage to firearms and injury to the user. The included shellholder ensures compatibility with standard reloading presses.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 perform their intended function of resizing, expanding, and seating bullets in .25-35 Winchester cases efficiently. The dies provide consistent results, and the reloaded ammunition performs reliably in my Winchester 1894. Accuracy is comparable to factory ammunition, especially when using quality components and carefully following load data.
One notable strength is the smooth operation of the dies. The sizing die doesn’t require excessive force, and the bullet seating die allows for fine adjustments to seating depth. The main weakness is the absence of a factory crimp die, which some reloaders prefer for ensuring consistent bullet retention and improved powder ignition.
Overall, the Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 meet my expectations for a basic reloading die set. They are functional, reliable, and produce consistent results.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 are constructed from hardened steel, ensuring durability and longevity. The dies have a simple, functional design with a smooth, polished finish. They are lightweight and easy to handle.
The design is user-friendly, and there’s no significant learning curve for experienced reloaders. The dies thread smoothly into my reloading press, and the adjustments are straightforward. However, Lee‘s decision to exclude the factory crimp die is a design choice that may disappoint some users.
The build quality is decent for the price point. The materials used are appropriate for the intended purpose, and the dies are well-machined. While they may not have the same level of polish and refinement as some higher-end dies, they perform their function effectively.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 are designed to last for many years with proper care. The hardened steel construction resists wear and tear. Periodic cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining optimal performance.
Maintaining these dies is simple. I typically clean them after each reloading session using a dedicated die cleaner and a soft cloth. I also apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent rust and corrosion. The simple design makes disassembly and cleaning straightforward.
The lack of complex mechanisms or intricate parts means that these dies are unlikely to break down easily. With proper care and maintenance, they should provide reliable performance for a very long time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 set includes a shellholder, which is essential for holding the case securely in the reloading press. The set doesn’t include any other accessories. However, reloaders can customize their setup by purchasing a separate factory crimp die, either from Lee or another manufacturer.
The dies are compatible with standard reloading presses that accept 7/8″-14 threads. This means they can be used with presses from Lee, RCBS, Hornady, and other popular brands. Reloaders can also use aftermarket expander mandrels and bullet seating stems to further customize their reloading process. The Lee dies are compatible with most common reloading components.
Pros and Cons of Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778
Pros
- Affordable price point makes reloading the .25-35 Winchester accessible.
- Includes shellholder, saving additional purchase.
- Consistent performance and reliable results.
- Durable hardened steel construction.
- User-friendly design, easy to set up and use.
Cons
- Lacks a factory crimp die.
- Basic packaging and finish compared to higher-end dies.
Who Should Buy Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778?
The Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 are perfect for reloaders who own rifles chambered in .25-35 Winchester and want an affordable and reliable way to produce their own ammunition. They are particularly well-suited for those who are new to reloading or who only reload this cartridge occasionally. Hunters who prefer to use custom loads tailored to their specific rifle will also appreciate these dies.
Those who are looking for the absolute highest precision and are willing to pay a premium for it may want to consider higher-end dies from Redding or Forster. Reloaders who insist on having a factory crimp die included in the set may also want to look at other options.
A must-have accessory is a reloading manual with data for the .25-35 Winchester cartridge. While the Lee dies don’t come with specific load data, it’s essential to have reliable data from a reputable source. A separate factory crimp die is also a worthwhile investment for those who prefer to crimp their ammunition.
Conclusion on Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778
The Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 offer a solid value proposition for reloaders of this classic cartridge. The price is justified by the consistent performance, durable construction, and included shellholder. The lack of a factory crimp die is a minor drawback, but easily addressed with a separate purchase.
I would personally recommend these dies to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable way to reload the .25-35 Winchester. They are a great starting point for new reloaders and a practical choice for experienced reloaders who want to save money without sacrificing quality.
If you own a rifle chambered in .25-35 Winchester and want to start reloading your own ammunition, the Lee Limited Production 25-35 Winchester Dies W/Shellholder 90778 are an excellent choice. Don’t let the scarcity of factory ammunition keep you from enjoying your rifle – invest in these dies and start reloading today!