Let’s Dive into Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799
Reloading ammunition has always been a fascinating blend of science, precision, and cost-effectiveness for me. After a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’ve seen countless reloaders searching for that perfect balance between quality and affordability. The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 promises exactly that, offering a complete die set designed to bring the joy of hand-loading to .40 S&W shooters. From the unbreakable decapper to the finger-adjustable locking rings, Lee claims to have thought of everything.
I was struggling to maintain my .40 S&W ammo supply for IDPA matches without breaking the bank. Factory ammo prices were soaring, and I needed a reliable, consistent solution. The allure of carbide dies – eliminating the need for case lube – was a major draw.
The set arrived in a no-frills, but functional, cam-leather box. Initially, I was impressed by the heft of the dies and the smooth finish of the carbide inserts. The build quality appeared robust, and the inclusion of a universal shell holder and powder dipper was a welcome bonus.
Compared to the RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set and the Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 3-Die Set, the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 stood out primarily because of its significantly lower price point. While RCBS and Hornady are known for their premium fit and finish, Lee seemed to offer similar functionality at a fraction of the cost. This made it the perfect choice for my budget-conscious reloading needs.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While the fit and finish weren’t quite as polished as some of the higher-end brands, the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 seemed well-engineered and ready to tackle some serious reloading. I was excited to see if it could live up to the hype and produce consistent, accurate .40 S&W ammunition.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 at my home reloading bench, focusing on producing rounds for an upcoming IDPA match. The initial setup was straightforward, thanks to the included instruction manual. I started by resizing and decapping a batch of mixed-brass .40 S&W cases.
The dies performed admirably, even without case lube, though I did notice a slight increase in effort required for resizing compared to lubed cases. The finger-adjustable locking rings made fine-tuning the die settings a breeze. I found the bullet seating die to be particularly effective, consistently producing rounds with the correct overall length (COL).
There were no major issues during the initial use, though I did notice the powder dipper felt a little flimsy. Also, I was very careful of the included warning not to use reloads in Glock or similar guns with chambers that do not fully support the cartridge.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 has proven to be a reliable workhorse. I’ve reloaded hundreds of rounds with consistent results. The carbide inserts have held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear or damage.
The dies are showing minimal wear and tear, despite being used heavily. I clean them periodically with a dry cloth to remove any powder residue. The Lee dies are easy to disassemble for a more thorough cleaning, if needed.
Compared to my previous experience with a non-carbide die set, the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 offers a significant improvement in terms of convenience and efficiency. The elimination of case lube saves considerable time and effort, making the reloading process much more enjoyable. The consistent performance of the dies has also boosted my confidence in the quality of my reloaded ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799
Specifications
Caliber: .40 S&W. Specifically designed for this popular pistol cartridge.
Material: Durable steel construction with carbide inserts. This ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear.
Dies Included: Resizing/Decapping Die, Powder Through Expanding Die, Bullet Seating Die. These dies provide a comprehensive solution for reloading .40 S&W ammunition.
Additional Features: Unbreakable decapper, free-floating bullet seater, integrated stuck case remover, finger-adjustable locking rings. These features enhance the user experience and improve the overall efficiency of the reloading process.
Included Accessories: Universal shell holder, powder dipper, case lube, and instruction manual. These accessories provide everything needed to get started with reloading .40 S&W ammunition.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the performance and ease of use of the die set. The carbide inserts are essential for reducing friction and eliminating the need for case lube. The finger-adjustable locking rings allow for precise die adjustments, which is critical for achieving consistent results. The included accessories provide a complete solution for reloaders of all skill levels.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 performs its job effectively and reliably. The resizing die consistently returns cases to their proper dimensions, ensuring smooth chambering in my pistol. The bullet seating die accurately seats bullets to the desired depth, resulting in consistent velocities and improved accuracy.
The strengths of this die set include its affordability, ease of use, and consistent performance. The weakness is its lower fit and finish than competitors.
The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 meets my expectations for a mid-range die set. It may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the higher-end brands, but it gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 features a straightforward and functional design. The dies are made from durable steel, which gives them a solid and robust feel. The finger-adjustable locking rings are a welcome addition, making it easy to fine-tune the die settings.
The die set is user-friendly and requires minimal setup. The learning curve is minimal, even for novice reloaders.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 is built to last. The durable steel construction and carbide inserts ensure long-lasting performance.
The die set is easy to maintain and repair. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth is usually sufficient to remove any powder residue. The dies can be easily disassembled for a more thorough cleaning, if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 comes with a universal shell holder and powder dipper. These accessories provide everything needed to get started with reloading .40 S&W ammunition.
The die set is compatible with most standard reloading presses and accessories. It can be used with a variety of powder measures, bullet feeders, and case trimmers.
Pros and Cons of Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious reloaders.
- Carbide inserts eliminate the need for case lube, saving time and effort.
- Finger-adjustable locking rings allow for precise die adjustments.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Includes universal shell holder and powder dipper for added convenience.
Cons
- Fit and finish are not as refined as some higher-end brands.
- Powder dipper feels somewhat flimsy.
Who Should Buy Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799?
Perfect for: Reloaders on a budget, casual shooters, and those looking for a convenient and easy-to-use die set. The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 is ideal for anyone who wants to start reloading .40 S&W ammunition without breaking the bank.
Who should skip this product? Reloaders who prioritize premium fit and finish, and those who require the absolute highest level of precision and consistency.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality powder measure, a reliable reloading press, and a bullet puller are essential for reloading .40 S&W ammunition with the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799.
Conclusion on Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799
The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 is a solid and reliable die set that offers excellent value for the money. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the higher-end brands, it gets the job done without breaking the bank.
The price is absolutely justified for what you get. This die set offers a significant cost savings over factory ammunition.
I would definitely recommend the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .40 S&W 90799 to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable way to reload .40 S&W ammunition. It’s a great choice for beginners and experienced reloaders alike. So, dive in, save some money, and start reloading today!