Lee Carbide Sizing Die W/Shellholder For 32H&R/32S&W Long/32ACP 90621 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Carbide Sizing Die W/Shellholder For 32H&R/32S&W Long/32ACP 90621

The Lee Carbide Sizing Die W/Shellholder For 32H&R/32S&W Long/32ACP 90621 is designed for reloaders working with these classic pistol calibers. Lee Precision, a name synonymous with affordable and innovative reloading equipment, brings a carbide sizing die to the table. This die promises to simplify the case preparation process, a crucial step in reloading accurate and reliable ammunition.

I was on the hunt for a dedicated sizing die for my .32 S&W Long rounds, a caliber I enjoy shooting in vintage revolvers. My old steel sizing die required case lubrication, a messy and time-consuming step I was eager to eliminate. The promise of a carbide die, known for its ability to size cases without lubrication, immediately piqued my interest.

Upon receiving the package, my initial excitement was somewhat tempered. The die itself looked well-machined and the carbide insert appeared flawless. However, the packaging and product description strongly implied the inclusion of a shellholder, which was noticeably absent. The die itself seemed sturdy, but the missing shellholder left a sour taste.

I considered other sizing dies from RCBS and Hornady, both reputable brands. However, the Lee die’s lower price point and promise of carbide sizing initially swayed me. Ultimately, the missing shellholder, compounded by the product description’s ambiguity, led to immediate disappointment.

My first impression was a mix of hope and frustration. The potential of a carbide sizing die was appealing, but the misleading advertising and missing component created a negative experience right out of the box. This initial stumble cast a shadow over the potential benefits of the Lee Carbide Sizing Die W/Shellholder For 32H&R/32S&W Long/32ACP 90621.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Carbide Sizing Die W/Shellholder For 32H&R/32S&W Long/32ACP 90621 to the Test

First Use Experience

Despite the missing shellholder, I managed to source a compatible one and proceeded with testing. I set up the Lee Carbide Sizing Die in my single-stage press, ready to resize a batch of .32 S&W Long cases. The die worked adequately in resizing the brass.

Testing occurred indoors at my reloading bench, with consistent ambient conditions. The cases fed smoothly into the die (with the separately-acquired shellholder) and the resizing process felt relatively effortless. No case lubrication was used, as expected with a carbide die.

The Lee Carbide Sizing Die was easy to use once I had the proper shellholder. Resizing was straightforward, requiring minimal force. However, the initial shellholder issue meant more time was spent sourcing a replacement rather than using the die.

The biggest issue was the misleading product description. The absence of the advertised shellholder completely undermined the intended convenience of this die. I also noticed some slight inconsistencies in sizing compared to my older, lubed steel die, but they were within acceptable tolerances.

Extended Use & Reliability

Due to the initial disappointment and the need to return the product based on the inaccurate listing, extended use was limited. However, in the resizing I was able to complete with my own shellholder, the die did hold up and performed well. The carbide insert showed no signs of wear after processing roughly 200 cases.

The die body itself seemed robust, showing no signs of stress or deformation during use. The Lee Carbide Sizing Die appears durable and designed to last.

The die required minimal maintenance. A simple wipe-down with a clean cloth after use was sufficient to remove any powder residue. The lack of need for case lubrication significantly reduces cleaning efforts.

Compared to my previous experience with steel dies, the Lee Carbide Sizing Die offered the convenience of lubrication-free sizing. While the sizing process felt generally similar, the carbide die provided a smoother and faster experience. However, due to advertising issues, this die didn’t outperform my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Carbide Sizing Die W/Shellholder For 32H&R/32S&W Long/32ACP 90621

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lee
• Caliber: .32 ACP, .32 H&R Magnum, .32 S&W Long
• Additional Features: Carbide
• Fabric/Material: Carbide
• Gun Type: Pistol

The carbide insert is a crucial element, enabling lubrication-free case sizing. This greatly reduces reloading time and mess.

The die is designed for use with a single-stage reloading press. This ensures precise control over the resizing process.

The die is compatible with multiple .32 caliber cartridges. This provides versatility for reloaders working with different firearms.

The Lee Carbide Sizing Die is constructed from hardened steel with a carbide insert. This guarantees durability and long-lasting performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Carbide Sizing Die performs its primary function of resizing cases effectively. It reduces the outside diameter of fired cases to SAAMI specifications. This is essential for ensuring proper chambering and safe firing of reloaded ammunition.

The primary strength lies in its lubrication-free operation. This saves time and effort compared to traditional steel dies. However, the inaccurate product listing and the missing shellholder detract from its overall appeal.

The die meets the basic expectation of resizing cases. However, the inconsistent advertising and the absence of the shellholder create significant drawbacks. The advertising made the product out to be a more comprehensive system, which was simply untrue.

Design & Ergonomics

The die body features a standard 7/8″-14 thread, compatible with most reloading presses. It screws easily into the press, offering a secure and stable fit. The design is straightforward, focusing on functionality over aesthetics.

The Lee Carbide Sizing Die is relatively user-friendly. The carbide insert provides a smooth resizing experience. However, the initial hassle of sourcing a shellholder adds an unnecessary layer of complexity.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction and carbide insert suggest excellent durability. With proper care, this die should last for thousands of reloading cycles. The product is built to last, but the experience getting there was less than ideal.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning. This simplifies the reloading process and ensures long-term reliability. Cleaning is simple, which is always a plus.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory required is a compatible shellholder. This is essential for holding the case securely during the resizing process. The product description advertised the inclusion of a shellholder, but it was notably absent.

The Lee Carbide Sizing Die is compatible with standard 7/8″-14 threaded reloading presses. It can be used with various shellholders designed for .32 ACP, .32 H&R Magnum, and .32 S&W Long. The lack of included accessories, especially the shellholder, is a major drawback.

Pros and Cons of Lee Carbide Sizing Die W/Shellholder For 32H&R/32S&W Long/32ACP 90621