Lee Pacesetter Dies W/Shellholder For 44-40 Winchester 90564 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Pacesetter Dies W/Shellholder For 44-40 Winchester 90564

The Lee Pacesetter Dies W/Shellholder For 44-40 Winchester 90564 represents a complete reloading die set designed specifically for the classic .44-40 Winchester cartridge. Manufactured by Lee Precision, a company renowned for affordable and reliable reloading equipment, this set promises to equip reloaders with everything they need to produce consistent and accurate ammunition for their lever-action rifles and revolvers. It stands out due to its inclusion of the Lee Factory Crimp Die, a feature not always found in other die sets at this price point, offering enhanced control over bullet seating and crimping.

I’ve always appreciated the .44-40 Winchester for its historical significance and its versatility in both rifles and revolvers, so getting into reloading for it was a natural progression. I was looking for a set of dies that was both comprehensive and budget-friendly, without sacrificing quality, and the Lee Pacesetter Dies W/Shellholder For 44-40 Winchester 90564 seemed to fit the bill perfectly. This seemed like the perfect starting point for a new cartridge.

Upon unboxing, the Lee dies felt solid and well-machined. The steel construction gave a reassuring sense of durability, and the included shellholder was a welcome addition, eliminating the need for a separate purchase. The packaging, while basic, was functional and provided adequate protection for the dies during shipping.

Compared to other die sets I’ve used from RCBS and Redding, the Lee set felt simpler in design, but not necessarily inferior. The other sets were more expensive, but the Lee set included the Factory Crimp Die, which I valued for its ability to ensure consistent crimps, especially important for lever-action rifles. I chose the Lee Pacesetter Dies W/Shellholder For 44-40 Winchester 90564 primarily for its combination of affordability, completeness, and the inclusion of the Factory Crimp Die.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the finish wasn’t as polished as some higher-end dies, the overall quality seemed good, and I was eager to put them to the test and see how they performed. The Lee name has been a common one in my reloading bench.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Pacesetter Dies W/Shellholder For 44-40 Winchester 90564 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Lee Pacesetter Dies W/Shellholder For 44-40 Winchester 90564 was at my local shooting range, where I have a dedicated reloading bench. I was loading .44-40 rounds for my Uberti 1873 rifle, aiming for a consistent load that would be accurate and reliable.

The dies performed admirably under relatively controlled conditions. The sizing die smoothly resized the cases, and the bullet seating die allowed for precise bullet placement. I found the Factory Crimp Die particularly useful in achieving a consistent and secure crimp, which is crucial for proper feeding in a lever-action rifle.

I didn’t encounter any major issues during my first use. I did notice that the seating die required a bit of fine-tuning to achieve the desired seating depth, but that’s typical with most die sets. The included load data provided a good starting point, but I did consult other sources to fine-tune my load for optimal performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Lee Pacesetter Dies W/Shellholder For 44-40 Winchester 90564 has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. The dies have held up well, showing no signs of excessive wear or damage.

The only sign of wear is on the sizing die, where the finish has slightly worn off from repeated case resizing. This is purely cosmetic and hasn’t affected the die’s performance in any way.

Maintenance has been minimal, consisting of occasional cleaning with a dry cloth and light lubrication with gun oil. They’ve maintained their performance over hundreds of rounds. Compared to my experience with other die sets, the Lee set has been surprisingly easy to maintain, requiring less frequent cleaning and lubrication.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Pacesetter Dies W/Shellholder For 44-40 Winchester 90564

Specifications

The Lee Pacesetter Dies W/Shellholder For 44-40 Winchester 90564 is specifically designed for the .44-40 Winchester cartridge. The set includes a sizing die, an expander die, a bullet seating die, and the Lee Factory Crimp Die. The set also includes a universal shellholder.

The Lee Factory Crimp Die is a standout feature, as it applies a collet-style crimp that ensures consistent bullet seating and improves accuracy. The steel construction of the dies ensures durability and longevity. These specs ensure proper reloading for this specific cartridge.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Pacesetter Dies W/Shellholder For 44-40 Winchester 90564 performs its intended function admirably, producing accurate and reliable ammunition. The dies consistently resize cases to the correct dimensions, seat bullets with precision, and apply a consistent crimp.

The Lee Factory Crimp Die is a particular strength, as it eliminates the issues of case neck tension and bullet setback, which can be common with other crimping methods. The seating die could use a slightly finer adjustment for seating depth.

The dies meet and even slightly exceed my expectations for a set of dies in this price range. They’ve allowed me to create consistent and accurate .44-40 ammunition for my rifles and revolvers, and the Factory Crimp Die has proven to be a valuable addition.

Design & Ergonomics

The dies are made from high-quality steel, ensuring durability and longevity. The dies feel solid and well-made, and the finish is generally good, though not as polished as some higher-end die sets.

The dies are relatively easy to use, with clear instructions provided. The seating die requires a bit of fine-tuning, but overall, the set is user-friendly, even for novice reloaders.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction of the dies suggests that they will last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring the dies continue to perform optimally.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The dies are easy to disassemble and clean, and replacement parts are readily available from Lee Precision.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Pacesetter Dies W/Shellholder For 44-40 Winchester 90564 comes with a universal shellholder, which is compatible with most reloading presses. There are no real customization options for the dies themselves, as they are designed to be used as a complete set.

The dies are compatible with most standard reloading presses and accessories. It is important to use the correct shellholder for the .44-40 Winchester cartridge, but beyond that, there are no specific compatibility concerns. The use of Lee Auto-Prime is common.

Pros and Cons of Lee Pacesetter Dies W/Shellholder For 44-40 Winchester 90564