Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90551
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90551, specifically the Lee Limited Production 257 Roberts Dies with Shellholder, offers reloaders a specialized tool at a competitive price. These dies provide the core functionality needed for reloading the classic .257 Roberts cartridge, a caliber known for its flat trajectory and versatility for hunting medium game. For reloaders venturing into less common calibers or seeking a budget-friendly option, this Lee die set presents an attractive solution.
My journey to the Lee 90551 began when I inherited a beautiful old rifle chambered in .257 Roberts. Factory ammunition was becoming increasingly difficult to find and prohibitively expensive. Reloading seemed the only viable option to keep this classic rifle singing, and the Lee dies offered an accessible entry point.
Upon unboxing the Lee 90551, I was immediately struck by the simplicity and robust construction. The dies are made from hardened steel and appear ready to handle the rigors of the reloading bench. While not as flashy as some premium die sets, the focus on core functionality is evident.
Compared to Redding or RCBS dies, the Lee set definitely prioritizes affordability. The absence of a Lee factory crimp die in this limited production set is a notable difference. However, given my experience, I could always add a separate crimp die later if needed.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The price was certainly right, but I was eager to see how these dies performed in the real world. Would they deliver consistent results and bring my .257 Roberts back to life?
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90551 to the Test
First Use Experience
I put the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90551 to work on my reloading bench in my garage, loading up a batch of .257 Roberts cartridges. I used a single-stage press to meticulously control each step of the reloading process. The dies threaded smoothly into my press and aligned properly.
Performance was consistent and predictable. I was able to resize, deprime, expand the case mouth, and seat bullets with ease. No excessive force was required, and the resulting cartridges met my specifications for overall length and bullet seating depth.
The ease of use was a pleasant surprise. Even without elaborate instructions, the process was intuitive and straightforward for an experienced reloader. The included shellholder fit perfectly and ensured proper case alignment.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slight roughness in the case mouth expansion. This was easily remedied with a touch of case lube. Overall, the first use was a positive experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lee 90551 dies have proven to be reliable and durable. I’ve reloaded hundreds of rounds of .257 Roberts ammunition with consistent results. The dies show no signs of wear or degradation.
The finish has held up well, showing minimal scratching or blemishes despite regular use. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each reloading session keeps them in excellent condition.
Compared to a set of RCBS dies I use for .308 Winchester, the Lee dies are less refined in their finish. However, they deliver comparable performance in terms of accuracy and consistency. They’ve proven themselves to be a worthwhile and affordable choice.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90551
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lee.
- Caliber: .257 Roberts. This die set is specifically designed for reloading the .257 Roberts cartridge.
- Additional Features: Pacesetter LP Rifle Dies w/Shell Holder. Includes a full set of dies for resizing, depriming, expanding, and bullet seating, along with a shell holder specific to the .257 Roberts cartridge.
- Gun Type: Rifle. These dies are intended for reloading rifle ammunition.
These specifications are critical for ensuring proper fit and function during the reloading process. Using the correct dies for the .257 Roberts caliber guarantees accurate and safe ammunition. The inclusion of a shell holder is a convenient addition, simplifying setup and ensuring proper case alignment.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90551 performs its job admirably. It produces consistent, accurate reloads for the .257 Roberts cartridge. The dies resize cases effectively, ensuring proper chambering in my rifle.
The dies are generally reliable, with smooth operation and minimal hiccups. The lack of a factory crimp die is a minor weakness, but easily addressed with a separate die if desired. Overall, the Lee 90551 meets expectations for a budget-friendly die set.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee dies are designed for simplicity and ease of use. The hardened steel construction feels robust and durable. The dies are comfortable to handle and thread smoothly into a standard reloading press.
There is a slight learning curve for novice reloaders. However, for anyone familiar with reloading, the Lee dies are straightforward and intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee dies are built to last. With proper care, they should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple: cleaning and light lubrication are all that’s needed.
The dies are easily disassembled for thorough cleaning. Replacement parts are readily available from Lee if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90551 comes with a shellholder specific to the .257 Roberts cartridge. This eliminates the need to purchase a separate shellholder. The dies are compatible with most standard reloading presses.
While the set doesn’t include a factory crimp die, users can easily add one from Lee or another manufacturer. Similarly, aftermarket expander mandrels can be used for fine-tuning case mouth expansion. The standard 7/8″-14 threads make it compatible with a wide array of accessories.
Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90551
Pros
- Affordable price: Significantly cheaper than premium die sets.
- Reliable performance: Produces consistent, accurate reloads.
- Durable construction: Made from hardened steel for long life.
- Simple to use: Straightforward design suitable for experienced reloaders.
- Includes shellholder: Convenient and saves on additional expenses.
Cons
- Lacks factory crimp die: Requires separate purchase for those who prefer crimped ammunition.
- Finish is less refined: Not as polished as premium die sets.
Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90551?
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90551 is perfect for reloaders on a budget who want to reload the .257 Roberts cartridge. It’s also ideal for those new to reloading who want an affordable and reliable set of dies to get started. Experienced reloaders who appreciate value and performance will also find this set appealing.
Those who should skip this product are reloaders who demand the highest level of precision and finish or those who absolutely require a factory crimp die included in the set.
A must-have accessory is a quality case lube to ensure smooth resizing and prevent stuck cases. Consider adding a Lee factory crimp die or another brand’s crimp die to complete your reloading setup.
Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90551
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90551 offers excellent value for the money. It’s a reliable and affordable set of dies that delivers consistent results for reloading the .257 Roberts cartridge. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of premium die sets, it performs its core function admirably.
The price is definitely justified. For reloaders seeking an economical way to keep their .257 Roberts rifles shooting, this set is hard to beat.
I would personally recommend the Lee 90551 to anyone looking to reload the .257 Roberts cartridge without breaking the bank. It’s a simple, reliable, and affordable solution. Don’t let the low price fool you; these dies get the job done! Grab a set today and breathe new life into your classic rifle!