Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508

For those of us who cherish the .30-06 Springfield cartridge, finding the right reloading dies is paramount. The Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 promises a complete and convenient solution for crafting accurate and reliable ammunition. Lee Precision is a known name, and this set includes a full-length sizing die, bullet seater, and factory crimp die, all housed in a handy carrying case, appealing to both novice and experienced reloaders.

My need for this set arose from a quest for consistent, custom-tailored .30-06 loads for my old Winchester Model 70. Factory ammunition simply wasn’t cutting it in terms of accuracy and the Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 seemed like the right path forward. The included factory crimp die was a significant draw, as I’ve found that a good crimp drastically improves consistency, especially with hunting ammunition.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the simplicity and robustness of the dies. They felt solid and well-machined, and the included shell holder was a welcome bonus. The plastic carrying case, while not fancy, is practical for keeping everything organized and protected.

I’ve used die sets from RCBS and Hornady in the past, and while they are excellent, the Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 stood out due to its inclusion of the factory crimp die at a very competitive price point. This felt like a more complete package right out of the box. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; could such an affordable set deliver the performance I was looking for?

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 at my reloading bench, focusing on preparing ammunition for an upcoming deer season. I started by resizing once-fired brass and then proceeded to seat bullets with varying powder charges, paying close attention to the adjustments of the seating die. Everything went smoothly, and the instructions provided were clear and easy to follow.

The seating die, with its easy-adjust feature, proved to be a significant time-saver when dialing in the perfect seating depth for different bullet types. I encountered no issues, even with slightly dented brass, as the full-length sizing die performed admirably. The factory crimp die proved its worth by creating a uniform and consistent crimp, even with variations in case length.

Extended Use & Reliability

After months of consistent use, the Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 has proven to be remarkably reliable. The dies show no signs of excessive wear, despite processing hundreds of rounds. Cleaning the dies is a straightforward process, and a light coat of oil keeps them running smoothly.

Compared to my previous experience with other die sets, the Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 has exceeded my expectations in terms of value and performance. The factory crimp die is a standout feature, improving the consistency and accuracy of my handloads, particularly for hunting purposes. These dies have become an indispensable part of my reloading process.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508

Specifications

• The Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 is specifically designed for the .30-06 Springfield cartridge. This ensures optimal performance and compatibility with rifles chambered in this caliber.
• The set includes a full-length sizing die, which resizes the entire case to factory specifications, ensuring reliable chambering. It features a smooth internal finish to minimize friction and prevent case damage.
• The easy-adjust dead length bullet seater allows for precise seating depth adjustments without the need for tools. This facilitates fine-tuning the ammunition for optimal accuracy.
• The factory crimp die applies a uniform crimp to the bullet, improving powder ignition consistency and bullet pull. This contributes to enhanced accuracy and reliability, especially in hunting situations.
• The set also includes a universal shell holder, powder dipper, load data, and a convenient black carbide carrying case. The included shell holder saves time, while the dipper is useful for loading development.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 performs exceptionally well in producing accurate and reliable ammunition. The full-length sizing die ensures that cases are consistently resized, while the bullet seater allows for precise control over seating depth. The factory crimp die is a standout feature, significantly improving the consistency and accuracy of my handloads.

One minor weakness is that the included powder dipper is somewhat limited in its usefulness for precise powder measuring. While the dipper is fine for initial load development, a dedicated powder measure is still recommended for achieving the utmost accuracy. Overall, this set exceeds expectations for its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 boasts a simple and functional design. The dies are made from high-quality steel and are built to withstand repeated use.

The included carrying case keeps the dies organized and protected, making it easy to transport them to and from the reloading bench. The lack of intricate features contributes to a straightforward and intuitive user experience.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 is built to last. The high-quality steel construction ensures long-term durability, even with frequent use.

Maintaining the dies is simple and requires only occasional cleaning and lubrication. This ease of maintenance contributes to the long-term value of the set.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 comes with a universal shell holder, a powder dipper, load data, and a carrying case. While the set itself offers limited customization options, it is compatible with a wide range of reloading presses and accessories from other brands.

Reloaders can further customize their ammunition by using different bullet types, powder charges, and case brands. The dies are also compatible with aftermarket bullet feeders and other reloading accessories.

Pros and Cons of Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508

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Who Should Buy Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508?

The Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 is perfect for hunters, target shooters, and reloaders looking for an affordable and reliable way to produce high-quality .30-06 ammunition. It’s also an excellent choice for beginners who are just starting to get into reloading.

Those who require extremely precise powder measurements or who prefer premium-quality storage cases may want to consider other options. A quality powder measure is a must-have accessory for consistent reloading.

Conclusion on Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508

In summary, the Lee Pacesetter Three-Die Sets .30-06 Springfield 90508 is a fantastic value for the money. The inclusion of the factory crimp die, combined with the ease of use and reliable performance, makes this set a winner.

The price is more than justified by the quality and features offered. I would absolutely recommend this set to anyone looking to reload .30-06 ammunition.

If you’re seeking a complete and affordable reloading solution for your .30-06 Springfield, look no further. This set will have you producing accurate and consistent ammunition in no time.