Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417, specifically the Lee Limited Production 204 Ruger Dies w/Shellholder, represents a crucial piece of equipment for reloaders targeting the .204 Ruger cartridge. Lee is known for providing affordable yet functional reloading tools, and this die set aims to deliver on that promise. This limited production run offers a potentially budget-friendly option for reloaders looking for quality dies without the added cost of a factory crimp die.
I had been experiencing inconsistent accuracy with my factory .204 Ruger ammunition, particularly when shooting prairie dogs at longer distances. Handloading seemed the logical next step, and a reliable die set was essential to that process. My aim was to achieve more consistent bullet seating and neck tension, ultimately improving my rifle’s accuracy.
Upon unboxing, the Lee die set felt solid and well-machined, especially considering the price point. The steel construction appeared robust, and the included shellholder was a welcome addition. The simple design gave me confidence that it would be straightforward to use.
I was also considering the Redding Deluxe Die Set and the Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension Die Set. I chose the Lee dies primarily for their affordability and the positive reviews I’d seen regarding their accuracy potential. While the other sets offered more features, the Lee option seemed to be the best value for my initial foray into reloading the .204 Ruger.
My first impression was surprisingly positive. Despite the lower price, the dies felt well-made and ready to perform. I was eager to get started and see if they could help me achieve the consistent accuracy I was seeking.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417 in my reloading room, setting up my press and carefully following the instructions. I was loading .204 Ruger rounds for an upcoming prairie dog hunt in Wyoming. The controlled environment allowed me to focus on achieving precise and consistent reloads.
The dies performed admirably, even when dealing with slightly dirty brass. Bullet seating was consistent, and the neck tension felt uniform across the rounds I was producing. There were no major issues encountered during the initial loading session, though I did notice the absence of a factory crimp die required a more delicate touch when seating bullets.
The dies were relatively easy to use, although I did need to refer to the instructions a few times to ensure proper setup and adjustment. As someone with a basic understanding of reloading, there was no significant learning curve. However, beginners will benefit from watching some video tutorials on die setup.
One minor issue I noticed after the first use was a slight roughness in the seating die, requiring a bit of polishing to ensure smoother operation. This was easily remedied and didn’t significantly impact the overall experience. The lack of a crimp die wasn’t necessarily an issue, but I realized I needed to pay close attention to neck tension to avoid bullet setback during feeding.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of reloading with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417, the dies continue to hold up well. I’ve loaded several hundred rounds of .204 Ruger, and the dies still perform consistently. The steel construction is durable, and there are no signs of significant wear and tear.
The dies are easy to clean and maintain. A simple wipe-down with a clean cloth after each reloading session is typically sufficient. Periodically, I use a dedicated die cleaner to remove any built-up residue or lubricant.
The Lee dies have exceeded my expectations. Compared to my previous experience with a different brand of reloading dies, these Lee dies produce more consistent and accurate rounds, even without the factory crimp. They have certainly contributed to improved accuracy when targeting prairie dogs.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417
Specifications
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417 consists of a Lee Limited Production Pacesetter LP Rifle Die set chambered for the .204 Ruger cartridge and includes a shellholder. The die set is designed for bottleneck rifle cases and allows reloaders to resize, deprime, and seat bullets in .204 Ruger brass. The dies are made from heat-treated steel, offering durability and longevity. The shellholder is specific to the .204 Ruger cartridge, ensuring proper case alignment during the reloading process.
The caliber specification of .204 Ruger is crucial because it dictates the intended application of the dies. The .204 Ruger is known for its flat trajectory and high velocity, making it ideal for varmint hunting. The rifle gun type designation matters because it confirms that these dies are specifically engineered for reloading rifle ammunition, not pistol cartridges. The “Pacesetter LP Rifle Dies w/Shell Holder” designation tells the user that these are the standard Lee Pacesetter dies without the included factory crimp die typically found in their standard sets.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417 performs its job effectively, producing accurate and consistent reloads. While lacking a factory crimp die, the resizing and bullet seating dies function flawlessly. The consistent neck tension achieved with these dies has noticeably improved accuracy in my rifle.
The main strength of this die set is its affordability without sacrificing functionality. A slight weakness is the absence of the factory crimp die, which some reloaders may prefer for added bullet security and consistent pressures. Overall, it meets my expectations, especially considering the price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417 features a straightforward design with simple adjustments. The steel construction provides confidence in its durability. The dies are comfortable to handle, and the adjustments are intuitive.
The dies are generally user-friendly, although beginners may benefit from some initial guidance on die setup. The included instructions are clear and concise, providing a good starting point. However, some online tutorials could be helpful for visual learners.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417 is built to last, thanks to its steel construction. With proper care and maintenance, these dies should provide years of reliable service. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
The dies are easy to maintain and repair. Replacement parts are readily available from Lee Precision, should any issues arise. Overall, these dies offer excellent value in terms of long-term durability and maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417 comes with a shellholder specifically designed for the .204 Ruger cartridge. The most common customization option would be the addition of a Lee Factory Crimp Die for .204 Ruger, if desired. The dies are compatible with most standard reloading presses and accessories, making them a versatile choice for reloaders.
Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417
Pros
- Affordable price point making reloading accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.
- Easy to set up and use, even for beginner reloaders.
- Produces consistent and accurate reloads, improving rifle performance.
- Includes a shellholder, saving the expense of buying one separately.
Cons
- Lacks a factory crimp die, which might be desired by some reloaders.
- May require minor polishing for optimal smoothness out of the box.
Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417?
This Lee die set is perfect for reloaders targeting the .204 Ruger cartridge who are looking for an affordable and reliable option to improve their rifle’s accuracy. It’s also a good choice for beginner reloaders who want a simple and straightforward die set to get started. Varmint hunters, specifically those targeting prairie dogs, will greatly benefit.
Those who should skip this product are reloaders who require a factory crimp die as part of their reloading process. Additionally, if you demand the absolute highest precision and are willing to pay a premium, consider high-end brands like Redding or Forster.
A must-have accessory for this die set is a quality reloading manual specific to the .204 Ruger cartridge. Reloading calipers will help ensure accurate bullet seating depth and overall cartridge length.
Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417 represents an excellent value for reloaders looking to produce accurate .204 Ruger ammunition without breaking the bank. Its straightforward design, durable construction, and consistent performance make it a worthy addition to any reloader’s bench. While it lacks a factory crimp die, the overall performance and affordability more than compensate for this omission.
The price is definitely justified, given the quality and performance of the dies. I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and reliable .204 Ruger die set.
If you’re ready to take control of your .204 Ruger ammunition and improve your rifle’s accuracy, consider purchasing the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90417. Happy reloading!