Let’s Dive into Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873
The Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873 is a no-frills, budget-friendly option for reloaders looking to get into the .243 Winchester cartridge. Manufactured by Lee Precision, it promises to provide the essential tools needed to reload ammunition, focusing on simplicity and affordability.
I was looking for a simple die set that wouldn’t break the bank to get started reloading .243 Winchester for my hunting rifle. I was drawn to the Lee set because of its reputation for value.
Upon unboxing, the Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873 presents itself as utilitarian. The plastic storage box is compact and keeps the dies organized, although it doesn’t exude premium quality, it gets the job done. The dies themselves have a functional appearance, clearly built for purpose rather than aesthetics.
Compared to RCBS or Hornady die sets, the Lee set is noticeably less expensive. The others offer more features and a perceived higher level of finish, but for a beginning reloader or someone on a tight budget, the Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873 seemed like the perfect starting point. It offered what I needed without unnecessary extras.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The set felt basic, but also solid enough to perform its intended function. My initial excitement came from the prospect of hand-loading accurate ammunition for my rifle without a significant investment.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873 in my reloading room. I set up my press and followed the instructions for sizing and seating bullets.
I found the dies to be relatively easy to use, though I did have to make some adjustments to the seating die to achieve the desired cartridge overall length (COAL). The process was straightforward but required attention to detail. There were no immediate issues, although the sizing die felt a little rough compared to more expensive options I’ve used in the past.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of reloading with the Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873, it’s held up surprisingly well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the dies themselves.
The plastic storage box has shown some minor scuffing, but it’s still functional. Cleaning the dies is a simple process, requiring only a wipe down with a clean cloth and some gun oil. Compared to some of my higher-end die sets, the Lee set performs admirably, consistently producing usable ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873
Specifications
- Caliber: .243 Winchester. This is the specific cartridge the die set is designed to reload, ensuring proper fit and function with .243 Winchester brass and bullets.
- Quantity: 2 Dies. The set includes two dies: a sizing die and a bullet seating die, the minimum required for reloading.
- RGB Rifle Die Set: This indicates the series of dies from Lee, focusing on essential functions and value.
- Gun Type: Rifle. These dies are specifically designed for reloading rifle cartridges and are not suitable for pistol cartridges.
These specifications ensure the dies are suitable for reloading .243 Winchester ammunition and provide the foundational tools needed for the process. The value focus makes it a good option for beginner reloaders and those on a budget.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873 performs its job adequately. It resizes cases to proper dimensions and seats bullets to the correct depth.
The dies are simple and effective, however the sizing die can feel a little rough, and the lack of a crimping die means a separate crimping step is needed if desired. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly die set but doesn’t exceed them in terms of smoothness or additional features.
Design & Ergonomics
The dies are made from steel and have a utilitarian design. The set isn’t visually appealing but it is functional.
There is no real learning curve, especially for those familiar with reloading processes. The compact size and simple design make the dies easy to handle and store.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests the dies will last a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication are key to maintaining the dies and preventing rust.
The dies are relatively simple in design, so there’s not much that can go wrong. Maintenance is straightforward, involving cleaning and light oiling.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873 includes only the two basic dies. There aren’t many customization options directly related to the dies themselves, however users can add a separate crimping die if desired.
The dies are compatible with standard reloading presses and shell holders. You can use bullets and brass from various manufacturers.
Pros and Cons of Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for beginner reloaders or those on a budget.
- Simple and easy to use, with a minimal learning curve.
- Durable steel construction ensures a reasonable lifespan with proper care.
- Compact and well-organized in a plastic storage box.
- Effectively resizes cases and seats bullets for functional ammunition.
Cons
- Lacks a crimping die, which may be necessary for certain loads.
- Sizing die can feel rough compared to more expensive die sets.
Who Should Buy Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873?
The Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873 is perfect for beginner reloaders who want to get started without a significant investment. It’s also suitable for experienced reloaders looking for a budget-friendly option for reloading .243 Winchester. Hunters who primarily use factory ammunition but want to experiment with handloads could benefit from this set.
This product should be avoided by those seeking premium features, ultra-smooth operation, or a complete die set with all the bells and whistles. Reloaders who require a built-in crimping function or who prioritize top-tier finish and quality might want to consider more expensive options.
A shell holder for your reloading press is a must-have accessory for this die set. A separate crimping die is recommended for reloaders who want to crimp their ammunition.
Conclusion on Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873
The Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873 provides a functional and affordable way to reload .243 Winchester ammunition. While it lacks some of the features and refinement of higher-end die sets, it performs its basic functions adequately and is a good value for the price.
The price is definitely justified, considering it allows reloaders to get started without breaking the bank.
I would recommend it to beginner reloaders and those on a tight budget. If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills die set to get started reloading .243 Winchester, the Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .243 Winchester 90873 is a solid option to get the job done.