Let’s Dive into Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875
The Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875 offer reloaders a cost-effective entry point into crafting their own ammunition. Manufactured by Lee, these dies are designed to resize and seat bullets for the popular .270 Winchester caliber. This set aims to provide the basics needed to get started in reloading, appealing to those looking to save money or customize their ammunition for optimal performance.
I’ve been handloading for over a decade, primarily to tailor ammunition to specific rifles and shooting scenarios. Accuracy and consistency are paramount, and the ability to fine-tune loads for hunting and target practice is invaluable to me. This set promised a budget-friendly way to reload one of my favorite hunting calibers.
Upon unboxing, the Lee dies appeared functional, though the finish wasn’t as polished as some premium die sets I’ve used. The sizing die had a notable weight to it, suggesting solid construction. The seating die seemed straightforward in design, emphasizing simplicity.
Compared to my Forster and Redding die sets, the Lee set clearly prioritized affordability. My Forster dies offer micrometer adjustments and tighter tolerances, whereas the Redding dies offer exceptional concentricity. I chose the Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875 to assess its value proposition as a basic, budget-conscious option.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. While the Lee dies lacked the finesse of higher-end options, they seemed capable of performing the essential tasks of resizing and bullet seating. My hope was that they would provide reliable, if not exceptional, results.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875 at my reloading bench, focusing on producing consistent ammunition for my Winchester Model 70. The ambient temperature was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity, ideal conditions for reloading.
The dies performed adequately in resizing the cases, requiring a moderate amount of force on my single-stage press. Bullet seating was simple, though I immediately noticed the lack of a crimping feature which proved problematic (more on that later).
My main issue arose with the sizing die; it required a good cleaning prior to first use. The internal corrosion noted by another user was indeed present.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several hundred rounds reloaded with the Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875, the dies continue to function, but some limitations have become apparent. The absence of a crimping feature on the bullet seating die means an additional step, and expense, when reloading for hunting rounds, which REQUIRE a crimp to withstand the rigors of being loaded/unloaded in the field.
The finish on the dies is showing some wear, particularly on the sizing die. I’ve made it a point to clean and lubricate them after each reloading session.
Compared to my higher-end die sets, the Lee set doesn’t offer the same level of precision or ease of adjustment. I prefer my Forster dies, which allow for more precise bullet seating depth adjustments. However, for basic reloading, the Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875 gets the job done.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lee. Lee has a long-standing reputation for producing affordable reloading equipment.
- Caliber: .270 Winchester. This die set is specifically designed for reloading .270 Winchester cartridges, a popular choice for hunting medium to large game.
- Quantity: 2. The set includes two dies: a full-length sizing die and a bullet seating die.
- Additional Features: RGB Rifle Die Set. The RGB series represents Lee’s basic rifle die offerings.
- Gun Type: Rifle. This die set is intended for reloading rifle ammunition.
These specifications highlight the set’s simplicity and focus on the core reloading tasks. The absence of a crimping die is a notable omission that impacts the overall reloading process.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875 performs its primary functions adequately. Cases are resized to factory specifications, and bullets can be seated to the desired depth.
The biggest weakness is the lack of an integrated crimping feature. Requiring a separate crimping die increases the overall cost and adds an extra step to the reloading process. However, the set meets the basic expectation of producing reloadable .270 Winchester cartridges.
Design & Ergonomics
The dies are made from steel with a blued finish. While functional, the finish is not as refined as more expensive die sets.
The design is straightforward and easy to use, even for beginners. There isn’t a significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The dies should last for many years with proper care. Cleaning and lubricating after each use is essential to prevent rust and corrosion.
The simple design makes maintenance easy. A basic cleaning with a solvent and a light coat of oil is all that’s needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875 does not include any accessories beyond the two dies themselves. Since these are standard 7/8″-14 threaded dies, they’re compatible with virtually any reloading press.
No customization options are available directly for the dies, other than potentially polishing the inside of the sizing die. However, you’ll need to purchase a separate crimp die if you want to crimp your reloads.
Pros and Cons of Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875
Pros
- Affordable entry point for reloading .270 Winchester. These dies offer the lowest-cost path into reloading this caliber.
- Simple and easy to use, ideal for beginners. The straightforward design minimizes the learning curve.
- Durable construction ensures long-term reliability. The steel construction should provide years of use with proper care.
- Compatible with standard reloading presses. Fits any press with 7/8″-14 threads.
- Lee has a long history of producing quality reloading equipment. This history provides a level of trust and support.
Cons
- Sizing die may require thorough cleaning due to potential corrosion. This is a common issue with budget dies.
- Seating die lacks a crimping feature, requiring an additional die purchase. This increases the overall cost of reloading.
Who Should Buy Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875?
The Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875 is perfect for beginner reloaders who are looking for a cost-effective way to get started reloading .270 Winchester. It’s also suitable for experienced reloaders who need a basic set of dies for occasional use or for loading plinking rounds.
This product is NOT for reloaders who demand the highest level of precision and control over their ammunition. Those individuals should invest in higher-end die sets with more advanced features.
A must-have accessory is a Lee Factory Crimp Die. It is necessary to properly crimp .270 Winchester rounds, especially for hunting.
Conclusion on Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875
The Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875 provides a functional, albeit basic, entry into reloading .270 Winchester. The low price point makes it an attractive option for beginners.
Considering the need to purchase a separate crimping die, the overall value proposition is somewhat diminished. However, the initial cost remains low.
I would recommend the Lee RGB Two-Die Sets .270 Winchester 90875 to new reloaders who are on a tight budget. Just be aware of its limitations and factor in the cost of a separate crimp die. Consider this set as a starting point; upgrading to a more comprehensive die set down the road is always an option.