Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90705 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90705

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90705, specifically the .22 Hornet Collet Die Set, represents a budget-friendly entry point into the world of precision reloading. Offered by Lee, a brand known for its accessible reloading tools, this die set promises to deliver consistent neck tension and improved accuracy for .22 Hornet cartridges. This set aims to extend case life through collet neck sizing, which only works the neck of the case, preserving the integrity of the brass.

I’ve been grappling with inconsistent accuracy in my .22 Hornet rifle. Factory ammunition just wasn’t cutting it. I wanted to handload my own ammunition for better groupings. I needed a reliable and affordable solution to improve my handloads, and this Lee die set seemed like a promising contender.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the simplicity of the design. The dies felt solid and well-machined, despite their budget-friendly price point. The collet die, in particular, was an interesting departure from traditional full-length sizing dies. My initial thought was, “Can something this simple really deliver consistent results?”

Compared to a full-length sizing die set from RCBS or Hornady, the Lee Collet Die set feels less complex. These more expensive sets often include a full-length sizing die, a neck sizing die, and a micrometer seating die. I chose the Lee set for its targeted approach to neck sizing and its reputation for producing accurate ammunition without breaking the bank. I wanted to experiment with collet neck sizing.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The components seemed functional, and the concept behind the collet die intrigued me. I was eager to get to the reloading bench and see if it could live up to its claims. I wanted to see how it would improve my handloads compared to using other reloading tools.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90705 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my home reloading bench. I was working up loads for my CZ 527 rifle, chambered in .22 Hornet. I experimented with different powder charges and bullet seating depths, carefully documenting each load. The goal was to find the sweet spot for my rifle and validate the accuracy potential of the Lee die set.

The conditions were ideal – a controlled environment with consistent lighting and temperature. The Lee collet die performed as expected, creating consistent neck tension on the brass. I did discover the need to lubricate the outside of the die body for smooth operation. The dead length bullet seating die was also very helpful in seating bullets to consistent depths, especially with a cartridge as small as the .22 Hornet.

The ease of use was remarkable, especially given my prior experience with more complex die sets. The instructions were clear and straightforward, and the die set required minimal adjustments to get started. It didn’t take long for me to figure out how to use it.

One surprise was the relatively narrow range of adjustment for bullet seating depth in the dead length seating die. I found myself needing to adjust the die body up and down quite a bit. I needed to achieve the desired seating depth with longer bullets.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90705 die set has proven to be a reliable tool. The dies show no signs of significant wear and tear. The collet still creates consistent neck tension after sizing hundreds of cases.

Durability seems to be a strong point, with the steel construction holding up well to regular use. I clean the dies after each reloading session. I use a dry lubricant on the collet to ensure smooth operation.

Compared to my previous experiences with full-length sizing dies, the Lee collet die offers a more refined approach. It extends case life and improves accuracy, especially when paired with careful load development. This has exceeded my initial expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90705

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90705 is a collet die set designed specifically for reloading .22 Hornet cartridges. The set includes a collet neck sizing die, a dead length bullet seating die, a shell holder, a powder measure chart, and a storage box. The collet neck sizing die is the key component, using a mandrel to size the case neck internally.

This die set is designed to work with standard reloading presses. Its compact size makes it easy to store and transport. The inclusion of a shell holder is a welcome addition, ensuring compatibility with most presses.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90705 excels at its primary function: creating consistent neck tension for improved accuracy. The collet design ensures that only the case neck is worked, preserving the integrity of the brass and extending case life. This is crucial for the .22 Hornet.

The dead length bullet seating die is also a valuable asset, allowing for precise bullet seating depth control. It works perfectly, meeting and exceeding expectations. The main drawback is the lack of a crimping die in the set, which may be a necessity for some reloaders.

Design & Ergonomics

The die set is constructed from durable steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear. It is relatively lightweight and easy to handle. The compact design makes it easy to store and transport.

The set is user-friendly, even for novice reloaders. The instructions are clear and concise, and the dies require minimal adjustments. The design makes it an overall excellent choice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90705 is built to last, with a robust steel construction that can withstand regular use. I expect it to last many years.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the dies are all that’s required. I use a dry lubricant.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90705 comes with a shell holder and a powder measure chart. While it doesn’t include many accessories, it is compatible with standard reloading presses and bullet pullers.

While there are no direct customization options for the dies themselves, reloaders can use different shell holders and bullet seating stems to fine-tune their reloading process. Reloaders need a .22 Hornet sizing lube. The dies are compatible with most presses.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90705