Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90618
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90618, specifically the Carbide Sizing Die with Shellholder for .380 ACP, promises a significant upgrade in reloading efficiency. Lee is known for providing affordable and innovative reloading solutions, and this die set appears to be no exception. It boasts a lifetime carbide sizer which eliminates the need for case lube, a huge time-saver.
My reloading setup was always a bit of a bottleneck, especially when cranking out .380 ACP rounds for my wife’s carry pistol. The traditional lubing process was messy and time-consuming, and I needed a more streamlined process. I’d read about carbide dies before, but always hesitated due to the higher price point.
The Lee die, straight out of the box, felt solid and well-machined. The carbide insert looked smooth and polished. Compared to my older steel sizing dies, this felt like a step up in quality. I considered a Hornady die set, but the price was significantly higher, and reviews suggested similar performance for my needs.
Initial impressions were positive – I was eager to test the no-lube claim and see if it lived up to the hype. If this die set could truly speed up my reloading process, it would be a game-changer, allowing me to spend more time at the range and less time at the reloading bench.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90618 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee die at my home reloading bench, focusing on processing a batch of 200 .380 ACP cases I had collected from my last range visit. I used my single-stage press to provide a controlled environment for observing the die’s performance. The ambient temperature was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with relatively low humidity.
The die performed flawlessly from the start, sizing the cases smoothly without any noticeable increase in effort compared to a lubed case with a steel die. There were no issues with sticking or excessive force required, even on cases that had been fired multiple times. The ease of use was immediately apparent.
After the first 50 rounds, I checked the cases and the die for any signs of wear or damage. Everything looked perfect. The only initial “issue” was realizing how much time I’d wasted lubing cases for years.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lee carbide sizing die continues to impress. I’ve now reloaded over 2,000 .380 ACP rounds using this die, and it still performs like new. There’s no noticeable wear on the carbide insert, and the cases are sized consistently.
Durability has been excellent; despite heavy use, there are no visible signs of wear or damage to the die body or the shellholder. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe down with a clean cloth to remove any powder residue. It significantly outperforms my old steel die in terms of both speed and ease of use.
Compared to my previous experience with lubing cases, this die set has been a revelation. I can now reload a batch of .380 ACP rounds in about half the time, with less mess and less effort.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90618
Specifications
Manufacturer: Lee.
Caliber: .380 ACP.
Additional Features: Carbide sizing die.
Fabric/Material: Carbide.
Gun Type: Pistol.
Gun Make: Compatible with Colt and other pistols chambered in .380 ACP.
These specifications are important because they define the die’s primary function: accurately resizing .380 ACP cases without the need for lubrication. The carbide construction ensures longevity and reduces friction, contributing to smoother and more efficient reloading.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90618 performs its job exceptionally well. It sizes .380 ACP cases consistently and reliably, without the need for case lube. The process is smooth, and the resulting cases are within SAAMI specifications for proper chambering.
The main strength is its ability to eliminate the need for case lubrication, significantly speeding up the reloading process. A minor potential improvement could be a slightly tighter tolerance on the shellholder, but the current fit is perfectly functional. The product definitely meets my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is good, with a solid steel die body and a well-polished carbide insert. The weight feels appropriate for its function, and the die is easy to handle and install in a reloading press. It’s very user-friendly, requiring no special tools or skills to use effectively.
There’s virtually no learning curve; even novice reloaders will find it easy to use. The design is simple and functional, prioritizing efficiency and reliability.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee carbide sizing die is designed for long-term durability. The carbide insert is highly resistant to wear, and the steel die body is built to withstand repeated use. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove powder residue.
With proper care, this die should last for thousands of rounds. Its simple design makes it unlikely to require any repairs.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90618 comes with a shellholder specifically designed for .380 ACP cases. There are no additional accessories included, and customization options are limited to using different brands of shellholders if desired. The die is compatible with most standard single-stage and progressive reloading presses.
Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90618
Pros
- Eliminates the need for case lubrication: Significantly speeds up the reloading process.
- Carbide construction: Ensures long-lasting durability and smooth sizing.
- Affordable price: Offers excellent value compared to other carbide dies.
- Easy to use: Requires no special skills or tools.
- Consistent sizing: Produces cases within SAAMI specifications.
Cons
- The included shellholder tolerance could be slightly tighter.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90618?
- Perfect for: Reloaders of .380 ACP, particularly those who want to streamline their process and eliminate case lubrication. This is also great for high-volume reloaders and those looking to improve efficiency.
- Who should skip this product? Reloaders who only load small batches of .380 ACP rounds and don’t mind the extra step of case lubrication may not find the upgrade worthwhile. Also, those who prefer premium brands regardless of price.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? Not really, as the die set is ready to use out of the box. A quality reloading press is essential.
Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90618
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90618 is a fantastic product that delivers on its promise of efficient and reliable .380 ACP case sizing. The elimination of case lubrication is a game-changer, significantly speeding up the reloading process. The affordable price point makes it an excellent value for reloaders of all skill levels.
The price is absolutely justified given the time and effort saved, and the longevity of the carbide insert. I would wholeheartedly recommend this die set to anyone who reloads .380 ACP and wants to improve their efficiency. Upgrade your reloading bench today – you won’t regret it!