Let’s Dive into Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569
The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569 offers reloaders a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for producing accurate and reliable ammunition. This set, manufactured by Lee, includes a carbide sizing die, a powder-through expanding die, and a bullet seating/crimping die, along with the appropriate shellholder for the .38 S&W cartridge. It’s a solid choice for both beginners and experienced reloaders looking for consistent performance without breaking the bank.
I reload primarily for accuracy and economy, especially for older cartridges like the .38 S&W. Factory ammunition for this caliber can be expensive and sometimes hard to find, so reloading is essential.
My initial impression upon unboxing was positive; the dies felt solid and well-made, especially considering the price point. The carbide sizing die is a huge plus, eliminating the need for case lubrication, which saves time and effort.
Compared to RCBS or Hornady die sets, the Lee set is noticeably more affordable. I chose the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569 because I needed a reliable set for .38 S&W without investing heavily, and the Lee reputation for value is well-known. I was pleasantly surprised by the overall quality and the inclusion of a shellholder, something not always standard with other brands.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569 using my Dillon Precision RL550B reloading press. The dies threaded smoothly into the press, and setup was straightforward using the instructions provided.
Performance was consistent and reliable. The carbide sizing die made resizing spent cases a breeze, and the powder-through expanding die worked perfectly with my Lee Auto-Disk powder measure.
The bullet seating die produced rounds with consistent overall lengths, and the crimp was uniform. I didn’t encounter any issues with sticking cases or inconsistent crimps during the first reloading session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569, it has proven to be a reliable workhorse. The dies show no signs of significant wear and tear despite consistent use.
Maintenance has been minimal, primarily involving wiping down the dies with a clean cloth after each reloading session. I’ve also occasionally applied a light coat of gun oil to prevent rust.
The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569 has consistently outperformed my expectations for a budget-friendly die set. It’s produced accurate and reliable ammunition that functions flawlessly in my Smith & Wesson Model 33 revolver.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569
Specifications
- Caliber: .38 S&W – Specifically designed for the .38 S&W cartridge, ensuring proper case fit and bullet seating. This eliminates potential feeding or chambering issues.
- Die Type: Carbide Sizing Die – The carbide sizing die significantly reduces friction during case resizing. This eliminates the need for case lubrication, streamlining the reloading process.
- Included Shellholder: Yes – The included shellholder ensures compatibility with .38 S&W cases. This is a convenient addition, saving the reloader from having to purchase a shellholder separately.
- Powder Through Expanding Die: Yes – This die allows for the use of a powder measure directly on the press. This speeds up the reloading process and improves consistency.
- Seater Die with Built-in Crimp: Yes – This die seats the bullet and applies a crimp in a single step. This simplifies the reloading process and ensures consistent crimps for improved accuracy and bullet retention.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569 performs its intended function exceptionally well. The carbide sizing die allows for smooth and effortless case resizing, even after multiple firings.
Accuracy and reliability are excellent. Ammunition loaded with this die set consistently produces tight groups at the range, and I have not experienced any malfunctions due to improperly sized or crimped rounds. The only area of improvement would be clearer crimping instructions for various bullet types.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee dies are constructed from high-quality steel and feature a durable finish. The included shellholder fits snugly and securely on my reloading press.
The dies are easy to adjust and use, even for novice reloaders. The instructions are clear and concise, providing guidance on proper die setup and adjustment.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569 is built to last. The steel construction and durable finish ensure that the dies will withstand years of use.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. With proper care, this die set should provide a lifetime of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569 comes with everything needed to reload .38 S&W ammunition. While there are no specific customization options for the die set itself, it is compatible with a wide range of bullet seating stems to accommodate different bullet profiles.
The Lee Auto-Disk powder measure is a popular accessory that works seamlessly with the powder-through expanding die. Other brands of powder measures may also be compatible.
Pros and Cons of Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569
Pros
- Affordable Price: Significantly cheaper than comparable die sets from other manufacturers, making it accessible to budget-conscious reloaders.
- Carbide Sizing Die: Eliminates the need for case lubrication, saving time and effort.
- Complete Set: Includes all the necessary dies and a shellholder for reloading .38 S&W ammunition.
- Consistent Performance: Produces accurate and reliable ammunition.
- Easy to Use: Simple to set up and adjust, even for novice reloaders.
Cons
- Lacking Advanced Features: No micrometer adjustment for bullet seating depth, found in some higher-end die sets.
- Basic Instructions: The provided instructions are adequate but could be more detailed, especially regarding crimping techniques.
Who Should Buy Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569?
The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569 is perfect for:
- Casual Reloaders: Those who reload occasionally and are looking for a cost-effective and reliable die set.
- New Reloaders: The simplicity of the set makes it a great starting point for beginners.
- .38 S&W Enthusiasts: Anyone who enjoys shooting .38 S&W revolvers and wants to save money by reloading their own ammunition.
Who should skip this product?
- Competitive Shooters: Those who require the utmost precision and demand advanced features like micrometer adjustment for bullet seating depth might prefer a higher-end die set.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measure: Highly recommended for consistent and accurate powder dispensing.
- Calipers: Essential for measuring overall cartridge length and ensuring proper dimensions.
Conclusion on Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569
The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569 is an outstanding value for the money. It offers reliable performance, ease of use, and the convenience of a carbide sizing die at an affordable price.
The price is absolutely justified. This set provides everything needed to reload accurate and reliable .38 S&W ammunition without breaking the bank.
I would definitely recommend the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 38 Smith & Wesson 90569 to anyone looking to get started in reloading or to those seeking a cost-effective solution for reloading .38 S&W. Invest in this die set and start saving money while enjoying the satisfaction of producing your own high-quality ammunition!