Let’s Dive into Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government
The Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government is a reloading die designed to streamline the powder charging process for the venerable .45-70 Government cartridge. Lee Precision, known for its affordable and innovative reloading tools, offers this die as a way to simultaneously expand the case mouth and charge the case with powder. This promises a faster and more consistent reloading experience, especially for high-volume reloaders.
I was drawn to this die because I’ve been reloading .45-70 for years, primarily for my Marlin 1895 lever action. The bottleneck design of the cartridge can make it prone to powder spillage during charging, so a powder-through expanding die seemed like a logical solution to improve accuracy and speed up my reloading process. I was looking for a way to make my reloading workflow more efficient.
Upon unboxing, the die appeared well-machined and sturdy, typical of Lee products. Its blued finish looked durable enough to withstand years of use. It was simple and functional, just what I expected.
I considered other powder-through expanding dies from RCBS and Hornady, but ultimately chose the Lee die due to its lower price point and Lee’s reputation for delivering reliable performance at an affordable price. While the other options likely offer similar functionality, the cost savings with the Lee die were significant enough to sway my decision.
My first impression was positive; the die seemed like a well-made, straightforward tool that could potentially make a significant improvement to my .45-70 reloading process. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it lived up to my expectations. It looked like it could significantly speed up my reloading.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government in my reloading room, using a Lee Pro 1000 progressive press and a Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measure. I was reloading .45-70 rounds with a 405-grain cast lead bullet and IMR 3031 powder.
The die performed well in dry conditions, reliably expanding the case mouth and dispensing powder without any spillage. It was easy to adjust the powder charge using the Auto-Disk Powder Measure. The process was noticeably faster compared to my previous method of expanding the case mouth separately and then charging with a powder measure.
The only minor issue I encountered was the need to ensure the case was fully seated in the die before the powder measure dispensed the powder. If the case wasn’t fully seated, the powder measure wouldn’t activate, which led to a few empty cases initially. After a few adjustments to my press setup, this issue was easily resolved.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds reloaded, the Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government has held up exceptionally well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear. It continues to function smoothly and consistently.
Maintenance is simple: I just wipe it down with a clean cloth after each reloading session. I occasionally apply a thin coat of gun oil to prevent rust. This is a very low maintenance tool.
Compared to my previous method, the Lee die has significantly streamlined my .45-70 reloading process. It has improved both speed and consistency, resulting in more accurate and reliable rounds. It has definitely outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government
Specifications
- Caliber: .45-70 Government. This die is specifically designed for reloading the .45-70 Government cartridge, a classic cartridge known for its versatility and stopping power.
- Function: Powder Through Expanding Die. It simultaneously expands the case mouth to accept a bullet and charges the case with powder, streamlining the reloading process.
- Compatibility: Works with Lee Powder Funnel Adapter, Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measure, or Lee Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure. This offers flexibility in powder dispensing options, catering to different reloading setups and preferences.
- Material: Steel. The steel construction ensures durability and longevity, withstanding the pressures and stresses of repeated use.
- Included Accessories: 1 Die in a Set. This provides a complete solution for powder-through expanding and charging, without the need to purchase additional components separately.
These specifications are critical for the die’s performance because they directly impact the consistency and efficiency of the reloading process. The correct caliber ensures proper case fit and powder dispensing, while the durable steel construction guarantees reliable performance over time. The compatibility with various Lee powder measures allows for precise and repeatable powder charges, ultimately contributing to improved accuracy and consistency in reloaded ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government performs its job admirably, reliably expanding the case mouth and dispensing powder with each cycle. Its accuracy in powder dispensing depends heavily on the powder measure being used, but with proper setup and adjustment, consistent charges are easily achievable. This can drastically improve a reloader’s efficiency.
A major strength of this die is its simplicity and ease of use. However, a potential weakness is the need for precise press setup to ensure consistent case seating and powder dispensing. Meeting expectations is a definite yes because it does exactly what it advertises.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government features a straightforward, functional design. The blued steel construction feels robust and durable. The die is comfortable to handle and easy to adjust.
There is a slight learning curve involved in setting up the die correctly within a reloading press. It requires adjusting the die depth to achieve proper case expansion and powder dispensing. Novice reloaders may need to consult Lee’s reloading manual or online resources for guidance.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government is built to last, thanks to its steel construction. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide many years of reliable service. It’s built with the purpose to last.
Maintenance involves simply wiping the die down with a clean cloth after each use and applying a thin coat of gun oil to prevent rust. There are no complex parts or mechanisms that require specialized cleaning or repair. This contributes to its longevity and ease of ownership.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government is primarily designed to be used with Lee powder measures, specifically the Auto-Disk and Pro Auto-Disk models. No other accessories are included with the product.
The die is compatible with Lee’s powder funnel adapter, which allows for manual powder charging if desired. While the die itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, the powder charging process can be fine-tuned by selecting different powder disks or adjustable powder bars for the Lee powder measures. Fine-tuning is essential in reloading.
Pros and Cons of Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government
Pros
- Significantly speeds up the .45-70 reloading process by combining case expansion and powder charging into a single step.
- Ensures consistent powder charges when used with a compatible Lee powder measure, leading to improved accuracy and reliability.
- Affordable price point makes it an accessible upgrade for reloaders on a budget.
- Durable steel construction guarantees long-lasting performance.
- Simple and easy to use, even for novice reloaders.
Cons
- Requires precise press setup to ensure consistent case seating and powder dispensing.
- Only compatible with Lee powder measures, limiting options for reloaders who prefer other brands.
Who Should Buy Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government?
The Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government is perfect for .45-70 reloaders looking to improve the speed and consistency of their reloading process, especially those using Lee reloading equipment. It’s also a great choice for high-volume reloaders who want to streamline their workflow.
This product might not be ideal for reloaders who prefer to use powder measures from other brands or those who are not comfortable with the initial setup and adjustment required for proper function. Furthermore, this might be a pass for reloaders who only load a few rounds at a time.
A must-have accessory for this die is a compatible Lee powder measure, such as the Auto-Disk or Pro Auto-Disk model. Additionally, a good reloading manual and a reliable scale are essential for safe and accurate reloading.
Conclusion on Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government
The Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government is a valuable addition to any .45-70 reloader’s toolkit. It offers a significant improvement in speed and consistency at an incredibly affordable price. The Lee die efficiently handles the combination of expanding and charging.
The price is definitely justified, considering the time and effort saved during the reloading process, not to mention the potential for improved accuracy and consistency in reloaded ammunition. It’s very economically priced.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who reloads .45-70 and is looking for a simple and effective way to streamline their reloading process. Upgrade your reloading bench today and experience the benefits of the Lee Powder Thru Charging Die .45-70 Government! It’s well worth it.