LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET Review

Let’s Dive into LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET

The LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET offers reloaders a precise and economical way to craft ammunition for their .204 Ruger rifles. This set, manufactured by Lee, includes a collet die, bullet seating die, shell holder, powder dipper, and load data, providing a comprehensive starting point for reloaders. For shooters seeking enhanced accuracy and consistency, or those looking to tailor their loads to specific rifles, the LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET presents an appealing option.

My foray into reloading the .204 Ruger began with a frustrating search for consistent, accurate factory ammunition. I wanted to push the limits of my custom AR-15, and factory loads just weren’t cutting it. I was looking for a die set that offered precision without breaking the bank, and the collet neck sizing feature of the Lee set caught my attention.

Unboxing the LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET, I immediately noticed the no-nonsense, functional design. While the finish isn’t fancy, the components feel robust and well-made for the price. The included load data was a welcome bonus, offering a good starting point for developing my own custom loads.

I considered the RCBS AR Series Small Base Die Set and the Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 2-Die Set. However, the Lee set’s collet neck sizing and its significantly lower price point ultimately swayed my decision. I felt that the collet die would give me the best chance at achieving the concentricity I was after.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. I was excited to start developing custom loads, but also slightly apprehensive about the learning curve associated with a new die set. The LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET seemed like a solid foundation, and I was eager to see if it could deliver the accuracy and consistency I was seeking.

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Real-World Testing: Putting LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET was at my local shooting range, focusing on developing accurate varmint loads for prairie dog hunting. The weather was clear and calm, perfect for load development.

The die set performed admirably, producing consistent neck tension on the .204 Ruger cases. The collet die required a bit of adjustment to achieve the desired neck tension, but once dialed in, it operated smoothly. I did find that the dead-length bullet seater die was sensitive to bullet ogive variations.

Using the LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET was relatively straightforward, though I needed to consult online resources to fully understand the collet die adjustment process. I experienced a few instances of bullet runout greater than my target of 0.002″, which highlighted the importance of consistent case preparation and bullet seating.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of reloading with the LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET, it has proven to be a reliable tool. The dies have held up well, showing no signs of excessive wear or damage.

The only maintenance I’ve performed is occasional cleaning with a dry cloth and a light application of gun oil to prevent rust. Compared to using a full-length resizing die, the LEE collet die significantly reduces case stretching, extending the life of my brass. This has saved me both time and money.

Compared to my previous experiences with full-length resizing dies, the LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET has delivered more consistent neck tension and reduced runout. This has translated to tighter groups on the range, particularly at longer distances, a significant improvement over my previous factory ammunition experience.

Breaking Down the Features of LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET

Specifications

The LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET is specifically designed for reloading the .204 Ruger cartridge in rifle platforms. The set includes a collet neck sizing die, a dead-length bullet seating die, a shell holder, a powder dipper, and load data.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the accuracy, consistency, and overall performance of the reloaded ammunition. The collet neck sizing die ensures precise neck tension, which is crucial for consistent bullet release and optimal accuracy. The dead-length bullet seating die minimizes bullet runout, further enhancing accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET performs its job effectively, producing accurate and consistent ammunition for the .204 Ruger. The collet neck sizing die creates consistent neck tension, while the bullet seating die minimizes runout.

One notable strength is the collet die’s ability to size only the neck of the case, preserving case body dimensions and extending brass life. However, a potential weakness is that the collet die may not be suitable for cases fired in other rifles with different chamber dimensions. The dies meet and even slightly exceeded my expectations, providing a noticeable improvement in accuracy and consistency over factory ammunition.

Design & Ergonomics

The LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET features a straightforward and functional design. The dies are made from steel and finished with a black oxide coating for corrosion resistance.

The dies are easy to handle and adjust, although the collet die requires some initial familiarization. The Lee dies are lighter compared to some other brands.

Durability & Maintenance

The LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET is built to last, with robust steel construction. With proper care and maintenance, these dies should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. This is facilitated by the high-quality steel used by Lee.

Accessories and Customization Options

The LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET includes a shell holder and a powder dipper. While Lee offers a range of other reloading accessories, there are limited direct customization options for the dies themselves.

The dies are compatible with standard reloading presses and shell holders from other brands. However, it’s essential to ensure proper compatibility and follow safety guidelines when using accessories from different manufacturers.

Pros and Cons of LEE 90734 COLLET DIE 204 RUGER SET