Let’s Dive into Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit One Kit .357 Standard 7/8″ X 14″ Threads
For those of us who cast our own bullets, the process of lubricating and sizing can often feel like a necessary evil. Enter the Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit One Kit .357 Standard 7/8″ X 14″ Threads, a simple yet effective solution designed to streamline this essential reloading step. Manufactured by Lee Precision, this kit aims to simplify bullet sizing and lubrication for .357 caliber projectiles, fitting seamlessly onto any standard reloading press with 7/8″ x 14 threads.
My journey to this kit started with the desire for greater control over my ammunition’s consistency and accuracy. I was tired of purchasing pre-lubricated bullets and wanted to experiment with different bullet designs and lubricants to optimize performance. The promise of a straightforward, press-mounted system that could handle both sizing and lubrication was incredibly appealing.
Upon unboxing, the kit’s simplicity was immediately apparent. It’s a no-frills design, all steel and functional. The weight feels substantial, hinting at durability, but not overly heavy. The build quality seems solid, though the finish isn’t as polished as some higher-end options, which is to be expected at this price point.
Compared to a dedicated bullet sizer from Lyman or a more elaborate setup involving a separate lubricator like the Star Lube-Sizer, the Lee 90047 kit stands out for its compact design and affordability. While the Lyman offers more precision and the Star boasts higher throughput, the Lee kit won out for its ease of use and smaller footprint on my reloading bench. This kit seemed like the perfect entry point into casting and sizing my own bullets.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit seemed like a smart solution for my bullet sizing and lubricating needs. It seemed a bit crude but I could see the potential for an efficient process with a small learning curve.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit One Kit .357 Standard 7/8″ X 14″ Threads to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit in my reloading room, which is a controlled environment. I was working with a batch of .358 diameter cast bullets that I wanted to size down to .357 for my .357 Magnum revolver. The ambient temperature was around 70°F, and the bullets were clean and dry.
The performance was surprisingly smooth. I used Lee Liquid Alox lubricant, applying a thin coat to the bullets before running them through the die. The bullets sized easily, with minimal resistance. There was a slight learning curve in getting the hang of the press stroke and lubricant application.
There weren’t any major issues, but I did notice that the bullets occasionally stuck in the die if I applied too much pressure or not enough lubricant. A little finesse quickly resolved that issue. This was easily remedied with a quick spritz of One Shot case lube inside the die.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit has proven to be a reliable tool. I’ve sized thousands of bullets with it, and it still performs as well as it did on day one. The Lee kit has been holding up fine.
There are some minor signs of wear and tear, such as slight scratches on the die’s surface, but nothing that affects performance. I keep the die clean and lightly oiled, which seems to be sufficient for maintenance. Cleaning is as simple as wiping the die inside and out with a clean cloth and a bit of solvent.
Compared to my previous method of hand-lubricating bullets, the Lee kit is a vast improvement in terms of speed and consistency. It’s made the process of reloading cast bullets much more enjoyable. I have definitely found this kit to be worth the investment.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit One Kit .357 Standard 7/8″ X 14″ Threads
Specifications
Manufacturer: Lee Precision. A well-known name in the reloading world, known for producing affordable and functional equipment.
Caliber: .357 Magnum. Specifically designed for sizing and lubricating .357 diameter bullets.
Threads per Inch: 7/8″ x 14. This is the standard thread size for most reloading presses, ensuring compatibility.
Quantity: One Kit. The kit includes the sizing die, punch, and catch container.
Additional Features: Lube & Sizing Kit. Designed to both size and lubricate cast bullets in one step. This makes the whole process faster and easier.
These specifications are important because they ensure compatibility with standard reloading equipment and streamline the bullet sizing and lubrication process. The .357 caliber specification means it’s specifically designed for .357 Magnum and similar cartridges, while the standard threads allow it to be used with a wide range of reloading presses. This is a single caliber-specific die, so consider what you want to reload before buying.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit performs its primary function – sizing and lubricating cast bullets – very well. The bullets are sized to the correct diameter consistently, and the lubricant is applied evenly. This leads to more accurate and consistent reloads.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use. Setup is quick and straightforward, and the process is relatively mess-free. However, it’s not the fastest system, especially when compared to dedicated lubricators.
The Lee 90047 kit meets expectations for a budget-friendly bullet sizing and lubricating solution. It’s not perfect, but it’s a significant improvement over hand-lubricating bullets.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit is built from solid steel, giving it a robust and durable feel. The weight is substantial but not excessive, and it feels well-made for its price point.
The design is straightforward, with no unnecessary frills. It’s simple to use and requires minimal effort to get up and running. There’s a small learning curve, especially concerning the right amount of bullet lube needed, but it is very intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its all-steel construction, the Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit is expected to last for many years with proper care. The sizing die itself is likely to outlast most reloaders, provided it’s not abused.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning and light lubrication are all that’s needed to keep it in good working order. The kit is easily disassembled for cleaning and inspection.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit comes as a complete kit, including the sizing die, punch, and catch container. It doesn’t offer extensive customization options, but you can purchase different sizing dies for other calibers.
It is compatible with various bullet lubricants, such as Lee Liquid Alox, White Label Lube Carnauba Red, and other similar products. You can also use different catch containers if you prefer. You can’t modify the die itself, it’s a set size and style.
Pros and Cons of Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit One Kit .357 Standard 7/8″ X 14″ Threads
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: Lee products are known for their affordability, making this an accessible option for reloaders on a budget.
- Simple and Easy to Use: The design is straightforward, making it easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
- Consistent Sizing: Delivers consistent bullet sizing, leading to more accurate and reliable reloads.
- Durable Construction: The all-steel construction ensures durability and longevity.
- Space-Saving Design: Compact design takes up minimal space on the reloading bench.
Cons
- Can be Messy: Liquid lubricants can sometimes be messy, requiring careful application and cleanup.
- Not the Fastest System: Sizing bullets one at a time can be time-consuming compared to dedicated lubricators.
Who Should Buy Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit One Kit .357 Standard 7/8″ X 14″ Threads?
The Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit is perfect for reloaders who are just getting started with casting their own bullets and want an affordable and easy-to-use solution. It’s also well-suited for those who reload .357 Magnum or similar cartridges in smaller quantities. This is a great kit for anyone looking to develop custom loads on a budget.
Those who need to size and lubricate large quantities of bullets quickly might want to consider a more elaborate system, such as a dedicated bullet lubricator. If you are a high-volume reloader, this might not be the kit for you. Also, if you need to load multiple calibers regularly, multiple kits may make storage difficult.
A must-have accessory is a good bullet lubricant, such as Lee Liquid Alox or White Label Lube Carnauba Red. Also, having a dedicated catch container helps with managing the sized and lubricated bullets.
Conclusion on Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit One Kit .357 Standard 7/8″ X 14″ Threads
Overall, the Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit One Kit .357 Standard 7/8″ X 14″ Threads is a solid and reliable solution for sizing and lubricating cast bullets. It’s not the fanciest or fastest system, but it gets the job done effectively and affordably.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering the quality and durability of the product. For around $40, you get a tool that will likely last for years and significantly improve the consistency of your reloads.
I would personally recommend the Lee 90047 Lube & Sizing Kit to anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use bullet sizing and lubricating solution. It’s a great way to get started with casting your own bullets and fine-tuning your reloads. If you’re looking to take control of your reloading process and improve the accuracy of your ammunition, give this kit a try. You won’t be disappointed.