Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90810 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90810

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90810, a three-die set chambered in .45 Winchester Magnum, is Lee’s offering for reloaders looking to craft their own ammunition for this powerful handgun cartridge. This set includes a carbide sizer die, a powder-through expanding die, and a bullet seating/crimping die, making it a comprehensive package for producing accurate and reliable .45 Win Mag rounds. It’s designed for reloaders seeking a cost-effective and efficient way to manage their ammunition supply.

I was drawn to the Lee 90810 because I recently acquired a .45 Winchester Magnum pistol and the cost of factory ammunition is prohibitive for frequent range use. I needed a reliable and affordable reloading solution to make shooting this caliber sustainable.

Upon unboxing, the dies felt solid and well-machined, though understandably less refined than higher-end, boutique die sets. The weight was reassuring, hinting at durable construction. The carbide sizer die was a welcome sight, promising smoother operation and eliminating the need for case lubrication during sizing, a major plus for high-volume reloading.

Compared to RCBS or Hornady die sets, the Lee 90810 is noticeably more budget-friendly. I ultimately chose the Lee set due to its positive reviews regarding accuracy and its significantly lower price point, making it a more economical entry into reloading the .45 Win Mag.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While the finish and presentation weren’t as polished as some other brands, the core components seemed robust and functional, promising a good starting point for crafting my own .45 Win Mag ammunition.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90810 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test took place at my home reloading bench, carefully following Lee’s instructions and cross-referencing with reputable reloading manuals. I focused on producing a batch of practice rounds with readily available components.

The dies performed smoothly, even with the higher pressures associated with the .45 Winchester Magnum. The powder-through expanding die worked flawlessly with my Lee Auto-Disk powder measure, ensuring consistent powder charges. I was pleasantly surprised by the smooth sizing action of the carbide die.

The only initial issue was a slight learning curve adjusting the seating depth of the bullet seating die to achieve the correct overall length (COL). However, a few test rounds quickly resolved this.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Lee 90810 die set has proven to be surprisingly durable. I’ve reloaded hundreds of rounds with no significant wear or degradation in performance.

The finish on the dies has held up well, showing only minor cosmetic wear. Cleaning is straightforward, involving a simple wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each reloading session. The dies are very easy to take care of.

Compared to some of the older steel die sets I’ve used in the past that required constant lubrication, the carbide sizer on the Lee 90810 has significantly improved my reloading efficiency and reduced friction. The accuracy and consistency of the rounds produced have been excellent, often rivaling factory ammunition.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90810

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lee.
• Caliber: .45 Winchester Magnum.
• Quantity: 3 dies (Carbide Sizer Die, Powder-Through Expanding Die, Bullet Seating/Crimping Die).
• Additional Features: Carbide sizer die.
• Gun Type: Handgun.

These specifications are crucial because the carbide sizer die eliminates the need for case lubrication, streamlining the reloading process and preventing case sticking. The three-die setup ensures a complete and consistent reloading process, from resizing to bullet seating and crimping.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90810 performs its job admirably, producing consistent and accurate .45 Winchester Magnum ammunition. The carbide sizing die and powder-through expanding die are particularly effective.

A minor weakness is the somewhat basic design of the bullet seating die, which may require more precise adjustments for optimal results. However, with careful attention to detail, it’s capable of producing high-quality rounds. The consistency of the rounds produced far exceeded my expectations considering the price point.

Overall, it meets and slightly exceeds expectations, especially given its affordability. The quality and consistency are remarkable.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid, with durable materials used in the construction of the dies. While the finish isn’t fancy, the dies feel robust and capable of withstanding frequent use.

The Lee 90810 is relatively user-friendly, although a basic understanding of reloading principles is essential. The included instructions are adequate, but consulting a comprehensive reloading manual is highly recommended for beginners. There is a small learning curve but nothing a beginner reloader cannot manage.

Durability & Maintenance

The carbide sizer die is a major factor in the set’s longevity, as it reduces friction and wear on the cases and the die itself. Regular cleaning and light lubrication of the moving parts will ensure years of reliable service.

Maintenance is minimal; a simple wipe-down after each use is usually sufficient. The die set appears to be easily repairable if needed, with replacement parts readily available from Lee.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee 90810 set includes a universal shell holder, which is a very useful addition. While the dies themselves are not directly customizable, they are compatible with standard reloading presses and accessories.

The set works well with other Lee reloading equipment, such as the Auto-Disk powder measure, further streamlining the reloading process. It also accepts aftermarket bullet seaters if the user prefers a different seating profile.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90810

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90810?

Perfect for reloaders seeking a cost-effective and reliable solution for producing .45 Winchester Magnum ammunition. It’s also well-suited for high-volume shooters who want to reduce the cost of shooting this powerful caliber.

Those seeking a more premium reloading experience with enhanced features and a smoother finish might consider higher-end die sets from other manufacturers. Beginners should make sure to have a good reloading manual and be prepared for a small learning curve.

A must-have accessory is a good quality reloading manual to guide the reloading process and ensure safe practices. A Lee Auto-Disk powder measure is also highly recommended for consistent powder charges.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90810

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90810 offers an exceptional value proposition for reloaders looking to produce their own .45 Winchester Magnum ammunition. The carbide sizer die and overall durable construction make it a reliable and efficient tool.

The price is definitely justified given the quality and performance, making it an excellent entry point into reloading this expensive caliber. It allows for frequent practice and experimentation without breaking the bank.

I would personally recommend it to anyone seeking an affordable and effective way to reload .45 Winchester Magnum. The Lee 90810 die set provides the tools you need to craft accurate and reliable ammunition for your .45 Win Mag pistol. Take control of your ammunition supply and start reloading today!