Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696, specifically the Carbide 3 Die Set with Shellholder for .32 S&W Long, promises a complete solution for reloaders seeking precision and convenience in a popular cartridge. Lee Precision is a well-respected name in the reloading world, and this set aims to deliver quality and value. This set seeks to simplify the reloading process for straight-walled handgun cartridges, thanks to its carbide sizing die, which eliminates the need for case lubrication.

My journey with .32 S&W Long began with an inherited Smith & Wesson revolver, a family heirloom. Ammunition availability was scarce and expensive, pushing me toward reloading as a more sustainable and affordable shooting hobby. I needed a reliable and cost-effective die set to produce consistent, accurate rounds for my beloved revolver.

Unboxing the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 revealed a neatly packaged set, each die individually protected. The carbide sizer die felt solid and well-machined, and the shellholder seemed durable enough for years of use. Initial inspection suggested good build quality and thoughtful design.

Compared to other die sets I’ve used, like the RCBS carbide set for .45 ACP, the Lee set felt lighter but equally robust. I chose the Lee set because of its reputation for value and its specialized design for the .32 S&W Long cartridge. This was a better financial decision for the hobby I wished to begin.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 appeared to be a well-designed and cost-effective reloading solution, but the true test would be its performance on the reloading bench. I was eager to see if it would deliver on its promises of convenience and precision.


Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 in my home reloading setup, a dedicated space with a sturdy bench and a single-stage press. The humidity was relatively low, and the temperature was a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I followed the Lee Precision instructions carefully, adjusting the dies according to their recommendations.

The set performed admirably, even in a first-time reloading experience with this cartridge. The carbide sizing die made resizing cases smooth and effortless, eliminating the need for case lubrication. The powder-through expanding die worked seamlessly with my Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measure, and the seating die provided consistent bullet seating depth.

The ease of use was remarkable. The instructions were clear, and the die adjustments were straightforward. Even a novice reloader could quickly master the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 set. There were no unexpected issues or surprises during the initial reloading session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 has proven to be a reliable and durable reloading solution. The dies show no signs of wear and tear, and the shellholder remains sturdy. Periodic cleaning and lubrication are all that’s needed to maintain the set’s performance.

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 outperforms my previous experiences with steel die sets, which required tedious case lubrication. It’s easier to clean and maintain. The carbide sizer die continues to provide smooth and effortless resizing, saving time and effort.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Lee
  • Caliber: .32 S&W Long
  • Additional Features: Carbide
  • Gun Type: Revolver

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 is specifically designed for reloading .32 S&W Long cartridges. The carbide sizing die is the set’s standout feature, enabling the resizing of cases without lubrication. This ensures a more efficient and cleaner reloading process.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 excels at producing accurate and consistent rounds for my .32 S&W Long revolver. The carbide sizing die ensures precise case dimensions, while the powder-through expanding die delivers consistent powder charges. Bullet seating is consistent and accurate, leading to enhanced shooting performance.

The set’s greatest strength lies in its ease of use and consistency. Its primary weakness is its suitability only for .32 S&W Long, and its limited ability to reload other calibers. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 meets and exceeds expectations for reloading .32 S&W Long cartridges.

Design & Ergonomics

The dies are constructed from high-quality steel, with a carbide insert in the sizing die. The shellholder is made of durable steel. The design is straightforward and functional, and the dies are easy to handle and adjust, making the entire reloading process more efficient.

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 is user-friendly, even for beginners. There is a slight learning curve involved in die adjustment and powder measure calibration. However, the included instructions are clear and concise, making the process easy to learn.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it will provide years of reliable service. Cleaning the dies and shellholder after each reloading session is essential, and occasional lubrication is recommended to keep the dies functioning smoothly.

The dies are easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance. Replacement parts are readily available from Lee Precision, ensuring that the set can be easily repaired if necessary. This helps extend the life of the set.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 comes with a shellholder specifically designed for .32 S&W Long cartridges. No other accessories are included. There aren’t really any customization options for this particular die set, as it’s designed for a specific purpose.

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 is compatible with most standard reloading presses. It also works seamlessly with Lee powder measures and other reloading accessories.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696

Pros

  • Carbide Sizing Die: Eliminates the need for case lubrication.
  • Easy to Use: Simple adjustments and clear instructions make it beginner-friendly.
  • Consistent Results: Produces accurate and reliable .32 S&W Long rounds.
  • Durable Construction: Built to last with high-quality materials.
  • Affordable: Provides excellent value for the price.

Cons

  • Limited Caliber: Only suitable for .32 S&W Long.
  • Basic Features: Lacks advanced features found in higher-end die sets.


Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696?

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 is perfect for reloaders who primarily shoot .32 S&W Long revolvers and are seeking a cost-effective and reliable reloading solution. It’s also ideal for beginners who are new to reloading and want a straightforward and easy-to-use die set.

Those who reload a wide variety of calibers or require advanced reloading features should skip this product. A more versatile and feature-rich die set would be a better option for them.

A must-have accessory for this die set is the Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measure, which works seamlessly with the powder-through expanding die for consistent powder charging.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 is a well-designed and cost-effective reloading solution for .32 S&W Long cartridges. Its carbide sizing die makes resizing cases effortless, while its simple design and clear instructions make it easy to use for reloaders of all skill levels.

The price is definitely justified by its performance and durability. It offers great value for those specifically looking to reload .32 S&W Long.

I would personally recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 to anyone seeking a reliable and affordable die set for reloading .32 S&W Long cartridges. If you’re looking to dive into reloading this caliber, this is an excellent place to start! Go ahead and get your Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 and start reloading today!

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