Let’s Dive into Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet
The Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet reloading die set is a crucial tool for anyone venturing into the world of reloading the .17 Hornet cartridge. This set, manufactured by Lee Precision, includes everything needed to resize, seat bullets, and apply a factory crimp to your hand-loaded ammunition, all at a very attractive price point. It comes with a full-length sizing die, an easy-adjust bullet seating die, a factory crimp die, a universal shell holder, a powder dipper, and detailed instructions with load data.
My journey into reloading the .17 Hornet began out of necessity; factory ammunition was becoming increasingly scarce and expensive, especially during recent shortages. Accuracy was also a concern; I was looking to achieve tighter groups with my rifle, and custom handloads seemed the only viable solution.
Upon unboxing the Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet die set, I was immediately impressed by the robust feel of the dies. While not as flashy as some of the premium options on the market, the build quality felt solid and reliable. The included instructions were clear and concise, a welcome change from some of the more cryptic reloading manuals I’ve encountered.
Compared to Redding or RCBS die sets, the Lee set is noticeably more budget-friendly. I chose Lee for this specific caliber because of its reputation for producing accurate ammunition at a reasonable cost, something very important when experimenting with different loads. My initial reaction was positive; I was eager to get started and see if I could improve upon the performance of factory ammunition.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet die set was at my home reloading bench, preparing ammunition for a prairie dog hunt in Wyoming. The process was straightforward; the dies were easy to set up in my single-stage press. I was particularly impressed with the easy-adjust bullet seating die, which allowed for fine-tuning the seating depth with minimal fuss.
The ammunition was tested in relatively dry conditions, typical for a Wyoming summer. The sizing die worked flawlessly, ensuring consistent case dimensions. The factory crimp die provided a uniform crimp, improving consistency and preventing bullet setback during feeding.
The Lee PaceSetter dies required minimal getting used to, which is a testament to their user-friendly design. The instructions provided clear guidance, even for a relative newcomer to reloading the .17 Hornet. The biggest surprise was the consistency of the resulting ammunition; my initial test loads grouped significantly tighter than the factory ammunition I had been using.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet die set has proven to be a reliable workhorse. There are no signs of wear and tear on any of the dies. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each reloading session is all that’s required.
The Lee dies have far exceeded my expectations. They have allowed me to produce consistently accurate and reliable ammunition at a fraction of the cost of factory loads. Comparing this experience to my previous reloading endeavors with other calibers and die sets, the Lee set for the .17 Hornet stands out for its ease of use and consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet
Specifications
- Caliber: The Lee 90096 PaceSetter is specifically designed for the .17 Hornet cartridge. This ensures proper case sizing and bullet seating.
- Die Type: This is a 3-Die Set, including a full-length sizing die, a bullet seating die, and a factory crimp die. Each die plays a crucial role in the reloading process.
- Shell Holder: A universal shell holder is included in the set. This saves you the hassle and expense of purchasing one separately.
- Powder Dipper: A powder dipper is also included, allowing for quick and easy powder measuring. While not as precise as a scale, it’s useful for initial load development.
- Instructions/Load Data: Detailed instructions and load data are provided. This is essential for safe and effective reloading practices.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the quality and consistency of your hand-loaded ammunition. Proper case sizing ensures reliable feeding and extraction, while consistent bullet seating depth and crimping improve accuracy and ballistic performance. The inclusion of necessary accessories like the shell holder and powder dipper adds value and convenience to the set.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet die set performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently produces accurate and reliable ammunition. The easy-adjust bullet seating die is a standout feature, allowing for precise control over seating depth.
The main strength of this die set is its simplicity and ease of use. The dies are well-machined and function smoothly in a reloading press. A potential weakness is the powder dipper; for optimal accuracy, a powder scale is recommended.
This set meets and exceeds my expectations. I am getting better accuracy from my reloads than I was with factory ammo.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet dies are made from high-quality steel. They are designed to be durable and long-lasting. The dies feel solid in hand and are comfortable to use with a standard reloading press.
The design is user-friendly, even for novice reloaders. The instructions are clear and the dies are easy to adjust. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet die set is built to last for many years. With proper care, these dies should provide consistent performance through thousands of reloading cycles. Maintenance is simple; cleaning the dies after each use with a clean cloth and applying a light coat of oil will keep them in good condition. The Lee dies are designed for straightforward disassembly and cleaning, so extensive repairs are rarely necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet die set includes a universal shell holder and a powder dipper. However, there are no specific customization options for the dies themselves. The dies are compatible with any standard reloading press that accepts 7/8″-14 threaded dies.
Reloaders can enhance their .17 Hornet reloading setup by adding a quality powder scale, a case trimmer, and a chamfer/deburring tool. These tools will improve the accuracy and consistency of their handloads. Other compatible accessories include various bullet seating stems for different bullet profiles and aftermarket crimp collars for even more precise crimping.
Pros and Cons of Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet
Pros
- The Lee 90096 PaceSetter is highly affordable, making it a great entry point for reloading the .17 Hornet.
- The easy-adjust bullet seating die allows for precise control over seating depth.
- The factory crimp die improves bullet retention and enhances accuracy.
- A universal shell holder is included, saving on additional costs.
- The set comes with detailed instructions and load data.
Cons
- The included powder dipper is not as accurate as a powder scale.
- The dies lack the polished finish of more expensive brands.
Who Should Buy Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet?
The Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet die set is perfect for hunters and varmint shooters who want to develop accurate and cost-effective handloads for their .17 Hornet rifles. It is also ideal for reloaders on a budget or those new to the .17 Hornet caliber. Shooters seeking the most refined and visually appealing dies with the tightest tolerances might consider higher-end options like Redding or Forster.
If you are serious about achieving extreme accuracy and require the absolute best components, you might want to consider a more premium die set. Must-have accessories include a quality powder scale, a case trimmer, and a chamfer/deburring tool.
Conclusion on Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet
The Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet die set offers excellent value for the money. It provides all the essential tools needed to reload accurate and reliable .17 Hornet ammunition. The Lee set provides an excellent balance of performance and affordability.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering the cost savings from reloading versus purchasing factory ammunition. I would personally recommend the Lee 90096 PaceSetter 17 Hornet die set to anyone looking to get into reloading the .17 Hornet. Start reloading today and experience the satisfaction of creating your own custom ammunition.