Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624, specifically the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set with Shellholder for .32 Smith & Wesson Long, offers a complete solution for reloaders of this classic cartridge. It promises reliable performance, ease of use, and consistent results, all at a price point that’s accessible to both novice and experienced reloaders. This die set aims to provide everything needed to produce accurate and dependable ammunition for revolvers chambered in .32 S&W Long.
My need for this set stemmed from a desire to shoot my vintage .32 S&W Long revolvers more frequently without breaking the bank on expensive factory ammunition. Reloading seemed the logical solution, and I wanted a set that would deliver consistent results without demanding a huge initial investment. The Lee name is generally respected, and the inclusion of a shellholder sweetened the deal.
Upon unboxing, the set felt solid, and the carbide sizing die gave me immediate confidence in its longevity. The dies themselves are well-machined, and the included shellholder fit my brass perfectly. The plastic case, while basic, served its purpose.
Compared to more expensive die sets from Redding or RCBS, the Lee set lacks some of the finer finishing touches and potentially tighter tolerances. However, the price difference is significant, and for my needs, the Lee set seemed to offer the best balance of value and performance. It beat out some cheaper sets I’d seen due to its carbide sizer and included shell holder.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to see if the Lee set could deliver on its promise of easy and reliable reloading for .32 S&W Long. The affordability was attractive, but performance would be the ultimate test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 took place at my home reloading bench, using Starline brass, small pistol primers, and various powders. The reloading process was straightforward, following the instructions provided by Lee. The powder-through expanding die worked well, allowing me to easily charge the cases with powder using my powder measure.
The set performed admirably in controlled conditions. Cases sized smoothly, bullets seated consistently, and the resulting rounds chambered flawlessly in my revolvers. There were no issues with stuck cases or misaligned bullets. The whole process felt very smooth.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of reloading with the Lee die set, I’ve produced hundreds of rounds of .32 S&W Long ammunition. The carbide sizing die continues to perform flawlessly, showing no signs of wear. The seating die consistently produces rounds with the correct overall length and bullet tension.
The dies are durable, although I take care to clean and lubricate them regularly. Maintenance is simple: wiping down the dies with a clean cloth after each reloading session and applying a light coat of oil. Compared to my experiences with other, more expensive die sets, the Lee set has proven to be just as reliable for this particular caliber.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624
Specifications
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 is specifically designed for reloading .32 Smith & Wesson Long ammunition. It includes a carbide sizing die, which eliminates the need for case lubrication during the sizing process (except for the initial loading), greatly speeding up production. A powder-through expanding die expands the case mouth to accept the bullet and allows for convenient powder charging using a compatible powder measure. The set also includes a bullet seating die with a built-in crimp function to secure the bullet in the case.
The set includes a universal shell holder. The carbide sizing die is especially important as it reduces the effort required during resizing and greatly extends the life of the die, while the powder-through expanding die streamlines the powder charging process. The bullet seating die ensures proper bullet depth and neck tension for optimal accuracy and consistent performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 performs its job effectively, producing accurate and reliable .32 S&W Long ammunition. The carbide sizing die ensures consistent case dimensions, leading to reliable feeding and chambering in my revolvers. The bullet seating die allows for precise bullet depth adjustment, contributing to improved accuracy.
A notable strength is the ease of use and consistent results. A minor weakness might be that the crimp function on the seating die isn’t as precise as a dedicated crimp die. Overall, the set meets and slightly exceeds expectations, especially considering its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee die set features a simple, functional design. The dies are made from high-quality steel and carbide, ensuring durability and long life. The weight is reasonable, and the dies are comfortable to handle during the reloading process.
The set is exceptionally user-friendly, even for novice reloaders. The instructions are clear and concise, and the dies are easy to set up and adjust.
Durability & Maintenance
The carbide sizing die is exceptionally durable, withstanding thousands of reloading cycles without showing signs of wear. The other dies are also well-made and should last for many years with proper care and maintenance. Maintenance involves simply cleaning the dies after each use and applying a light coat of oil to prevent rust.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 comes with a universal shell holder, a dipper, and load data. The most common customization option is adding a dedicated crimp die, such as the Lee Factory Crimp Die, for even more precise crimping. The dies are compatible with most standard reloading presses and accessories.
Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624
Pros
- Extremely affordable, making reloading accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Features a carbide sizing die, eliminating the need for case lube on most loading sequences and ensuring long die life.
- Includes a powder-through expanding die, simplifying powder charging.
- Produces accurate and reliable ammunition for .32 S&W Long revolvers.
- Easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
Cons
- The included plastic case is basic and may not be ideal for long-term storage or protection.
- The crimp function on the seating die may not be as precise as a dedicated crimp die.
Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624?
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 is perfect for:
- Reloaders of .32 S&W Long ammunition who are looking for an affordable and reliable die set.
- New reloaders who want a simple and easy-to-use system.
- Shooters who want to save money by reloading their own ammunition.
Those who should skip this product:
- Reloaders who demand the absolute highest precision and are willing to pay a premium for it.
- Reloaders who prefer a more robust storage case for their dies.
A must-have accessory or modification is a Lee Factory Crimp Die for those seeking the most consistent crimp.
Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 is an excellent value for the money. It offers reliable performance, ease of use, and consistent results at a price point that’s hard to beat. The carbide sizing die is a significant advantage, and the set is well-suited for both novice and experienced reloaders.
The price is absolutely justified. You’re getting a capable die set that will pay for itself quickly with the savings from reloading your own ammunition.
I would personally recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 to anyone looking to reload .32 S&W Long ammunition on a budget. If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable, and easy-to-use die set, this is it. Start reloading today and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own custom ammunition!