Let’s Talk About Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies
The .50 Beowulf. It’s a beast of a cartridge designed to deliver serious stopping power, turning AR-15 platforms into short-range thumpers. To truly unlock the potential of this round, handloading is almost a necessity. The Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies offer a seemingly affordable entry point into this world of custom ammunition, but are they up to the task of taming this wildcat cartridge?
My quest for these dies began with a simple need: accuracy and consistency. Factory .50 Beowulf ammunition, while potent, can be expensive and, more importantly, inconsistent in performance. I wanted to tailor my loads for specific applications, from hog hunting in thick brush to pushing the limits of accuracy at the range. The allure of crafting the perfect .50 Beowulf round proved too strong to resist.
The Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies arrived in a straightforward, no-frills package. My initial impression was one of practicality over premium aesthetics. The weight felt substantial, suggesting a robust build, but a closer inspection revealed that these are not carbide dies.
Compared to RCBS or Hornady dies, the Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies are noticeably more budget-friendly. The decision to choose the Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies came down to a balance of cost and perceived value, hoping they could provide a solid foundation for .50 Beowulf reloading without breaking the bank. However, a nagging feeling remained: would the lack of carbide sizing be a significant drawback?
I was cautiously optimistic. The price was right, and the set included everything needed to get started (minus the press and other essentials, of course). My excitement was tempered by the knowledge that these dies would likely require more lubrication and attention than carbide alternatives, and I knew I would have to see how they performed with the big .50 Beowulf cartridge.
Real-World Testing: Putting Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my reloading bench, a space I’ve honed over a decade of crafting everything from .223 varmint rounds to .338 Lapua Magnum long-range projectiles. I primarily tested the Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies with Starline brass and a variety of projectiles ranging from 300-grain JHPs to 400-grain hard cast bullets. The intention was to create a reliable, accurate load suitable for close-range hunting.
Working with the dies was a mixed bag initially. Sizing the .50 Beowulf brass, even with ample lubrication (Lee Resizing Lubricant), required significant force. I quickly realized these dies were not forgiving, and proper case prep was absolutely critical.
After a few hours of reloading, I ventured to my usual range. The loads I produced, while not match-grade, showed promise. Functionality was good, but extraction felt sticky, likely a result of the non-carbide sizing die.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of reloading sessions, the Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies have proven themselves functional but not without quirks. The sizing die continues to require meticulous lubrication, and I’ve noticed slight scoring on the case necks despite my best efforts. This is a potential issue that may affect accuracy in the long run.
Durability appears to be adequate for the task, but the finish on the dies is already showing signs of wear, especially on the sizer. Cleaning is straightforward, but the need for frequent re-lubrication adds to the overall maintenance time. Compared to my experience with carbide dies for other calibers, this set demands significantly more attention and care.
These Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies do the job. They aren’t smooth as butter like some higher-end options I’ve used. But, for a budget-friendly entry into .50 Beowulf reloading, they’re acceptable if you’re willing to put in the extra effort.
Breaking Down the Features of Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies
Specifications
The Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies set is designed for the .50 Beowulf cartridge and consists of four dies. These include a sizer die, a flare die, a seater die, and a crimping die. The set also includes a case holder and a copy of Alexander Arms‘ latest .50 Beowulf reloading data.
The absence of carbide inserts is a key specification to note. This necessitates the use of case lubricant during the resizing process to prevent stuck cases and excessive wear on the dies. The dimensions of the set are roughly 5 inches wide, 2 inches high, and 7 inches long, with a weight of around 2 lbs.
Performance & Functionality
The Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies perform adequately for basic .50 Beowulf reloading tasks. The sizing die, despite requiring significant force, consistently resizes cases to the proper dimensions, though the lack of carbide makes the process far from smooth. The flare die works well for expanding case mouths to accept bullets, and the seater die accurately seats bullets to the desired depth.
The crimping die applies a consistent crimp, which is crucial for proper bullet retention in the heavy-recoiling .50 Beowulf. The main weaknesses lie in the effort required for sizing and the potential for case damage due to the non-carbide construction. However, given the price point, the performance is generally acceptable, meeting the basic expectations for reloading the .50 Beowulf cartridge.
Design & Ergonomics
The Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies feature a straightforward, utilitarian design. The dies are constructed from hardened steel, giving them a solid feel, albeit a somewhat rough finish. The lack of a smooth, polished surface makes them less comfortable to handle than some higher-end dies.
The design is user-friendly in terms of basic functionality. But the force required for sizing and the need for constant lubrication adds an extra step to each reloading session. There’s a moderate learning curve for those new to reloading, especially concerning proper lubrication techniques.
Durability & Maintenance
The Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies, being made of steel, are reasonably durable, but the absence of carbide significantly impacts their lifespan compared to carbide dies. With proper lubrication and care, they should last for a decent number of reloads. However, neglecting lubrication will quickly lead to premature wear and potential damage.
Maintenance involves regular cleaning with a solvent to remove residue and lubrication. The threads should also be lightly oiled to prevent rust. While not overly complicated, the maintenance regime is more demanding than that of carbide dies.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies set comes with a basic case holder and a reloading data sheet specific to .50 Beowulf. There are no additional accessories included, and the dies themselves are not designed for extensive customization. However, they are compatible with most standard reloading presses and shell holders.
The Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies can be used with aftermarket bullet feeders or powder measures, but no direct Lee accessories are specifically designed for this die set. While not offering extensive customization, the compatibility with standard reloading equipment makes them versatile enough for most handloading setups.
Pros and Cons of Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies
Pros
- The Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies offer an affordable entry point into reloading the .50 Beowulf.
- The set includes all necessary dies for resizing, flaring, seating, and crimping.
- Consistent crimping helps ensure reliable bullet retention during recoil.
- Compatible with most standard reloading presses and shell holders.
- The included Alexander Arms reloading data provides a useful starting point for load development.
Cons
- Non-carbide sizing die requires meticulous lubrication, increasing effort and time.
- Potential for case damage and scoring due to the non-carbide design.
- Finish on the dies is relatively rough and shows wear more quickly than higher-end options.
Who Should Buy Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies?
The Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies are perfect for the budget-conscious .50 Beowulf enthusiast who is willing to invest extra time and effort into careful reloading practices. They are suitable for reloaders with some experience who understand the importance of proper case lubrication and are looking for a cost-effective solution for producing custom .50 Beowulf ammunition. They’re also a good option for those who only reload occasionally and don’t want to invest heavily in higher-end equipment.
Those who should skip this product include reloaders seeking maximum convenience and speed, or those who prioritize flawless case finish and long die life. If you reload large quantities of ammunition, or are unwilling to dedicate the necessary time to proper case preparation and lubrication, carbide dies from another manufacturer may be a better investment.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality case lubricant, such as Lee Resizing Lubricant or Imperial Sizing Wax. Proper application of lubricant is essential for preventing stuck cases and extending the life of the dies. A case neck brush can also be helpful for cleaning case necks and ensuring consistent bullet seating.
Conclusion on Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies
The Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies provide a functional, albeit basic, solution for reloading the .50 Beowulf cartridge. The value proposition is clear: affordability. The lower price comes with trade-offs, primarily the increased effort required for resizing due to the non-carbide construction.
I would cautiously recommend these dies to reloaders who are aware of their limitations and willing to invest the extra time and care needed for proper use. If you are willing to put in the work, the Alexander Arms Lee .50 Reloading Dies can be a viable option.
They’re a solid entry point into the world of .50 Beowulf reloading. Just be prepared to grease those cases!