Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510

The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510 offer a comprehensive solution for reloading .38 Special ammunition. Lee Precision, a company renowned for providing affordable and reliable reloading equipment, delivers a kit designed for both beginners and experienced reloaders. It aims to deliver consistent and accurate ammunition, without breaking the bank.

I was searching for a cost-effective way to produce accurate and reliable .38 Special ammunition for my vintage revolvers. Factory ammunition prices were climbing, and I wanted more control over my bullet choices and powder charges. The positive reviews and the reputation of Lee as a budget-friendly brand led me to purchase this set.

The kit arrived in a simple, functional plastic case. Upon opening it, I found the three dies neatly arranged along with a universal shell holder and a small powder dipper. The dies themselves felt solid and well-machined. The build quality appeared to be reasonable, particularly considering the price point.

I considered die sets from RCBS and Hornady, but ultimately chose the Lee set due to its lower price and the carbide construction. Carbide dies eliminate the need for case lubrication during sizing, which seemed like a significant time-saver. I was excited to start reloading my own ammunition with this set.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510 in my reloading room. I used a single-stage press, various powder types (Unique, Bullseye, and Trail Boss), and a range of lead bullets. The process started smoothly, with the sizing die easily resizing the spent cases.

The powder-through expanding die worked well with the Lee Auto-Disk powder measure, ensuring consistent powder charges. Seating the bullets was straightforward, and the crimping die produced a uniform and secure crimp. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, making the process particularly user-friendly for a novice. No issues were encountered on my first try, with all 50 rounds of .38 Special coming out flawlessly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510 has proven to be a reliable tool in my reloading setup. The carbide sizing die shows no signs of wear, and continues to resize cases smoothly and consistently. Maintenance has been minimal, consisting mostly of wiping the dies clean after each reloading session.

Compared to my previous experience using steel dies that required case lubrication, the carbide dies significantly reduced the time and effort required for reloading. The consistency of the ammunition produced with the Lee set has been excellent, delivering consistent velocities and improved accuracy in my revolvers. This Lee die set has far exceeded my expectations considering its lower price.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510

Specifications

• Caliber: .38 Special. This die set is specifically designed for reloading .38 Special cartridges.
• Die Type: Carbide. The carbide sizing die eliminates the need for case lubrication, making the reloading process faster and cleaner.
• Number of Dies: Three. The set includes a sizing die, a powder-through expanding die, and a bullet seating/crimping die.
• Shell Holder: Universal. A universal shell holder is included, accommodating a wide range of .38 Special cases.
• Powder Dipper: Included. A small powder dipper is provided for manually dispensing powder charges, although a powder measure is recommended for greater accuracy.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the reloading process. Carbide dies offer increased longevity and reduced friction, allowing for smoother operation and minimal maintenance. The three-die configuration provides all the necessary steps for reloading, from resizing to crimping.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510 performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently produces accurate and reliable ammunition for my .38 Special revolvers. The sizing die resizes cases to the correct dimensions, ensuring proper chambering.

The powder-through expanding die flares the case mouth to prevent bullet damage during seating. The bullet seating die allows for precise bullet depth adjustment, and the crimping die provides a secure and uniform crimp. The main weakness is the included powder dipper, which offers lower consistency.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510 features a simple and functional design. The dies are made from high-quality steel and feature a durable carbide insert in the sizing die. The set is lightweight and easy to handle.

The dies are easy to adjust and use, even for beginners. The clear instructions and straightforward design minimize the learning curve, making it accessible for new reloaders.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510 is designed to last for thousands of rounds. The carbide sizing die is particularly durable and resistant to wear. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a dry cloth.

With proper care, this die set should provide many years of reliable service. The rugged construction and high-quality materials ensure long-term durability and performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510 includes a universal shell holder and a small powder dipper. However, it is compatible with a wide range of accessories, including:

• Powder Measure: A powder measure like the Lee Auto-Disk or Auto-Drum is highly recommended for consistent and accurate powder charges.
• Priming Tool: A separate priming tool can speed up the priming process.
• Bullet Puller: A bullet puller is useful for disassembling mistakes.

This die set is compatible with most standard reloading presses and accessories, allowing for easy customization and integration into an existing reloading setup. The versatility of the set allows reloaders to fine-tune their ammunition to their specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons of Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510?

The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510 is perfect for:

• Casual Shooters: Those who enjoy shooting .38 Special revolvers and want to save money on ammunition.
• Reloading Beginners: The ease of use and clear instructions make it a great starting point for new reloaders.
• Budget-Conscious Reloaders: Those who want a reliable and functional die set without breaking the bank.

This product might not be ideal for:

• High-Volume Reloaders: Those who reload thousands of rounds per year may prefer a progressive press and a more robust die set.
• Precision Shooters: Those seeking ultimate accuracy may want to invest in higher-end dies with more precise adjustments.

A must-have accessory is a powder measure for consistent powder charges.

Conclusion on Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510

Overall, the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .38 Special 90510 is an excellent value for the money. It provides a reliable and affordable way to reload .38 Special ammunition. It’s particularly suitable for beginners and casual shooters.

The low price is absolutely justified. The carbide sizing die, ease of use, and consistent results make it a worthwhile investment.

I would highly recommend this die set to anyone looking to start reloading .38 Special without breaking the bank. Get yours today and start enjoying the benefits of reloading your own ammunition!