Let’s Dive into Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965
As a seasoned handloader with over a decade under my belt, I’ve cycled through countless die sets, always searching for that sweet spot of precision, reliability, and value. When the Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965 crossed my path, I was cautiously optimistic. These dies promised a comprehensive solution for reloading .40 S&W and 10mm cartridges at a price point that seemed almost too good to be true.
My old RCBS and Dillon dies were giving me fits when I tried to reload 10mm. After countless hours of painstaking setup, I couldn’t achieve consistent ammo; it was time for a change.
Upon unboxing the Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965, my initial impression was favorable. The Lee dies felt robust, and the included instructions were surprisingly thorough, a welcome change from some of the vaguer manuals I’ve encountered. The inclusion of a powder dipper and shell holder was a definite plus, especially for reloaders just starting out.
I’ve used RCBS, Dillon, and Hornady dies extensively over the years. The Lee set caught my attention due to its integrated crimp die and its significantly lower price. I was seeking a solution that wouldn’t break the bank but would still deliver consistent, reliable results for both my .40 S&W and 10mm pistols.
Frankly, I was a little skeptical given the price. However, the positive user reviews and Lee’s reputation for value ultimately swayed me. My excitement grew as I anticipated testing these dies and seeing if they could truly live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965 was my home reloading bench. I focused on producing .40 S&W rounds for my Glock 22 and Springfield XDm.
I tested the dies during a particularly humid summer week. Despite the challenging conditions, the dies operated smoothly, with no noticeable sticking or excessive friction. Setup was straightforward, and I quickly dialed in the desired seating depth and crimp.
The Lee dies required minimal adjustment out of the box, which was refreshing. Within an hour, I was churning out accurate and consistent .40 S&W rounds. There were no initial issues or surprises, just smooth, reliable performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965 have proven their worth. I’ve loaded thousands of rounds of both .40 S&W and 10mm without any significant issues.
The dies have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of excessive wear or tear, even after prolonged use with various bullet types and powder loads.
Maintenance is a breeze. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth and a light coat of gun oil after each reloading session keeps the dies in perfect working order. Compared to my experience with other die sets, the Lee dies have required less fiddling and adjustment, making the reloading process more efficient and enjoyable.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965
Specifications
The Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965 is designed for reloading .40 S&W and 10mm Auto cartridges. It includes a full-length sizing die, a bullet seating die, an expanding die, and a factory crimp die.
The included shell holder ensures compatibility with standard reloading presses. The powder dipper facilitates convenient powder measuring. These features are crucial because they ensure proper case resizing, bullet seating, and consistent crimping for reliable ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965 performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The resulting ammunition exhibits consistent velocities and excellent accuracy in both my .40 S&W and 10mm pistols.
The set’s strengths lie in its ease of setup and consistent performance. However, the powder dipper might not be precise enough for experienced reloaders seeking extreme accuracy, and upgrading to a dedicated powder measure is recommended. Overall, the dies meet and exceed expectations, providing a reliable and affordable solution for reloading pistol cartridges.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965 is constructed from high-quality steel, ensuring durability and longevity. The dies are lightweight and easy to handle.
The set is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The detailed instructions and straightforward setup process make it accessible to both novice and experienced reloaders.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965 guarantees durability. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and lubrication, will ensure that these dies last for years.
The dies are easy to disassemble and clean. Simple tools and readily available cleaning solvents are all that’s needed to keep them in optimal condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965 comes with a shell holder and a powder dipper. These accessories are essential for basic reloading tasks.
While the dies themselves don’t offer extensive customization options, they are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket reloading equipment. This includes powder measures, bullet feeders, and case trimmers from Lee and other popular brands.
Pros and Cons of Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965
Pros
- The factory crimp die ensures consistent and reliable crimps, improving accuracy and reducing bullet setback.
- The ease of setup and use makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced reloaders.
- The affordable price offers excellent value for the money compared to other die sets on the market.
- The high-quality steel construction ensures durability and longevity.
- The compatibility with standard reloading presses and accessories provides flexibility and versatility.
Cons
- The included powder dipper may not be precise enough for advanced reloaders seeking extreme accuracy.
- The lack of a dedicated storage case means you’ll need to find your own way to keep the dies organized and protected.
Who Should Buy Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965?
The Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965 is perfect for reloaders looking for an affordable, reliable, and easy-to-use die set for .40 S&W and 10mm Auto cartridges. This is an excellent choice for casual shooters, target practice enthusiasts, and those who want to save money by reloading their own ammunition.
Reloaders who prioritize extreme accuracy and require ultra-precise powder measurements may want to consider a higher-end die set with a dedicated powder measure. Those who require a complete reloading kit with a storage case might also look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory for these dies is a quality powder measure for more accurate powder dispensing. A dedicated case trimmer is beneficial for maintaining consistent case lengths and ensuring optimal ammunition performance.
Conclusion on Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965
Overall, the Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965 offers exceptional value for the money. It provides reliable performance, ease of use, and consistent results, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of reloaders.
The price is more than justified by the quality and performance of these dies. They deliver consistent results without breaking the bank.
I would absolutely recommend the Lee Deluxe Pistol Die Sets .40 S&W 90965 to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable reloading solution for .40 S&W and 10mm Auto cartridges. If you’re ready to start reloading your own ammunition and saving money, give these dies a try; you won’t be disappointed!