Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866, specifically the Factory Crimp Pistol Die for .38 Super, promises to be a valuable tool for reloaders seeking precision and consistency in their ammunition. Made by Lee, this die aims to eliminate bullet setback and ensure proper feeding in semi-automatic pistols. This single die performs both sizing and crimping, streamlining the reloading process.
I was drawn to this product because I’ve been experiencing inconsistent feeding with my .38 Super reloads. Bullet setback was a persistent issue, leading to unreliable cycling in my 1911. I was looking for a reliable and affordable solution to address this problem, and the Lee Factory Crimp Die seemed to fit the bill.
Unboxing the die, I was immediately struck by its solid construction and simple design. The die is made from quality steel, and the carbide sizer ring appeared well-polished. While it’s a single die, the build quality suggests it’s designed for repeated use.
I considered the RCBS Taper Crimp Die and the Dillon Precision .38 Super crimp die. However, the Lee die was significantly more affordable and offered a sizing function during crimping, which the others lacked. This seemed like a more efficient and cost-effective solution for my needs.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The die looked well-made, and the concept of sizing while crimping was intriguing. I was excited to put it to the test and see if it could truly solve my bullet setback issues.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 at my home reloading bench, using a single-stage press. I processed 100 rounds of .38 Super with varying bullet weights and powder charges. The die performed smoothly, and the adjustment screw made it easy to dial in the desired crimp.
During the reloading process, I noticed that the die required minimal effort to operate. Even with a heavy crimp setting, the press handle moved smoothly. The carbide sizer ring appeared to effectively resize the cartridge, ensuring proper fit in my pistol’s chamber.
The only surprise was the amount of force required to initially adjust the die. The adjusting screw was quite stiff at first. However, after a few adjustments, it loosened up and became much easier to use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lee Factory Crimp Die continues to perform reliably. I have now reloaded over 1000 rounds of .38 Super with it. There are no signs of wear and tear on the die’s surface.
The die requires minimal maintenance. I simply wipe it down with a clean cloth after each reloading session. I’ve noticed no rust or corrosion, even after prolonged storage.
Compared to my previous setup, the Lee die provides a noticeable improvement in the consistency of my reloads. Bullet setback is virtually eliminated, and my pistol cycles reliably with every round. The Lee Factory Crimp Die definitely outperforms my previous crimping methods.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866
Specifications
- Caliber: Specifically designed for .38 Super. This ensures proper sizing and crimping for this cartridge.
- Type: Factory Crimp Pistol Die. It applies a final sizing and crimp to ensure proper bullet seating and neck tension.
- Function: Carbide Sizing and Crimp. The carbide sizer ring resizes the cartridge case during the crimping process.
- Adjustment: Adjusting Screw. It allows for easy adjustment of the crimp intensity.
- Gun Type: Pistol. Intended for use with ammunition designed for semi-automatic pistols.
- Additional Features: Applies a perfect taper crimp to autoloader rounds. This ensures reliable feeding and chambering.
These specifications contribute directly to the die’s performance. The carbide sizer ensures proper case dimensions. The adjustable crimp allows for fine-tuning bullet seating tension.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 performs its job exceptionally well. It eliminates bullet setback, ensures proper case dimensions, and provides a consistent crimp. My reloads now cycle reliably and accurately in my pistol.
The die’s strength lies in its combined sizing and crimping function. This streamlines the reloading process and ensures that the cartridge is properly sized before crimping. The only weakness is the initial stiffness of the adjusting screw, though this fades with use.
The die exceeded my expectations. It not only solved my bullet setback issues but also improved the overall quality and consistency of my reloads. The Lee die is a valuable addition to my reloading setup.
Design & Ergonomics
The die is made from high-quality steel and features a durable carbide sizer ring. The weight feels substantial and well-balanced. The adjusting screw is easy to grip and provides precise control over the crimp intensity.
The die is very user-friendly. The adjustment screw makes it simple to dial in the desired crimp. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The die is built to last. The high-quality steel construction and carbide sizer ring should provide years of reliable service. I anticipate that this tool will far outlast cheaper alternatives.
Maintenance is simple. I just wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. The die is easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning, if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 is a standalone product and doesn’t require any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with any standard reloading press that accepts 7/8″-14 threaded dies. You may benefit from using a quality case gauge to double-check final dimensions.
While there are no specific customization options for the die itself, you can experiment with different crimp settings to achieve optimal performance with various bullet types and powder loads. Careful load development will maximize the benefits of this tool.
Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866
Pros
- Affordable Price: Lee products are known for their value, and this die is no exception. It provides excellent performance at a fraction of the cost of competing dies.
- Carbide Sizer Ring: The carbide sizer ring ensures long life and smooth operation. It eliminates the need for lubrication, simplifying the reloading process.
- Combined Sizing and Crimping: The die sizes the cartridge while crimping, ensuring proper case dimensions and bullet seating. This improves consistency and accuracy.
- Adjustable Crimp: The adjusting screw allows for precise control over the crimp intensity. This allows you to fine-tune your reloads for optimal performance.
- Eliminates Bullet Setback: Most importantly, this die effectively eliminates bullet setback, improving the reliability of your .38 Super reloads.
Cons
- Initial Stiffness: The adjusting screw can be stiff and difficult to adjust initially, but loosens with use. This is a minor inconvenience.
- Single Caliber: The die is specifically designed for .38 Super and cannot be used with other calibers.
Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866?
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 is perfect for reloaders who load .38 Super ammunition, particularly those who own semi-automatic pistols chambered in this caliber. Competitive shooters can benefit from the consistent crimp. Anyone experiencing bullet setback issues with their reloads will find this die to be an invaluable solution.
Those who reload multiple calibers and prefer a single die that can be adjusted for various cartridges should skip this product. Those who already have a satisfactory crimping solution might not need it.
A quality case gauge is a must-have accessory to verify the final dimensions of your reloads. A progressive reloading press will increase throughput.
Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866
The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 is a well-designed and effective tool for reloading .38 Super ammunition. The die’s combined sizing and crimping function, adjustable crimp, and carbide sizer ring make it a valuable addition to any reloader’s bench. The price is exceptionally justified.
I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone reloading .38 Super. It eliminates bullet setback, improves consistency, and enhances the reliability of your reloads.
If you’re looking for an affordable and effective solution to your .38 Super reloading needs, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 is an excellent choice. Take control of your ammunition and experience the difference a proper crimp can make!