Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90698
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90698, specifically the Lee Limited Production 300 Ultra Magnum Dies with Shellholder, presents itself as a compelling option for reloaders seeking quality without breaking the bank. With a focus on essential features and a straightforward design, these dies promise to deliver accurate and consistent ammunition for the powerful 300 Remington Ultra Magnum cartridge. The omission of the Lee factory crimp die in this limited production run is a point to consider, but the included shellholder and Lee’s reputation for value make this set worth exploring.
I was drawn to this die set because I recently acquired a 300 RUM rifle and handloading is the only way to achieve optimal accuracy and consistent performance with this caliber. Factory ammunition is expensive and often doesn’t offer the precision I need for long-range shooting. The affordability of the Lee dies, compared to other brands, was a significant factor in my decision.
Upon unboxing, the dies felt solid and well-machined. The blued finish appeared durable, and the threads were clean and smooth. The included shellholder fit my brass perfectly. My initial impression was positive; these dies seemed to offer a lot of value for the money.
Compared to Redding or RCBS dies, the Lee set lacks some of the refinements like polished interiors and micrometer adjustments. However, the price difference is substantial. I picked this set because I’m willing to trade some convenience for significant cost savings, particularly since I already own a separate crimp die from Lee.
I was excited to get these dies set up and start developing accurate loads for my 300 RUM. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I hoped they would live up to Lee’s reputation for producing reliable reloading equipment.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90698 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90698 at my reloading bench, which is set up in my garage. I used a Lee Classic Cast single-stage press, which I find provides excellent leverage and control. I was loading new, unfired brass from a reputable manufacturer, using Hodgdon H1000 powder and Sierra MatchKing bullets.
The dies performed admirably, even in the dry conditions of my garage. The sizing die required a fair amount of force, as expected with a magnum cartridge. The seating die precisely seated the bullets to my desired overall length. Ejection was smooth, and the finished rounds looked uniform.
The dies were easy to use. After watching a Lee tutorial video on YouTube and taking my time to set them up properly, I was producing consistent ammunition within a few hours. The only challenge was fine-tuning the bullet seating depth for optimal accuracy.
The only surprise was the amount of force required for the sizing die. I made sure to generously lubricate the cases with Lee Resizing Lubricant, which helped, but it still required significant effort. This is typical for full-length sizing a magnum cartridge, but I didn’t recall my other dies requiring quite so much force.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90698 has held up remarkably well. I’ve reloaded hundreds of rounds of 300 RUM ammunition with these dies. The bluing shows minimal wear, and the threads remain smooth and free of debris.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear. The dies still produce consistent ammunition. I clean them after each reloading session with Lee Die Cleaner.
Cleaning is straightforward. I spray the dies with cleaner, wipe them down with a clean cloth, and then lightly lubricate them. The Lee dies are relatively simple, making them easy to maintain.
Compared to my experience with more expensive dies, the Lee set performs nearly as well, albeit with slightly less convenience. The Lee dies require a bit more manual adjustment and attention to detail, but the resulting ammunition is just as accurate. This set does not disappoint and performs reliably.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90698
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lee. A well-known manufacturer of reloading and gunsmithing equipment, recognized for affordability and reliable performance.
- Caliber: .300 Remington Ultra Magnum. Designed specifically for reloading this powerful, long-range cartridge.
- Additional Features: Pacesetter Rifle Dies w/Shell Holder. Includes a full-length sizing die, a bullet seating die, and a shell holder.
- Gun Type: Rifle. Intended for reloading ammunition for rifles chambered in 300 RUM.
These specifications matter because they dictate the type of ammunition you can reload and the level of precision you can expect. The Lee Pacesetter dies are designed for efficient and consistent reloading of rifle cartridges, making them suitable for a range of applications. The inclusion of a shellholder ensures compatibility with your brass cases.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90698 performs its job effectively. The sizing die resizes the cases to SAAMI specifications, ensuring reliable chambering. The seating die precisely seats the bullets, contributing to accuracy.
The strengths include its affordability, ease of use, and consistent performance. The weakness is the lack of a factory crimp die and the slightly higher force required for sizing.
It meets my expectations for a basic die set, offering reliable performance at an affordable price. The absence of a crimp die is a drawback, but I already own one, so it’s not a major issue for me.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is good, considering the price point. The dies are made from hardened steel with a blued finish. They feel solid and well-machined, but not as polished as higher-end dies.
They are user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive design. There is a slight learning curve for new reloaders, but the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and maintenance, these dies should last for many years. They are made from durable materials that can withstand repeated use. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for longevity.
Maintaining the dies is simple. Keeping them clean, free from brass shavings, and lightly lubricated is all that is required. Repairing them may be difficult, as replacement parts might be limited.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90698 includes a shell holder. No other accessories are included.
You can add a Lee Factory Crimp Die for 300 RUM to improve bullet retention and consistency. They are compatible with universal decapping dies from other brands, allowing you to decap before cleaning your brass. Other customizations are generally not applicable.
Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90698
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious reloaders.
- Consistent performance delivers accurate and reliable ammunition.
- Easy to use, making it suitable for beginner reloaders.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance with proper care.
- Includes shell holder, saving you the cost of purchasing it separately.
Cons
- Lacks Lee Factory Crimp Die, which some reloaders consider essential for optimal performance.
- Sizing die requires a fair amount of force, particularly for full-length resizing.
Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90698?
Perfect for reloaders who want to load 300 Remington Ultra Magnum on a budget. This set is also great for beginners who are new to reloading and don’t want to invest a lot of money upfront.
Those who demand the absolute highest level of precision and convenience should skip this product. Also, those who prefer a factory crimp die included in the set should look elsewhere.
A must-have modification is the addition of a Lee Factory Crimp Die for 300 RUM. Also, a quality case lubricant is necessary to minimize the force needed for resizing.
Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90698
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90698 is a solid choice for reloaders seeking an affordable and reliable die set for the 300 Remington Ultra Magnum. While it lacks some of the refinements of higher-end dies, it delivers consistent performance and ease of use at a fraction of the cost. For those on a budget or new to reloading, this set offers excellent value.
The price is definitely justified. The dies perform their function well and produce accurate ammunition, making them worth the investment.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option for reloading 300 RUM. It’s a great way to get started without breaking the bank.
Give the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90698 a try if you value affordability and reliability! Get yours today and start crafting your perfect 300 RUM loads.