Let’s Dive into Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288
The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288 offer reloaders the essential tools to produce consistent and reliable ammunition for this powerful cartridge. Manufactured by Lee Precision, this set aims to provide a cost-effective entry point for those venturing into reloading the .500 S&W Magnum. This cartridge, known for its immense power and recoil, demands precision and quality in every reload.
My foray into reloading the .500 S&W Magnum stemmed from a desire to tame the cost of feeding this beast. Factory ammunition prices are exorbitant, making frequent range trips a luxury. Reloading promised a way to enjoy this caliber without breaking the bank.
Unboxing the Lee die set revealed a no-frills, functional design. The dies felt solid, though not as refined as some higher-end brands I’ve used. Initial impressions suggested a durable tool set, capable of handling the pressures involved in reloading such a potent round.
Compared to Redding or RCBS die sets, the Lee set is significantly more budget-friendly. While the premium brands boast smoother operation and tighter tolerances, the Lee set offered an accessible starting point. The price difference ultimately swayed my decision, as I was willing to invest extra time and care in the reloading process to compensate.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The simplicity of the Lee set was appealing, but I also recognized the potential for challenges when working with a cartridge as unforgiving as the .500 S&W Magnum. The low price point made me feel like I was getting a great value, but the single user review made me worry.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first reloading session with the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288 took place in my well-ventilated garage reloading space. I was using a single-stage RCBS Rock Chucker press. The initial setup was straightforward, following the instructions provided by Lee.
The resizing die required a significant amount of force, even with case lube. This was expected, given the .500 S&W Magnum’s substantial case dimensions. I noticed a slight “stickiness” during resizing, a common issue that careful lubrication seemed to mitigate.
The powder-through expanding die worked well, creating a consistent case mouth flare for bullet seating. Seating the bullets was straightforward. I used Lee’s included seating die to achieve the correct overall length. The bullet seating process produced consistent results.
After the first use, I was impressed with the consistency of the loaded rounds. The process was not as smooth as with my premium die sets, but the results were acceptable. I did experience a bit of case sticking that required some extra attention.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of reloading with the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288, the set has proven to be reasonably reliable. The dies have held up well. There are no signs of excessive wear or damage.
The finish on the dies has remained intact, despite repeated use and cleaning. Maintenance is simple. I clean the dies with a dry cloth after each reloading session. I apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent rust.
Compared to my experiences with Redding dies, the Lee set requires more frequent lubrication and closer monitoring. However, considering the price difference, the slightly increased maintenance is a reasonable trade-off. The finished rounds are accurate and functional, fulfilling my need for cost-effective .500 S&W Magnum ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288
Specifications
- Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum. This is specifically designed for this high-powered revolver cartridge.
- Die Type: Three-die set including a sizing die, a powder-through expanding die, and a bullet seating die. This provides all the essential steps for reloading the cartridge.
- Material: Carbide sizing die with steel seating and expanding dies. The carbide sizing die eliminates the need for case lubrication in many instances.
- Features: Includes a universal shell holder. This accommodates the .500 S&W Magnum case head.
- Special Features: Powder-through expanding die for efficient powder charging and case mouth flaring. This allows for streamlined reloading with compatible powder measures.
These specifications are crucial for reloaders because they ensure that the dies are properly sized and hardened to handle the pressures of the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge. The carbide sizing die is especially important. It simplifies the resizing process and reduces the risk of stuck cases.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288 performs its job adequately. It produces reloadable ammunition that functions reliably in my Smith & Wesson Model 500. Accuracy is comparable to factory ammunition at reasonable ranges.
The set’s strength lies in its simplicity and affordability. Its weakness is the occasional “stickiness” during resizing, requiring extra lubrication. The powder-through expanding die works well with my Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measure, but I still double-check each charge for consistency.
The Lee die set meets expectations for a budget-friendly reloading solution. It may not be the smoothest or most refined option, but it gets the job done effectively. The results are consistent.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288 features a straightforward design. The dies are made from hardened steel with a carbide insert in the sizing die. The overall build quality is functional, although not exceptionally polished.
The dies are comfortable to use with a standard reloading press. There is a minimal learning curve for experienced reloaders. Beginners might need to consult online resources or reloading manuals for proper setup and technique.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and maintenance, the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288 should last for many years. The carbide sizing die is particularly durable. It resists wear even with high-volume reloading.
Maintenance involves cleaning the dies after each use. I also apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Replacing worn parts is possible, although it is often more cost-effective to replace the entire die set.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288 comes with a universal shell holder. There is no other included accessories. Customization options are limited to aftermarket bullet seating stems for specific bullet profiles.
The dies are compatible with most standard reloading presses. They also work well with various powder measures. Many reloaders add a Lee Factory Crimp Die for .500 S&W Magnum to ensure consistent neck tension and improve bullet seating.
Pros and Cons of Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288
Pros
- Affordable price point makes reloading the .500 S&W Magnum accessible to a wider audience.
- Carbide sizing die eliminates the need for case lubrication in most situations, saving time and effort.
- Produces reloadable ammunition that functions reliably in .500 S&W Magnum firearms.
- Simple and straightforward design makes it easy to use, especially for experienced reloaders.
- Compatible with standard reloading presses and powder measures.
Cons
- Resizing can be “sticky” and require more force compared to higher-end die sets.
- Finish and build quality are not as refined as more expensive brands.
- Additional accessories, such as a factory crimp die, may be needed for optimal results.
Who Should Buy Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288?
This Lee die set is perfect for reloaders on a budget who want to load .500 S&W Magnum. It’s a solid choice for experienced reloaders familiar with the nuances of reloading large-caliber cartridges. Those who shoot this caliber frequently and want to reduce ammunition costs will benefit most.
Beginners might find this set challenging without proper guidance. Novices should invest in a comprehensive reloading manual and seek advice from experienced reloaders. Anyone seeking the absolute smoothest and most precise reloading experience should consider higher-end die sets from Redding or RCBS.
A Lee Factory Crimp Die is a must-have accessory for this die set. It will help ensure consistent neck tension and prevent bullet setback under heavy recoil. A high-quality case lube, even with the carbide die, is recommended for easier resizing.
Conclusion on Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288
The Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288 is a functional and affordable option for reloaders looking to tame the .500 S&W Magnum. While it may lack the refined operation of premium die sets, it gets the job done effectively at a fraction of the cost. The price is definitely justified.
I would recommend this die set to budget-conscious reloaders with some experience. It’s a reliable tool for producing functional and accurate .500 S&W Magnum ammunition.
Take control of your .500 S&W Magnum ammo costs! Consider the Lee Three-Die Carbide Sets .500 S&W 90288 as an entry point into reloading this powerful cartridge.