Let’s Dive into Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe
The Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe is a reloading die designed to expand the case mouth of .44 Special cartridges while simultaneously allowing powder to be dispensed directly into the case. This innovative design, manufactured by Lee, streamlines the reloading process and improves consistency. It promises to simplify the often tedious task of case preparation for handloaders of the classic .44 Special round.
As a seasoned handloader, I’m always on the lookout for tools that can enhance precision and efficiency on the reloading bench. The bottleneck in my .44 Special reloading was always the separate expanding and charging steps. The promise of combining these steps with the Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe intrigued me.
Unboxing the die was straightforward; it’s a typical Lee product – functional and no-frills. The die itself feels robust, made of quality steel. My initial impression was positive; the machining seemed precise, and the design looked efficient.
I considered other expanding die options, specifically those from RCBS and Hornady. However, Lee’s powder-through design and significantly lower price point were the deciding factors. The RCBS and Hornady options required a separate powder charging step, making the Lee die the clear choice for simplifying my process.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The idea of combining expanding and charging was appealing, but I wondered if it would compromise the precision of either operation. My first impression was definitely one of intrigue and a desire to see if the Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe could truly deliver on its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe took place in my home reloading workshop. I was reloading .44 Special cartridges for my Smith & Wesson Model 29. I used a Lee Pro 1000 progressive press.
The die performed admirably even when powder bridging was an issue for my powder measure. I experienced no squibs when using the appropriate powder funnel. The expanding was consistent, and the powder dispensing was surprisingly accurate.
The learning curve was minimal. The die is easy to set up and use, even for someone new to reloading. The instructions are clear, and the design is intuitive. There were no major issues, just a slight adjustment to the powder measure linkage to achieve the desired charge weight.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several hundred rounds reloaded with the Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe, it has become a mainstay on my reloading bench. It continues to deliver consistent performance. The expanding remains uniform. Powder charges are consistently within +/- 0.1 grains of my target weight.
Durability has been excellent. There are no signs of wear and tear on the die body or the expanding plug. I clean the die after each reloading session with a dry cloth and a brush. I also apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent rust.
Compared to my previous method of using a separate expanding die and powder measure, the Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe is a significant improvement. It speeds up the reloading process, reduces the number of steps, and improves consistency. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe
Specifications
- The Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe is specifically designed for reloading .44 Special cartridges. This ensures proper case expansion and powder dispensing for this particular caliber.
- It is a powder-through expanding pistol die, meaning it expands the case mouth and dispenses powder simultaneously. This reduces the number of steps in the reloading process.
- The die is designed to be used with Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measures for automated powder charging. This provides consistent and accurate powder dispensing.
- It is compatible with standard 7/8″-14 threaded reloading presses. This makes it usable with most common reloading setups.
- The die body is constructed from high-quality steel, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. This is essential for withstanding the pressures and friction of the reloading process.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the efficiency and precision of the reloading process. The caliber-specific design ensures proper fit and function. The powder-through design streamlines the process. The Lee Auto-Disk compatibility allows for automated powder dispensing. The steel construction ensures long-term durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently expands the case mouth to the proper diameter, allowing for easy bullet seating.
The primary strength is its ability to combine expanding and powder charging into a single step. This dramatically speeds up the reloading process and reduces the potential for errors. A minor weakness can be powder bridging with certain powders, requiring occasional attention to the powder measure.
It definitely meets and exceeds my expectations. It has simplified my .44 Special reloading process and improved the consistency of my reloads.
Design & Ergonomics
The die is well-designed and feels solid in hand. The materials used are high quality.
It is user-friendly with a minimal learning curve. Anyone familiar with reloading dies will find it easy to set up and use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe is built to last. The steel construction ensures it can withstand years of use.
Maintenance is straightforward. Cleaning with a dry cloth and light oiling is all that’s needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The die itself doesn’t come with accessories beyond what is necessary for its function. The primary customization option is the ability to use different expanding plugs for slightly different bullet diameters.
It is designed to be used with the Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measure. This allows for fully automatic powder charging. The die is also compatible with other brands of powder measures with the appropriate adapter.
Pros and Cons of Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe
Pros
- Combines expanding and powder charging into one step, significantly speeding up the reloading process. This saves time and effort on the reloading bench.
- Provides consistent case mouth expansion for proper bullet seating. This ensures accurate and reliable ammunition.
- Designed for use with Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measures for automated powder charging. This enhances consistency and efficiency.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance. This provides value for money.
- Affordable price point compared to separate expanding dies and powder measures. This makes it accessible to a wider range of reloaders.
Cons
- Powder bridging can occur with certain types of powder. This requires occasional attention to the powder measure.
- Only compatible with .44 Special cartridges. This limits its versatility.
Who Should Buy Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe?
This die is perfect for reloaders who frequently load .44 Special cartridges. It’s a must-have for those looking to streamline their reloading process and improve consistency. It’s also ideal for reloaders who use Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measures.
Those who load a wide variety of calibers might find a universal expanding die more suitable. Reloaders who are extremely particular about powder charges and prefer manual weighing may also prefer a separate expanding die and powder measure.
A must-have accessory is the Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measure. This truly unlocks the full potential of the die. A good quality case lubricant is also recommended to ease case expansion.
Conclusion on Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe
The Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe is a well-designed and effective reloading tool. It simplifies the .44 Special reloading process and improves consistency.
The price is more than justified, especially considering the time and effort it saves. It’s a fantastic value for the money.
I would highly recommend this die to anyone who reloads .44 Special cartridges and wants to streamline their process. It’s a worthwhile investment that will pay for itself in time saved and improved reloading consistency. Buy the Lee 90583 POWDER THRU EXPANDING Powder Through Expanding Pistol Die 44 Spe today and experience the difference!