Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389 is a seemingly simple but crucial component for any serious reloader of .243 Winchester Super Short Magnum (WSSM) cartridges. Consisting of a case length gauge and shell holder, this Lee product ensures your brass is trimmed to the correct length for safe and consistent reloading. It’s an essential tool for maintaining accuracy and preventing dangerous overpressure situations in your firearm.

After a few firings, cartridge cases stretch and need to be trimmed back to their specified length, otherwise, you risk inaccurate loads and potential chambering issues. I was specifically looking for a reliable and cost-effective solution for trimming my .243 WSSM brass as I’ve been developing a custom load for an upcoming varmint hunting trip. Precision is key when working with bottleneck cartridges like the .243 WSSM.

Upon opening the package, I was immediately struck by the simplicity of the design; it’s essentially two pieces of hardened steel. The build quality appears robust for the price, although the finish is utilitarian rather than polished. Compared to other case trimming solutions which involve more complex tools, the Lee gauge and shell holder are appealing in their straightforwardness and affordability. I considered a full-fledged case trimming system with a dedicated power trimmer, but given the relatively low volume of .243 WSSM I reload, this seemed like overkill.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While the simplicity is appreciated, I wondered if the manual nature of the trimming process would be time-consuming or inconsistent. However, given Lee’s reputation for producing reliable reloading tools at a reasonable price point, I was eager to put the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389 to the test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place in my reloading room, which is a controlled environment, thankfully. I used the Lee case length gauge and shell holder in conjunction with a Lee case trimmer (sold separately, as expected), as the gauge serves as the pilot for the trimmer. The process involved securing the shell holder in my hand-operated trimming tool, inserting the gauge into the case mouth, and then trimming the excess brass until it made contact with the gauge.

Under normal reloading conditions, this simple tool performed exceptionally well, making consistent trimming a very simple affair. The case gauge held the brass square to the cutting surface, which is crucial to avoiding angled case mouths. While I was working on the brass, I ensured to keep the cutting surface clean and clear of any debris.

The ease of use was immediately apparent. I didn’t need to consult any manuals or watch any videos; the process was intuitive. After a few cases, I developed a rhythm and was able to trim the brass quickly and efficiently. There were no surprises, just straightforward, functional performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and hundreds of trimmed cases, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389 has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. There are no signs of wear and tear on either the gauge or the shell holder; the hardened steel construction seems to be holding up well to repeated use.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent. I simply wipe the gauge and shell holder with a clean cloth after each use to remove any brass shavings or residue. Comparing this to my previous experiences with more complex case trimming setups, the Lee system is refreshingly simple and low-maintenance. It consistently outperforms my expectations given its affordable price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389

Specifications

• The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389 is specifically designed for the .243 Winchester Super Short Magnum caliber. This ensures a precise fit for both the case length gauge and the shell holder.
• The set consists of two pieces: the case length gauge (pilot) and the shell holder. These components work together to ensure proper case trimming.
• Both components are constructed from hardened steel. This material provides durability and resistance to wear and tear during the trimming process.
• The primary function of the tool is to maintain consistent case length for safe and accurate reloading. Correct case length is critical for proper chambering and consistent pressures.
• The tool is designed for use with rifle cartridges. Specifically, the .243 WSSM cartridge, which is a popular caliber for varmint hunting and target shooting.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the safety and accuracy of reloaded ammunition. Using the correct gauge and shell holder ensures that the brass is trimmed to the proper dimensions, preventing potential overpressure issues and ensuring consistent bullet seating.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389 performs its job admirably: ensuring .243 WSSM cases are trimmed to the correct length. This is critical for consistent and safe reloading practices.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and affordability. It provides a reliable means of trimming cases without the need for expensive and complex equipment. A potential weakness could be the manual nature of the trimming process, which may be time-consuming for high-volume reloaders. It meets expectations and then some, considering the price.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is robust, with both the gauge and shell holder made from hardened steel. The weight is negligible, and the components are comfortable to handle.

The design is user-friendly and requires no prior experience. There is no learning curve; the process is intuitive and straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the hardened steel construction, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389 should last for many years with proper care. Durability is a definite strong suit.

Maintenance is minimal; simply wipe the components clean after each use. No special tools or solvents are required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389 does not include any accessories beyond the gauge and shell holder themselves. These items are designed to work in conjunction with the Lee case trimmer (sold separately).

There are no real customization options for the gauge and shell holder, as they are designed for a specific purpose and caliber. However, the shell holder is compatible with any hand-operated or power-driven case trimming tool that accepts standard shell holders.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389

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Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389?

Perfect for: Reloaders of .243 WSSM, budget-conscious reloaders, those who reload in smaller volumes, and reloaders who prefer simple, reliable tools.

Who should skip this product? High-volume reloaders who need a faster, more automated case trimming solution. Reloaders who prefer power trimming tools.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A Lee case trimmer is essential to use this product, as is a chamfer and deburring tool to clean up the case mouths after trimming.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90389 is a simple, affordable, and effective tool for trimming .243 WSSM cases. It’s not the flashiest or most high-tech solution, but it gets the job done reliably and consistently.

The value proposition is excellent. For a very reasonable price, you get a durable tool that will help you produce accurate and safe reloads.

I would absolutely recommend it to any .243 WSSM reloader who is looking for a cost-effective and reliable case trimming solution. Don’t overspend on fancy gadgets when a simple tool like this will do the job just as well! Get yours today and start reloading with confidence.