Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717

The Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 promises precision and extended case life for reloaders of this classic cartridge. Manufactured by Lee Precision, this die set utilizes a unique collet neck sizing system, a departure from traditional full-length resizing. This approach minimizes case work hardening and, in theory, enhances accuracy.

As a long-time reloader with over a decade dedicated to perfecting the craft, I was drawn to this particular die set because of the Lee reputation for value and the collet sizing method’s potential benefits. I’ve struggled with case stretching in my .303 British rifles and sought a solution to prolong case life and improve consistency. The promise of better bullet fit with minimal run-out intrigued me.

My initial impression upon unboxing the Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 was one of utilitarian simplicity. The dies are functional, robustly built, and come with the necessary shellholder and load data. Compared to Redding or Forster die sets, the finish isn’t as polished, but the critical components appear well-machined.

I considered the RCBS .303 British die set and the Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension .303 British die set. I ultimately chose the Lee set for its collet neck sizing and the significant cost savings. I was cautiously optimistic about the Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717; hoping it would deliver on its accuracy and case longevity promises, despite its budget-friendly price point.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, handloading .303 British ammunition for my Enfield No. 4 Mk I*. The range offers a controlled environment to evaluate precision and velocity consistency. I carefully followed the included instructions, paying close attention to the die setup and adjustment.

I encountered no significant issues during the resizing process. The collet die smoothly sized the case necks, requiring minimal effort on the press handle. After loading rounds with the Lee dies, I found consistent neck tension and bullet seating. First-time use was positive, with no jams or malfunctions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 has proven to be a reliable tool. I’ve reloaded hundreds of rounds, and the dies show no signs of significant wear. The collet mechanism continues to function smoothly, consistently sizing case necks.

Cleaning is straightforward; I disassemble the dies periodically, wipe them down, and apply a light coat of oil. Compared to my experience with full-length sizing dies, the Lee collet die produces less case stretching and work hardening. This results in longer case life and tighter groupings at 100 yards.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717

Specifications

The Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 includes a collet neck sizing die, a dead-length bullet seating die, a universal shell holder, a powder measure chart, and a storage box. This set is specifically designed for reloading the .303 British cartridge in any standard reloading press. The collet neck sizing die is the heart of the set, using a mandrel and collet to precisely size the case neck, ensuring proper bullet tension.

The dead-length bullet seating die helps ensure consistent seating depth for improved accuracy. The included shell holder fits standard reloading presses and accommodates .303 British cartridge cases. These specifications are significant because they allow reloaders to precisely control bullet seating and case neck tension.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 excels in producing accurate and consistent ammunition. The collet neck sizing method minimizes case stretching, leading to extended case life and more uniform neck tension. I’ve observed tighter groupings at the range with ammunition loaded using this die set.

One minor weakness is that the collet die only sizes the case neck; full-length resizing may be required after multiple reloads if chambering becomes difficult. Overall, the Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 meets and exceeds expectations for accuracy and case life.

Design & Ergonomics

The dies are made from heat-treated steel for durability and feature a black oxide finish. The dies are robust and should last for many years with proper care. The design is straightforward and functional, with clear instructions for setup and use.

The dies are easy to handle and install in any standard reloading press. I found the setup process simple and intuitive, even without prior experience with collet dies.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, the Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 should last for thousands of rounds. The dies are constructed from high-quality materials and designed to withstand the rigors of reloading. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining optimal performance.

The dies are easily disassembled for cleaning and inspection. The instructions provided by Lee are clear and concise, making maintenance a breeze.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 comes with all the necessary components for reloading .303 British ammunition. While the die set itself is not customizable, reloaders can use various bullets, powders, and primers to tailor their loads to specific rifles and shooting conditions.

The dies are compatible with any standard reloading press and shell holder. This makes it easy to integrate the Lee die set into existing reloading setups.

Pros and Cons of Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717