Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90777
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90777 is a specialized reloading die set designed for the .284 Winchester cartridge. Manufactured by Lee, this Pacesetter LP Rifle Die set includes a shellholder, offering reloaders a complete package to begin crafting their own ammunition. It presents an appealing option for those seeking cost-effective and reliable reloading solutions without some of the added features.
My journey to this die set began with a desire to reload .284 Winchester, a caliber that can be expensive and sometimes difficult to find commercially. I wanted the ability to fine-tune my loads for optimal accuracy in my custom hunting rifle. The Lee brand’s reputation for affordable, functional equipment drew me to this particular set.
Upon unboxing, the dies had a no-frills, utilitarian appearance, a characteristic typical of Lee products. The steel construction felt robust and ready for work. The inclusion of a shellholder was a definite plus, saving me the extra step of purchasing it separately.
Compared to RCBS or Hornady die sets I’ve used in the past, the Lee set definitely feels more budget-conscious. The other sets have a smoother finish and more polished look. Ultimately, I chose the Lee dies because of their affordability and the specific need for a .284 Winchester set; the others either didn’t offer it or had a much higher price point.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to put these dies to work and see if they could deliver consistent, accurate ammunition. Hopefully, they would defy their lower price point and perform just as well as the higher end sets.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90777 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use was at my reloading bench in my garage. I started by resizing some once-fired .284 Winchester brass. The resizing die required a bit more effort than some of my other dies.
I loaded a test batch of 20 rounds using a standard recipe I found in my reloading manual. The seating die worked well. I experienced no issues with bullet seating depth.
Afterward, I headed to the local range to test my newly crafted ammunition. The rounds fed smoothly into my rifle’s chamber, and the accuracy was immediately noticeable. My groups were tighter than with factory ammunition.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lee dies have held up surprisingly well. The finish shows some minor wear from repeated use, but nothing detrimental to their function. I have reloaded hundreds of rounds with these dies.
Cleaning is straightforward. I simply wipe them down with a lightly oiled cloth after each reloading session. I’ve had no issues with rust or corrosion.
Compared to some of my older RCBS dies, the Lee dies might not have the same level of refinement. They have proven to be just as reliable in producing accurate and consistent ammunition. For the price, they’ve exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90777
Specifications
Manufacturer: Lee.
Caliber: .284 Winchester.
Additional Features: Pacesetter LP Rifle Dies w/Shell Holder. These dies are designed to resize, deprime, and seat bullets for the .284 Winchester cartridge.
Gun Type: Rifle. The dies are specifically designed for reloading rifle ammunition.
The .284 Winchester caliber is a short-action magnum cartridge known for its flat trajectory and excellent ballistics, making it suitable for long-range hunting. The inclusion of a shell holder ensures that the dies are compatible with standard reloading presses. This eliminates the need for additional purchases. The Pacesetter design provides consistent results.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90777 performs admirably. It consistently produces accurate and reliable ammunition. The resizing die may require slightly more force than some other brands, but it still gets the job done effectively.
The seating die provides excellent control over bullet seating depth, ensuring consistent pressures and accuracy. The lack of a factory crimp die means you’ll need to purchase one separately if you prefer to crimp your reloads. This can be viewed as both a weakness and a cost-saving measure for those who don’t crimp rifle ammunition.
Overall, the dies meet expectations. They provide a functional and affordable option for reloading .284 Winchester.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee dies are made from hardened steel. This ensures durability and longevity. The design is straightforward and functional.
They are easy to use, even for novice reloaders. There is a slight learning curve associated with any reloading process. The design is simple.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests that these dies will last for many years. The finish might show wear over time. Proper maintenance is crucial.
Cleaning and oiling after each use will prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. They are relatively easy to maintain with basic gun cleaning supplies.
Accessories and Customization Options
The set comes with a shellholder. This is the only included accessory. No customization options are available for the dies themselves.
The dies are compatible with all standard reloading presses that accept 7/8″-14 threads. A separate Lee factory crimp die for .284 Winchester can be purchased to add a crimping step to the reloading process. Other accessories, like bullet pullers and case trimmers, are also compatible.
Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90777
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious reloaders.
- Includes a shellholder, saving the extra cost and hassle of purchasing one separately.
- Produces accurate and consistent ammunition, improving performance over factory loads.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Simple and straightforward design makes it easy to use.
Cons
- Lacks a factory crimp die, which may be a drawback for some reloaders.
- Resizing die requires slightly more force compared to some higher-end brands.
- The finish is less refined than more expensive die sets.
Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90777?
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90777 is perfect for reloaders looking for an affordable and functional die set for .284 Winchester. It is ideal for hunters and target shooters who want to customize their ammunition for optimal accuracy. It is also well-suited for those who are new to reloading and want a cost-effective way to get started.
Those who prioritize having a factory crimp die included in the set or desire a more polished and refined finish should skip this product. They might consider spending more on a higher-end set from RCBS or Hornady.
A must-have accessory is a Lee factory crimp die for .284 Winchester. This will allow for a more consistent and uniform crimp on the reloaded ammunition. A quality reloading manual with load data for .284 Winchester is also essential.
Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90777
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90777 is a solid choice for reloaders seeking an affordable and reliable die set for the .284 Winchester cartridge. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of higher-priced options, it delivers consistent performance and accurate results. The inclusion of a shellholder adds value to the package.
The price is definitely justified. It provides a budget-friendly entry point to reloading the .284 Winchester.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to reload .284 Winchester without breaking the bank. It’s a functional and reliable tool that gets the job done effectively. Start reloading your own ammunition and experience the satisfaction of crafting accurate and consistent loads with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90777.