Let’s Dive into Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749
The Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 represent a crucial piece of equipment for any serious reloader looking to work with the historically significant 6.5x52mm Carcano cartridge. Made by Lee, a company known for producing affordable and reliable reloading equipment, this die set offers a complete solution for resizing and seating bullets, all while maintaining accuracy and consistency. For those diving into the world of Carcano reloading, or simply looking for a cost-effective solution, this set is worth a serious look.
My journey to these dies began with a personal challenge: I inherited a beautiful, albeit slightly worn, Carcano rifle from my grandfather. While I cherished the rifle’s history, finding commercially available ammunition proved increasingly difficult and expensive. Reloading seemed the only viable way to keep this piece of history firing, and the Lee name kept coming up as a great starting point.
Upon unboxing the Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749, I was immediately impressed by the simplicity and robustness of the design. The dies felt solid and well-made, exhibiting the utilitarian design philosophy Lee is famous for. The inclusion of a shellholder was a welcome bonus, saving me the trouble of sourcing one separately.
Compared to the pricier die sets from RCBS or Hornady, the Lee set appears more basic. However, the value proposition is undeniable; for almost half the price, you get a complete setup ready to churn out reliable ammunition. Ultimately, the Lee set won because I needed a functional solution without breaking the bank.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The dies felt sturdy and the inclusion of the shellholder made it a complete, ready-to-use package. I was excited to finally breathe new life into my grandfather’s Carcano and see what this historical rifle could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 in my reloading room, a space I’ve dedicated to crafting accurate and dependable ammunition. I decided to test it with a batch of 120 rounds, using both new and once-fired brass. The process, from resizing to seating, was straightforward and efficient.
Despite the controlled environment of my reloading bench, I paid close attention to how the dies handled various brass conditions. The dies performed flawlessly with the new brass. Resizing the once-fired brass was slightly more challenging, but still within acceptable parameters.
The Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 required very little adjustment. I achieved consistent bullet seating depths with minimal effort. After the first ten rounds, I did need to slightly adjust the seating die to achieve the precise COL (Cartridge Overall Length) I wanted.
The initial use was remarkably smooth. I did notice that the resizing die required a bit more lubrication than my other dies, but this was easily remedied. Overall, I was pleased with the performance and the consistent results I achieved.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and several hundred rounds reloaded with the Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749, the set continues to perform admirably. The dies show no signs of significant wear and tear. I have used these dies to reload over 500 rounds now.
The Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749‘s durability has proven impressive. I’ve inspected the dies regularly and found only minor surface scratches. The robust steel construction ensures they are built to last.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. A quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each reloading session keeps everything running smoothly. I apply a thin layer of Lee Resizing Lubricant to the cases before resizing and it makes the process smooth and prevents stuck cases.
Compared to other die sets I own, the Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 is a solid performer for the price. While not as refined as some higher-end options, the Lee set delivers consistent results and reliable performance. It definitely exceeded my expectations, especially considering the price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749
Specifications
The Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 is specifically designed for reloading the 6.5x52mm Carcano cartridge. The set includes a resizing die, a bullet seating die, and a shellholder. It is important to note that this is a limited production set, which means a Lee factory crimp die is NOT included.
The dies are constructed from heat-treated steel for durability and long-lasting performance. The shellholder is also made of steel, ensuring a secure and reliable fit with the cartridge case. This robust construction is essential for consistent and accurate reloading.
The Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749‘s caliber is specifically 6.5x52mm Carcano. Its gun type is Rifle. The additional feature is Pacesetter Rifle Dies w/Shell Holder.
These specifications are critical because they ensure the dies are properly sized and hardened for the pressures involved in reloading the 6.5 Carcano cartridge. The correct caliber and shellholder guarantee a secure and accurate fit, leading to more consistent and safer reloads.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 performs its job exceptionally well, consistently producing accurate and reliable reloads. The resizing die accurately forms the brass to the correct dimensions. The bullet seating die allows for precise bullet placement.
The primary strength of the Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 is its simplicity and reliability. The dies are easy to set up and use. The only real weakness is the absence of a factory crimp die.
The Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 definitely meets expectations for a die set in its price range. It delivers consistent results and reliable performance, making it a solid choice for reloaders.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 is robust, using heat-treated steel. The dies feel solid and well-made, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of repeated use. The weight is appropriate for the task.
The Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 is remarkably user-friendly. The setup is straightforward. Even reloaders with minimal experience should find these dies easy to use.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 should last for many years. The heat-treated steel construction ensures long-term durability. Periodic cleaning and lubrication are all that’s needed to keep these dies in top condition.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down after each use, along with occasional lubrication, is sufficient to keep the dies in excellent working order. The dies are easily disassembled for more thorough cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 includes a shellholder, which is a necessary accessory for reloading. There are no other accessories included with the set. One customization option is to purchase a separate Lee factory crimp die.
The Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 is compatible with most standard reloading presses. It’s also compatible with aftermarket bullet seating stems for specific bullet profiles. Adding a Lee factory crimp die is a popular and highly recommended upgrade for improved ammunition consistency.
Pros and Cons of Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to reloaders of all budgets.
- Reliable performance consistently produces accurate reloads.
- Simple design makes it easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
- Includes a shellholder, saving the user from having to purchase one separately.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
Cons
- Does not include a Lee factory crimp die. A factory crimp die is a very useful addition to any die set.
- Resizing die requires more lubrication than some other die sets.
Who Should Buy Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749?
The Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 is perfect for reloaders who own a 6.5 Carcano rifle and want to create custom ammunition. This set is also ideal for budget-conscious reloaders who prioritize functionality and reliability over premium features. It’s a great starting point for those new to reloading the 6.5 Carcano cartridge.
Those who should skip this product are reloaders who demand the absolute highest level of precision. These users might prefer to invest in a more expensive die set with tighter tolerances and more advanced features. If you need a factory crimp die from the start, consider other options or be prepared to purchase one separately.
A must-have accessory is the Lee factory crimp die for 6.5 Carcano, as it enhances bullet seating consistency and improves accuracy. A high-quality case lubricant is also essential. A digital caliper is needed for accurate bullet seating depth adjustments.
Conclusion on Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749
The Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 offers an exceptional value proposition for reloaders seeking a reliable and affordable solution for the 6.5x52mm Carcano cartridge. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of higher-end die sets, it delivers consistent and accurate results. The inclusion of a shellholder is a valuable bonus.
The price is definitely justified. You’d be hard pressed to find another die set for the 6.5 Carcano at this price that performs this well. Considering the cost of commercially available ammunition, reloading with this die set can quickly pay for itself.
I would definitely recommend the Lee Limited Production 6.5 Carcano Dies W/Shellholder 90749 to anyone looking to reload the 6.5 Carcano cartridge on a budget. It allows you to create accurate and reliable ammunition for your rifle. Don’t let the historical significance of the 6.5 Carcano fade away; keep your rifle firing with these reliable dies. Pick up a set today and breathe new life into your Carcano!