Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703, specifically the .257 Roberts Collet Die Set, represents a compelling entry point for reloaders seeking precision and case longevity. Made by Lee, this die set promises exceptional bullet fit and minimal run-out, all at a price that won’t break the bank. This collet die set targets reloaders who prioritize accuracy and are willing to invest time in the process to achieve superior results.
My journey to this particular die set was driven by a frustrating experience with inconsistent neck tension in my .257 Roberts loads. I was searching for a solution to extend case life and reduce bullet runout. Traditional resizing methods often overwork the brass, leading to premature case failure and diminished accuracy.
Upon unboxing the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703, I was initially struck by the simplicity of the design. The dies felt robust, despite their economical price point. The included shell holder, load data sheet, and storage box were thoughtful additions.
Compared to a full-length resizing die set from RCBS and a neck-sizing die from Redding, the Lee collet die offers a unique approach. RCBS provides a more conventional resizing method, which is easier to use but can overwork the brass. The Redding neck-sizing die offers precision, but requires separate body sizing and may not achieve the same level of concentricity as the Lee collet system. I chose the Lee set because of its reputation for balancing precision with affordability.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The Lee system’s collet design intrigued me, and I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype of improving accuracy and extending brass life. The price point made it a low-risk venture, but I also held reservations about potential complexities in the setup and adjustment.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703 took place in my reloading room, meticulously setting up my Lee Classic Cast single-stage press. The process was more involved than using a standard full-length resizing die. This required careful attention to the instructions for optimal performance.
I found the collet sizing process to be sensitive to proper lubrication. Cases needed to be adequately lubed to prevent sticking and ensure smooth operation. Working in a well-lit environment was also critical, allowing me to visually inspect each case neck after sizing.
After the first few rounds, I noticed a significant improvement in bullet seating consistency. The force required to seat bullets was uniform, and I observed no visible runout. I did experience a few initial hiccups with improperly adjusted die settings, which resulted in slightly undersized necks.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703 has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. I’ve reloaded hundreds of rounds with the set, and the brass has shown minimal signs of wear. The consistent neck tension has contributed to improved accuracy at the range.
The dies themselves are holding up remarkably well. I have not observed any signs of excessive wear or damage. Maintaining the Lee collet die set is relatively straightforward. I clean the dies after each reloading session and occasionally apply a light coat of oil.
Compared to my previous experience with full-length resizing dies, the Lee collet die set has significantly improved case life and accuracy. Cases that would typically be discarded after 5-6 loadings now show no signs of fatigue after 10+ loadings. The reduction in bullet runout has translated to tighter groupings at 100 yards.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703
Specifications
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703 is a collet die set specifically designed for the .257 Roberts cartridge. It includes a collet neck sizing die, a dead length bullet seating die, a universal shell holder, a powder measure charge table and a sturdy storage box. This system employs a collet that squeezes the case neck against a precision mandrel.
The caliber is .257 Roberts, making it suitable for reloading this popular hunting and target shooting round. The set is designed for use with Rifle cartridges. The inclusion of a shell holder makes it a complete package.
These specifications are significant because they allow for precise neck sizing, ensuring consistent bullet seating and optimal neck tension. The collet system minimizes brass working, extending case life and promoting accuracy. The dead length bullet seater is known for its consistency in seating depth, further enhancing precision.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703 excels at producing accurate and consistent reloads for the .257 Roberts. The collet neck sizing die ensures consistent neck tension, leading to improved bullet seating and reduced bullet runout. The dead length bullet seating die further enhances accuracy by ensuring consistent seating depths.
A potential weakness lies in the more involved setup and adjustment compared to standard full-length resizing dies. New reloaders might find the collet sizing process less intuitive, requiring more careful attention to detail. It is crucial that new users properly lubricate cases during the process for best results.
The set delivers on its promises of improved accuracy and extended case life. The collet neck sizing significantly reduces brass working, leading to longer case life. The consistent neck tension and seating depth translate to tighter groupings at the range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703 is designed for ease of use, even though it has a slightly steeper learning curve. The dies are made from high-quality steel and feel robust. The shell holder fits securely and functions reliably.
The dies are user-friendly, although the collet sizing process requires careful attention to detail. The instructions are clear and concise, but new reloaders may benefit from watching instructional videos. The dead length bullet seater is particularly user-friendly, ensuring consistent seating depths with minimal effort.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703 is built to last. The dies are made from high-quality steel and are designed to withstand repeated use. With proper care, the set should provide years of reliable service.
Maintaining the Lee collet die set is relatively simple. Cleaning the dies after each reloading session and applying a light coat of oil is sufficient to prevent rust and corrosion. The collet can be disassembled for more thorough cleaning if necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703 comes with a universal shell holder, suitable for the .257 Roberts cartridge. There are no specific customization options for the dies themselves. However, reloaders can use different bullet seating stems to accommodate various bullet shapes and sizes.
The die set is compatible with all standard reloading presses that accept 7/8″-14 threaded dies. While Lee offers a range of reloading accessories, no specific accessories are required to use this die set. Reloaders may choose to use an aftermarket bullet comparator to further refine bullet seating depth and runout.
Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703
Pros
- Significantly extends case life by minimizing brass working during resizing.
- Enhances accuracy through consistent neck tension and reduced bullet runout.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to reloaders on a budget.
- Dead length bullet seater ensures consistent seating depth.
- Includes universal shell holder, providing a complete package.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve compared to full-length resizing dies.
- Requires careful attention to lubrication to prevent sticking.
Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703?
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703 is perfect for reloaders who prioritize accuracy and want to extend the life of their .257 Roberts brass. It’s also an excellent choice for those on a budget who still want to achieve high-quality reloads. Experienced reloaders seeking to optimize their .257 Roberts loads will find the collet die set to be a valuable tool.
This product might not be the best choice for reloaders who are new to the hobby or who prefer the simplicity of full-length resizing dies. Reloaders who require maximum reloading speed may also find the collet sizing process to be too time-consuming. High-volume reloaders may also want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality case lube. Reloaders may also benefit from using a bullet comparator to fine-tune bullet seating depth and runout. A concentricity gauge can also be utilized to check runout on completed rounds.
Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703 is a solid choice for reloaders seeking to improve the accuracy and longevity of their .257 Roberts loads. The collet sizing system delivers consistent neck tension and minimizes brass working. This translates to tighter groupings and longer case life.
The affordable price point makes this die set an excellent value. It punches well above its weight class in terms of performance. The added precision and brass life makes it a justified purchase.
I would personally recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90703 to any reloader who is serious about achieving the best possible results with their .257 Roberts. If you’re ready to take your reloading to the next level and improve the consistency of your ammunition, this die set is a fantastic place to start. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!