Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678

The Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 offer reloaders a specialized set of tools for a cartridge that, while potent, isn’t as widely supported as others. Crafted by Lee, a brand synonymous with value and innovation in reloading, these dies promise precision and consistency without breaking the bank. This limited production run caters to those who cherish the 7mm Shooting Times Westerner, a flat-shooting, hard-hitting caliber favored by long-range hunters and competitive shooters.

I’d been looking to get more involved in hand-loading, seeking that precision and control over my ammunition, but was daunted by the cost of some of the higher-end die sets. Specifically, I recently acquired a beautiful custom 7mm STW rifle and factory ammunition availability was scarce and expensive.

My first impression of the Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 was positive. The packaging was simple, but the dies themselves felt solid in hand, showcasing Lee’s commitment to functionality over frills.

While I considered die sets from Redding and RCBS, the Lee set’s price point and included shellholder ultimately swayed my decision. The other sets, while potentially offering finer tolerances, came at nearly double the cost.

I was excited to finally have a way to consistently feed my 7mm STW rifle. The prospect of tailoring loads for optimal accuracy was a major draw, and this die set seemed like the perfect entry point.


Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 took place in my reloading room. I wanted a controlled environment for setting up the dies and working through the initial loading process. The setup was straightforward, guided by Lee’s included instructions, and I soon had the sizing, seating, and expanding dies properly adjusted.

The dies performed admirably, even with some slightly stubborn cases. The consistent neck tension and precise bullet seating gave me confidence in the quality of the reloads.

The only initial issue I encountered was a slight learning curve with the expander die. Adjusting it to achieve the correct neck tension without over-expanding the case mouth required a bit of fine-tuning.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 have proven remarkably reliable. I’ve loaded hundreds of rounds with these dies, and the consistency in bullet seating depth and neck tension remains impressive.

There are only minor signs of wear on the dies, mainly some slight scuffing on the exterior. Regular cleaning and lubrication have kept them functioning smoothly.

Compared to my experiences with older, less precise dies, these Lee dies have significantly improved the consistency and accuracy of my reloads. The reduction in group sizes at the range has been noticeable.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678

Specifications

  • Caliber: 7mm Shooting Times Westerner (7mm STW). This die set is specifically designed for this less common, high-performance cartridge.
  • Includes: Full Length Sizing Die, Bullet Seating Die, Expander Die, and Shellholder. Providing all the essential components for reloading.
  • Material: Steel. Ensuring durability and longevity.
  • Type: Pacesetter LP Rifle Dies. Offering a balance of quality and affordability.
  • Factory Crimp Die: Not Included. This die set does not have the factory crimp die.

These specifications are vital for reloaders seeking a precise and reliable die set for the 7mm STW cartridge. The inclusion of a shellholder ensures compatibility with standard reloading presses, while the steel construction guarantees the dies can withstand repeated use. The exclusion of the factory crimp die is notable.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 perform their intended function exceptionally well. They consistently produce accurate and reliable ammunition for my 7mm STW rifle.

The sizing die resizes cases to correct dimensions with minimal effort, ensuring smooth chambering. The bullet seating die allows for precise adjustment of seating depth, crucial for optimizing accuracy.

The expander die properly flares the case mouth to allow easy bullet seating. A small negative is that this die set does not include a factory crimp die, meaning you will need a separate crimp die.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 feature a straightforward and functional design. The dies are easy to handle and adjust, even for reloaders with limited experience.

The steel construction gives the dies a solid and durable feel. They feel like they can handle a lot of use.

The lack of excessive frills contributes to the overall ease of use. There is very little learning curve to use this die set.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their steel construction, the Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 are built to last. With proper care, they should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. This ensures smooth operation and prevents rust.

These dies appear to be more than capable of withstanding the demands of frequent reloading. They seem very durable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 come with a shellholder, ensuring compatibility with most reloading presses. Since this is a very standard die set, there aren’t really customization options with this product.

While the dies themselves offer limited customization, reloaders can experiment with different bullets, powders, and primers to tailor their loads. This can achieve optimal accuracy and performance.

The dies are compatible with Lee reloading presses and other standard reloading equipment. The addition of a Lee Factory Crimp Die would be a useful customization to complete the die set.

Pros and Cons of Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678

Pros

  • Specifically designed for the 7mm STW cartridge. Addressing the needs of reloaders with this specialized caliber.
  • Includes essential dies and a shellholder. Providing a complete package for reloading.
  • Affordable price point. Offering excellent value for the money.
  • Durable steel construction. Ensuring long-lasting performance.
  • Easy to use and adjust. Suitable for both novice and experienced reloaders.

Cons

  • Does not include a factory crimp die. Requiring a separate purchase for those who prefer crimped ammunition.
  • Limited production run. Potentially making it difficult to find in the future.


Who Should Buy Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678?

The Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 are perfect for reloaders who own a 7mm STW rifle and want to produce custom ammunition. This is especially relevant for those seeking greater accuracy or cost savings compared to factory loads. They are also good for those seeking precision ammo for hunting applications.

This product might not be ideal for reloaders who prefer using a factory crimp die as a standard part of their loading process, or who don’t own a 7mm STW rifle.

A must-have accessory for this die set is a Lee Factory Crimp Die for 7mm STW. This will allow you to complete the reloading process with consistent crimping.

Conclusion on Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678

Overall, the Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 are an excellent value for reloaders seeking a reliable and precise die set for the 7mm STW cartridge. The set’s affordable price and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment.

The price is definitely justified. Comparable die sets from other manufacturers can cost significantly more.

I would definitely recommend this die set to anyone reloading for the 7mm STW. The improved accuracy and consistency are well worth the investment.

If you are looking for a high-quality, affordable die set for your 7mm STW rifle, look no further than the Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678. Get yours today and start enjoying the benefits of custom-tailored ammunition!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top