Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555

The Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555 is a reloading die set designed for the classic .30-40 Krag cartridge. Offered by Lee, a trusted name in reloading equipment, this limited-production set promises the same quality and features as their standard dies but without the factory crimp die. This makes it an attractive option for reloaders who prefer other crimping methods or want to save on cost.

My journey to acquiring this die set stemmed from a rekindled interest in a family heirloom: a beautiful, sporterized .30-40 Krag rifle passed down from my grandfather. Finding commercially loaded ammunition proved increasingly difficult and expensive, pushing me to explore reloading as a viable solution. I was seeking a cost-effective and reliable die set to produce accurate and consistent rounds for this historic rifle.

Unboxing the Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555 revealed a no-frills package, reflecting Lee’s commitment to affordability. The dies felt robust, constructed from what appears to be high-quality steel, and the included shellholder was a welcome addition. The overall build quality seemed solid, inspiring confidence in their ability to withstand the repetitive process of reloading.

I considered die sets from RCBS and Hornady, both reputable brands, but Lee’s offering stood out due to its price point and the positive reputation of their dies in general. While the absence of a factory crimp die might deter some, I already had a separate crimping die that I trusted, making this a non-issue for me. Ultimately, the cost savings swayed my decision.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The dies looked well-made, and the inclusion of load data was a significant bonus, especially for a less common cartridge like the .30-40 Krag. I was eager to put them to the test and see if they lived up to Lee’s reputation for value and performance.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place in my well-equipped reloading room, a controlled environment where I could meticulously monitor each step. I used a single-stage press, carefully following Lee’s instructions and referencing multiple reloading manuals for safe load data. The dies were smooth and easy to set up, and the included shellholder fit the .30-40 Krag case perfectly.

I reloaded several batches of ammunition using various powder charges and bullet weights to find the most accurate load for my rifle. Even in initial testing, the rounds produced by the Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555 showed excellent consistency in bullet seating depth and case neck tension. This was promising for accurate shooting.

The dies proved relatively easy to use, even for someone with intermediate reloading experience. I did experience some initial difficulty achieving consistent shoulder bump during resizing, requiring minor adjustments to the die setup. However, after a short learning curve, I was able to produce reliably sized cases.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555 has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. The dies show no signs of significant wear, and the resizing and bullet seating operations remain smooth and consistent. I have reloaded hundreds of rounds with this set and am confident in its longevity.

The only sign of wear is some minor discoloration on the die bodies, which is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect their performance. I clean the dies regularly with solvent and lubricate them before each reloading session, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. This simple maintenance routine has kept them in excellent working condition.

Compared to my experience with other die sets, the Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555 performs admirably, especially considering its price point. The consistency and accuracy of the reloaded ammunition are on par with that produced by more expensive die sets. It has solidified my trust in Lee reloading products.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lee.
• Caliber: .30-40 Krag.
• Type: Pacesetter LP (Limited Production) Rifle Dies. These are two-die sets consisting of a resizing die and a bullet seating die.
• Included: Shellholder specifically for the .30-40 Krag cartridge.
• Material: High-quality steel.
• Factory Crimp Die: Not Included.

These specifications matter because they define the die set’s compatibility and functionality. The .30-40 Krag caliber designation ensures that the dies are specifically designed for reloading this cartridge, providing optimal case fit and bullet seating. The included shellholder eliminates the need to purchase one separately, saving time and money.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555 performs its job effectively and efficiently. The resizing die accurately sizes the cases, ensuring they chamber smoothly in my rifle. The bullet seating die allows for precise bullet seating depth, which is critical for achieving optimal accuracy.

The main strength lies in its ability to produce consistent and accurate reloads at a reasonable price. A potential weakness is the absence of a factory crimp die, which some reloaders may find essential for achieving optimal bullet retention and consistent ignition. This, however, is easily addressed with a separate crimping die.

The Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555 generally meets my expectations for a basic reloading die set. While not as feature-rich as some of the more expensive options on the market, it provides reliable performance and consistent results, making it an excellent value for the money.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555 features a simple and functional design. The dies are constructed from durable steel, providing a solid and robust feel. The shellholder is well-made and fits the .30-40 Krag case perfectly.

The dies are user-friendly, with clear instructions provided for setup and use. There is a slight learning curve associated with adjusting the die settings for optimal performance, but this is common with most reloading dies. Overall, the design is straightforward and easy to understand.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555 appears to be built to last. The steel construction is durable and resistant to wear. With proper care and maintenance, including regular cleaning and lubrication, these dies should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the dies is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with solvent and lubrication is all that is required to keep them in good working condition. Spare parts are readily available from Lee if needed, ensuring the longevity of the die set.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555 comes with a shellholder. The primary customization option is the addition of a separate crimp die, such as the Lee Factory Crimp Die or a collet-style crimp die from another manufacturer.

The dies are compatible with standard reloading presses and accessories. You can also use different bullet seating stems to accommodate various bullet shapes. The .30-40 Krag can be adapted to a wide variety of bullet types and weights.

Pros and Cons of Lee Limited Production 30-40 Krag Dies W/Shellholder 90555